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The Edges of Lean explores topics in continuous improvement (lean thinking, creative problem solving, six sigma) that get overlooked. Meet the people practicing lean in odd places or with different twists, always with a focus on respect for people and continuous learning.
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
One of the things that frankly drives me crazy about how people think about continuous improvement is a focus on cost savings rather than increasing productivity and engagement< so I was excited to chat with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler about a brilliant method to increase productivity, drive engagement and save money. They joined me to talk about their new book. “How to Make Meetings Not Suck” Listen in and consider how their approach might enhance every meeting, from your daily morning huddle to those three-day leadership retreats.
Jonathan Vehar
Jonathan Vehar is on a mission to make meetings better. With years of experience as a leader, executive, and facilitator, he knows what works and what does not. Known as an "innovation thought leader" by Fast Company, Jonathan takes a fresh but productive approach to improving "how teams collaborate". He has worked with top companies like Disney, Intel, NASA, and Pfizer, and his insights have been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Jonathan is also the co-author of six books on leadership, and his latest book, How to Make Meetings Not Suck, comes out in August 2024.
Cathi Brese Doebler
Cathi Brese Doebler brings over 25 years of experience in meeting facilitation, training, and leadership development. Cathi is passionate about helping others learn and grow. Cathi has been a Senior Consultant and Leadership Solutions Facilitator at the Center for Creative Leadership since 2013 and has worked with organizations like Fiserv and McBride & Lucius. She has also collaborated with several colleges, including the University of Buffalo and Erie Community College, blending her expertise in leadership with education.
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KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
- 00:02:43 The importance of having fun at work
- 00:10:55 The purpose of having agendas for meetings
- 00:15:29 The cost of unproductive meetings
- 00:19:50 Calculating the financial cost of meetings
- 00:22:28 Suggestions for running effective meetings
- 00:25:14 The CIDR framework for meeting purposes
- 00:27:14 Differences between in-person and virtual meetings
- 00:32:19 Managing hybrid meetings effectively
- 00:33:14 How to connect with Jonathan and Kathy
- 00:34:02 Advice for young professionals starting their careers
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Thoughtful planning and structure are essential for effective meetings, requiring a clear purpose and well-organized processes.
- Ineffective meetings are costly, with an average financial impact of $336,000 in one year.
- Virtual, in-person, and hybrid meetings present unique challenges, but we can manage them effectively with the right tools and techniques.
- The elements for successful meetings include a Power Agenda, defined roles, clear purpose (using the CIDR framework), and strong follow-through.
- The "Power Agenda" focuses on unique components like meeting duration, role assignments (e.g., scribe), processes, and desired outcomes to make meetings more efficient.
- The 3 Ps (Purpose, Process, Product) framework helps guide meetings to stay on track, ensuring clarity and respect for the time.
- Respecting time by preparing agendas in advance and assigning clear roles is a simple way to improve meeting effectiveness, countering the excuse of not having time for preparation.
- The CIDR framework (clear purpose, intentional design, defined roles, and respectful interaction) is crucial for making meetings productive and meaningful.
Memorable Quotes:
“Effective meetings don’t just happen — they require thoughtful planning, clear purpose, and respect for everyone’s time.”
CONNECT WITH Jonathan Vehar:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-vehar/
Website: https://vehar.com/
CONNECT WITH Cathi Brese Doebler:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-brese-doebler-91884910/
Website: https://ditchthe.com/about/
Twitter: https://x.com/CathiDoebler
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Ep 132 The Hidden Side of Coaching with Kelly Mallery
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Who are you when you are coaching? How are you presenting yourself to your learner? How might your inner emotional state affect your coaching effectiveness? Kelly Mallery coaches using the Toyota Improvement Kata and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share some of her insights and what she has learned about the hidden side of coaching.
