Your Words Unleashed

Ep. 77 - Why Academics Hate Self-Promotion (But Need to Do It Anyway)


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Why do so many academics cringe at the thought of self-promotion? In this episode, I dive into why scholars struggle to share their work—and why keeping quiet isn’t neutral anymore.

With higher education under attack and misinformation everywhere, I truly believe researchers have a moral obligation to make their insights accessible. But self-promotion doesn’t have to feel like bragging or selling out. Instead, it can be a powerful way to connect, make an impact, and ensure that your work reaches the people who need it most.

In this episode, I cover: the three biggest reasons academics avoid self-promotion, two simple mindset shifts to help you share about your work with more confidence, and how self-promotion, when done right, is actually a form of academic activism.

If you’ve ever hesitated before posting about your ideas and accomplishments, this episode is for you. And stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll talk about how to self-promote without losing self-respect.

📌 Links & Resources:
🔹 Free workshop: Writing as Resistance – How to Maintain Focus in Chaos (April 4)

Check out Leslie's website at www.YourWordsUnleashed.com!

The three ways Leslie can help you in 2025:

#1: Six-month Your Words Unleashed signature book writing coaching program. Through 8 hour-long sessions tailored to your own needs and goals, we will pinpoint what’s keeping you stuck. We’ll figure out personalized solutions and strategies so you can create direction and lasting momentum with your book writing. I’ll also provide detailed feedback on your writing throughout

#2: Four-month Career Reset Program for Overwhelmed Academics who want to reconnect with purpose. Over the course of 6 hour-long sessions, we’ll clarify your personal career vision, create space for what matters, overcome internal obstacles to change, and define what success means on your own terms so you can work less and live more.

#3: Group Zoom Workshops that balance personal well-being with writing productivity. Topics include transforming your dissertation into a book; connecting to the deeper purpose of your work; as well as boundary setting.

Check everything out on my website and if you are interested in any of these, please shoot me an email at ...

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Your Words UnleashedBy Leslie Wang

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