What happens when you’re wildly successful in academia—but realize you want something else?

In this episode of ConnectED, we’re joined by Dr. Ashley Ruba, a developmental psychologist turned UX researcher, coach, entrepreneur, and founder of After Academia.

From studying infant emotion perception at the University of Washington to building a career and brand that empowers others to leave academia, Ashley shares an honest and deeply reflective look at identity, transitions, and choosing yourself.

We talk about:

➤ Her winding academic journey as a first-generation college student

➤ Studying thousands of babies (literally!) and managing research solo

➤ Creating work-life boundaries during grad school—and sticking to them

➤ Her transition into UX research and what’s changed in the field

➤ What no one tells you about grief, ego, and letting go of the “professor path”

Ashley also shares the emotional realities of career pivots, the importance of community, and how clarity often follows action—not the other way around.

Resources Mentioned:

➤ Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

➤ The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff

➤ Transitions by William Bridges

➤ The Professor Is In by Karen Kelsky

Connect with Dr. Ashley Ruba:

➤ Website: ashleyruba.com

➤ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyruba-phd/

➤ After Academia: afteracademia.com (coming soon or redirect from her main site)

Follow Me for More:

➤ Instagram: @connected.phd

➤ LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli

➤ YouTube: @theconnectednetwork

➤ Spotify: ConnectED Podcast

Share it, tag a fellow PhD, and leave a review. Every listen helps build a world where your PhD journey is valid—wherever it leads.

#PhDJourney #AfterAcademia #UXResearch #PhDToIndustry #GradSchoolLife #WomenInSTEM #FirstGenPhD #ConnectEDPod #WorkLifeBoundaries #AcademicTransition #HigherEdExit #AshleyRuba

What makes a workplace truly well?

It’s not yoga classes and kombucha on tap, it's leadership, culture, and thoughtful design. 

In this episode of ConnectED, we sit down with Dr. Patricia Grabarek, an I/O psychologist, author of Leading for Wellness, and co-founder of Workr Beeing. From researching personality typologies at Penn State to advising global organizations, Patricia shares how her PhD journey helped her build a career centered on making work better—for everyone.

We discuss:

 ➤ How she found her way to I/O Psychology after studying stress in health contexts

 ➤ What to look for (beyond rankings) when choosing a PhD program

 ➤ Her dissertation on personality types and performance in emotional labor roles

➤ What it's really like to write a dissertation while working full-time

➤ Strategies for staying connected to academia while thriving in industry

Patricia also offers real-talk advice on writing, advisor dynamics, identity shifts, and how to communicate research in ways that actually make an impact.

Resources Mentioned:

➤ Leading for Wellness by Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer

➤ PhD Comics – A lifesaving laugh for every stressed-out scholar

➤ Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Annual Conference

➤ APA Journal Access (for staying connected to research in practice)

Connect with Dr. Patricia Grabarek:

➤ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciagrabarek

➤ Website: https://workrbeeing.com/book/

➤ Podcast: Workr Beeing on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen

Follow Me for More:

➤ Instagram: @connected.phd

➤ LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli

➤ YouTube: @theconnectednetwork

➤ Spotify: ConnectED Podcast

❤️ Love this episode? Share it with a fellow PhD, tag a friend who needs a dose of workplace inspiration, and leave a review!

We’re here to normalize the messy middle, celebrate the journey, and stay ConnectED.

#PhDJourney #IOLife #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #PhDToIndustry #WomenInPsychology #ConnectEDPod #WellbeingAtWork #AcademicToIndustry #LeadingForWellness

What kind of leadership does it take to thrive in extreme environments? And how can research on offshore oil rigs translate into boardrooms and trading floors?

In this episode of ConnectED, we sit down with Dr. David Carnegie, a leadership and talent strategist with decades of experience advising C-suite teams across global banks, asset managers, and high-growth companies. His journey began offshore—in the literal sense—as an HR leader in the oil and gas industry, where he became fascinated by the leadership dynamics on remote production platforms.

That curiosity led to a PhD at Aberdeen Business School, where David explored the impact of first-line supervisors in high-risk, high-pressure environments. Since then, he’s built a career at the intersection of research and industry, bringing academic rigor to some of the world’s most complex organizations.