Kelly Mallery
Kelly Mallery serves as the Operational Excellence Manager for two Viant Medical sites while running her own coaching business, Kelly Mallery Coaching & Consulting LLC. She became part of Viant Medical in 2023, bringing her over 11 years of diverse manufacturing experience across industries such as solar, industrial consumer products, and aerospace. Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently focused on continuous improvement, and in the past five years, she has shifted her focus from practicing to coaching others. In 2020, she joined the Kata Girl Geeks, and by 2023, she founded Kata School Northeast, where she has established herself as a seasoned coach and 2nd coach. Kelly resides in the Upper Valley, situated between Vermont and New Hampshire, with her family.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
- 00:01:06 Kelly's background and role in coaching
- 00:02:56 Integrating coaching practices into business operations
- 00:08:38 Developing self-awareness as a coach
- 00:11:08 Giving specific feedback to coaches
- 00:14:51 Bringing attention to a coach's emotional state
- 00:18:41 The impact of self-awareness on organizational culture
- 00:22:42 Creating trust and healthy conflict through self-awareness
- 00:28:22 Treating people as vehicles vs. human beings
- 00:29:27 Kelly's plans and coaching business
- 00:31:09 Advice for young professionals on self-awareness
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Integrating coaching practices into business operations enhances organizational performance and effectiveness.
- Self-awareness is essential for coaches, allowing them to recognize their biases and emotional states, which can significantly influence the learner's experience.
- Developing emotional intelligence within organizations fosters trust and encourages healthy conflict, improving team dynamics and performance.
- Evolving from viewing individuals as mere tools for change to recognizing their humanity enriches the coaching approach.
- Integrating scientific thinking with emotional intelligence creates a holistic coaching practice that addresses both cognitive and emotional aspects of learning.
- Fostering self-awareness throughout an organization can lead to a more collaborative environment and enhance overall performance.
- Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness is the key to cultivating these elements.
- Continuous personal and professional growth is crucial for coaches, emphasizing the need for ongoing development in self-awareness and coaching skills.
Memorable Quotes From Kelly Mallery.
"Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness plays a key role in cultivating these elements."
CONNECT WITH Kelly Mallery.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mallery-123b0628/
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Ep 131 Unblocking the Organization with Jurriaan Kamer
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
We know that autonomy is one of the factors that leads to high employee satisfaction and that organizational alignment is required to achieve company goals. But how do you get both autonomy and alignment? Jurriaan Kamer believes that companies can achieve aligned autonomy, and there are specific actions leaders can take to reach this goal. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his experience and insights.
Jurriaan Kamer
Jurriaan Kamer is a Dutch expert in organizational change and co-founder of Unblock, a modern management consultancy. He is also a keynote speaker and the author of two influential books. His latest release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization," offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance ownership, speed up decision-making, and reduce bureaucracy for better outcomes.
Previously, Jurriaan wrote "Formula X," a business novel inspired by Formula 1 racing, recognized by Forbes as a must-read for navigating an uncertain market. With over a decade of experience, he helps organizations eliminate ineffective strategies and foster high levels of autonomy.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:20 Agile Principles vs. Practices
00:06:34 Organizational Culture and Scalability
00:09:38 Leadership Principles and Organizational Culture
00:12:40 Organizational Dysfunctions and Results
00:18:41 Formula One Behind the Scenes
00:21:25 Unblocking Organizational Challenges
00:24:15 Strategy as a Hypothesis
00:29:17 Control Needs in Leadership
00:32:09 Types of Decisions in Organizations
00:35:44 Teamwork and Psychological Safety
00:39:32 Thriving Organizations Through Lean
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Autonomy and alignment are both important factors for organizational success.
- Aligned autonomy is the concept of having autonomous teams that work within the framework of the organization's objectives.
- Agile principles may not work effectively at the organizational scale, and it's important to explore other organizational theories and methods.
- The goal of organizations is to achieve results, whether financial, regulatory, or other objectives.
- Unblocking the organization involves identifying and overcoming organizational dysfunctions that hinder progress.
- Steering involves continuously setting goals, changing direction, and measuring progress.
- Meetings should be focused, purposeful, and used as a tool to drive work forward rather than being a distraction.
Memorable Quotes From Jurriaan Kamer.
"Ownership is not something you can give to someone, it is something that people should take."
CONNECT WITH Jurriaan Kamer.
