S1 E4: Cracking the Code with Dr. Natalie Crawford, DVM, Veterinary Pathologist, Ops EXEC, & Coach

Leadership Variations: Unfiltered | Series 1, Episode 4

Leadership Challenges & Growth with Dr. Natalie Crawford, DVM, Veterinary Pathologist, Operations EXEC, & Coach


In this powerful episode of Leadership Variations: Unfiltered, Dr. Natalie Crawford shares the unfiltered truth about leadership growth, identity, and resilience as a woman of color in STEM. With 20+ years across animal health, pharma, and medical devices, and a rare blend of scientific rigor, operational leadership, and DEI expertise, Natalie reveals what real leadership looks like behind the résumé.

She opens up about:
✅ Shifting from subject-matter expert to global leader
✅ Learning to lead without being the “expert in the room”
✅ Navigating identity, visibility, and underrepresentation in STEM
✅ Why feedback, coaching, and a personal “board of directors” changed everything
✅ How she overcame self-doubt, isolation, and high-stakes leadership pressure
✅ And the one undeniable truth for women ready to rise into senior roles


This episode is raw, insightful, and deeply grounding, a masterclass in leadership maturity for anyone advancing in STEM or navigating complex career transitions.


Highlights:

00:31- Meet Dr. Natalie Crawford
02:01 - Leadership Skills You Don’t See on Resume
03:54 - Leading During Difficult Moments
07:26- From STEM Specialist to People Leader
08:54 - The Identity Crisis of Leadership Advancement
12:17 - How to Advocate for Your Own Coaching
13:26 - Women of Color in STEM
15:21 - Holding Identity Strong While Breaking Barriers
18:20 - What She’d Do Differently (Or Not)
20:07 - The Undeniable Take


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About the Host
Leadership Variations: Unfiltered is hosted by Dr. Amy Bladen Shatto, PhD, PCC, BCC — an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping organizations make faster, smarter leadership decisions. She specializes in science-based assessment, executive coaching, and leadership development strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes.


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