We discuss:

➤ What sparked David’s interest in offshore leadership and led him to pursue a PhD

➤ The experience of researching on oil rigs (including 43 days offshore!)

➤ How his findings surprised senior leaders—and why context matters more than you think

➤ Practical tips for writing, networking, and staying motivated in a solo research journey

➤ How to bring academic rigor into fast-paced commercial environments

David also shares candid insights about life post-PhD, why he didn’t pursue a tenure-track path, and how graduates can translate their research skills into real business impact.

Resources Mentioned:

➤ The Competent Manager by Richard Boyatzis (1982)

➤ David’s newsletter: The Super Supervisor

Connect with Dr. David Carnegie:

➤ LinkedIn: David Carnegie, PhD

Follow Me for More:

➤ Instagram: @connected.phd

➤ LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli

➤ YouTube: @theconnectednetwork

➤ Spotify: ConnectED Podcast

Love this episode?

Share it with someone exploring academia, leadership, or life beyond the PhD. Tag a fellow researcher, leave a review, and help grow this community of curious minds and change-makers.

#PhDJourney #LeadershipResearch #RemoteWork #OilAndGas #HumanFactors #ConnectEDPod #AcademicToIndustry #FirstLineLeadership #WorkplaceLearning #HigherEd #GlobalLeadership #PhDLife

In this episode of ConnectED, we meet Dr. Lawrence Carter, a powerhouse educator, union leader, and systems thinker who recently earned his EdD in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

From lifeguard and PE teacher to instructional leader and board representative, Lawrence takes us on a journey marked by grit, strategy, and purpose-driven education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a doctoral program while juggling full-time work, life, and big dreams.

We cover:

➤ Why Lawrence chose the EdD—and how it differs from a PhD in theory and practice

➤ The critical importance of choosing a program that fits your life and your goals

➤ The mindset shift: viewing your dissertation as a living body of work

➤ Emotional regulation, culturally responsive teaching, and his 318-page research study

➤ Tips for time management, focus, and surviving seven years with four chairs and three methodologists

➤ How he uses systems thinking—from coaching to union leadership—to create equity and impact

Dr. Carter shares actionable wisdom for doctoral students and professionals alike—reminding us that the journey is not just about a title, but about becoming someone capable of creating real change in our communities.

Resources Mentioned: 

➤ Being Bright Is Not Enough: The Unwritten Rules of Doctoral Study by Peggy Hawley

Connect with Dr. Lawrence Carter:

➤ LinkedIn: Dr. Lawrence Carter

➤ Email: [email protected]

Follow Me for More:

➤ Instagram: connected.phd

➤ LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli Ph.D.

➤ YouTube: TheConnectEDNetwork

➤ Spotify: ConnectED Podcast

Love this episode?

Drop a review, tag a friend in the dissertation grind, or share with a future doctoral student who needs a dose of motivation and strategy.

#EdDJourney #PhDvsEdD #DoctoralLife #DissertationTips #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #LeadershipInEducation #EducationalEquity #DoctoralWisdom #ConnectEDPodcast #AcademicSuccess

When Dr. Sophia Diop was just five years old, she asked her mom a simple question: 

"What’s the highest level of school?"

Her mom said, "A doctorate."

Sophia replied, “Okay, I'll go all the way to the top.”

And she did.

In this week’s episode of ConnectED, we dive into the incredible, multifaceted journey of Dr. Diop—chef, entrepreneur, IT professional, and global thinker—who recently completed her PhD in Global Leadership and Change at Pepperdine University.

In this episode, she shares:

➤ How her background in acting, culinary arts, and consulting shaped her leadership lens

➤ Why athletes as peacebuilders inspired her dissertation, and the SMD model she developed

➤ How she balances a tech career, entrepreneurship, and research—without losing focus

➤ Why she believes the PhD is less about a title and more about personal meaning

➤ Her advice: “Don’t think too much. Don’t listen to people. Look within—and just go.”

This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re “too all over the place” for a PhD. Sophia proves that your multidimensional self is the strength—not the barrier.

Resources Mentioned:➤ Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl➤ Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman➤ The Clash of Civilizations by Samuel P. Huntington

Connect with Dr. Sophia Diop➤ LinkedIn - Sophia D, MBA

Stay Connected with Me:

➤ Instagram: @connected.phd

➤ LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli, Ph.D.

➤ YouTube: @TheConnectEDNetwork

➤ Spotify: ConnectED

Love this episode?

Drop a review, tag a PhD friend, or share your favorite quote with us. This podcast was made for the curious, the driven, and the globally minded—just like you.

Tune in now on YouTube or Spotify.

#PhDWithPurpose #GlobalLeadership #WomenInDiplomacy #AthleteLeadership #Peacebuilding #DoctoralJourney #PhDLife #LeadershipDevelopment #ConnectEDPodcast #MultidisciplinaryScholar #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #GlobalThinker

What does it mean to truly learn something—and how do we design education that actually works?

This week on ConnectED, I’m joined by Dr. Julia Phelan, learning engineer, researcher, consultant, and co-founder of Two Eleven. From her early days as a psychology major to earning her PhD at UCLA while raising two kids, Julia has spent over two decades helping individuals and organizations rethink how people learn.

We talk:

• The class that shifted her entire academic trajectory

• Writing a dissertation with a baby in a swing beside her

• What most people get wrong about effective learning

• How she transitioned from academia to applied work

• The hidden science behind onboarding, assessment, and instructional design

Julia brings wisdom, humor, and deep insight into what it means to build truly impactful learning experiences—no matter the context.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Learning Gap and The Teaching Gap by James Stigler
• How People Learn by Bransford, Brown & Cocking
• Research on retrieval practice by Elizabeth and Robert Bjork
• Item Response Theory (IRT) and Adaptive Learning Platforms

Connect with Dr. Julia Phelan:

Love this episode?

If Julia’s story resonated with you, don’t forget to: ✔️ Subscribe to the ConnectED Podcast ✔️ Leave a review and share with your PhD friends ✔️ Follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more episodes and clips

Follow Me for More:

• Instagram: @connected.phd
• LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli
• YouTube: @theconnectednetwork
• Spotify: ConnectED Podcast

Your journey matters—and we’re here to stay ConnectED 💫

#ConnectEDPodcast #PhDJourney #LearningEngineer #WomenInResearch #UCLAAlum #InstructionalDesign #LearningScience #EdResearch #AcademicLife #QuantitativeResearch #HowPeopleLearn #WorkplaceLearning #PhDCommunity

What if your PhD wasn’t about having it all figured out—but about following your curiosity wherever it leads?

This week on ConnectED, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Voeks, a first-gen college student from Detroit who earned her PhD in French Studies at UT Austin, dove deep into 16th-century literature and religious violence, and ultimately found her place in educational technology and customer success.

In this honest, reflective conversation, Ashley shares:

• How she got into French… because Spanish was full (true story!)

• The deep pull toward literature and learning—even without a clear career plan

• Why finding a fully funded PhD program was non-negotiable

• Moving across the country solo for grad school—and finding her footing in Texas

• Her dissertation on religious toleration and its unexpected relevance today

• What it really felt like teaching for the first time (spoiler: it wasn’t perfect)

• Why she made the leap from academia to edtech—and how she still stays connected

• How she’s now coaching language students and faculty to build confidence and careers

Whether you’re wrestling with imposter syndrome, thinking about what comes after your PhD, or trying to balance big ideas with real-life choices, this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and inspired.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Leaving Academia: A Practical Guide by Christopher Caterine

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: connected.phd

• LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli, Ph.D.
• YouTube: @TheConnectEDNetwork
• Spotify: @connectED

Help us reach more curious, purpose-driven PhD students by sharing this episode with a friend or colleague. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. 💬 Tag us with your favorite takeaway!

#ConnectEDPodcast #PhDJourney #FirstGenPhD #HumanitiesPhD #WomenInAcademia #FrenchStudies #CareerPivot #AcademicTransitions #EdTechCareers #LanguageLearning #CustomerSuccess #ReligiousTolerance #HigherEdReform #PhDLife #LetGoOfPerfect

What happens when a global security leader managing crisis across 60+ countries decides to pursue a PhD in the middle of a pandemic?