Website: http://www.unblockbook.net
Book Website: https://www.formula-x.co/
Linkedin :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurriaankamer
X/Twitter: https://x.com/jurriaankamer
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jurriaankamer/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1WPfl4intvNQy5_5bVBcw
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Ep 130 Continuously Reducing Racism in Your Company Culture with JD Mass
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
A diverse organization is a competitive advantage –innovation and problem-solving thrive when people from diverse backgrounds work together. No matter who we are, when we move into that diverse environment, we all, no matter our race, carry baggage from racism in our culture. JD Mass has written a book called “Race for What,” addressing the causes of racism and steps white folk can take to heal from the harm of racism and begin to connect as humans. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights.
JD Mass
JD Mass grew up in St. Louis, one of America’s most segregated cities, where his parents raised him in the black community. He worked closely with his childhood friend, Nelly, during the first four years of Nelly’s career, witnessing his rise to international fame. JD later joined a global community of black ex-patriots focused on health, peace, and sharing. Throughout these experiences, he saw the highest impact of racism and power structures. To better understand cultural development, JD earned a degree in organizational psychology. His journey is fueled by a desire to understand the roots of racism and promote a more humane, loving world.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:06:04 Defining culture and its impact
00:08:27 Exploring the roots of racism
00:19:54 Letting go to experience new possibilities
00:21:59 Experiencing a peaceful community in Israel
00:24:02 Applying cultural appreciation to lean implementations
00:29:20 Step 2: Acknowledging the harm of our culture
00:30:26 Step 3: Letting go of power, privilege, and fears
00:32:29 Step 4: Appreciating the value of other cultures
00:35:58 Step 5: Repairing and healing the harm
00:39:04 Step 6: Being led by a new mind
00:39:16 Closing thoughts and advice for young people
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Reducing racism in company culture involves continuous improvement and active efforts to address biases.
- Diverse organizations gain a competitive edge through enhanced innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
- Racial biases impact interactions in diverse environments, regardless of personal intentions.
- The scarcity mentality, driven by limited resources, fosters competitive and discriminatory behaviors.
- Addressing racism requires a deep understanding of its historical and systemic origins and patterns.
- Perceptions of resource scarcity influence racial attitudes and contribute to competitive behaviors.
- Changing deeply ingrained cultural behaviors is challenging due to their entrenched nature.
Memorable Quotes From JD Mass.
“Addressing racism requires understanding and changing historical and systemic patterns.
CONNECT WITH JD Mass.
Website: https://raceforwhat.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-mass-psyd/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/JDMass1
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raceforwhat/
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Ep 129 Continuously Upgrading Your Thinking with Fletcher Ellingson
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
As lean thinkers, we often look at life as a series of problems to be solved. I know I do this: I will be somewhere and see something that is working quite right, and I immediately think about the root cause of the issue and potential countermeasures to try. Do you do that, too? That is why I loved this conversation with Fletcher Ellingson, who talks about how to live a “feel good life,” building grace. And wait till you hear what he says about our values do not mean jack!
Fletcher Ellingson.
Fletcher is a speaker, coach, and author of the best-selling book The Practice of Feeling Good. Using a combination of science and psychology, he helps his clients break free from financial struggle, overwhelm, and persistent worry so they can spend more time doing what they love, contribute to their families, and impact their communities. Fletcher also hosts a regional weekly TV show, is a regular contributing columnist, and is a professional magician. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and successful professionals embrace the principles of The Practice of Feeling Good. As a result, they have radically shifted their thinking and have been able to produce outstanding outcomes in their health, wealth, and relationships.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:22 - Roles and Mentorship
00:02:05 - Early Interest in Positive Thinking
00:02:46 - Influence of Early Experiences
00:04:50 - Discovering Magic and Its Impact
00:06:07 - The Joy of Performing Magic for Adults
00:07:04 - The Practice of Feeling Good
00:08:41 - Understanding and Influencing Emotions
00:09:12 - Feeling Good on Demand
00:12:27 - Empowering Stories and Their Impact
00:14:04 - Example of Empowering Stories in Daily Life
00:20:47 - Crafting Intentional Messages
00:22:13 - The Importance of Values in Lean Thinking
00:34:00 - Common Issues Clients Face
00:35:12 - The Overflow Effect on Relationships
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The practice of feeling good involves learning how to feel good on demand, which includes feeling safe, secure, connected, enthusiastic, and optimistic.
