The Evaluation Couch

In this episode, Maria discusses the concept of "evaluation gurus," why the term is used, and the role our relationship with these figures can play in our careers. She introduces what people mean when they call someone an evaluation guru, and how these figures differ from grandfathers of evaluation and mentors. She then outlines four risks of over-idolizing them that can have negative impacts on your career. Finally, she talks about how reflective practice can help you define your evaluator identity and protect you from these risks.    Watch the Own Your Edge Masterclass (available until August 31st 2026) Join the September 2026 cohort of The Evaluator's Edge. www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro     Resources:  Learn more about EvalSoWhite by Vidhya Shanker, PhD, and Carolina De La Rosa Mateo, MPH here and here.   

This episode breaks down the seven strategies every evaluator should put in place to increase their career resiliency when faced with a potential layoff. Maria discusses the emotional and physical impacts of layoffs and why no sector is immune to organizational change. She then walks through the exact steps she is taking as an evaluator to increase her career resiliency.  In this episode you'll learn: ✔ How to build a six‑month emergency fund  ✔ How to strengthen internal and external professional connections ✔ What "work capital" is and why you need it before a layoff ✔ How to secure shareable work samples without breaking your organization's policies ✔ How to capture and quantify the impact of your evaluation work ✔ Why you should use your health, sick, and vacation benefits proactively ✔ How reducing uncertainties about the layoff process can help you www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

Ever dreaded explaining what you do as an evaluator? In this episode, recorded live at the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) 2026 conference in Edmonton, real evaluators share the most ridiculous reactions they've gotten when explaining their profession and how they go about explaining what they do.  If you've ever struggled to explain program evaluation, been mistaken for an auditor or a human resource representative, or wondered how to introduce yourself as an evaluator without hiding behind a job title, this episode is for you. You'll hear real, practical examples from 9 evaluators on how they explain evaluation to friends, clients, and strangers.  In this episode you'll hear from: Evan Poncelet, Beth Snow, Sujin Chang, Nelson Jean-Francois, Judy Lifshitz, Karen Terrel Jackson, Roman Katsnelson, Carolyn Hoessler, Stephanie Spencer In this episode you'll learn: How to explain what an evaluator does in simple, clear language Real examples from program evaluators across healthcare, government, and nonprofits Why your job title isn't your professional identity How to turn "What do you do?" into a conversation starter, not an awkward moment www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

In this episode, Maria sits down with Amy Gray, Director of Evaluation and Learning, to discuss her journey through career uncertainty, imposter syndrome, and finding alignment in the evaluation field. Amy shares how she moved from feeling stuck and questioning her abilities to discovering her strengths, building confidence, and landing an exciting new role aligned with her values and goals. Learn more about The Evaluator's Edge and join our June cohort here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

What happens when a skilled evaluator realizes she knows more than she gives herself credit for? In this episode, we sit down with Hairat, a consultant and evaluator passionate about racial equity and justice, who completed The Evaluator's Edge coaching program. Hairat shares how she went from feeling stuck being too senior for junior roles, too junior for senior ones, to confidently articulating her unique value and making intentional career moves. She opens up about the mindset shifts that came from the program, how she learned to ask for what she needs (from organizations and volunteer opportunities), and why building community has become central to her career growth strategy. Learn more about The Evaluator's Edge here: https://mariamontenegro.ca/pages/join-the-evaluators-edge www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro