In the third episode of our Flexibility in Research & Life series, Dr. Renée Jordan shares key insights from her own dissertation journey, offering practical advice on staying flexible while managing deadlines, committee expectations, and the complexities of research. From breaking down large tasks into manageable pieces to embracing unexpected challenges, this episode highlights the importance of flexibility at every stage of your dissertation process.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Setting Actionable Goals: Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of starting with the end in mind and breaking down the dissertation into smaller, achievable pieces to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Managing Committee Expectations: The episode dives into how to balance committee feedback with your own research vision. Dr. Jordan shares her experience with various committee dynamics and offers advice on staying flexible when committee members have different expectations or feedback styles.
• Dealing with External Deadlines: Beyond committee feedback, there are also external deadlines to consider. Dr. Jordan talks about managing university deadlines, securing necessary signatures, and ensuring you meet the specific requirements for your department and college.
• Embracing Flexibility: Life and research don’t always go as planned. Dr. Jordan reflects on how the pandemic shifted her dissertation focus and how she adapted to maintain progress. She stresses that flexibility is key to keeping momentum during unexpected changes.
• Breaking Free from Perfectionism: It’s okay not to do everything at once. Dr. Jordan encourages listeners to focus on one piece at a time and make the most of the time and resources available. Even if your dissertation takes longer than expected, as long as it gets done, that's what matters.

This episode encourages PhD candidates to reflect on what is most important, manage their time wisely, and remain flexible throughout their research process. Remember, the best dissertation is a done dissertation—work on it piece by piece and keep moving forward!

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you break your dissertation tasks into smaller, manageable pieces?
2. What are the key deadlines in your dissertation process that you need to prioritize?
3. How do you manage your committee’s expectations while staying true to your research vision?

Tune in to explore how flexibility, time management, and a strong focus on priorities can help you complete your dissertation successfully.

In this second episode of our Flexibility in Research & Life series, Dr. Renée Jordan dives deep into the importance of staying flexible as you navigate the challenges of completing your dissertation. From adjusting your research focus to meeting strict deadlines, Dr. Jordan shares how flexibility played a critical role in her own dissertation process.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Embrace the unknown: Sometimes, the best insights come from unexpected places. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore new methodologies that can enrich your research.
• Balancing goals with flexibility: While it's essential to set actionable goals for your dissertation, you must also remain flexible. Whether it’s adjusting your research questions, reconsidering your data collection methods, or managing feedback, adaptability is key.
• Practical steps to stay on track: Dr. Jordan explains how she set achievable deadlines, engaged with her committee in manageable increments (10 slides at a time), and ensured that her research progressed without overwhelming herself.
• The importance of responsiveness from your committee: From getting timely feedback to ensuring clear communication, the support from your committee is essential for success.

This episode encourages you to reflect on how you can use flexibility to enhance your research process, streamline your goals, and make the most of your remaining time in your program.

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you had to adapt or be flexible in your own research journey recently? What was the outcome of that flexibility?
2. What methodologies or frameworks have you explored in your research that were unexpected but enriching?
3. How do you balance sticking to your original plan with being open to experimentation or change?

Tune in to hear how flexibility can transform your research journey and propel you toward success in your dissertation and beyond.

In this episode of Black-Liberation.Tech, Dr. Renée Jordan takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of navigating flexibility in research and life. Following the completion of her dissertation prospectus, Dr. Jordan dives deep into the challenges of letting go and making space for new methodologies, all while ensuring her research stays relevant and meaningful.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The importance of letting go when necessary, like cutting 30 pages from a draft, and how it doesn’t mean the information is wasted—just saved for later.
• How flexibility in your research approach, such as exploring methodologies like Daughtering (Evans-Winters, 2019), can open doors to deeper, more enriching perspectives—especially when you embrace decolonized approaches to knowledge.
• The analogy of research as an experiment, where success lies not in following a rigid plan but in being open to new possibilities, tools, and methods.
• The metaphor of life as a jam session: embracing the improvisational nature of both research and life, where not every note fits perfectly, but together, they create a harmonious outcome.

This episode is a reminder that research is not a linear path—it’s a dynamic, evolving process. Flexibility, the ability to adapt, and openness to new ideas can propel you forward in your academic and professional journey. Whether you're navigating feedback, adjusting timelines, or exploring new methodologies, this episode will encourage you to stay agile and keep moving forward.

Tune in and reflect: How have you embraced flexibility in your own research or life? What opportunities have you missed by staying too rigid in your approach? Let’s talk about how we can all grow and innovate through flexibility.

Follow Us: Stay connected and share your thoughts on this episode through our social media channels. Use the hashtag #BlackLiberationTech to join the conversation.

In this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech Podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan dives into the powerful concept of "doing the work," a theme that speaks to the often invisible labor that sustains our communities and drives collective liberation. Drawing inspiration from her family and church experiences, Dr. Jordan reflects on the lives of individuals who contribute to the greater good without seeking recognition or titles. She shares stories of her parents, grandparents, and others who served in various capacities, from Sunday school teachers to church leaders, showing how their acts of service transcended formal professions and left lasting legacies. The discussion ties this concept to the digital age, emphasizing that the same spirit of service and community-building applies to work in technology. By doing the work—whether in tech, education, healthcare, or service—we empower each other and create a ripple effect of positive change. Dr. Jordan invites listeners to reflect on their own contributions and how they can continue to "do the work" in their daily lives, both in tangible and digital spaces.

Takeaways:

1. Service Beyond Titles: The work we do in our communities, whether visible or not, plays a crucial role in our collective success. Service is about commitment, not recognition.
2. Legacy of Community: The spirit of service is passed down through generations. Our ability to serve, teach, and uplift others shapes our communities, both offline and online.
3. Empowering Through Action: The mindset of "doing the work" can be applied to any field, including technology. Whether creating content or developing systems, the work we do can have a transformative impact on our communities.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan takes us through her personal journey of navigating the challenges of completing her PhD. Drawing from her 2020 blog post Two Heads Are Better Than One, she reflects on the importance of reaching out for help when feeling stuck in academic and professional pursuits. Through the stories of Black women in academia and her own experiences, Dr. Jordan emphasizes the power of collaboration, community support, and talking through challenges with trusted individuals. From a simple phone call to discussing ideas with friends, this episode explores how collaboration can move you forward in ways that working alone cannot. Dr. Jordan also shares her practical tips for getting unstuck, including identifying trustworthy peers, building supportive networks, and paying it forward by sharing your experiences to help others.

Takeaways:

1. Collaboration is Key: Reaching out to trusted friends or colleagues for advice can help you solve challenges more effectively and move forward when you're stuck.
2. Build Your Community: Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and can provide insight, support, and encouragement during tough times.
3. Help Others Along the Way: Sharing your experiences and challenges with others not only builds a support network but also gives back to the community, creating a cycle of mutual support and learning.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan dives into the importance of finding your community, particularly when navigating social and academic spaces where you might feel isolated. Drawing from her personal experiences and insights, Dr. Jordan explores how building a support network outside of school can be a game-changer in overcoming challenges. She discusses practical ways to form connections through volunteering, extracurricular activities, and professional groups. The episode highlights how small actions, like keeping social conversations light and focusing on shared interests, can ease anxiety and create lasting bonds. Whether you're a student in a PhD program or an undergrad, this episode offers helpful advice for building a community that supports your personal and academic growth.

Takeaways:

1. Build a community outside of school: It's essential to connect with others through activities like volunteering, joining clubs, or attending conferences to ensure you're not feeling isolated in your academic journey.
2. Keep social interactions light: When feeling socially anxious, simple conversations about weather, hobbies, or common experiences can ease tensions and help you connect with others.
3. Consistency is key: Building and maintaining a community requires consistent effort, whether it's checking in with classmates or reaching out to mentors. These relationships provide emotional support and encouragement along the way.

In this final part of the series, Dr. Renée Jordan outlines a detailed, step-by-step plan to transition into a career as an AI and Machine Learning Enthusiast. Drawing from her own experiences and insights, she explores how to leverage existing skills, such as operations, program management, and a passion for educational tools, to break into the field of AI. Topics covered include identifying a niche in AI, building foundational knowledge through low-cost resources, using current work to demonstrate AI applications, expanding professional networks, and pursuing relevant credentials. Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of persistence, curiosity, and using tools like ChatGPT to create personalized plans for career transitions. Whether you're an educator, tech enthusiast, or aspiring AI professional, this episode offers a roadmap for making your AI aspirations a reality. Tune in to discover how you can accelerate your career path and achieve your goals. Also, be sure to check out the YouTube version of this episode to see it for yourself.

Takeaways:

1. Leverage Existing Skills for Transition: Dr. Renée Jordan emphasizes the importance of utilizing transferable skills—such as operations, program management, and educational expertise—when transitioning to an AI and machine learning career. These skills can help shape a niche within the AI field, particularly in education and productivity tools.
2. Start Small and Build Gradually: The step-by-step plan encourages starting with small, manageable projects like building prototypes or using no-code AI platforms. By focusing on hands-on experimentation and gradual learning, individuals can make significant progress without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of AI.
3. Network and Stay Persistent: Dr. Jordan highlights the value of expanding your network within AI communities and collaborating with experts in the field. Staying persistent, reflecting on progress, and seeking opportunities to learn through informal channels, like YouTube and free courses, can maintain momentum and foster continued growth in your AI journey.

In this third installment of our series, Dr. Renée Jordan dives into actionable steps for breaking down big tech goals into manageable tasks without getting overwhelmed. Drawing from personal experiences like pursuing a PhD and creating an Open Educational Resource, Dr. Jordan shares how to leverage past successes to persist through challenges in the tech world. She demonstrates how to turn reflections into personalized ChatGPT prompts, providing practical advice on learning new skills while balancing a full-time job. Whether you’re interested in building a no-code chatbot, learning Python, or transitioning careers, this episode guides you on creating a step-by-step plan tailored to your goals. Tune in for a blend of personal anecdotes, strategic planning, and tips for staying motivated on your tech journey. Be sure to check out the YouTube version of this episode to see it for yourself.

Takeaways:

1. Breaking Big Goals Into Manageable Steps: Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of breaking down large, overwhelming tech goals into smaller, actionable tasks. This method not only makes the process more achievable but also helps reduce stress and maintain momentum.
2. Leveraging Transferable Skills: By reflecting on past experiences, like completing a PhD or preparing for a choir competition, Dr. Jordan highlights how transferable skills—such as persistence, time management, and community engagement—can be applied to learning new tech skills or achieving goals in tech.
3. Using ChatGPT for Personalized Guidance: Dr. Jordan demonstrates how reflecting on your experiences can help you create detailed, context-rich prompts for ChatGPT, enabling AI to provide tailored advice and strategies, making the learning process more efficient and personalized.

In this second part of this series, Dr. Renée Jordan discusses the importance of persistence and pacing yourself, drawing from personal experiences of staying committed to her PhD journey and integrating new tech tools into her work. She shares strategies that helped her persist during challenging times, such as continuous learning, attending conferences, and seeking feedback. Dr. Jordan also reflects on the parallels between preparing for a national choir competition and mastering new tech skills, emphasizing how breaking down big goals into manageable steps can help avoid feeling overwhelmed. She encourages listeners to explore their curiosity, stay resilient, and embrace the learning process as they work toward their tech goals. Tune in to this episode for insights on how to stay grounded and motivated while navigating your tech career journey! Be sure to check out the YouTube version of this episode to see it for yourself.

Three Takeaways:

1. Persistence Through Continuous Learning: Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of staying committed to learning and adapting, using personal examples from her PhD journey to illustrate how consistent engagement, feedback, and adapting tools helped her persist through challenges. This approach can be applied to tech careers by embracing learning opportunities as they arise.
2. Breaking Down Goals to Manage Overwhelm: Just like preparing for a national competition, breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps is key to staying focused and avoiding overwhelm. Dr. Jordan shares how pacing yourself and focusing on smaller tasks can lead to big achievements in both personal and professional growth.
3. Embracing Failure as Part of the Process: Dr. Jordan reflects on a setback during a choir performance and how resilience and the mindset of "just keep showing up" helped her move forward. This resilience is essential in the tech field, where not everything goes according to plan, and setbacks are often part of the learning process.

In this first part of the "Taking One Step at a Time" series, Dr. Renée Jordan dives into practical strategies for avoid feeling overwhelmed when entering the tech field. Drawing from her own experiences and the lesson "C4.2: Taking One Step at a Time and Staying Persistent" from the Black-Liberation.Tech website, Dr. Jordan shares insights on breaking down large goals into manageable steps. Whether you're starting a tech career or building a project, this episode emphasizes the importance of persistence and not being overwhelmed by the many possibilities and opportunities within tech. Listen in as Dr. Jordan walks through her own goals, including creating an Open Educational Resource (OER) that includes a podcast, website, and social media platforms, while offering tips to keep yourself organized and focused. Be sure to check out the YouTube version of this episode to see it for yourself.

Three Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Break Down Large Goals: Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of breaking big projects or career goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed, making it easier to stay focused and motivated.
2. Stay Persistent and Curious: Persistence is key to success in tech. Even when facing challenges, staying curious and committed to learning will help you move forward and grow in the field.
3. Leverage Your Community: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Whether through meetups, online forums, or mentorship, connecting with others can provide invaluable support and guidance as you navigate your career or personal projects.