Transitioning to private practice , she delved deeper into gastroenterology , eventually pursuing an MBA where she admits she “ bit off a little more than I could chew ”. After working in senior management roles for several years , she felt ready for a change and surprised herself by joining a tech startup . “ Funnily enough , I wouldn ’ t even call myself tech-savvy ,” she notes , “ but it brought a huge amount to the way I approach things . I am a naturally curious person and I love learning new technology and the building blocks of what makes something , something .”
On top of the world on Table
Mountainin Cape Town .
Reconnecting with nature at a rehabilitation centre in South Africa .
“ I ’ m a naturally curious person & love learning the building blocks of what makes something , something .”
Tanya ’ s leadership style is rooted in inclusion , shaped by mentors who valued diverse perspectives . Emphasising each team member ’ s strengths , she fosters engagement and ensures every voice is heard , drawing from varied role models encountered throughout her career . “ We have a team around us for a reason . Everyone has their own strengths and I like to draw on those ,” she says .
In the rapidly evolving field of dietetics , Tanya believes that dietitians should see technology as a friend , not a foe . While artificial intelligence and automation can take care of routine tasks , real-life dietitians excel in connecting with clients , delivering personalised advice and fostering lasting behaviour change . “ We ’ re seeing more and more dietitians in the media space , being turned to for comment for good , sound nutrition advice ,” she says . To continue “ riding the wave of momentum ”, Tanya encourages collaboration within the dietetics community , viewing it as the key to leveraging collective expertise , tackling challenges more efficiently and making significant impact .
If Tanya could go back in time to her younger self , she would say , “ Have fun with it !”. She remembers being a very serious new grad , and encourages young dietitians to enjoy the learning journey , stay curious and remember that knowledge and experience will come with time .
© Dietitian Connection 13 Infuse | December 2023