Changing Academic Life
Changing Academic Life
Geraldine Fitzpatrick
Susan Dray (Part 2) on listening, mentoring, and adversity (CAL133, S7E6)
38 minutes Posted Nov 12, 2025 at 6:00 am.
Introduction to Part Two with Susan Dray02:18 Navigating Discomfort and Deep Learning05:47 Mentoring and Community Support08:51 HCI in Africa and Global Recognition13:28 Supporting Early Career Researchers19:12 Mentoring and the Joy of Service22:11 Reflections on Mentoring and Authenticity26:08 Evolving Roles, Willingness to be a Beginner29:40 Postscript Personal Reflections and Adversities30:55 Lessons from Sailing32:21 Coping with Loss and Finding Positivity35:08 Final Reflections on Life and Legacy36:50 Wrap up38:27 EndRelated Links:Susan Dray's webpage and LinkedIn profile  
CAL Susan Dray on empathy, curiosity, and global impact
Introduction to Part Two with Susan Dray
Navigating Discomfort and Deep Learning
Mentoring and Community Support
HCI in Africa and Global Recognition
Supporting Early Career Researchers
Mentoring and the Joy of Service
Reflections on Mentoring and Authenticity
Evolving Roles, Willingness to be a Beginner
Postscript - Personal Reflections and Adversities
Lessons from Sailing
Coping with Loss and Finding Positivity
Final Reflections on Life and Legacy
Wrap up
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38:27
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Show notes
In Part 2 of our conversation, Susan Dray continues to share deep insights about the importance of self-awareness and authenticity, empathy and listening with heart, and dealing with professional discomfort and personal adversity. She discusses her mentoring style, centred around being empathetic and supportive. And she talks about the importance of service and community, as well as the current challenges faced by early career researchers. Susan also shares deeply personal challenges and losses, and the accompanying emotional journey of accepting and learning from setbacks, the value of honouring people's experiences, and the importance of collaborative support. She reminds us, paraphrased here, that few people understand how special they are, and that what really matters is who you are. Because this is going to mean that what you do is important and makes a difference. Susan has certainly made a difference. Overview:00:29 Introduction to Part Two with Susan Dray02:18 Navigating Discomfort and Deep Learning05:47 Mentoring and Community Support08:51 HCI in Africa and Global Recognition13:28 Supporting Early Career Researchers19:12 Mentoring and the Joy of Service22:11 Reflections on Mentoring and Authenticity26:08 Evolving Roles, Willingness to be a Beginner29:40 Postscript - Personal Reflections and Adversities30:55 Lessons from Sailing32:21 Coping with Loss and Finding Positivity35:08 Final Reflections on Life and Legacy36:50 Wrap up38:27 EndRelated Links:Susan Dray's webpage and LinkedIn profile