Root to Rising with Christine HummelEp. 3 — “Confidence Isn’t Magic: Ream Qato on Owning Your Voice, Career Pivots, and Motherhood”Episode snapshotChristine sits down with Ream Qato—Chicago-born Palestinian American, pharmacist (PharmD), Booth MBA, market-access leader, and mom of three—about building confidence the unglamorous way (reps, not magic), career pivots from chemistry to pharmacy to business, speaking up when you’re the only woman in the room, and designing a life by your own values. Ream also shares her long-term mission: expanding access to rare/orphan drugs in emerging markets, especially the Middle East.Key takeawaysConfidence is a skill, not a trait. Ream “pinched herself” to speak up the first few times—then it became second nature.Say it before someone else does. Over-editing your ideas costs you influence.Design your balance by the week, not the day. Think average over time rather than perfect daily equilibrium.Own your values. Live by your standards, not others’ expectations—at work, at home, and in your community.Don’t pre-decide for other women. Offer opportunities; let them choose.Purpose fuels perseverance. Ream’s North Star: bringing rare-disease therapies to new regions that can support access but are often overlooked.Chapters & timestamps00:00 Welcome & purpose of Root to Rising00:35 Meet Ream: South Side roots, identity, and growth01:45 College path: UChicago chemistry → PharmD (UIC) vs. PhD decision at the kitchen table03:30 From clinician to MBA: spotting system gaps and moving into market access06:03 Role models: educator mom, academic family, and the power of example09:12 Advice for grads: reflect, test, align enjoyment with strengths12:21 Building confidence: speaking up as the only hijabi/Muslim woman in the room14:59 Overthinking vs. influence: say it sooner18:12 When others get credit for your unsaid idea—what to do next21:03 Motherhood & work: pressure, judgment, and choosing what works for your family28:51 Rethinking “work-life balance”: aim for the weekly average31:08 Loss, priorities, and scheduling with intention33:13 Boundaries at work: you can say no without apology34:53 Big goals: expanding rare/orphan access in emerging markets; representation in leadership37:22 Why Ream wears hijab: identity, accountability, and values39:49 Words for younger women: “Don’t take no” & live by your value set41:16 Close & next stepsMemorable quotes“Confidence came after the reps. I had to pinch myself to speak up the first few times.” — Ream“Offer the opportunity—don’t decide for her.” — Christine“Live life by your own value set, not the values others put on you.” — Ream (advice from her father)Try this: confidence reps you can do this weekSpeak first once per meeting. Make a clarifying point or frame the goal.Two-minute rule. If you’ve held a point for 2 minutes, share it.Weekly balance check. Plan your average: one day heavy work, another heavy family—on purpose.Opportunity audit. List one opportunity you’re qualified for but haven’t asked about—then ask.

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