In this episode of ConnectED, we sit down with Daniella Bove-LaMonica, Director of Crisis Management and Global Emergency Response at MetLife and doctoral candidate in Global Leadership & Change at Pepperdine University.

In this candid and insightful conversation, Daniella shares:

• How her experience in post-9/11 government work shaped her research focus
• The moment three margaritas and a pandemic sparked her PhD journey
• Why she’s investigating resilience strategies in corporate security teams
• Tips for balancing full-time leadership, parenting, and doctoral work
• How she’s applying academic tools like systems thinking and research design to influence corporate decisions

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Global Leadership: Research, Practice, and Development – Edited by Mendenhall
• Book: Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter Northouse

Connect with Daniella Bove-LaMonica:

• LinkedIn: Daniella Bove-LaMonica

Stay Connected with Me:

• Instagram: @connected_phd
• LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli, PhD
• YouTube: @TheConnectEDNetwork
• Spotify: ConnectED

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone navigating a PhD or career in corporate leadership. Subscribe and leave a review!

#ConnectED #PhDJourney #CrisisLeadership #CorporateResilience #WomenInLeadership #SecurityProfessionals #AcademicJourney #PhD #PhDJourney #academia #dissertation #gradschool

What if your PhD program didn’t exist yet—so you helped create it?

In this episode of ConnectED, I chat with Dr. Dan Weberg, a nurse, author, Ironman athlete, and the first person to earn a PhD in Healthcare Innovation at Arizona State University.

Dan’s story is one of curiosity, complexity, and courage—shaped by ER nights, complex leadership theory, and a refusal to follow the status quo.

This episode dives into:

• How Dan’s background in emergency nursing shaped his leadership lens

• His experience helping launch the first-ever Healthcare Innovation PhD
• What he learned from failing a college econ class and redefining success
• Why simulation and complexity science became his dissertation playground
• Tips for doing your PhD while working full-time (and training for triathlons)

Resources Mentioned:

• Quantum Leadership

Connect with Dr. Dan Weberg:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnursedan/
• Website - http://www.drnursedan.com/

Follow Me for More:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠@connected.phd⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Haille Trimboli⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠@TheConnectEDNetwork⁠⁠
• Spotify: ⁠⁠ConnectED⁠

Loved this convo? Share it with a nurse, PhD, leader, or innovator who’s reimagining what’s possible.

#ConnectED #NursingInnovation #PhDToPractice #HealthcareLeadership #AltAc #SystemsThinking #DrNurseDan

What is the true purpose of a doctoral degree? Is it just a piece of paper—or something more profound?

In this episode of ConnectED, we sit down with Dr. Trevor Gerhardt, a global educator, researcher, TEDx speaker, and thought leader in work-based learning. Originally from South Africa and now based in the UK, Trevor takes us through his rich and reflective doctoral journey—from training clergy in the Church of England to becoming a powerful voice in experiential education.

We discuss:

• What sparked his decision to pursue a doctorate and why he chose the EdD path
• How professionalism and identity are shaped through education
• His experience navigating a cohort-based program at Canterbury Christ Church University
• The emotional resilience it takes to finish a doctorate (heart monitor and all!)
• His research on authentic leadership and strategic imposterism

Trevor also shares advice for current and aspiring PhD students on time management, staying focused, and holding onto your “why.” Plus, he opens up about how to stay grounded when academic pressures rise.

Resources Mentioned:

• Recommended in this episode: ⁠Robert Kegan’s work on adult development⁠.

Connect with Dr. Trevor Gerhardt:

• Ted Talk: ⁠When Life Gives You Too Many Lemons | Trevor Gerhardt | TEDxPCL⁠
• Website: ⁠https://www.drtrevorgerhardt.com/⁠
• TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drtrevorgerhardt⁠ 
• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-trevor-gerhardt-sfhea-510912120/⁠

Follow Me for More:

• Instagram: ⁠@connected.phd⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠Haille Trimboli⁠
• YouTube: ⁠@TheConnectEDNetwork⁠
• Spotify: ⁠ConnectED⁠

Love this episode? Share it, tag a fellow creator or PhD, and leave a review!

#PhDJourney #WorkBasedLearning #AuthenticLeadership #EdD #HigherEducation #ConnectEDPod #ExperientialLearning