- Shifting our thinking is essential for producing new and outstanding outcomes in our health, wealth, and relationships.
- Creating empowering stories about our circumstances can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life.
- Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive can help us feel good and improve our well-being.
- Upgrading our thinking and challenging our limiting beliefs can lead to breakthroughs and transformation in various areas of our lives.
- Taking the time to define our standards and aligning our actions with them can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
Memorable Quotes From Fletcher Ellingson.
"Get around the people who already have the results that you want.
CONNECT WITH Fletcher Ellingson.
Website: https://fletcherellingson.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/fletchellingson?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gocoachfletch/
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
If you are a lean thinker, you are probably working to continually improve your skills in communicating with the adults in your life. You may also be working to bring some lean thinking into your family life. But what if you have some pre-teens in your family circle? They can be very challenging to work with – and that is where Marcus Higgs can help us. He works with parents of pre-teens to help them improve their connection with the kids at a time when the kids are beginning to establish their unique identities.
Marcus Aurelius Higgs.
Marcus Aurelius Higgs works with Certain Future to support parents of pre-teens (10-14 y.o.), helping them show up and maintain meaningful relationships with their children during these 'identity-breaking' years. He collaborates with parents who want to be present with their son or daughter before it is too late to bridge the gap. Using 'The SHOW UP Framework,' Marcus helps parents benefit by ensuring they are confident in their communication when their tween starts having big emotions, knowing how to be present when their pre-teen starts to withdraw, so their child continues to trust them and naturally opens up difficult conversations, and understanding how to support their child in ways that develop self-belief and resilience.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:03:25 - Identity Breaking Phase
00:04:09 - Development of Friendships
00:05:12 - Coaching a Young Musician
00:10:12 - The Concept of "Not Yet"
00:12:42 - Pygmalion Effect on Parenting
00:13:22 - Common Issues Parents Face
00:16:01 - Show Up Framework Overview
00:22:37 - Opening Up Communication
00:24:44 - Establishing Regular Check-ins
00:29:21 - Personal Story of Support
00:32:30 - Challenges of Modern Parenting
00:34:26 - Social Media and Identity Formation
KEY TAKEAWAYS :
- Parents need to establish a strong identity and know their values and virtues.
- Parents should hold space for collaboration with their kids, working with them rather than doing things for them.
- Written letters expressing pride and support can be a powerful tool for opening up communication with teens.
- Parents should seek support from a parent pod or a network of trusted adults to share the responsibility of parenting.
- Social media can impact the sense of identity, and it is important to help children understand their worth beyond likes and virtual validation.
Memorable Quotes From Marcus Aurelius Higgs.
"If you're a lean thinker, you're probably working to continually improve your skills of communicating with the adults in your life."
CONNECT WITH Marcus Aurelius Higgs
Website: https://marcushiggs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartofmarcus/
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Ep 127 Continually Improving Lead Generation with Jamaul Ford
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
You took the big plunge and started your own business. Maybe you already have a customer or two. But what comes next? Jamaul Ford is a second-generation entrepreneur with some great ideas about what you already know about learning cycles for finding and connecting with customers. Let's listen to what he has to say.
Jamaul Ford
Jamaul Ford, or Jamaul the Maven, is an accomplished second-generation entrepreneur whose business journey goes beyond commercial success. His mission revolves around fostering growth, empathy, and community. With a strong belief in understanding and connecting with people, Jamaul's business approach centers on empowering others to succeed. He has successfully scaled diverse businesses, taking startups from zero to 10k and guiding enterprises to reach milestones of 100k and beyond. As a leader, he actively engages with his team, values learning from every experience, and advocates for open collaboration and collective growth.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:04 Second Generation Entrepreneurship
00:06:22 Finding Your Passion in Business.
00:10:45 Lean continuous improvement techniques.
