Your Unapologetic Career® Podcast

Are you struggling to assess your writing skills? This episode marks the beginning of an exciting series dedicated to writing, and it sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the nuances that often go unnoticed in academic writing.   Many individuals struggle to gauge their writing abilities, often feeling uncertain about where they stand. This uncertainty is not just a personal dilemma; it refl...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now, and grant writing is no exception. But is it making proposals stronger or quietly lowering the bar?  Join Kemi as she shares her unfiltered thoughts on the implications of AI in academia. She discusses the decline in writing instruction for researchers and the potential consequences of relying on AI to craft grant applications. With a keen eye...

Are you aware of the unique challenges surrounding womb health, especially for Black women?   Welcome to the Womb Wisdom series on the Your Unapologetic Career Podcast, where Kemi dives deep into womb health, healing, and the often-overlooked issues surrounding it. In this first episode, Kemi explores the hidden crisis of womb suffering and the importance of critical thinking in navigating gynecol...

Happy New Year!  The start of a new year often brings with it a wave of energy and motivation, and this episode captures that feeling perfectly.   Join Kemi as she shares her excitement about the upcoming release of her book in May and how it represents a culmination of her journey, including themes of womb health, courage, and living with intention. She also outlines the new podcast format for th...

As we approach the new year, Kemi encourages you to reflect on your journey.  In our latest episode, Kemi shares her top five lessons learned in 2025, covering everything from the power of routine to the importance of sleep. These lessons serve as guiding principles as we move forward. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, professional ambitions, or simply striving for a better work-life...

In a world of uncertainty, trusting yourself is more crucial than ever. This week’s episode is all about trusting yourself and making bold career moves in uncertain times.  As you listen in, you’ll hear Kemi emphasize that during times of instability, people often face two natural reactions. One might feel inclined to hunker down, avoid risks, and lay low. However, the more empowering response is...

In this episode, Kemi is joined by Dr. Caitlin Collins, an Assistant Professor in trauma surgery and surgical critical care at University of California, San Francisco. Her research has focused on alternative payment models, health equity, and quality improvement within surgical populations. She has explored the impact of bundled payment reimbursement models within a general surgery population and...

On this inspirational episode Kemi shares her transformative journey of building KD Coaching from a side hustle to a powerhouse in the field of academic medicine and public health.   Throughout the episode, she shares her struggles and triumphs, detailing how she built her coaching company while juggling multiple responsibilities, including her full-time job and family life. Her commitment to her...

This week, Kemi welcomes Dr. Nina Zhao, an otolaryngologist and educator who shares her unique journey in academic medicine.   Dr. Zhao is an Assistant Professor and fellowship-trained Laryngologist in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University. She serves as the medical director of the University Ho...

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Nadia Abuelezam, an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and an epidemiologist dedicated to advancing health equity among Arab and MENA American populations. Join Kemi and Nadia as they reflect on Nadia's transformative journey from feeling undervalued and stuck in her academic career to embracing her purpose and finding agen...

This week, Kemi welcomes Dr. Francesca Duncan, a physician and researcher specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Together, they explore the often-overlooked topic of lung cancer screening, especially within black and brown communities, where disparities in access and awareness persist.   As they dig into the current state of academic medicine, they discuss the institutional inertia...

Imposter syndrome, as defined, is that nagging feeling that your achievements are merely luck rather than a reflection of your hard work and capabilities. Kemi emphasizes that while this feeling is common, it can be misdiagnosed.    This discussion is not just about feeling inadequate; it’s about recognizing the difference between genuine skill gaps and the emotional turmoil that can accompany hol...

The rules of the game changed. The gig economy has already reshaped academic medicine. The old guarantees are gone; tenure, titles, and “waiting your turn” are not a strategy. These four non-negotiables are.    If you’ve felt the shift, but haven’t had the language or the plan, this conversation gives you both. Join in as Kemi breaks down what’s changed, what’s not coming back, and the four non-ne...

This week’s episode explores the intersection of plagiarism allegations and systemic issues in academia. How do we navigate these challenges while maintaining authenticity?   Join Kemi as she reflects on an unexpected twist that led to the creation of this episode, the options she considered and the lessons learned from this experience, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and connection in the...

This week, Kemi tackles the pressing question: What does the new standard of academia look like in the wake of recent upheavals? As institutions grapple with shifting ideologies, Kemi explores the implications for academic faculty and the emergence of a new "gig economy" within academia.   In this episode, she emphasizes the need for faculty to redefine their self-worth, viewing themselv...

Have you felt the tremors of change in the academic job market? The landscape of academia is shifting, and job security is no longer what it used to be.    In our latest episode, Kemi’s diving into the shifting sands of job security in academia. As institutions reevaluate tenure and funding structures, Kemi candidly explores the implications of these changes and encourages listeners to stop waitin...

This week Kemi dives into the world of global health with Dr. Neelima Navuluri, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Duke University and the Durham VA. Together, they explore her impactful work in Kenya and the challenges of addressing chronic lung diseases in resource-limited settings.  In this conversation, Neelima shares her journey from a passion for global health to her specialization i...

Continuing our conversation from last week on keeping apathy at bay in a chaotic world, this episode dives into how to stay focused on your goals.   Drawing on Timothy Snyder's critical lessons from his book, "On Tyranny," Kemi emphasizes the importance of fighting for the integrity of our professions and institutions in the face of growing authoritarianism and misinformation. Liste...

How do we keep apathy at bay in a chaotic world? Join the conversation as Dr. Kemi shares her personal reflections on the emotional toll of navigating professional responsibilities while grappling with the realities of the world around us.   In this episode, Dr. Kemi discusses the importance of recognizing the meaning of our work, the unique roles we play in social change, and how to combat feelin...

“Just because you don't know how to do the thing you really want to do, whether it's research or programming or whatever, doesn't mean that you don't get to go after it with fervor and a passion.“ - Kemi Doll  This week, Kemi takes us on a personal journey through the creative process behind her upcoming book cover. She reflects on the importance of strategic planning, the thri...

This week, we're shaking things up! In this episode, Kemi invites you to join her for a refreshing break from the usual career-focused content. Embracing the concept of "recess," she encourages you to explore the importance of fun and leisure in your busy lives.   Join in as Kemi shares a variety of personal recommendations, from insightful podcasts to engaging TV shows and exciting...

This week, we celebrate the resilience and strength of women of color in leadership!   Join Kemi as she explores insights from Vanessa Priya Daniel's book " Unrig the Game " highlighting challenges and actionable gems that resonates deeply with women of color in academic medicine and public health. She also discusses the importance of celebrating milestones, setting boundaries, and...

In the world of academic medicine, the transition into new roles can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you're a fresh graduate stepping into your first faculty position or a mid-career professional changing jobs, one tool stands out as invaluable: the informational interview. Informational interviews are not just casual coffee chats; they are strategic opportunities to gather information...

As summer approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on our career goals and the boundaries we need to set to achieve them. However, in the fast-paced world of academia, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of work and personal life.  Through enlightening observations, Kemi highlights the importance of articulating and maintaining boundaries to protect our time and ene...

Looking for ways to diversify your research funding? Check out this week’s episode where Kemi discuss how to get creative with non-NIH funding!  Tailored especially for women of color in academic medicine and public health, Kemi shares her insights on the structural differences between NIH and other funding entities, emphasizing the need for adaptability in grant writing.  Episode Highlights:  Str...