Season Reflections: Cultivating a Good Academic Life (CAL127, S6, E21)

In this final episode of the 2024-2025 season, I reflect on key themes emerging from the past 20 episodes of 'Changing Academic Life.' These are around creating supportive and inclusive cultures in academia, the role of leadership, career transitions, wellbeing and self-care, and the importance of community. It reminds us to engage in reflection, value our own and others' wellbeing, and contribute to positive changes in academic environments.  Cultivating a good academic life for all is a collective effort.00:00 CAL127 Season reflections02:44 Supportive cultures06:35 Career transitions, choices11:39 Wellbeing & self care13:56 Community16:00 Closing18:29 End

If you are curious about how to set up your own peer support group, inspired by what Johanna Stadlbauer shared about what Uni Graz are doing, then this episode might get you started. I walk through some of the ‘things to think about’ when setting up peer groups such as the group’s purpose, the focus, and who that would involve, also the group size, meeting frequency and commitment, and choosing between structured or informal formats and related roles. I then walk through two examples of more structured formats: action learning sets which take more of a coaching approach, and peer mentoring models that take more of a consulting or advising approach. I also give some examples of more informal peer groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless of approach, good listening, confidentiality and a commitment to genuine participation are key. I also refer to some resources and links for further reading and more detailed overview of steps, as well as some related podcasts. Whether you're looking for mutual support, expert guidance, or simply a sense of belonging, there's a group format that can work for you. Give it a try!00:00 CAL126 Exploring Peer Group Support Models00:29 Introduction01:36 Purpose03:03 Focus05:03 How Many06:17 How Often07:45 Format08:24 Roles09:44 Critical Ingredients11:38 Walking Through Some Examples12:35 Example: Peer Coaching Groups - Action Learning Set20:39 Example: Peer Mentoring Groups25:04 Example: Informal Peer Support Groups28:23 Recap30:07 Do What Works for You - Suggestions33:07 Closing Call and Pointers36:36 EndRelated LinksAction Learning Sets guidance by Caroline Doherty via the UK NHS Action Learning Sets pageAction Learning Sets at Uni of St Andrews&nbsp;as example in an academic contextGraz Call for participation in their Collegial Development ProgrammeKollegiale Beratung in sechs Phasen (Collegial Advising in 6 Phases)&nbsp;Descriptive Consultancy&nbsp;with protocol descriptionBalint Group MethodThe No Club book&nbsp;and No Club GuidanceRelated PodcastsMichael Bungay Stanier on the power of curiosity and taming your advice monster<a href="https://changingacademiclife.captivate.fm/episode/rw8-asking-good-questions-empowering-good-people"...

Johanna Stadlbauer is an anthropologist working in researcher development at the University of Graz, recently made Head of Research Careers Campus Graz. Her mission is a more fun and kind academia. Johanna shares the experiences and challenges of her journey from a PhD to quitting a postdoc in anthropology, to doing NGO work part-time, and then coming back to academia for a researcher development role. Her work now is focused on creating a supportive and kind academic environment, with the aim to improve researcher well-being and foster a sense of community. She discusses establishing structures for postdoctoral researchers' support and community, and highlights initiatives like the writing retreat, Fiasco Fest, and peer mentoring, which aim to improve researcher well-being and foster a sense of community. Johanna is a role model for how to navigate a career path and your work role on your own terms. She is really clear on her own boundaries, and what she needs to feed herself and look after her work-life balance. She also reminds us the value of peer support, of telling people their contributions matter, and of taking the time to savour the good. She reminds us of the significance of agency, community support, and the need for transparency and understanding in academia.00:00&nbsp;CAL125 Johanna Stadlbauer03:03&nbsp;Introduction and Guest Background03:56&nbsp;Journey from Anthropology to Research Development06:18&nbsp;Postdoc Experience and Challenges07:42&nbsp;Deciding to Quit the PostDoc12:05&nbsp;Transition to NGO Work15:57&nbsp;Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries19:47&nbsp;Messaging in Academia23:35&nbsp;Permanent Contract and Current Role29:27&nbsp;Towards a Fun and Kind Academia and Experiences of Power Abuse31:26&nbsp;Finding Solutions and Positive Structures33:31&nbsp;Balancing Critique and Support in Academia35:58&nbsp;Empowering Postdocs and Addressing Structural Issues40:12&nbsp;The Importance of Community, Peer Support and Mentoring49:39&nbsp;Promoting Good Working Environments for Researcher Wellbeing52:03&nbsp;Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts56:53 End&nbsp;Related LinksJohanna's web page (English version)Head of Research Careers Campus Graz&nbsp;Researcher Development in Graz Blog&nbsp;LinkedIn pages for Johanna, the PostDoc Office, and Research Careers Campus GrazThe Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)&nbsp;Max Planck PhD Net&nbsp;Balint Group Method&nbsp;

