On another unscripted episode of Living Spree, host Aimee Crist welcomes biotech executive and former antitrust attorney Celia Eckert for a heartfelt, purpose-driven conversation about pivots, values, and finding fulfillment at work and home. This episode offers inspiration for anyone navigating midlife pivots, balancing career with family, or seeking grounding practices to cultivate resilience and joy. Celia’s candid stories and practical self-care tips remind listeners to pause, reflect, and trust themselves when forging new chapters.

Celia shares her journey from antitrust law in Washington, DC and San Diego to her leadership role in biotech, reflecting on her driven personality, motherhood, and how major life events—including 9/11—reshaped her perspective on career and family priorities.

Key Topics Discussed

- Career pivots from law to healthcare and biotech, and why courageous change often means trusting one's inner knowledge.

- The challenge and beauty of balancing ambition and motherhood across generations.

- Daily spiritual rituals: mindfulness, morning meditations, intention-setting, and grounding walks in nature.

- Corporate life strategies: the power of pausing, being responsive versus reactive, and practicing mindful leadership.

- Bliss Boosts for hard days: practicing gratitude, writing self-affirming letters, and remembering resilience through past challenges.

Quotable Moments

- “I wanted to be a big shot lawyer and a great mom. Both were always priorities—it’s really hard to do both.”

- “The power is in the pause. The holy instant is where the magic happens—pregnant with opportunity.”

- “Remembering I’ve survived 100% of my challenges so far is my trust muscle.”

Celia Eckert is the General Counsel of a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. With over 25 years in the biotech industry, Celia thrives in her role as a legal generalist and trusted advisor, blending strategic insight with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

Celia’s career began at top international law firms before she transitioned into biotech in 2007. After taking time to focus on her young family, she returned to in-house counsel work with renewed purpose. She’s been at her current company for six years, drawn to its mission and energized by the opportunity to support innovation that directly impacts patients’ lives.

A Southern California native, after earning her B.A. in Political Science from UCLA, Celia’s early career included a formative stint in Washington, D.C., working for a Congressman and then as an antitrust lawyer before returning to her home state.

Celia adores her two grown kids (ages 21 and 23) and their irresistibly lovable doodle. She finds her center in dark, hot yoga studios and along the California coast during the quiet magic of early mornings and twilight.

Connect with Celia Eckert

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-eckert-4088878/

Connect with Aimee Crist

http://www.livingspree.life/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingspree.life/

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

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