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Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, the podcast that explores unconventional career paths for PhD graduates.

In today’s episode, “How to Position Yourself Outside Academia,” our host David Mendes engages in a captivating conversation with Alessandra Wall, an esteemed executive coach, psychologist, and founder of Noteworthy. Alessandra shares her rich insights on how neuroscience can enhance professional interactions and offers valuable strategies for women leaders, particularly those from male-dominated industries.

Throughout the episode, Alessandra delves into effective communication techniques, emphasizing the power of emotional storytelling and the strategic use of one’s PhD credentials. She also tackles the often daunting task of simplifying complex ideas for broader audiences. With practical advice on managing job interviews, building social capital, and overcoming social anxiety, Alessandra’s expertise serves as a guiding light for anyone seeking to leverage their academic skills in new and impactful ways.

David and Alessandra also discuss the importance of mentorship, the cultural nuances of academic titles, and the critical role of emotional intelligence in professional settings. So, whether you’re contemplating a career pivot or simply looking to enhance your leadership skills, this episode is brimming with actionable insights and inspiring stories to help you thrive beyond the thesis. Tune in and join the conversation!

Executive coach, speaker, author, psychologist, and founder, Dr. Alessandra Wall has been coaching top leaders to success for over 20 years.

As a women leadership expert, she specializes in supporting senior executives in high-impact, male-dominated industries to lead powerfully and impactfully without compromising their values, career fulfillment, or quality of life.

Her work has transformed the lives of hundreds of executive women in the US and Europe and changed workplaces for the better at scores of companies ranging in size from agile start-ups to Fortune 100.