Academic Woman Amplified

Earning tenure is often treated as the finish line of an academic career—but what if it’s actually the start of a whole new set of challenges? This episode is part of our Mid-Career Series, where I discuss what life really looks like post-tenure.  Too often, scholars expect tenure to mean lighter workloads, more freedom, and clearer direction. In reality, many find themselves juggling even more demands with fewer guideposts for what comes next.  I unpack five common myths about the post-tenure career stage and reveal what’s really waiting on the other side of promotion. You’ll hear why tenure can feel both more demanding and more liberating, and how to approach this stage of your career with clarity and purpose. If you’re post-tenure or preparing for it, don’t miss this myth-busting conversation. Listen now for a fresh perspective on shaping your next chapter in academia. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®.

I am excited to kick off the brand-new Mid-Career Podcast Series, where I dive into the realities of academic life after tenure.  Mid-career is the longest stretch of the academic journey, often 15 to 20 years, and while it brings stability and experience, it can also feel like uncharted territory. Many academics discover that the freedoms they imagined post-promotion are replaced with heavier workloads, shifting priorities, and the lingering question of what’s next. In this first episode, I lay the groundwork for what mid-career really looks like and why it matters. I’ll talk about the gap between expectation and reality, the identity shifts that happen when the tenure track drive fades, and the surprising ways burnout shows up even after achieving major milestones.  Most importantly, I’ll introduce how to think about mid-career not as a plateau, but as a phase filled with opportunities to realign, reset, and build skills that sustain your academic life for the long haul. Tune in to start reframing mid-caree

What should take priority in your academic career right now: rewriting grant proposals or getting your papers published? In this episode, I offer a hot take that might make you pause—and rethink – how you’re spending your precious writing time. Grants are, of course, essential for research. They fund our projects, sustain our labs, and provide the indirect costs universities depend on. But in today’s climate—especially with the instability of many federal grant programs—pouring endless hours into resubmitting proposals may not be the most strategic move. At the same time, your publications are what amplify your scholarly voice, shape your reputation in the field, and ultimately strengthen your future grant applications. That tension between funding and publishing is one every scholar deals with. But what if, for this season, the smarter choice is to lean into writing papers rather than rewriting rejected grants?  Tune in to learn why that pivot matters, how to balance the relationship between grants and publi

Have you ever sat down to write and felt completely stuck, frustrated, or drained—wondering why it feels so much harder than any other part of your academic work? In this episode, I dive into the reality that writing is hard because it’s meant to be. The intellectual work of interpreting data, structuring arguments, and expressing your ideas clearly is inherently challenging. I explore why the very things that make writing feel difficult are exactly what make it meaningful, impactful, and essential to your scholarly growth. Listen in to reframe your relationship with writing, honor the difficulty of the process, and embrace the hard work as a sign you’re doing it right.   For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and start your application process here.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors

Have you ever found yourself buried under the weight of the very success you worked so hard to achieve?  Winning a giant grant or getting the opportunity to head your own research center are amazing accomplishments. With success comes new responsibilities that demand unique skillsets – good problems to have, but ones you need to manage to avoid burnout and overwhelm.  Today, I am offering a sneak peek from the Scholar’s Voice® Alumni Podcast, an exclusive feed available only to academics who have taken Navigate 12-week program, Elevate, Amplify, or Leading Now. In this episode, I share a coaching story about a client whose incredible research accomplishments left her managing multiple large projects without the systems or support to handle them. Together, we’ll explore what happens when achievement outpaces infrastructure, and why the skills that get you to the next level aren’t always the ones that help you thrive there.  Listen in to learn how to stop suffering from your own success so you can lead with mor

What happens when the most challenging part of leadership isn’t the work, but the weight of emotions you’re expected to carry? In this episode, I dive into the hidden emotional labor of leadership, sharing stories from my own life—both at home and in professional settings—to explore how leaders, especially women, navigate the delicate balance of awareness, empathy, and action.  I reflect on moments when stress and frustration threatened to derail me, and I show how cultivating self-coaching and grounding practices can help turn emotional turmoil into clarity and calm.  If you’ve ever felt the weight of others’ emotions in your work or questioned how to stay centered while guiding a team, this episode offers both validation and practical insight into leading with presence, perspective, and poise. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and start your application process here.   CONT

In today's special episode, I share a conversation with my friend and fellow writing coach, Dr. Anna Clemens. Anna helps scientists write their articles, and she invited me to join a live stream on her YouTube channel to discuss the benefits of creating an intentional writing season. Anna and I explore how to transform writing from a source of anxiety into a manageable, enjoyable part of your scholarly career. Learn practical strategies for building positive writing habits, navigating the challenges of work-life balance, and creating intentional writing seasons that fit the demands of your career and personal life. Whether you’re an early-career researcher or a tenure-track professor, this conversation will give you fresh perspectives and actionable tools to boost your writing confidence and productivity. Tune in to learn how to engineer your academic writing practice for success — and reclaim your passion for writing. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We're receiving applications for our