00:12:04 Listening to customers for success.
00:18:34 Creative problem-solving in business.
00:21:29 Understanding client needs.
00:23:42 What qualifies as a lead.
00:31:17 Using GPT prompt for research.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Transitioning into entrepreneurship is easier when you have a strong foundation and a passion for your work.
- When starting a business, focus on solving a problem or addressing a need that you resonate with.
- Establish rapport and build relationships with potential clients before offering your services.
- Understand the needs of your target market to tailor your pitch and marketing efforts effectively.
- Use tools like adaptive intelligence and artificial intelligence to gather insights or refine your messaging.
Memorable Quotes From Jamaul Ford
“Sometimes, people do not know what they need until you have shown them what they need.”
CONNECT WITH Jamaul Ford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaul-ford-3bb430194/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/JamaultheMaven
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Ep 126 Getting to the Root Causes of Your Limiting Beliefs with Jeeva Sam
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
When I was first working, one of the early lessons imparted to me was that whatever happened at home was not pertinent to my work life. That has been a difficult lesson for me to unlearn. It was one of many limiting beliefs that I wasn’t even aware I was carrying into my lean and continuous improvement work. Jeeva Sam joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights into some of the limiting beliefs that hold us back and what we can do about them.
Jeeva Sam
Jeeva Sam is a seasoned pastor turned advisor and mentor specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate through challenges in their personal and professional lives. With over 35 years of experience as a pastor and has led numerous individuals to achieve personal and professional growth, Jeeva uses his spiritual background to guide clients toward self-awareness and relationship harmonization. Based in Canada, Jiva has a unique approach to counseling and mentorship that focuses on addressing limiting beliefs, fostering healthy mindsets, and enhancing communication skills.
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KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:00:01 Getting to the Root Causes of Limiting Beliefs
00:05:57 Addressing Relational Stress to Improve Workplace Productivity
00:10:59 The Importance of Inner Work for Personal and Professional Success
00:16:29 Exploring Childhood Influences on Adult Behavior and Relationships
00:25:24 Reprogramming Beliefs Through Positive Affirmations and Supportive Company
00:28:49 The Importance of Coaches, Mentors, and Accountability Groups
00:30:08 Couples Masterminds and Gender-Specific Mentorship in Business
00:33:51 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching for Young Entrepreneurs
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Identifying and addressing limiting beliefs is crucial for personal and professional development.
- Relational stress can significantly impact productivity and effectiveness in the workplace.
- Acknowledging the influence of childhood experiences on behavior is essential for self-awareness.
- Cultivating positive beliefs and affirmations can lead to a mindset shift and improved outcomes.
- Seeking mentorship and coaching early on can provide valuable insights and support for growth.
Memorable Quotes From Jeeva Sam
“Replace unhealthy beliefs with positive affirmations to reprogram your mindset for success."
"Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and challenge you to grow beyond your limitations."
CONNECT WITH Jeeva Sam
Website: https://thesams.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevasam/
Titter/X: https://x.com/jeevasam
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Ep 125 You Can’t Do Lean Here, Customer Development Edition with Danny Nathan
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Lean practitioners often discuss the importance of delivering value to customers and understanding their needs. However, Danny Nathan takes this to a new level with his unique approach to lean customer development. His business is a testament to this. Intrigued by his methods, I invited him to join me on a journey to the Edges of Lean, where he shared his insights and practices.
Danny Nathan:
Danny is a versatile entrepreneur who has made a name for himself by helping companies create and launch new products and ventures. With a background in various fields like product design, marketing, and strategy, Danny is known for his ability to solve complex business challenges. As the founder of Apollo 21, a company that combines business consultancy, product design, and venture studio, Danny helps companies foster innovation, drive growth, and overcome obstacles to scaling by developing cutting-edge technology.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:59 - Transition from Acting to Technology
00:04:14 - Types of Products Developed by Apollo 21
00:10:42 - Challenges with Misunderstanding MVP
00:12:02 - Lean Customer Development Explained
00:13:14 - Importance of Validating Customer Needs
00:18:13 - Learning from Customer Development
00:20:04 - Identifying Ideal Customer Groups
00:21:34 - Process of Customer Interviews
00:26:24 - Creating Conviction Through Learning
00:27:00 - Differentiating Apollo 21's Approach
00:29:13 - Ensuring Against Post-Launch Failure
00:30:37 - Customer Observation Techniques
00:39:06 - Handling Multiple Stakeholders
00:40:17 - Heuristic vs. Data-Driven Processes
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Lean customer development is about discovering the purest pain point and validating the need, potential solution, and willingness of customers to pay for it before building anything.
