The Evaluation Couch

In this episode, Maria shares how she fast-tracked her evaluation career in under four years without needing the typical 8-10 years of experience. She breaks down the "career growth fallacy" that holds many evaluators back and discusses six key strategies that accelerated her journey. This episode offers practical insights on how to create meaningful growth without waiting for arbitrary experience milestones.

Register for the Own Your Edge Masterclass happening on January 20, 2026 here. 
Resources
Listen to Maria's episode on Planned Happenstance here. 
Check out the BetterEvaluation Building a Career in Evaluation page here.

Do you ever wonder if your personality is "right" for leadership in evaluation? In this episode, Maria challenges the myth that only certain personality types belong in leadership roles by exploring what research says about personality and leadership, why extroverts are overrepresented in leadership positions, and how introverts can be just as effective depending on the team context. Using the D.O.P.E. framework—Dove, Owl, Peacock, and Eagle—she breaks down four personality types and how they show up in evaluation work, discussing their natural strengths, potential challenges, and specific skills they can develop to become more effective leaders. This episode will help you understand how to work with your natural personality while building the skills you need to thrive in leadership. 
Register for the Own Your Edge Masterclass happening on January 20, 2026 here. 
Resources
Take the Test - D.O.P.E. Personality
D.O.P.E. Personality - Home
D.O.P.E visual
 
www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro

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