Fritz said pursuing her MBA helped her understand the business side of commercializing science-driven ideas.
“It started from a place of insecurity, like most things, and then ended up being a strength as I went through my career,” she said.
That experience also shaped her approach to leadership. Fritz highlighted authenticity, encouraging colleagues to learn from mistakes and speak openly about challenges.
“I learned very early in my career that the way I was best able to handle myself in high-pressure situations is by being myself,” she said.
She also credits her network of female colleagues and friends with helping her build confidence and navigate unfamiliar situations.
For women entering nutrition science, Fritz recommends asking questions, building connections and exploring career paths beyond academia.
“Most of the time people are happy to connect you to somebody that they know,” she said. “You’re at the one point in your life coming out of school and contemplating your future where anyone will give you time. Like you’re not selling anything. You just want to learn.”
Her own entrepreneurial experience reinforced the importance of collaboration, ultimately leading her back to a full-time role where she could work toward shared goals.
“I realized that in order for me to feel excited about work, it’s not about personal achievement for me. It’s more about the success of it,” she said.
