What is self-coaching? [Self-coaching series for academics Ep. 1]

About the Self-Coaching for Academics Series

This special podcast series is a practical introduction to self-coaching—designed specifically for academics. Across these episodes, you’ll learn how to examine your thinking, untangle emotional reactions, and make clearer, more aligned decisions about your writing and career. Instead of more productivity hacks, you’ll gain tools to shift beliefs, reduce false urgency, and build real confidence from the inside out. If you’re ready to think differently about your academic life, start with this series.

In this first episode of my Self-Coaching for Academics series, I unpack what coaching really is—and why it’s different from teaching, mentoring, or consulting.

If you’ve ever:

• Felt stuck in your writing but couldn’t explain why

• Overcommitted and resented it later

• Second-guessed your own decisions

• Looked for the “right” answer outside yourself

This episode will help you understand a different path forward.

Coaching isn’t about someone telling you what to do. It’s about learning how to hear your own inner voice more clearly—and make decisions from alignment instead of fear or false urgency.

You’ll walk away understanding:

• How coaching is different from other things we do, like teaching and mentoring

• What self-coaching is—and how it can change the way you approach your academic career

You can treat this series like a free course. If you’ve ever wanted more clarity, confidence, and peace in your academic life, start here.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Scholars’ Voice website: https://scholarsvoice.org

• In the Pipeline email newsletter: Sign up at the bottom of any page at https://scholarsvoice.org

• Navigate Program (Publish Your Backlog of Papers): https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate

• Kerry Ann Rockemore’s Midlife Program (referenced as an example of structured reflective work)