Your Unapologetic Career Podcast

Are you at a crossroads in your career, contemplating a major shift that not only changes what you do daily but also who you are professionally? It can be very disorienting in transition periods. 

 As we evolve in our careers, the changing dynamics can feel like a treacherous river crossing, leaping from rock to rock in pursuit of a future that feels like freedom. With her signature blend of empathy and no-nonsense advice, Kemi offe...

Join Kemi as she unpacks the critical role of community in achieving success – and how our work experiences can really warp what we think ‘community’ even means. From the importance of holding a shared vision to the power of celebrating every step forward, Kemi reminds us that we are stronger together than we are alone. 

 You will hear firsthand how she navigated the challenges of feeling isolated in her research and the steps taken...

In a world where the hustle culture often glorifies working to the point of exhaustion, Kemi brings us a refreshing perspective on how to work smarter, not harder. This episode isn't your typical productivity talk; it's a deep dive into the nuanced strategy of using procrastination as a tool for success. Yes, you read that right—procrastination, the very thing we've been taught to avoid like the plague, can actually ...

In this laser-focused episode, Kemi zeroes in on a pervasive yet often unspoken issue in academic medicine and public health: the dual role of research mentor and direct leader / supervisor. Kemi dissects the inherent conflict of interest when one person plays both mentor and leader, offering four actionable steps to ensure these relationships remain healthy, productive, and free from the pitfalls of power dynamics. From recognizin...

Today's episode features a mini listener letter session with Kemi addressing casual questions received through DMs or short emails. Kemi will discuss two significant topics and these are heavy hitters – toxic workplaces and the complexities of authorship in academia.  

 Don't forget to share your listener letter by emailing podcast@kdollcoach.com. Let's dive in! 

And if you'd like to learn more foundational caree...

In this episode, Kemi is joined by Dr. Lori-Ann Edwards, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Edwards is dedicated to providing perioperative care for pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia. Her keen interest lies in enhancing the quality and safety of anesthesia delivery within this patient population. Leveraging her experience in quality and performance improvement researc...

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Kemi reflects on the tumultuous start of 2024, weaving through personal and professional challenges. From juggling CEO duties and coaching sessions to unexpected upheavals resembling unwelcome party guests, she shares her pivotal lessons and challenges the misconception of waiting for a calm moment to begin living, emphasizing the need to embrace joy and creativity amid chaos. 

The only way out is...

ENCORE EPISODE! As women of color in academic medicine and public health, many of us have encountered being the first person of color in our division or department. This experience is commonly discussed from an identity perspective, focusing on the challenges of being "first, only, or different." However, there's another aspect to being first – the way you navigate your career and approach your work. In this episode,...

In this episode, Kemi discusses the importance of having an exit strategy in academia. She urges us to regularly assess our career paths, challenging the belief that academia is the sole option. Kemi also emphasizes the significance of recognizing personal agency and maintaining an exit strategy as a valuable tool for defining our value, identifying opportunities, and making informed choices. Tune in for more insights on navigating...

With nearly two decades of clinical experience as an adult nurse practitioner, Dr. Lisa Carter-Bawa (formerly Carter-Harris) is a distinguished behavioral scientist. Currently serving as the Director of the Cancer Prevention Precision Control Institute at the Center for Discovery & Innovation (CDI) at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey, she also holds leadership roles at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center...

High-achieving women of color in academic medicine and public health often experience the disappointment of unmet expectations and grapple with guilt over unavailability. In this episode, Kemi explores the connection between guilt and preparation, asserting that sacrificing preparation compromises the quality of our output, to the detriment of both ourselves and those we serve. 

The episode calls on leaders to overcome the guilt tra...

The episode focuses on the concept of dynamism in academic medicine and public health, with Kemi introducing four distinct types: the builder, the traveler, the maintainer, and the adapter. Each type brings unique value to academia, challenging conventional judgments about career paths. 

Join in as Kemi explores the characteristics, contributions, and potential misconceptions of each type, sharing personal anecdotes and observations...

Are you tired of empty promises and unfulfilled commitments in academic medicine and public health?

In this episode, Kemi challenges the prevailing culture of "BS-ing” in academia, naming the superpower that will set you apart. This skill is the key to standing out, fostering collaborations, achieving high-impact publications, and accelerating promotions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this episod...

Welcome to the first episode of 2024!

 In this insightful and reflective episode, Kemi discusses end-of-year traditions, challenges in academic medicine, and advocates for a balance between work and reflection. Tune in and kick off the new year with a renewed perspective on progress, creativity, and personal well-being.

And if you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academ...

On this special year-end episode of the "Your Unapologetic Career" podcast, Kemi takes a nostalgic journey through the top 10 episodes of 2023 and shares her own growth, challenges, and the collaborative effort behind creating each impactful episode. 

Tune in to celebrate the highs, reflect on the lessons, and gear up for another year of empowering career insights. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Honorable Mentions:

• E...

In this episode, we embark on an illuminating journey through creating a lucrative career alongside academic medicine. 

Tune in as Kemi and Dr. Shirlene Obuobi share their personal experiences, challenge the boundaries of conventional thinking and debunk the myth that hobbies and passions should remain separate from one's professional identity. 

Dr. Shirlene Obuobi is a Ghanaian-American physician, cartoonist, and author who was...

How do high-achievers foster truly reciprocal friendships? Many of us don’t believe they exist because of how often we are doing most of the giving. This episode is your “how to" guide for engaging in high-quality friendships that nurture your own growth. 

This is a conversation between Kemi and Monique R. Shields. Monique is an executive coach for women in the C suite, founders, entrepreneurs and women of color in academic med...

Join Kemi as she shares a real-life scenario of unexpected childcare loss and how it prompted her to document the day on Instagram. What started as a glimpse into her life quickly turned into a powerful conversation about productivity, success, and the misconception that high achievers don't face disruptions. 

This episode isn't just about managing chaos; it's a deep dive into taking ownership of your time, making int...

In this episode, Kemi addresses an untapped skill: quitting!

We have often given ourself jobs that we don’t consciously realize – and these roles can wreak havoc on your productivity, focus, and ability to make steady career progress. Today, Kemi talks about: The Cleanup Crew, The Happiness Committee, and the Voluntary Accounting Service.

Listen in as Kemi challenges us to resign from these jobs ASAP and redirect our focus...