Your Unapologetic Career® Podcast

In this episode, we continue our exciting series on the "4 Career Dynamics" by taking a deep dive into the first dynamic: The BUILDER.  Builders are the visionaries who transform small ideas into large, impactful institutions. They excel at finding resources, possess deep institutional knowledge, and are masters at harmonizing relationships to achieve their goals. But what truly sets Bui...

We're thrilled to bring you an enlightening conversation with Kemi and Deepika Slawek. Dr. Slawek is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Montefiore Health Systems and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY in the Division of General Internal Medicine. She is board certified in Infectious Diseases, Addiction Medicine, and Internal Medicine and is the Co-Director of the Montefiore M...

🌟 Exciting new series alert! Welcome to the launch of our new multi-part series on the "4 Career Dynamics."    In this introductory episode, Kemi dives into the concept of career dynamics and how they shape our professional journeys. Inspired by the overwhelming response to Episode 143, Kemi explains how different individuals bring unique strengths to their careers through four distinct...

Have you ever felt that being highly competent and organized can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword? If so, you're not alone.    In our latest episode, Kemi addresses a listener's letter about the challenges of being overly competent in the workplace. Kemi dives into this concept, which she refers to as the "talent trap," and discusses how demonstrating competence can som...

Struggling with team performance? Our latest podcast episode dives deep into the art of managing workplace relationships.    Join Kemi as she explores two critical areas that often lead to performance issues. She breaks down these concepts into relatable scenarios, providing a structured approach to diagnosing and addressing the root causes of team member struggles.    Kemi also discusses the huma...

In the final part of our three-part series on, "The Three P's of Your Career," Kemi dives into the third P: PEACE.   Listen in as she explains why peace, while always important, becomes a leading factor only after purpose and pace. Kemi discusses how peace emerges from the courage to align with your purpose, the discipline to pace yourself, and the wisdom gained through experience....

Tune in as Kemi reconnects with Dr. Kiara Alvarez an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and School of Medicine. Dr. Alvarez specializes in mental health equity with a focus on Latinx and immigrant mental health, adolescent and young adult mental health equity, and youth suicide prevention.   In this conversation, Dr. Kiara shares her journey through the Get That...

Welcome to the second part of our three-part series, "The Three P's of Your Career." In this episode, Kemi dives into the second P: PACE and shares her insights on the importance of maintaining a sustainable pace in your professional journey, especially after achieving significant success.   It's no longer just about forward momentum; it's about thoughtful decision-making...

 Dr. Chen is a clinical psychologist, chronic pain specialist, and health services researcher. Her research focuses on social determinants of health and the implementation of evidence-based psychosocial interventions for chronic pain and trauma. Dr. Chen is currently supported by a VA Career Development Award and other VA and NIH grants focused on increasing patient involvement in treatment decisi...

In this exciting episode, Kemi shares the incredible news of her recent promotion to full professor, achieved in just eight years since starting her faculty position. As she reflects on this milestone, Kemi introduces a new three-part mini-series focusing on the different waves of influence in her career, starting with the first phase: PURPOSE.  Listen in as Kemi dives deep into the significance o...

In our latest podcast, Kemi interviews Dr. Oluwateniola “Teni” Brown, a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Brown leads diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Northwestern Medicine as the Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology and for McGaw Medical Center.   Her clinical focus includes pelvic or...

In this episode, Kemi examines the often-overlooked challenge of adjusting to new norms when you make a significant career move. Whether you're changing institutions, shifting roles, or altering your professional circle, Kemi breaks down the nuanced steps of navigating this complex process.   Listen closely as Kemi explores:  The difficulty in recognizing new professional norms and why our pa...

  Have you ever felt like you're just putting out fires, unable to make real progress? This episode speaks directly to that experience, offering a heartfelt and practical guide to finding motivation and moving forward, even when times are tough.   Listen in as Kemi dismantles the myth of powerlessness and redefines motivation during adversity. She breaks down the steps to reignite your execut...

In this insightful episode, Kemi sits down with Dr. Landry and Dr. Lewiss. With their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for mentorship, these two emergency medicine physicians delve into the nitty-gritty of career development, offering tangible tools for navigating the professional world with grace and intention. And they wrote a book about it: ' Microskills: Small Actions, Big Impact !...

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 empat...

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 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 a...

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...

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...

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...

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 creativ...

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 a...

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...

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 L...

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...