Abstract: Starting a new academic career can feel like stepping onto the Yellow Brick Road—an exciting journey with many unforeseen twists and turns. In a climate where higher education is increasingly under fire, finding purpose and balance can seem more challenging than ever. In this plenary, I'll draw on my own winding path of over 25 years as a PUI faculty member, department chair, and teaching-and-learning professional to offer perspective and invite reflection on your road ahead. We'll use the classic tale of Oz as a framework for building a thriving career. We’ll explore the brains of reflective and evidence-based teaching and assessment, the heart of building community and finding beauty in our discipline, and the courage to balance competing demands and navigate challenge and change. Your journey, like Dorothy's, will be shaped and enriched by the companions you find along the way. This talk will emphasize the importance of building professional friendships and a supportive network. Having recently started a new journey myself, I'm experiencing the same mix of excitement and anxiety you may feel. My goal is to share practical strategies and hard-won wisdom to help you truly find your way "home" to a sustainable and joyful professional life.