In this episode, we reflect on how the positioning of professional groups within higher education impacts individual identities and professional growth. Drawing on personal experiences within the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) community, I explore how working in UK higher education has challenged and reshaped my sense of professional identity—particularly in relation to research. Through examining differences in group norms, status, and traditions of knowledge creation, this episode highlights the tension between teaching and research-focused identities. While the discussion centres on my experiences in the EAP community, listeners are encouraged to use this as a springboard to reflect on their own professional groups, where they find belonging, and how research fits into their collective and individual professional identities. If you’ve ever grappled with questions about where you belong in your professional landscape or how research aligns with your role, this episode will provide valuable insights and invite you to reflect on your own journey. Tune in to explore how professional identity evolves in response to community, context, and connection.