The Evaluation Couch

In the third episode of the "One Year On" series, Beeta Tahmassebi shares her journey from 25-year organizational leader to first-time entrepreneur. After leaving her role amid widespread sector upheaval and USAID's shutdown, Beeta founded Illuminate, a consulting firm and learning center built on urgency, resilience, and community. In this conversation with Maria, she reveals the realities of launching a business during crisis, the "100 calls" strategy that shaped her path, navigating consultant rates in a constrained market, balancing hope with countless rejections, and learning to find energy in uncertainty. Beeta offers practical advice for evaluators considering independent consulting, discusses AI adoption in evaluation work, and reflects on recreating professional community after institutional loss. Whether you're navigating career disruption, building an independent practice, or simply trying to find your footing in a transformed field, this episode delivers honest insights and actionable strategies for moving forward when the ground shifts beneath you.

In the second episode of the One Year On series, the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) President Matt Sanscartier reflects on the impacts to the field of evaluation over the last twelve months. Matt discusses the differences between ideological attacks on evidence in the US versus fiscal pressures in Canada, CES's strategic response through advocacy and expanded membership outreach, and the organization's commitment to equity-centered work and reconciliation. Despite mounting anxieties around job security and shrinking budgets, Matt delivers a rallying message: evaluation is not a luxury but a fundamental tool for democratic accountability, and the CES community of over 1,500 members stands ready to demonstrate that our work has never been more essential. Resources:  Learn more about the CES 2026 conference here. www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

In this episode of the "One Year On" series, Maria speaks with Karen Jackson, the 2025 President of the American Evaluation Association (AEA), about navigating one of the most disruptive years in the field of evaluation. Karen reflects on leading AEA through multiple crises while balancing roles as university faculty and consultant. She discusses the October 2025 "Morning After Coalition" call to action, emphasizing the need for evaluators to collectively respond rather than "adapt quietly" to threats against evidence-based practice. Karen highlights key lessons from her presidency, including the importance of curiosity, community-engaged leadership, relationship building, and recognizing evaluators' power to shape how the world values evidence. She also stresses that professional associations like AEA are member-led ecosystems requiring active participation from the entire evaluation community. Resources:  Read Karen's call to action here. www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

Adding "learning" to a job title doesn't mean learning is actually happening. In this episode, Florence Randari breaks down what it really takes to operationalize the "L" in MEL. Florence explains why MEL systems often fail to support learning even when rebranded as "MEL," and what needs to change. Florence discusses the difference between evaluation questions and learning questions, the competencies needed to facilitate learning, and provides practical tools and processes for embedding learning in your work.  Resources:  Follow Florence Randari to learn more about integrating Learning in MEL. Susbcribe to the Learn Adapt Manage (LAN) Network here.  Read some of the articles discussed in this episode:  Designing for Decisions: How to Build Learning Systems That Actually Lead to Action | LinkedIn Small Shifts That Made My Learning Workshops Actually Work | LinkedIn What makes a Pause and Reflect Meeting Different?.....The Agenda | LinkedIn Check out the BetterEvaluation Career in Evaluation page.    www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

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     

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   

In this conversation, Mahesh Krishnan Ramesh shares his journey of pursuing a career in public policy and evaluation. He discusses the cultural challenges of becoming an evaluator in India, the innovative approaches he has taken in his career, and the significance of mentorship and networking. He concludes with valuable advice for emerging evaluators on advocating for evaluation in various sectors. Resources Mahesh4World - YouTube Learn more about Mahesh's FIME awards project 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 

In this episode, Maria shares actionable strategies to help you interview with confidence and land the evaluation roles you're ready for. She breaks down the three most common types of interview questions, what interviewers are really looking for with each, and how to tailor your responses using real evaluation examples. You'll learn a simple framework to structure your answers with clarity and see it in action in real-life examples from interview answers of experienced evaluators. 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 

This episode focuses on how to answer the common interview question, "Tell me about yourself." Maria explains why this question is important, outlines common mistakes evaluators make when answering this question, and introduces a simple framework for structuring your answer. The episode includes examples from three evaluators, with feedback on what worked and what could be improved. Throughout the episode Maria provides specific examples of how you can answer this question with you edge, communicating what makes you stand out among other evaluators applying for the same role. 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     

This episode focuses on how evaluators can apply the principles of logic models to their own career development. Maria shares how using logic models to map our our career helps us better understand the inputs, activities, and outputs essential to achieving our career goals. The episode discusses the default logic model most people hold about how their actions lead to outcomes in their careers. She then introduces an extended logic model and discussess each of the inputs, activities, and outputs included in it. The episode underscores the need of constantly revisiting and updating this career logic model to adapt to changing circumstances and goals. *Join The Evaluator's Edge waitlist here to be the first to hear when doors open and get a special discount.   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 discusses six common myths that can hold back careers in evaluation including the belief that you need a PhD, must specialize, or need to keep collecting credentials to succeed. This episode explores where each of these myths come from, how they impact career growth and satisfaction, and why letting go of them can open up new possibilities. Through real-world examples and practical advice, you'll learn how to navigate your unique path in evaluation with more confidence, clarity, and purpose. Resources:  Canadian Evaluation Society Fellows.  The Generalist World.  GEI Evaluation Competency Framework.  *Join The Evaluator's Edge waitlist here to be the first to hear when doors open and get a special discount.   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 speaks with researcher and evaluation expert John LaVelle about their study on the imposter phenomenon among evaluators. They explore why feelings of imposterism are common among evaluators and how professional identity and community influence these experiences. The conversation highlights the unique challenges evaluators face and the strategies they use to cope with imposterism, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, open dialogue, and community support in fostering confidence and growth. Resources:  The research study discussed in this episode can be found here.  The book Maria discusses is The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman.  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, Paul Bakker joins The Evaluation Couch to share his insights on how a sales pipeline can support an evaluator's independent consulting business. Paul explains how he tracks different types of leads—open RFPs, vendor-of-record opportunities, and sole-source contracts—assigning the likelihood of these materializing into contracts. He shares how he has used a sales pipeline to project his income and guide business development efforts. He emphasizes the importance of networking, building relationships, and diversifying sources of work to maintain income stability and mitigate the risks associated with consulting. Resources Learn about Paul's consulting business Social Impact Squared The AI tools referenced in this episode can be found here: Logical Outcomes Nonprofit AI Workspace Access the American Evaluation Association's Independent Consulting Topical Interest Group videos here Learn more about the Canadian Evaluation Society's Independent Consulting Community of Interest (ICCI) here.  Learn about the book Paul referenced by Gail Barrington 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 

In this episode, Allison Prieur joins Maria to discuss her experience participating in the Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge (EC3). Allison shares how she overcome her hesitation to apply to the program and how this experience has changed her evaluation practice. Maria and Allison share their reflections on applying the learnings from EC3 in their practice including the successes and challenges they face as they both try to build evaluation capacity in different settings.  Resources:  Learn more about Allison's consulting here: About Us — DARE Impact Consulting Learn more about The Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge here: Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge (EC³) | Max Bell School of Public Policy - McGill University   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 discusses how our brains are designed to make meaning out of our experiences and our place in the world. She shares three personal stories when she held narratives that hindered her career growth. She shares how building her confidence, expanding her knowledge of the field of evaluation, and an unexpected life experience can shift these beliefs. The episode concludes with advice and resources to help others identify and overcome their own limiting stories including Maria's free workbook to become a confident evaluator.  Download Maria's free workbook Evaluator Career Edge: 4 Steps to Become a Confident Evaluator Who Attracts Top Opportunities here.