In this episode, Dr. Danielle McArdle reflects on what it really took to become the version of herself she always imagined. She shares how the PhD process tested her confidence, challenged her identity, and forced her to let go of the idea that she had to figure it all out on her own. We talk about the real work of finding your people, navigating difficult advisor relationships, and learning how to trust your voice. This conversation is a reminder that you are not here just to earn a degree. You are here to become the kind of scholar and leader you always knew you could be.

Dissertation Information

• Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/
• 10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/
• The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 
• Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 
• Qual Scholars’ Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

Danielle McArdle (She/her)

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/daniellehmcardle

Insta: daniellehmcardle

 

About Me:

My name is Danielle McArdle and I will be graduating this spring with a PhD in Management with a specialization in sports marketing from University of Massachusetts-Amherst. I am in expert of fandom in women's sports and I hope to change the world through my research. This fall, I will join the faculty of the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!

 

What I Have Done:

Outside of my academic background, I have served as the coordinator of corporate partnership for the National Women's Hockey League and have completed the United States Olympic Committee's Finding Leaders Amongst Minorities Everywhere (FLAME) Program. I also served as the Workforce Administrator of the Orlando Venue of the 2016 Copa America Centenario.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:56 Navigating PhD Challenges

05:46 The Role of Mentorship

09:10 Overcoming Academic Hurdles

12:03 The Advisor Transition

14:49 Building a Supportive Community

18:14 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

33:58 Navigating Dissertation Challenges

39:06 The Importance of Thought Partners

44:24 Emotional Resilience in the Dissertation Process

49:24 Innovative Data Collection Strategies

54:14 Preparing for the Defense

01:01:33 The Value of Community Support

01:04:23 Looking Ahead: New Beginnings