About this episode

In this episode, David Mendes interviews Dr. Fatimah Williams about navigating post-PhD career challenges and strategies for success outside academia.

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…

People in this episode

Host: David Mendes

Guest: Fatimah Williams

Topics covered

• Post-PhD career strategies
• Identity crisis for PhDs
• Career reinvention
• Mindset shifts
• Translating academic skills

Keywords

• PhD
• career transition
• executive coaching
• identity crisis
• academic skills
• career strategy
• non-academic careers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Professional Pathways, Oxford University Press

Books & works: Options for Success

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