As researchers, it is easy take on everything. Writing, researching, promoting. The lot. However, doing it all is probably not the most effective use of your skills. In this blog I challenge you to take a closer look at the work you do and ask yourself, “Can someone else do this?”

With all of the trouble being faced by universities and researchers, I go thinking about the things I would do if I were a vice-chancellor for a day. I made a list of 11 items. The cover gender equity, PhD training and recruitment, staff development, and the allocation of IP ownership. You can hear more on my podcast.

Link to transcript: https://drrichardhuysmans.com/if-i-were-a-vice-chancellor-2/

PhDs are large undertakings for both the student, and their supervisors. Yet, not much time is spent considering the type of supervisor a student might need or want. Furthermore, little thought is devoted to how this might change throughout the process. In this blog I look at three approaches – boss, colleague, mentor – and how each might be beneficial at different stages of the PhD.

Link to transcript: https://drrichardhuysmans.com/should-my-phd-supervisor-be-a-mentor-colleague-or-boss-2/

Leaving academia isn’t easy. Especially if that’s what you’d thought you’d do your whole life. So, although this post won’t help you deal with the emotional side of leaving, it does offer 38 practical things you can do to help make the transition easier.

Link to transcript: https://drrichardhuysmans.com/thirty-eight-things-to-help-you-transition-out-of-academia/

People can think you’re either “good” or “bad” at presenting.

But I think the truth is that you can get better (or worse). And, through practice you can improve.

In this podcast, I went through some of the things I do when preparing a talk. I covered what I think is important when it comes to presenting your research work, and suggested an approach to try, next time you give a talk.

Competitive research grants aren’t getting any easier. One way to address the problem is through finding and working with an industry partner. Imagine if you spent the same time building an industry connection as you did write a grant….? What would that world look like? How could/would you make that happen?

Link to transcript: https://www.drrichardhuysmans.com/using-your-network-to-establish-industry-connections-2/

In this podcast I go through 12 questions that might indicate you're addicted to academic work, and it's time to change your habits.

Academics tend to portray themselves as working all of the time and in all places. However, that’s not sustainable IMHO. In a recent group coaching session we discussed both approaches. Both seemed successful for those in the group. However, I don’t believe both will be useful long term. Making academic life the centre of your life, might be fine for short bursts or distinct periods in your life. But, at what point does that become an addiction? Maybe it is time to ask yourself – Am I addicted to academic work?

Link to transcript: https://www.drrichardhuysmans.com/are-you-addicted-to-academic-life-2/

Different people will have their own ideals. What and how they want to build a career. But what I can say in all cases, making the opportunity (rather than waiting for it) will be a faster path to your success. And, in many instances leaving a job and an employer has FAR more upside than downside..  

So, if you’re wanting more from your job, career or business, start making it happen.  

In this podcast I go through three career building cases studies.

Link to transcript: https://www.drrichardhuysmans.com/building-your-career-by-leaving-your-employer-2/

Rather than working more hours, one of the best things you can do to ensure your PhD finishes on time is to improve your productivity.  

But, knowing how or where or when can be hard.  

In this Tuesday Talk, I ran through some of the things I do to stay productive. I also covered the advice I give academics and how different approaches have worked (or not) for them.

COVID has taught us so much. Including the value of a good plan. And the value of getting rid of old plans when they no longer suit us. One planning technique often named, but rarely implemented well is the strategic plan. If you’ve often wondered what’s the difference between a plan and a strategy. Or what the differences are between a strategic, business or operational plan – come along to to this workshop!