If you’ve ever thought “it’s not just about time—I don’t have the energy” when it comes to your writing, you are not alone.  In this episode, Dr. Abigail Hogan joins me to talk about how she’s learned to align her writing practice with her energy patterns, and why doing so has been transformational for both her scholarship and her well-being. Dr. Hogan shares what drew her to the Navigate program after participating in Amplify, and how she used the tools and coaching support to break through perfectionism, release the emotional weight of a long-stalled paper, and publish with confidence.  Whether you're mid-project, mid-semester, or just feeling a bit stuck, Abby’s story will leave you reflecting on how to approach your writing with more intention, clarity, and self-compassion. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and start your application process here.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATIO

If you’ve ever said, “I’d love to join Navigate, but I just don’t have the time,” this episode is for you.  Today, I’m joined by Dr. Janet McCabe, who brings honesty and real-world insight into what it looks like to invest in your writing during a busy and emotionally challenging season. We talk about her initial hesitation to join Navigate, the fear of adding one more thing to her plate, and how she ultimately found structure, clarity, and unexpected ease in her academic writing process. Whether you're mid-career, managing administrative responsibilities, or simply struggling to reconnect with your research, Janet’s reflections offer perspective and encouragement. Janet’s experience is a powerful reminder that your writing doesn’t need perfect conditions—it needs attention, structure, and a willingness to begin.  For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and start your application p

Do you want to take on new projects or tackle more writing and publications but feel like the number one thing holding you back is time?  What if I told you capacity isn’t fixed, you can build it?  Today, I’m sharing what capacity building means and how intentionally growing your capacity can help you do more of the work that matters without burning out. In this episode, I share my own experiences juggling personal and professional responsibilities. I share vivid, real-life examples of how my capacity expanded over time, from parenting multiple children to managing a large farm business alongside my academic coaching career. I’ll also address common fears about timing big career moves, especially the myth that you have to wait until you have more capacity before committing to growth. If you’ve been hesitating to push forward with your writing or career goals because you feel maxed out, this episode is for you. Listen in to shift your mindset around capacity, learn practical ways to grow it, and get inspired t

Is the next academic year a writing season for you? A mentoring season? An administrative season? Too often, scholars fall into the trap of trying to do everything at once—writing, grant-getting, mentoring, teaching, program-building—on full blast. But sustainable success comes from focused seasons, not constant hustle. In this episode, I introduce the concept of “academic seasonality” and walk you through how to select your next season with purpose. Whether you're heading into a writing-intensive fall, supporting graduate students, or bracing for a new admin role, this mindset shift will help you take control of your academic path without burning out. If you’re ready to move into your next academic season with clarity and intention, this episode is for you. Tune in now to reframe how you approach your year and discover a more sustainable way to thrive in your academic career. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®.

Are you struggling to get back into academic writing after a break? Or maybe you’re afraid to change your writing schedule because you think you’ll lose momentum. In this episode, I’ll show you how to step away from your writing without derailing your progress and how to return to it without losing your rhythm. In this episode, I explore the concept of writing off-ramps and on-ramps—a metaphor (and practical toolset) for how to put your writing down with intention and pick it back up with ease. Whether you’re heading into a planned vacation or returning from an unexpected pause, learning to manage transitions is a key part of building a sustainable academic writing practice. You’ll learn how to exit your writing flow gently, leave strategic breadcrumbs for your future self, and design a smooth, flexible re-entry that supports your long-term goals without burnout or self-judgment. If you're craving a writing practice that feels stable, resilient, and empowering, this episode is a must-listen. Stop treating bre

Do you feel like you are behind on your summer writing goals? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. It’s time to normalize readjusting your summer writing plans without shame. In this episode, I guide you through a midsummer writing check-in. This flexible process will help you reassess your academic writing goals and realign them with your current capacity. Whether you mapped out a detailed summer writing plan back in May or are just now trying to make progress, I will walk you through how to revisit your calendar, evaluate your remaining time, and match it with what’s left on your writing to-do list. Re-planning isn’t a failure; it’s a core skill that every academic writer needs to learn. Tune in to learn how to move from unrealistic expectations to a sustainable academic writing progress without burnout, shame, or overwhelm. If you’re ready to improve your academic writing practice and finally clear your publication backlog, enrollment for the next round of my Navigate program opens soon! Get on the wa