Tina Persson shares her journey from chemistry and nearly 20 years in academia, to recruiting and then career coaching. Tina discusses the challenges she faced in academia, including struggles with energy-draining tasks and political landscapes, and how she pivoted to a career in recruitment and coaching. She emphasizes the importance of understanding natural talents, emotional intelligence, and honest communication in career development. The conversation covers valuable tips for professors on recruiting and supporting early-career researchers, the impact of AI on career skills, and the cultural differences in career transitions. Tina also highlights the significance of lifelong learning and being open to unseen opportunities, offering practical advice for academics, those seeking an academic position, and those considering a career pivot.&nbsp;Overview:00:29&nbsp;Episode Introduction03:02&nbsp;Introducing Tina and her Academic Journey10:18&nbsp;Transition to Industry12:24&nbsp;Becoming a PhD Recruiter15:25&nbsp;Coaching and Career Development25:24&nbsp;Recruitment Tips for Professors36:00&nbsp;Startup Mentality in Academia38:43&nbsp;Evaluating Candidates Beyond Technical Skills40:35&nbsp;Innovative Interview Techniques43:09&nbsp;Filtering Candidates Efficiently50:57&nbsp;Cultural Differences in Recruitment52:50&nbsp;The Role of AI in Recruitment54:25&nbsp;Human-Centric Skills in Academia01:00:13&nbsp;Building a Supportive Academic Culture01:03:23&nbsp;The Importance of Career Pivoting01:05:52&nbsp;Conclusion and Contact InformationRelated linksRelated to Tina:About Tina and her LinkedIn profile and Passage2ProPhD Career Stories Podcast and upcoming bookPeople: Sarah Blackford&nbsp;, Fritz Eckstein&nbsp;Holland’s Theory of Career Choice

This is a replay of an episode about our strengths as our superpowers and it is a useful precursor to the next podcast discussion where my guest will talk about them as natural talents. This replay episode was triggered by two interactions that made me think more about the importance of knowing our own unique superpowers (as&nbsp;Aaron Quigley&nbsp;discussed), ie our strengths, and also our kryptonite (thanks&nbsp;Lewis Chuang), and how this can help us work out what is our good academic life. And to recognise that we can all have different superpowers.&nbsp;Before getting to the replay I also report on some lovely feedback from the episodes with Graham McAllister.00:29&nbsp;Introduction01:39&nbsp;Update from episodes with Graham McAllister05:21&nbsp;Replay - Strengths as Superpowers06:49&nbsp;Kyrptonite and Superpowers08:19&nbsp;What are your superpowers?14:29&nbsp;Other notes about strengths as superpowers17:21&nbsp;Summary and pointer to ways to explore strengths19:25&nbsp;Additional Pointers22:05&nbsp;OutroRelated Links:The&nbsp;twitter thread started by Lewis ChuangAaron Quigley podcast conversationMike Twidale podcast conversationVIA Character Strengths&nbsp;SurveyStrengthscope&nbsp;Strengths assessment toolsRelated Work:Michelle McQuaid, 2014,&nbsp;Ten Reasons to Focus on Your Strengths&nbsp;No matter what your job description says, Psychology Today.Jeremy Sutton, 2021,&nbsp;Cultivating Strengths at Work: 10+ Examples and Ideas,&nbsp;PositivePsychology.com.Ryan M. Niemiec, 2020,&nbsp;Coronavirus Coping: 6 Ways Your Strengths Will Help You Turn to your best qualities for prevention, safety, and health. Psychology Today.

