294: Career Fulfillment at the Intersection of People, Technology and Information with David Charles
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294: Career Fulfillment at the Intersection of People, Technology and Information with David Charles
In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Dr. David Charles, whose career journey is a compelling example of how curiosity and openness can shape a meaningful professional path. Starting with a strong foundation in STEM, David initially pursued engineering, only to realize that the path ahead did not align with what he truly wanted. That early awareness set the stage for a career defined not by a single direction, but by thoughtful pivots.
As David moved into technology and consulting, he began to notice patterns in what energized him and what did not. While he enjoyed the intellectual challenge, he found himself drawn to work that had visible impact. This realization guided his transition into roles where he could see how his efforts affected customers and organizations directly, including leadership positions in analytics and innovation at CVS Health and John Deere.
Throughout his journey, one theme stands out: the power of relationships and curiosity. David credits much of his career progression to conversations, networking, and a willingness to explore opportunities that came through others. Rather than following a rigid plan, he remained open to learning, even when it meant stepping into roles with steep learning curves or entering entirely new industries.
His experience in a startup during the pandemic further deepened his understanding of resilience and identity. Moving from a well-established organization to an early-stage venture challenged not only his professional skills but also his sense of stability and confidence. Yet, even that experience became a valuable stepping stone, ultimately leading him toward academia and coaching.
Today, David teaches and coaches at the intersection of people, technology, and information. His work reflects the culmination of everything he has learned along the way. His advice is simple yet profound: stay curious, connect with people, and do not wait. The things you do not yet know may hold the key to your next chapter.
In this week’s Work From The Inside Out podcast, learn more about:
How early career decisions do not have to define your long-term path
Why curiosity is one of the most valuable career skills you can develop
The role of networking in uncovering unexpected opportunities
How to evaluate whether you enjoy the work or just the subject matter
The difference between learning in theory and seeing real-world impact
What it takes to transition across industries successfully
Lessons from moving between large organizations and startup environments
The importance of understanding what you do not know yet
How coaching can expand your perspective on business and leadership
Why building relationships is more powerful than having the perfect pitch
Learn more about David:
Follow David on LinkedIn
Visit drdavidscharles.com
Read/Subscribe Substack
Interested in individual or group coaching with Tammy? Learn more about her coaching service.
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About Tammy, host of
Work from the Inside Out
Before launching my coaching practice, I worked in mental health, higher education, public policy, and fundraising. Those experiences showed me how deeply our work shapes our sense of purpose—and now I help clients navigate change and growth so they can feel more fulfilled and aligned in what they do