Dr. Vicki Baker’s passion is helping others advance in their careers. She uses her deep curiosity of organizations and an interdisciplinary approach to ask big questions about our skills, talents, and interpersonal dynamics. When prompted about, "How do you feel like an expert? How do you know when “you’ve made it”, she shares that there's a challenge, especially for women and POC, in sharing your confidence in your knowledge and abilities, and communicating that confidence in a way that’s "socially acceptable." Dr. Baker lights up when talking about students, faculty, and stories.  Other highlights include: Expertise in mid career: Questioning “What’s next” since the milestone has been met. Not interested in research for the sake of research – wanting to impact the day to day existence and lives I’ve learned ____. How do I use it? How do I improve communities and lives? In midcareer, often, you’ve met your milestones and still have career runway left. Keep asking: What’s my value add? My impact? How do I benefit others? White woman, full professor is a privileged position, not acknowledging that can be “quite frankly, dangerous” Focus on contribution: What do you want it to be? And if that seems too big, start with: Where do you find the most joy? Admin well intention but ill equipped, bring in multiple perspectives—academy wide resources needed Influential without being an “influencer” Tenured and promoted but still need guiding light Volunteer for service positions that lead to overall contribution, can’t be upset if people in positions of power don’t know what you’re trying to “value add” The best part of the job is daily interactions with undergraduate students and personal stories with faculty across the academy Your life is precious and you are precious, grant dollars are not precious Can’t add hours but be more thoughtful with the hours you do have Content and grounded in identities that matter to you, where those identities are safe on visible display Space, community, connection is where higher ed is at its best Weekly projects; boundaries for no work on weekends; walk away= sacred rest and scholarly work of sabbatical Sustainable programming for mid-career faculty support Inside Higher Ed article, Leading with Yes: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2022/07/01/how-overwhelmed-and-burned-out-faculty-can-reframe-saying-no-opinion

Pranav is an undergraduate research scholar who is interested in aerospace engineering and machine learning. Big concepts with huge implications and application. He merges his desire for creativity, art, and science, by discussing with other scientists what they do, how they do it, and why. He believes scientists themselves are the other side of the research coin: The truth seekers. Pranav knows that "learning is constant, never ending; research is the same, step by step, we move forward. It’s a puzzle, piece by piece and not knowing the whole picture necessarily." He encourages other young scholars to use platforms for their benefits, like LinkedIn for intentional networking and truth seeking (what does this specific job do, what are the qualifications, how did you get there). Follow along as he grows Beyond Sc!ence Magazine at https://www.instagram.com/beyondsciencemagazine/   Book recommendation: Atomic Habits

Dr. Viola Lanier is the epitome of a healthy form of busy-- working as a medical liaison, leading a non-profit, and being present with her family. Each of these roles lights her up and lets her know she's using her degree to be of service to others. We dive into the mis-education society has around different terminal degrees and the roles each type of "doctor" plays in your cancer journey. We specifically talk about how a cancer diagnosis and recovery centers on treatment/response rather than other needs beyond medicine. Tune in for other takeaways including: Sometimes we need to say, “It’s been a big day,” instead of “I’m busy” or “ok” Drop expectation or plan and give people some time to connect Why do we have a job? Trying to fill a need There’s always a need, but can there be some grace (in your schedule and to yourself) Social media as your water cooler break – it doesn’t take much to acknowledge that something resonated Society has misinformed us all; the doctor you see is an MD and the doctor you don’t see is your scientific doctor—both play huge roles For me to feel safe I have to have boundaries: establish them share them As I’m getting older I’m done with unvaluable connection… some things will bring value to you, space, person... but if no one is getting value, that connection isn’t meant to drag out and that’s ok What’s spiritually nourishing for me? Owning what my new awareness and beliefs are... not being afraid… not betraying myself; not shrinking back Awareness campaigns create activism and advocacy not (necessarily) asking for anything from healthcare provider We share our wins and losses, knowing that they didn’t select me where I am at the time, we don’t know what else is going on behind the scenes Book recommendations 7 stages of Spiritual Success Anatomy of the Spirit Myth of Normal You Can Heal Your Life   More From Viola: Linked in : https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-lanier-2016/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.violalanier/ Young Women Crush Cancer Inc.

Lauren Mason is the creator and academic behind the platform Lauren Finds a Way.  Her academic Instragram includes curated content while her youtube channel shows more of the day-to-day PhD student vibes. Her goal is to share nuance behind the beauty of education. Lauren encourages us to embrace all parts of you and reminders to create patterns and habits that help you ground and find stillness within the ebbs and flows of academic life. We also talk about: "From my experience, I had a vision in my mind what is an academic, what is someone with a PhD like. I weighed myself against that and thought, I don’t fit that mold…We don’t all look the same or act the same…that’s one of the benefits of academia right now" Now (through social media) we have access to a huge group of people pursuing a similar path Loving the emphasis on learning in academia We’re arriving at a time where people are becoming more transparent about experiences in academia (we get access daily to so many experiences) Journalism major, decided to switch to psychology … wanted to gain expertise in something and then write about it rather than various topics As an undergrad research assistant one of the things that helped me stand out was bringing research to them When we have aspects of ourselves that people think “oh people with a PhD don’t have that” when we share it inspires others to take the chance, and not feel shame When we compare ourselves to others it robs us of opportunity to shed our own light The goal is to try to maintain balance—off balance in PhD journey for sure. One thing she's strict about (and shares openly) is that she doesn’t work on the weekend… Structured time away from work is one of the healthiest things she's done for herself "And I think out of everything, all the lifestyle changes I’ve made to try to help with mental health, I think movement has been the best one, and the most impactful" Lauren challenges herself to be authentic- sometimes we have highs and are acknowledge for our work but sometimes there are lows—along the way, transparent and authentic promotes health in the community I get to choose how I want to use my time today, how I want to be creative today Too many things on the plate in one day, not achieving very much at all…grant ourselves the ability to focus on one thing actually increases our productivity Maintain health: sometimes we get out of balance, strategies to get back into it. Have grace with ourselves… let it go when you haven’t achieved or made a mistake "Find myself gasping throughout the whole day, can’t catch my breath, mind is racing"… journals and lists help her find limits Becoming more conscious (that we’re not taking care of ourselves); small challenges to do it, 5 min break, feels difficult reinforces it’s ok to take up space, change situation that you’re uncomfortable in and make yourself more comfortable Learning to say no during PhD has been a journey; say yes to any opportunity that comes your way… pressure with developing your CV, you should take it and run with it… that isn’t working for me anymore Start to rethink "I’m doing enough to meet my requirements… saying no has become liberating" "Academia has a way of breaking you down… no one is going to build me back up, I have to build myself back up" End of PhD is almost an identity crisis... we don’t even know what we know anymore Identify your skill set instead of parts that are missing Remind yourself what you do, what you’re capable of doing. You have an idea of those things (skills) and you can communicate that with others Flourishing: Waking up excited for the day is a good sign… feeling calm… feeling connected with those around me and in my community…laughing a lot, and in a lighthearted way Writing, sharing, connecting, sharing your light with others… More at: https://www.instagram.com/laurenfindsaway/ https://www.youtube.com/@laurenfindsaway

Stacy Hemingway is a yoga teacher, practitioner, and philosopher who deeply engages in the ancient aspects of yoga in a modern (but contemplative!) space: the K-12 classroom. Her goal is to equip young people with yoga for the inquiry of the classroom of life—to learn who we are, stay in the seat of the learner, and grow. Stacy developed a 12-module yoga curriculum that aligns with the Social Emotional Learning objectives that are at the cornerstone of many K-12 curricula as a model for holistic learning. We also dive into: Our own observations, gaps, and experiences can lead us to develop a product that can be used Yoga is so dynamic and complex, it’s our job to glean from and simplify this work 200-hour yoga teacher training simply starts an inquiry, a foundation of understanding Conscious Classroom Yoga: What is it? It speaks to yoga and mindfulness and meditation and how we practice those in our daily life Yoga as one of many options to explore what it means to be human Contemplate, try multiple forms, reflect on experience—holistic and well-rounded learning experience—learn by doing; emodiment How to achieve enlightenment or who to thank for your existence: the message is the same. We are a gift, and we are given the gift of embodiment so we share that in the world Once you have enough fuel from rest and nourishment, then we really can focus on intentionally educating Wake up every morning, and ask, “What will you stand for? What will you fall for? What’s your impact?” The only constant is change, but people and systems resist Standardize what we would like to teach while standing up for what we believe in without standing in judgement of others Contemplate: Who am I (personal reality = personality) Simplifying can make things easier for ourselves but also our community partners “I planted the seed and I’m” waiting – if you have an idea, bring it forth!   More at: https://consciousclassroom.yoga/

Dr. Maike Neuhaus is a digital nomad and flourishing coach who aims to help us identify “what am I happy to struggle with” to guide us into a growth mindset. Her research background is in positive psychology and self-leadership. She helps individuals and organizations understand what humans need to flourish to create impacts that excite them in life or at work. She broadens our minds in terms of different opportunities for what to do with a psychology background. Tune in for a number of gems, including, but not limited to: I want to keep it real here for your listeners—I couldn’t find my purpose early on—I’ve been struggling with it the greater part of my life. I leveled up and skilled up—learning about positive psychology and self-leadership—and created my own business...and while it looks nice and flourishing, it didn't feel that way all the time. Research started with the curiosity that there are those who are flourishing those who are languishing Positive psychology as a way to explore what’s happening rather than just pathology of “what’s wrong” I used to be an expert once...admitting that is uncomfortable...but in a PhD you start to understand all the things we don't know. You carry the risk of not being right... (and remember) your intention is to be of service. Languishing, isn’t defined as the opposite of progress; but it has to do with stagnation. Flourishing is fully alive and with purpose Why is academia great: Forefront of knowledge; explore and expand our knowledge base; pleasure and privilege How is it most failing: Academia lost time to just think, converse, and have headspace Direct quote, “academy crushed my soul” My favorite self-care activity—now habit—is to ask myself, "what do I need right now?" Ask first thing when you wake up: how am I? What do I need right now? Repeat throughout the day. More at: https://www.theflourishingdoc.com/

Dr. Alison Miller is an academic entrepreneur with a PhD in clinical psychology. Over the last 23 years, she has served graduate students by helping them learn to "work in a way that works." We have a heart-centered and candid conversation about the psychologically damaging aspects of the academy that can be changed, one dissertation at a time.  Dr. Miller knew she was allergic to academic culture, so she developed The Dissertation Coach. She saw that students were struggling, people were leaving without degrees, and that they did not have enough institutional support for graduate students-- and she could fill that gap with process-oriented project management, accountability, and heart-centered support. Ultimately, challenging and changing the relationship to academic work. We specifically talk about: - People (including those in the position of power) are under-mentored or mis-mentored - We need co-working spaces to not feel alone on this journey - She wants students to be better able to manage the doubt and desire to leave - How do we work in academia as a human - Teach people to know and learn how to work and do so that works for us as human beings - It’s 2023, it’s time for academic culture to upgrade itself, it’s stuck in a different era - Students are experiencing trauma (loss of parent, miscarriages, major health crises) and the typical response is callousness - There is hope, it can get better - More people in academia waking up; more aware of themselves, that they impact other people—if you are conscientious that people are on the receiving end of the manner in which you mentor - Some people think they've been granted permission to treat students poorly - Institutional betrayal- example learning about empathy in a psychology department but the students aren’t being met with empathy - Writing is a practice, it takes work, it's a skill and craft that we gain over time - We should banish “you should know this" from your vernacular - You are working in a system that is not awake and conscious yet. You’re not rewarded for that. People aren’t hired on their people skills  - Let’s make this system better, thrive to learn while they're here. We’re responsible for making the change where you aren’t brutalized for years getting your degree - Our #1 priority is regulating our own nervous systems. - Om nama nama- bow to something greater than yourself - You don’t need to fix anything, you’re not broken. How am I now? What version of me has shown up here? What am I trying to do? Are they compatible with the work I need to do? Can the answer be grounded in the reality of my unfolding experience More at: https://www.thedissertationcoach.com/team/alison-miller-phd-dissertation-coach-owner-and-founder-of-the-dissertation-coach/

Don't wait until you hear permission to be yourself from someone else. Don't wait for graduation, promotion, rewards, grants, publications or any other external validation of who you are to step into your work, fully you, fully alive. Happy wrap of season 1. Can't wait to see how we flourish.

Fionna Boyle is a professional Mariner and naval officer—and also my cousin. She helped me revamp my entire calendar and perspective of work—in October of 2021. It’s taken over two years to get to a place of balance. We've learned a lot along the way and share some anecdotes here, in this episode. Overall, we discuss the influence of each person—their experiences, their grief, their values, their strategies to let off steam—all influence the workplace culture. Some key takeaways include: Time is our greatest currency: There’s no such thing as multitasking (handle/maneuver), be present Everyone has different schedules, routines, social norms, expectations Everyone experiences grief through some form or another I may never have this moment with someone again We are the teachers but also the students, everywhere we go FEAR: face everything and rise OR face everything and run I know what I know, but we’re going to grow and learn together. Then, we dance with cycles of fear and courage to build confidence and competence We do things sometimes because they’re comfortable, familiar, doesn’t mean it’s best I’ve been rushing to an elbow patch to be taken seriously. Presently, I am 36 and I keep saying I'm "almost 40"... what is that? 1 degree shift of our whole culture lab, ship, etc. we can shift our energetics and end up somewhere different Industry agnostic: caring about the people who have your back If you’re parroting someone who isn’t healthy- how does that help us create health in our culture Being a valued member of a team is not a natural byproduct—as a leader, you can facilitate togetherness The pulse of the world is interconnected Keep singing in the lifeboats. We rise together. Industry or career cycle New, rolling sleeves, gung-ho- learning and receiving mode Middle management- 8-10 years—commitment, reflection, transition – what am I doing here do I want to stay Salty dogs- 10,000 hours master in your craft- time to pass on to others Training and dissemination of everything we have learned More from Fionna here: https://www.maritimemomentum.com/ https://www.instagram.com/maritimemomentum/

May these practices help you show up who, what, & how you want to be. Start "A" practice Be ready to evolve, slowly Define or redefine what "it" means to you (it: health, yoga, success) Bonus tip: Create your own rules; embrace intimacy (in to me see) with yourself.