 ”Writing is thinking, I love thinking, I love working on problems, I love thinking through the problems…. So the whole writing thing is a thinking thing.” says Graham McAllister in this final part of our conversation. His foray into writing a book on Games Usability after he sold his company was also a foray into exploring the process of writing, asking himself questions like "How do you write a book? What's my voice? How do I write? What fits in with my life?”&nbsp;Graham unpacks his experiences about the art and craft of writing that worked for him in answer to these questions. He starts with reflections on publishing challenges in academia and his commitment to making knowledge freely accessible. He also talks about the process of discovering his writing voice, the iterative writing process, setting up a writing routine and setting achievable goals. Graham also reflects on the broader implications of his work within academia and industry, the pursuit of clear communication for your audience, and his future aspirations in writing and consulting. The conversation highlights themes of personal growth, the importance of thoughtful work-life integration, and the impact of past mentors and opportunities.Overview00:00&nbsp;Introduction02:50&nbsp;Introduction to the Book Writing Journey03:28&nbsp;The Philosophy of Free Knowledge04:51&nbsp;The Writing Process and Idea Generation07:12&nbsp;Structuring and Refining the Book10:08&nbsp;Finding Your Voice and Writing Routine11:51&nbsp;Future Writing Projects and Reflections20:09&nbsp;Balancing Work and Personal Fulfillment26:04&nbsp;Final Reflections and GratitudeRelated Links:Graham’s Home page and LinkedIn Profile and his booksCAL120 Part 1 episode with Graham on his previous career pivotsCAL121 Part 2 episode with Graham on team vision alignment

In this second part of my conversation with&nbsp;Graham McAllister, we explore Graham's next pivot to studying organizational psychology at the London School of Economics. After selling his startup, Graham decided to do an MSc to help him answer what he now saw as the core problem in game development teams and that was lack of a unified vision. He shares his insights into shared mental models, vision alignment, shared values, diversity in hiring, and building resilient teams. He also discusses how these principles can be applied to other creative and research collaborations. Keep an eye out for the final episode in this series with Graham where he shares practical tips on the art and practice of writing.Overview:00:00&nbsp;Intro00:29&nbsp;Episode Introduction02:30&nbsp;The Turning Point: Leaving the Company and Writing a Book04:54&nbsp;Discovering Organizational Psychology05:44&nbsp;The Journey to London School of Economics07:16&nbsp;The All-Consuming Feeling of Vision11:07&nbsp;The Importance of Education and Luck16:26&nbsp;Reflections on Lifelong Learning19:22&nbsp;Applying Mental Models Beyond Games20:42&nbsp;Understanding Alignment and Values in Organizations23:39&nbsp;Rethinking Hiring Practices and Leadership26:46&nbsp;Setting a Vision and Mission29:01&nbsp;Building a Mental Model32:19&nbsp;Operationalizing Shared Values36:26&nbsp;Detecting and Addressing Cultural Beliefs38:15&nbsp;Preview of Part 3 on Writing40:38 End&nbsp;Related Links:Graham’s Home page and LinkedIn ProfileCAL120 Part 1 episode with Graham on his previous career pivotsKotter’s Change Model&nbsp;https://www.kotterinc.com/methodology/8-steps/Edgar Schein’s three layer of organizational culture - see variousdiscussions:&nbsp;https://psychsafety.com/psychological-safety-edgar-scheins-three-layers-of-organisational-culture/https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/5-enduring-management-ideas-mit-sloans-edgar-scheinhttps://www.managementstudyguide.com/sigma/edgar-schein-model.htmOriginal 1983 paper

Graham McAllister&nbsp;reflects on his various career pivots, starting with a PhD in computer graphics in Belfast, transitioning through roles in academia and industry and then forming and later selling his games usability start-up. In the process Graham provides a masterclass on how to navigate and negotiate career pivots, how to articulate clear problems and solutions.&nbsp;The conversation highlights the value of bridging practical and theoretical domains, the role of luck and other people, and the need for continuous learning, reflection and adaptation in your career journey while being very clear about the strengths and passions that underpin this.&nbsp;&nbsp;Overview:00:00&nbsp;Episode Introduction03:01&nbsp;Welcoming Graham03:43&nbsp;Early Career and PhD Journey04:49&nbsp;Transition to Industry06:01&nbsp;Straddling Academia and Industry07:54&nbsp;Return to Academia and Music Technology13:34&nbsp;Influence of Gary Marsden17:41&nbsp;Joining University of Sussex21:18&nbsp;Starting a Spin-Out Company21:52&nbsp;Balancing Academia and Startup25:24&nbsp;Challenges and Reflections31:37&nbsp;Academic vs. Industry Conferences32:32&nbsp;Critical Thinking in Video Game Development33:28&nbsp;Startup Challenges and Team Building34:32&nbsp;Marketing Through Education40:56&nbsp;Leadership Reflections and Authenticity48:35&nbsp;Selling the Company and Moving Forward56:20 EndRelated Links:Graham’s Home pageand LinkedIn pagePeople he mentions: Ricardo Climent and Gary Marsden

This is Part 2 of my discussion with Matthew Barr and Oana Andrei who work together in&nbsp;the Education and Practice Section in the School of Computing Science at&nbsp;the University of Glasgow.&nbsp;Oana and Matt each share their personal experiences with mental health challenges. Oana shares her journey from postdoctoral research to becoming a lecturer, highlighting how she dealt with burnout by taking up Taekwondo. Matthew discusses his long-term management of depression and the importance of normalizing such conversations in academic settings. We also talk about their learning, teaching and scholarship career paths, the significance of reflective practice and how it has been integrated into their teaching methods. They also discuss their commitment to inclusion and diversity in education, alongside their passion for teaching and the innovative graduate apprenticeship degree program they have implemented that widens access by enabling work-based learning and student support. The episode offers valuable insights into the importance of personal wellbeing, the role of supportive workplace environments, and what a teaching-focussed path can involve.Overview00:29&nbsp;Episode Introduction02:00&nbsp;Picking up on the question about mental health02:46&nbsp;Oana Shares Her Experiences With Burnout08:05&nbsp;Matt Shares His Experiences With Depression12:45&nbsp;Choosing Teaching Focussed Career Paths16:36&nbsp;Oana Moving From Research To Teaching Track19:06&nbsp;Promotion Criteria in a Learning, Teaching and Scholarship Track24:14&nbsp;Apprenticeship Degree Program31:50&nbsp;Doing a Master in Education34:39&nbsp;A Framework for Reflection38:52&nbsp;Wrapping Up39:18&nbsp;Revisiting Belonging44:09&nbsp;Thanks For The Podcast46:27 EndRelated LinksOana Andrei, Lecturer (Ass Prof) Uni of Glasgow &nbsp;webpage and LinkedIn profile&nbsp;Matthew Barr (Senior Lecturer) Uni of Glasgow webpage&nbsp;and LinkedIn profile The reflective writing resources Matt mentioned:Manchester’s Academic Phrasebank:&nbsp;http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/The guidance here on Portsmouth’s website:&nbsp;https://myport.port.ac.uk/study-skills/written-assignments/reflective-writing-introductionTheir paper on how the apprenticeship degree program might widen access to HE:M. Barr, O. Andrei and M. Kallia, "Widening Access to Higher Education through Degree-level Apprenticeships in Software Engineering,"&nbsp;2023 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), College Station, TX, USA, 2023, pp. 1-8, doi:&nbsp;10.1109/FIE58773.2023.10343199.

This is part 1 of my discussion with Matthew Barr and Oana Andrei who work together in&nbsp;the Education and Practice Section in the School of computing science at&nbsp;the University of Glasgow. It was the experiences of Matt as head of Section that led Oana to suggest he would be good to talk to. Together they share their experiences of what makes for good academic leadership and change, including the psychological safety and sense of belonging of members, the impact of everyday micro-interactions, and fostering a supportive environment. Matt discusses his approach in leadership, such as seeking feedback for self-improvement and actively supporting staff promotions. Oana also shares her perspective on the importance of belonging and mentorship in academic settings and the experience of good leadership. Their insights provide a meaningful look at how we can transform academic work culture for the better.&nbsp;&nbsp;Overview:00:29&nbsp;Episode Introduction01:52&nbsp;Welcome02:28&nbsp;Oana's Journey and Career03:46&nbsp;Matt's Journey and Career06:13&nbsp;Leadership and Management Insights10:00&nbsp;Creating a Supportive Work Environment13:29&nbsp;Supporting Promotion for a Learning, Teaching and Scholarship Track21:23&nbsp;Micro Actions That Can Make All The Difference25:16&nbsp;Being a Role Model in How We Handle Bad Days28:45&nbsp;Learning From Experience What Not To Do36:44&nbsp;Taking Care For Belonging41:20&nbsp;Linking to Part 243:14 End&nbsp;Related LinksOana Andrei, Lecturer (Ass Prof) Uni of Glasgow &nbsp;webpage and LinkedIn profile&nbsp;Matthew Barr (Senior Lecturer) Uni of Glasgow webpage&nbsp;and LinkedIn profile Role modelling paper mentioned by Matt:Virginia Grande, Päivi Kinnunen, Anne-Kathrin Peters, Matthew Barr, Åsa Cajander, Mats Daniels, Amari N. Lewis, Mihaela Sabin, Matilde Sánchez-Peña, and Neena Thota. 2022. Role Modeling as a Computing Educator in Higher Education: A Focus on Care, Emotions and Professional Competencies. In Proceedings of the 2022 Working Group Reports on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education (ITiCSE-WGR '22). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 37–63. https://doi.org/10.1145/3571785.3574122