Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

Are you at a crossroads after your PhD, unsure about what comes next? In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, host David Mendes sits down with Dr. Fatimah Williams - executive coach, founder of Professional Pathways, and author of "Options for Success" (Oxford University Press) to explore the real challenges and mindset shifts required to thrive beyond academia. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in career strategy and consulting, Dr. Fatimah Williams shares her journey from cultural anthropology PhD to career reinvention, offering actionable advice for anyone feeling stuck, experiencing an identity crisis, or considering a bold move outside the traditional academic track. Discover practical strategies to overcome fear, break the mold, embrace curiosity, and begin translating your academic skills into meaningful, rewarding careers in industry, nonprofits, and beyond. Topics Covered: Navigating fear and isolation when considering non-academic careers The identity crisis many PhDs face and how to move beyond it The importance of holding your PhD experience with "lightness" Real-life stories of career pivots and off-the-beaten-path choices How to use social listening and ecosystem mapping to expand your options Translating, not just repackaging, your skills for the job market Building agency, courage, and authentic professional identities after your PhD Whether you're a graduate student, postdoc, or recent PhD looking for your next step, this episode is packed with tips, encouragement, and unique wisdom to help you chart your own path to success beyond academia. Learn more: Book: Options For Success (with free resources) Coaching & resources: ProfessionalPathways.co Connect with Dr. Fatimah Williams on LinkedIn and Instagram (@FatimahPhD) Subscribe, share, and join us on the journey Beyond the Thesis!

Why do we really pursue a PhD—and what happens when the reason no longer feels valid? In this honest and powerful conversation, host David Mendes is joined by Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska—founder of The Scholars Mentor—to unpack the psychological and emotional challenges PhD students face, especially those studying abroad. Drawing on her background in psychoanalysis and decades in higher ed, Agnieszka discusses the quiet crisis many international and doctoral students go through: anxiety, isolation, and the haunting question—should I just quit? Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just deeply unsure, this episode offers grounded advice on how to move forward with clarity and compassion. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: The hidden toll of doing a PhD away from home How institutional structures can amplify stress and mental health issues Practical tips for choosing the right supervisor and university How to tell if you’re sabotaging your PhD journey—and how to get back on track The power of talking, writing, and “speaking your truth” when things get hard Why AI tools can help but shouldn’t replace real human support What to do when you're seriously thinking of dropping out 🛠️ Mentioned Resources: The Scholars Mentor coaching platform: https://www.scholarsmentor.com/ Agnieszka’s book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1805586963 💬 Notable Quote:"If you’re doing something but actually you don’t want to do it, you very quickly start sabotaging yourself." – Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska

Dans cet épisode spécial enregistré en direct à l’UQAR lors des Journées de la relève en recherche 2025 de l’ACFAS, David Mendes anime la table ronde d’ouverture intitulée « L’avenir après les études supérieures : parcours inspirants ». Laissez-vous inspirer par les partages de cinq panélistes qui partagent leurs trajectoires professionnelles au-delà du doctorat, illustrant la diversité de carrières possibles après les études supérieures: Valérie Bélanger, directrice régionale Rimouski / Bas Saint-Laurent / Gaspésie chez Axelys, Maude Boissonneault, coordonnatrice du programme PLAINE et des missions scientifiques au Réseau Québec maritime, Sébastien Chabot, professeur de littérature au Cégep de Rimouski, Sabine Dodard, agente du conseil de recherche, Développement des cultures et des ressources aquatiques au Conseil national de recherches Canada et Bertrand Genard, président des Laboratoires Iso-Biokem Inc. Du monde académique à l’industrie, de la recherche à la coordination scientifique, ces échanges offrent un aperçu précieux des chemins non linéaires empruntés par des diplômés passionnés. 🎙️ Vous entendrez : Des témoignages de transition vers des carrières hors du milieu universitaire Les défis et avantages de la multidisciplinarité L’importance de redéfinir le succès après le doctorat Des conseils concrets sur la valorisation de la recherche et les compétences transférables Un dialogue riche avec le public étudiant 👉 Que vous soyez en début ou en fin de parcours, cet épisode vous éclairera sur les possibles qui vous attendent après la thèse. Épisode enregistré en direct – qualité de son variable

What if your academic CV is working against you? This week on Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, creative strategist and branding expert Michael Dargie joins David Mendes to reframe how researchers can become memorable in non-academic spaces. Drawing from his new book Brandjitsu, Michael shares his unique approach to personal branding, designed for introverts and extroverts alike. Learn why showcasing only 20% of your experience can be more powerful than oversharing, and how to shift the spotlight from your journey to your audience’s needs. You’ll learn: Why clarity beats complexity when talking about your PhD background How to tailor your “brand story” to industry audiences The difference between “showing up” and commanding attention How to overcome the emotional challenge of pruning your experience How to think like Yoda, not the hero, in your narrative Whether you’re navigating your next PhD career transition or still figuring out how to tell your story, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies. 📩 Share this episode with a colleague who’s preparing their elevator pitch. Keywords: personal branding for PhDs, PhD career transition, PhD to industry, transferable skills, LinkedIn for researchers

In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, I talk with Michelle Niemeyer - speaker, coach, and former attorney - about how to stay sharp, productive, and joyful without burning out. After experiencing burnout herself during her legal career and facing a life-changing health diagnosis, Michelle developed The Art of Bending Time: a framework to help professionals align their work, life, and purpose. Together, we explore: Why traditional “time management” often fails, and what to focus on instead The hidden costs of multitasking and how to protect your energy How small sparks of joy can prevent burnout and fuel your productivity Why “work-life balance” is a myth and what to aim for instead Practical tools (like the Clarity Exercise and SWORD Analysis) you can use today to refocus and reclaim your time Whether you’re a graduate student, postdoc, or early-career professional, Michelle’s story and strategies will inspire you to rethink how you spend your time and how you define success. 👉 To access Michelle’s free tools, text CLARITY to 33777 (US only) or visit michelleniemeyer.com.

What happens after you land your first job post-PhD? For many researchers, the transition from academia is just the beginning. In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Katerina Thomas joins David Mendes to explore how mentorship, self-awareness, and internal motivation shape the next stages of a PhD’s career journey. Drawing from her own experience as a PhD in the life sciences now thriving in industry, Katerina reflects on redefining success beyond titles, finding mentors aligned with your values, and the importance of stepping into discomfort to grow. Whether you're still in academia or have already made the leap, this conversation will help you think more intentionally about your career path and about what truly drives you. 💡 You’ll learn: How to navigate career growth after leaving academia The role of values-based mentorship in professional development Why inner work is essential in career transitions Strategies for making deliberate, fulfilling career choices This episode is packed with career clarity insights for PhDs seeking purpose beyond their degrees. 👉 Listen and share with someone navigating their own post-PhD transition.

Feeling overwhelmed in grad school? Lucia Juarez, PhD, shares how mindset shifts, time management, and self-care can help you finish your PhD faster and with less stress.