- The focus should be on delivering value to the customer and understanding their needs.
- Lean customer development helps streamline the process of bridging the gap between discovery and minimum viable product (MVP).
- The concept of an MVP has evolved and can be interpreted differently by different organizations.
- The goal of an MVP is to learn as quickly as possible, mitigate risk, and minimize cost and time expenditure.
- Innovation is great, but it is crucial to innovate something that is valuable to the customer and that they are willing to buy.
- Lean Startup provides a clear-cut series of actions to move towards creating something new, but it is vital to adapt and customize the methodology to fit specific needs.
- Lean customer development involves talking to customers, asking the right questions, and gaining a clear understanding of their pain points and needs.
- The process starts with defining the problem space and then talking to a wide range of people to discover pain points and potential solutions.
Memorable Quotes From Danny Nathan::
“Fall in love with the problem and not the solution.”
CONNECT WITH Danny Nathan::
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amongmany/
Website: https://apollo21.io
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Ep 124 Continuously Improving Your Dissertation with Dr. Jen Harrison
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Have you earned an advanced degree? What was the dissertation process like for you? Have you thought about going back to school for a PhD? Are you wondering how to succeed and come out of the process with new knowledge, ready for your next challenge, and with your continuous improvement skills and self-confidence honed? Dr. Jen Harrison works with students as a dissertation coach, and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share the pitfalls and the keys to success with researching and writing your dissertation, all while becoming more collaborative.
Jen Harrison
Dr. Jen Harrison is a highly experienced dissertation coach with a Ph.D. in Children’s and Victorian Literature from Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK. Over the past decade, she has successfully coached and supervised first-generation, ESL, and non-traditional students in the UK and USA, helping many achieve first-class degrees. Dr. Harrison's expertise extends to providing support in writing, research design, motivation, and research methods. As the CEO of Read.Write.Perfect., she utilizes her background in secondary school English teaching, private tutoring, and experience in nursery and primary schools to offer exceptional writing and research services.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:02 - Transition to Dissertation Coaching
00:03:07 - Role of a Dissertation Coach
00:04:45 - Misalignment in Graduate Programs
00:06:21 - Field Non-Specific Coaching
00:08:29 - Pressure and Personal Stories
00:11:02 - Academic Year and Deadlines
00:15:31 - Realizing Misalignment with Goals
00:18:14 - Coachability of Students
00:20:14 - Applying Classroom Teaching Skills
00:25:13 - Differences Between US and UK Academia
00:32:21 - Advocating for Proper Supervision
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Set boundaries with your program and supervisor early on and stick to them.
- Build a strong support network of friends, family, and resources to help you through the process.
- Understand your why - know your purpose and goals for pursuing a graduate degree.
- Seek feedback and ensure you receive constructive feedback that helps you improve.
- Take time for self-care and prioritize your mental health throughout the process.
- Be proactive in advocating for what you need from your supervisor and program.
- Prepare for the transition after completing your dissertation by identifying your next steps and finding something to be excited about.
- Reflect on the structure and expectations of your program and adjust accordingly to meet your needs.
- Remember that resilience and perseverance are keys to navigating the challenges of a graduate degree.
Memorable Quotes From Jen Harrison
“Have a network, establish your network early on, and that doesn't just mean the people in your institution.”
CONNECT WITH Jen Harrison
Website: https://readwriteperfect.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-harrison-769a89172/
Titter/X: https://twitter.com/perfect_write
Free Call for Podcast Listeners: https://calendly.com/readwriteperfect/back-on-track-coaching-consultation-podcasts