The Evaluation Couch

In this episode, Maria interviews Slavica Stevanovic from Qatalyst Research Group, about the integration of artificial intelligence in evaluation consulting. Slavica shares how Qatalyst's early investment into technology allowed it to adopt artificial intelligence to streamline processes and deliver client solutions. The discussion covers the implications of artificial intelligence on evaluation consulting, the importance of human judgment and critical thinking, and practical strategies for professionals to stay relevant and adaptable in a rapidly changing field. Resources Check out Qatalyst's reports dicussed in this episode: Beyond the Hype: The Threat AI Poses for Consulting Firms  A Survival Guide for Consulting Firms: Responding to the Threat Posed by AI  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, evaluator Cecilia Eva Beloqui shares her inspiring journey of building visibility and community through daily posting on LinkedIn. She reflects on the discipline and consistency it took to commit to sharing resources every day for a year, the challenges of creating meaningful content, and the powerful connections and collaborations that emerged as a result. Cecilia discusses how curating and amplifying others' work has strengthened her own evaluation practice, helped her communicate more effectively, and opened doors to new opportunities. Her story highlights the value of visibility, generosity, and authentic engagement in shaping both careers and the broader evaluation field. To learn more about Cecilia, follow her on LinkedIn.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro   

In this episode, Mishkah Teladia shares her journey into a portfolio career, discussing her transition from a long-standing role in international development to exploring diverse opportunities that align with her purpose. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the value of relational intelligence, and the need for flexibility in today's evolving work landscape. Mishkah also reflects on the emotional challenges of navigating career transitions and the joy that comes from integrating work and life. Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro     

In this episode, Maria Montenegro is joined by Kelsi Kriitmaa to explore the concept of portfolio careers. They discuss the evolving landscape of work, particularly in the social impact sector, and how portfolio careers can offer flexibility and diverse opportunities. Kelsi shares her personal journey from a traditional career path that started in evaluation to embracing multiple roles, including coaching, consulting, and community building. The episode covers the challenges and benefits of portfolio careers, offering insights for those considering this path in a rapidly changing job market. Resources Learn more about Kelsi's work and her group coaching program for consulting here.  Learn more about Kelsi's coach Amanda Goetz here.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro   

Live from Eval25 in Kansas City, Maria sits down with Denise Baer, Nathan Varnell, and Nina Sabarre for a dynamic conversation on the future of evaluation. Together, they explore why advocating for evaluation has never been more critical in the face of recent disruptions to the field. The guests reflect on what makes these challenges unique, highlight opportunities to strengthen the case for evaluation, and share practical strategies for communicating its value across diverse spaces. Along the way, they discuss how we can support one another as a community and ensure evaluation continues to thrive in times of disruption.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro