Episode Details

In this episode of the The Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I talk with Dr. Leslie Wang about writing authentically, values misalignment in academia, and choosing a career path that feels aligned with your long-term wellbeing. This episode is for anyone who feels exhausted by the pressure to constantly perform, produce, and prove themselves while questioning whether their current path still reflects who they are and how they want to live.

We explore how academia, like many professional spaces, can shape people into prioritizing external validation over internal alignment, and how signs like dread, resentment, perfectionism, burnout, and comparison often point toward deeper values misalignment. Dr. Wang shares how she transitioned from a tenured professor to a coach supporting scholars with writing, publishing, and career decisions rooted in values-alignment. We also discuss how graduate students can approach career exploration more intentionally, how to identify your internal compass, and how to write for real readers instead of only writing for gatekeepers.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to identify early signs of values misalignment in academia
• Why external achievement alone often does not create long-term fulfillment
• How core values can guide career decisions and sustainable work practices
• Ways to approach writing more authentically while maintaining scholarly rigor
• How to identify an ideal reader beyond your dissertation committee or reviewers
• Why graduate students benefit from considering multiple career paths instead of defaulting to the tenure track

Work with me

• If your institution, organization, or team is looking for workshops on sustainable productivity, executive functioning, leadership development, or culturally responsive student support, learn more here: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/speaking/
• Learn more about my coaching services for graduate students and professionals: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/coaching/

Connect with Dr. Leslie Wang

• Your Words Unleashed: https://yourwordsunleashed.com
• Dr. Wang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-k-wang-phd-a813227/

Free resource

• Download your Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/kit/

Explore more

• Listen to more episodes on Personal Development and Mindset: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast_catergory/personal-development-and-mindset/
• Support the podcast with a one-time or monthly donation: https://donate.stripe.com/bJedR8dGRcs6ewGdwq38401
• Access transcripts and additional resources: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/
• Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yessisanchez/
• This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.
• The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or other professional services.