Are you constantly being asked to do more than your role requires because others around you aren’t stepping up? You might be getting pulled into a leadership vacuum. In this final episode of the Leadership Series, I define what a leadership vacuum is and explain why so many mid-career academics—especially those in middle-management roles—get pulled into these gaps. Whether you’re a department chair, PI, or program director, it’s easy to start taking on responsibilities that aren’t technically yours, particularly when leadership above you is weak or absent. I share how to recognize the vacuum, why scholars are especially vulnerable to it, and, most importantly, how to set boundaries that preserve your energy, time, and mission-driven focus. If you’ve ever felt overextended in your academic role, this episode is for you. Learn how to define your position and hold your boundaries with clarity and confidence. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Nav

We’re in the middle of a series on academic leadership, and today, I focus on the foundation: leading yourself.  In this episode, I unpack what self-leadership really means: making decisions grounded in your mission and values that shape who you become, not just what you produce. I’ll explain why embracing seasonality—intentionally focusing on writing during specific periods while scaling back other commitments—is a powerful way to adapt to the challenges many academics face today, like frozen grant programs and shifting research priorities. Finally, I share practical tools and mindset shifts you need to lead yourself through a writing season with clear boundaries, effective time management, and focused energy. If you’re ready to take control of your writing and academic career by mastering self-leadership, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how leading yourself is the secret to writing more intentionally and productively. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist f

Writing and publishing might feel like individual, behind-the-scenes tasks. But what if your ability to lead in academia starts with how you show up for your own writing? In this episode, I discuss why taking control of your writing and publishing is not merely about checking off boxes for tenure or seeking validation. It’s about developing the leadership skills necessary for success in academia—regardless of whether you have an official title. I examine how consistently committing to your writing fosters self-trust, boosts confidence, clarifies decision-making, and enhances project management skills—all of which are crucial for effective leadership. Regardless of your administrative position, your capacity to lead yourself is what truly defines you as a leader in academia. Tune in to discover why academic leadership extends beyond administrative roles. If you're looking to grow both as a scholar and a leader, this episode will provide you with a powerful new perspective on your writing practice. For full sho

Do you cringe at the idea of being a manager in academia? You’re not alone, but it’s time for a mindset shift.  In this new podcast series on leadership in academia, I’m making the case that becoming a manager isn’t just likely -- it’s inevitable. In fact, it’s a sign that your academic career is growing, your influence is expanding, and your work is making an impact. In this first episode, I’m laying the groundwork for the series by diving into why academic leadership must include management—and why that’s a good thing. Whether you’ve just landed your tenure-track role or you’re directing a major research center, you’re already managing people, even if it doesn’t feel like it. If you are a professor seeking to grow as a scholar, leader, and mentor, this series is for you. Tune in to shift your perspective on leadership in academia. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on the

Ever feel like you should know how long a writing task will take, but somehow, it always takes longer (or shorter) than you expected? If so, this bonus episode is for you! After coaching dozens of academics one-on-one in our Navigate program this past year, I’ve developed a brand-new concept that’s transforming how academic writers plan, prioritize, and stick to their writing timelines: the difference between writing problems and writing tasks. I’m so excited to bring this concept into the curriculum of our Navigate program. We’ll not only teach you how to distinguish between problems and tasks but also how to manage each with clarity and confidence. Want your own lightbulb moment? Tune in and learn how to take your academic writing process to the next level. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on the waitlist here.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your W

Have you ever looked at your calendar, blocked out a few hours to write, and then… nothing? The blank screen stares back, your cursor blinks mockingly, and you start wondering—how long should this take? Why is this so hard to estimate? In this episode, I’m talking all about one of the biggest hidden obstacles to academic writing success: estimating how long writing tasks actually take. Whether it’s a book chapter, a literature review, or a single figure caption, understanding time-to-task is crucial if you want to make real progress on your publications without burning out. If you're tired of missing due dates, underestimating tasks, and wondering why academic writing feels like pushing a boulder uphill, this episode is for you. Listen now, and let’s reframe how you think about your time and writing. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on the waitlist here.   CONTINUE THE CO

You’ve developed the project management skills, but now the question is: how do you know when it’s time to introduce a project management tool into your workflow? In this episode, I guide you through determining when you’re ready for a project management tool. I discuss what to look for, how to choose one that addresses your specific needs, and the essential steps to ensure your writing process will benefit from the tool. Building on the skills I covered last week in part one, I’ll help you understand how to select and integrate a system that will keep you organized and productive. If you’ve been feeling the pressure of managing multiple projects and collaborations, and you’re wondering how to take that next step, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how to find the perfect project management tool for your academic writing. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on th