Dr. Alaina Szlachta: From Overworked Teen to Data Powerhouse

Development Nerds with Candice Mitchell

A Story of Strategic Self-Belief

What do a toy store, a dance dream, and cross-country running have in common with a career in data strategy?

Dr. Alaina Szlachta joins Candice Mitchell to unpack the incredible journey from juggling four jobs at 15 to becoming a data-obsessed entrepreneur, real estate investor, and advocate for building a life of intention. In this episode, Alaina reveals the powerful (and painful) lessons learned from early burnout, undercharging as a consultant, and being undervalued by clients — and how she used all of it to design a business and life that actually works for her.

They talk openly about:

• Letting go of childhood dreams to build long-term stability
• Making big life decisions before you’re ready
• What no one tells you about being underpaid as a woman in business
• The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship
• Real estate, money mindset, and the importance of measurable value

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing it wrong, or feared you're the only one figuring it out in real-time, this conversation will make you feel seen.

👉 Learn how to take control of your data, your career, and your worth — one smart, intentional decision at a time.

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com