Your Unapologetic Career® Podcast

205 My Top 5 Lessons of 2025

You can text us here with any comments, questions, or thoughts! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1729958/open_sms] 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 balance, these insights can help you thrive.   Join me in reflecting on these lessons and consider how they can apply to your own journey in the coming year.  If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]: www.kemidoll.com/foundations. [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]

204 Trust Yourself Anyway

You can text us here with any comments, questions, or thoughts! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1729958/open_sms] 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 to recognize that the perceived stability of external structures is often a mirage. Instead of retreating, we should bet on ourselves and take calculated risks.  Kemi outlines a four-step process for making leap decisions. Tune in to discover how to leap into your unapologetic career.    If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]: www.kemidoll.com/foundations. [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]

203 Beyond the OR: Dignity, Justice, and Healing with Dr. Caitlin Collins

You can text us here with any comments, questions, or thoughts! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1729958/open_sms] 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 worked on the implementation of a quality improvement platform for trauma patients in Southwestern Cameroon. She is also an alumni of The Get That Grant ® program.  Join Kemi and Caitlin for an insightful conversation into overcoming feelings of apathy and frustration, the significance of mindset work, and the value of intentional decision-making in academia.  CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS:  * The unique challenges faced by trauma surgeons and the importance of emotional care.  * How to navigate systemic barriers as a junior faculty member.  * The role of mindset work in reclaiming agency and purpose in your career.  * Strategies for intentional decision-making and prioritizing self-care in a high-pressure environment.  Loved this convo? Please go find Dr. Collins on Instagram (@cocai4u) and X (@CRCollinsMD) to show her some love!     If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]: www.kemidoll.com/foundations. [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]

202 Receipts! $80M+ in Grant Funding

You can text us here with any comments, questions, or thoughts! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1729958/open_sms] 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 clients has resulted in a staggering $80+ million in grant funding.    This episode is not just about numbers, it's a celebration of resilience, growth, and the profound changes that can happen when you believe in your purpose and the value of your work. Don't miss this inspiring journey!     If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]: www.kemidoll.com/foundations. [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]

201 The Purpose Is for You with Dr. Nina Zhao

You can text us here with any comments, questions, or thoughts! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1729958/open_sms] 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 Hospitals Swallowing Program and as the Associate Program Director for the residency program. Dr. Zhao’s passions include medical and surgical education, laryngology, and swallowing disorders. Her research interests include outcomes and quality improvement in dysphagia management and program evaluation, assessment, and measurement design in surgical education. And she is also an alumni of The Get That Grant ® program.  Join Kemi and Nina for an insightful conversation on assessment, self-trust, and the power of community in shaping the future of medicine.  CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS:  * The importance of aligning personal purpose with professional goals.  * How to navigate feelings of isolation and uniqueness in academic medicine.  * The role of community in fostering resilience and motivation.  * Strategies for maintaining focus and clarity in chaotic environments.   Loved this convo? Please go find Dr. Zhao on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninazhaomd] to show her some love!   If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]: www.kemidoll.com/foundations. [http://www.kemidoll.com/foundations]