Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I reflect on how many of the grad students I once coached are now working professionals in various leadership roles, and how our conversations have shifted toward career and leadership development, especially how to advance in their career without burning out. I connect sustainable leadership to boundary setting. I explain why boundaries are essential for leadership: they protect focus, support our energy, shape team culture and wellbeing through modeling, and enable long-term impact, especially for first-gen and non-traditional professionals carrying extra roles and responsibilities. I also share practical strategies for setting boundaries around your time, communication, and energy.

If you’d like to have me facilitate a sustainable productivity or leadership workshop for you and your team, you can learn more here. https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/speaking/

If you liked this episode, check out episode 144 on the ABC method of productivity and episode 174 on five ways to set boundaries using email scripts. 

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

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Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez.

This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

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In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I talk with first-generation college graduate and seasoned Bay Area admissions consultant, Erica Hernandez, about financial aid for first-gen students and their families. Erica shares how growing up in the Bay Area with limited guidance shaped her work helping families ask better questions about financial aid beyond just income, including factors schools consider and the separation between admissions and financial aid decisions. We discuss common misconceptions among middle and upper-middle income first-gen parents, the “middle-income gap,” and why families need 5–10+ year planning to build and preserve wealth. Erica also breaks down differences between public and private institutions and why students should also think about grad school in this process.

If you’d like to have me facilitate a tailored sustainable productivity or leadership workshop for you and your team, you can learn more here.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on funding for higher education.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

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You can connect with Erica Hernandez at the following:

https://ray-education.com/

https://ericahf.substack.com/

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Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez.

This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I reveal five truths about grad school admissions no one tells you. First, being qualified isn’t enough. Second, who you know matters. Third, your application story must be strategic. Fourth, “fit” can reflect institutional culture and pressure to assimilate. Fifth, rejection is often driven by factors outside of your control. Tune in to hear me explain exactly what I mean about these truths and why they matter if you are applying to graduate school.

Join the Compassionate Accountability Retreat (March 20–21) for dedicated time and supportive accountability to work on your materials.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on applying to graduate school.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

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Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez.

This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this client spotlight, I speak with Dr. Jeanette Villanueva Padilla about her journey from completing her master’s degree to earning her doctorate while parenting, working full time in higher education, and navigating uncertainty along the way. She describes that season of life as a “kaleidoscope” and reflects on how coaching supported her in clarifying priorities, managing time and energy, building sustainable writing practices, setting boundaries, and staying connected to her why. Now a senior higher education leader with 26 years of experience and Senior Budget Manager for MBA Programs at USC Marshall, Dr. Villanueva Padilla shares how she pays it forward by mentoring peers and supporting students of color, and offers encouragement about patience, faith, and honoring your own timeline.

You are invited to join the April cohort of the GECC, my group coaching program. You can learn more and get on the waitlist here. 

If you liked this episode, check out our previous client spotlight episodes.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

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You can connect with Dr. Jeanette Villanueva Padilla on LinkedIn.

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez.

This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I walk you through exactly how to secure affordable graduate school housing. I share when you should start searching and why it’s earlier than you may think. I also outline three main housing options to compare from and offer strategies like asking current grad students about options and searching for university-affiliated rental lists. I emphasize the importance of comparing your options and reviewing lease details closely to ensure you get the best housing option to meet your needs.

You are invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat for extra support and can learn more here. 

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episode 116 on housing and funding in master's programs. 

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I talk about confidence building for first-gen professionals. I share why confidence can sometimes feel harder for first-gen professionals. I then offer strategies to strengthen confidence over time. And I close with reflective prompts to remind you that confidence is a skill that fluctuates with changing conditions and that can be rebuilt over time with small steps.

You are invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat for extra support and can learn more here.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episode on confidence building and designing career success. 

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez. 

This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I talk with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah, founder of Bold PhD Consulting, about career design for PhDs and the challenges and opportunities for PhDs considering careers outside academia. Dr. Gertrude shares her own journey from academia to science communications and offers practical advice on career development, networking, and leveraging your PhD skills for non-academic roles. We emphasize the importance of intentional career planning, visibility, and creating multiple opportunities for yourself in an uncertain job market.

You are invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat and can learn more here. 

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on career and professional development: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast_catergory/career-development/

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You can connect with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah and access her resources at the following links:

Exiting Academia Series with 50 PhDs: https://www.publicationacademy.org/exiting-academia-interview-series/

Newsletter: https://theboldphd.com/newsletter/

Navigating the PIVOT book: https://theboldphd.com/navigate/

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I guide you through how to manage and complete an incomplete in grad school. I explain what an incomplete means and discuss various circumstances that might lead to receiving one, such as health issues, family emergencies, or academic overload. I share strategies for overcoming the psychological toll of an incomplete, including reducing other obligations, seeking external accountability, and finding concentrated blocks of time to work. Additionally, I offer tips on clarifying requirements and deadlines with professors and adjusting expectations.

You are also invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat for extra support and can learn more here. 

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on finishing long-term projects and dissertation writing here. https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast_catergory/dissertation-and-writing-strategies/

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share insights for grad students, academics, and other writers feeling overwhelmed by manuscript revisions, whether you’re working on a dissertation, prospectus, or course paper. Drawing from recent coaching topics, I introduce six different strategies to set daily milestones and effectively manage revisions. I cover assessing available time and energy, differentiating essential tasks from nice-to-haves, and grouping revisions by their cognitive demand. I also suggest approaches like alternating heavy and light revision days and using section-by-section completion to maintain progress. I emphasize flexibility and self-compassion and encourage you to find a personalized method that works best for your specific circumstances and energy levels.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on long-term projects and dissertation writing here. 

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this replay episode, I share my personal experience of turning down my dream master's program due to funding issues and provide comprehensive guidance on securing funding for master's programs. From internal scholarships within your department to external fellowships and creative freelance opportunities, I cover various strategies to make your graduate education financially manageable. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of financial literacy and budgeting to ensure long-term financial stability. Tune in to learn how to proactively seek and secure funding for your master's program.

If you liked what you heard, check out my blog post on 20+ ways to secure funding for master's programs and the following relevant episodes: 

-4: Grad School Funding

-58: Accepting an Offer With Little to No Funding

-67: What You Need to Know About Student Loans

-79: Financial Literacy in Grad School

-132: Five Budget-Related Tasks to Complete Before Saying Yes to a Grad Program

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.