We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jazmin Barnes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jazmin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my professional career was when I realized I am not only part of diversifying the clinical research industry but I am the change as well. The clinical research industry is huge but also quite small. When I first entered the industry, I noticed that there were not many people that look like me in various roles. I felt as if I did not have as much support as my other counterparts did. It is so important to have individuals that look like you in the workforce. It wasn’t until I joined Black Women In Clinical Research (BWICR) that and realized that there was an entire nation behind me. There was no reason for me to feel unsupported when there are over 10,000 women that are willing to assist me in every part of my journey. After landing my first role in the industry, BWICR’s Brand Ambassador Program was created and I became the leader.

A defining moment in my fitness journey was when I noticed not only a physical change but mentally also. Investing in yourself is one of the hardest things to do but also one of the most rewarding things to do. My fitness journey is nothing short of easy. When I started my real journey (when I became consistent with nutrition and working out), it was towards the end of 2021. After months of not seeing any results and feeling sluggish, I knew I was ready for a change. I told myself I will see how this first month goes and we’ll go from there. In my first month, I lost 10 pounds. Losing my first 10 pounds truly set the tone – I knew I could continue on. Would it be easy? No. Is it doable? Yes. Throughout this journey, my gym community, Burn Boot Camp North Raleigh has been a huge help. From the trainers holding me accountable with my goals and keeping me on track with nutrition to the amazing members that encourage me every day (I go 6 days a week) to give this 45-minute intense workout my best. Nobody tells you that losing weight isn’t the hardest part, it’s the nutrition and discipline. Am I willing to change a few things to get the results I say I want? Do I want it bad enough? It still surprises me to this day that I am over 50 pounds down, lost over 5% body fat, and lost inches around my waist. I am still continuing to show up and show out!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

As most individuals in the clinical research industry would say, I stumbled upon clinical research. Clinical research is a huge but small industry. I’ve always known about it is that my neighbor was a seasoned (many years of experience) clinical research professional. However, I never knew how many roles and opportunities this industry has to offer. During undergrad, I was very determined to pursue a career as a psychiatrist. While completing undergrad, I began completing the required prerequisites to attend medical school. Upon graduating, I applied to a postbaccalaureate program that would allow me to complete the remaining prerequisites for medical school. After about a month in the program, I realized that my “dream” was no longer what I wanted. Truthfully, I was crushed and lost for a while trying to figure out what I could do next career-wise. My mom recommended that I do some research about clinical research. After extensive research, classes, and an internship, I knew this is where I was meant to be. I’ve thrived in my career ever since joining this industry! It’s been up and stuck since then! Obtaining a job in this industry isn’t easy. However, if you are consistent, determined, and willing to put in the work, it can and WILL happen. Alongside being in the industry, I am the Brand Ambassador Leader for Black Women In Clinical Research’s Brand Ambassador Program. As the Brand Ambassador Leader, I ensure that all 30+ of the BAs have everything they need in terms of knowledge and resources to accomplish the job of branding and ensure deadlines of post-marketing are met.

Fitness has been such a saving grace in my life. For the past 2 years, I’ve worked out somewhat and eaten whatever I wanted without seeing any results. It wasn’t until I reached my “breaking point” that I knew I could no longer continue to do what I was doing. My breaking point truly was when I was tired of purchasing more clothes. Between 2019 and 2021 I gained over 40 pounds. Clothes ain’t cheap!! After reaching my breaking point, I slowly began to make changes. . . .Changes such as not eating fast food, adding a vegetable to my meals, and cutting out sweets. Now, this was harder than I thought. Imagine eating a certain way for years and having to change. Not only is changing eating habits tough but your mindset changes also. I say all of this to say, you can do anything you put your mind to. You’ve done hard things and this right here won’t be the hardest of them despite it feeling extra hard in this moment. Pick your hard! Because this has been such a rewarding journey, I’ve decided to share my journey with everyone via social media!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I’ve learned in clinical research is that you won’t always meet every detail in the job description. I remember applying to so many entry-level roles trying to get in, not realizing I have transferrable skills. Oftentimes, we count ourselves out before the actual employer does (what’s for you, won’t pass you).

So far in my fitness journey, I’ve learned that my journey won’t look like yours and that is okay!! Our journeys are not meant to be the same. I remember viewing a few people’s transformation stories and was like wow, they have lost so much weight in the past year. I think about the weight I’ve lost in a year and it doesn’t compare to other people’s weight loss as it shouldn’t. In a year, I’ve lost weight but also gained things that we can’t put a number on. Things such as peace of mind, clarity, strength, and confidence. Do what’s best for you.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe what is most helpful in succeeding in clinical research is the power of NETWORKING! Networking can put your name in places and in front of people, you would never imagine. Networking also is a great opportunity to get to know someone else. Sometimes it is not what you know, but who you know.

Being transparent with myself has been the most helpful in succeeding in my fitness journey. Things will come up. You may even get off track. However, it is crucial that you are HONEST with yourself about it. The honesty you have with yourself isn’t there to upset you or hurt your feelings but to help you acknowledge where you are currently and how you are going to tackle it. You can do it. Create a plan and get back on track. You have goals to crush!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverjazmin/?hl=en
• Email: [email protected]
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazminbarnes/
• Other: TikTok: theefitnessbaddie

Image Credits
Burn Boot Camp North Raleigh Andrika Thomas Marquise Williams