Gillean Barkyoumb, MS, RD
ISAGENIX & MILLENIAL NUTRITION
for something nutrishus
I came across an Instagram post about Gillean’s job, and I knew you’d want to learn more about it. Like many of you, she has a day job and an entrepreneurial venture on the side. Her positions and focus have changed over the years as she continues to find out what type of work and type of client she wants to work with.
Why did you become a RD?
It all started in 8th grade when I went to see the movie “Supersize Me”—you know, the one where the guy eats McDonald’s for 30 days straight and experiences a dramatic decline in his health? Ever since that movie I had a fascination with how food can affect your health.
What area of dietetics do you work in?
I work in sales and marketing for an international health and wellness company called Isagenix focusing on product education. In addition to my 9-5 job, I am also a nutrition entrepreneur and have a business called Millennial Nutrition.
How would you explain what you do?
I act as a liaison between our R&D (Research and Development) team and our sales and marketing teams to create tools and content that our field can use to share our nutrition products with confidence. Through Millennial Nutrition, I give millennials tips, trick, tools, and hacks to live a healthy lifestyle—it’s where healthy meets happy hour!
What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?
At Isagenix, I write video scripts, create marketing tools, help develop new product positioning, jump on Facebook Lives, videos, or podcasts to educate about our products, host trainings for our field, and am a resource for any nutrition questions from our customers. Outside of the office, I am typically creating social media content for Millennial Nutrition (making recipes, taking food photos, writing captions), answering emails from partners, and working on my next TV segment at a local station.
What has been your career path?
I started working at Isagenix in the R&D department as a Science Communications Specialist 8 years ago and have bounced around between the sales and marketing departments for the last four years. I am so grateful for the opportunities for growth and experience they have provided for me. I started Millennial Nutrition as a blog in 2012 and have pivoted a few times as far as what my services are. I am getting more and more clarity on what I like to do and what my audience needs. It’s been a journey!
What advanced education or special training do you have?
I have my master’s degree in nutrition from Arizona State University along with my RD credentials.
In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?
I would like to see an inclusive environment, open to new science and findings, while still rooted in the foundation of simple nutrition. I don’t think it has to be complicated. I also think people are starting to understand more about the role of dietitians and seek their help and expertise.
What are you passionate about in dietetics?
I am especially passionate helping millennial moms with their diet and lifestyle. That is the season of life I am currently in with two daughters—a 3 month old and a two and a half year old—and I want to share with them all the things that have worked for me.
What is your favourite meal?
Sushi!
What tip(s) would you give to our readers?
Network, make connections, and build relationships. The people you link hands with will help you reach your goals. We are not meant to do this alone!
More about Gillean:
Website: MillennialNutrition.com
Instagram: @millennialnutrition
Facebook: Millennial Nutrition
Twitter: @MillennialNutri
Thanks Gillean!