Faculty Success Program

Empowering you to find your unique voice in academia, build lasting research interests, and achieve teaching excellence

$825 ~ Three 55-Minute Zoom Sessions ~ Recording Option Available ~ Written Recap Provided at Program Completion

Details:

Since 2023, I have been working with early- to mid- career faculty to address a variety of challenges that can impede their success in academia. Here are some sentiments that I hear often:

“There are constant deadlines to meet. I can’t remember the last time I had uninterrupted time to think through a research question thoroughly.”

“I wish I still had the excitement I felt at the start of my research project. Now it is just a grind to get the paper through the publication process.”

“I’m not sure how to balance between teaching and research this semester. I want to teach well, but I’m also worried that my research will fall behind.“

…

Being a faculty can feel like being in the eye of a tornado sometimes. There is constant pressure, and you struggle to find your footing. I know that feeling because I have been there.

As a faculty, I have tried many productivity hacks, from the pomodoro method to the latest task management app, so on and so forth. None turned out to be the magic solution, and this led to immense frustration. I became so hyperfocused on my output that I ignored the other side of the equation—my need for sustaining my energy and motivation. Having experienced this imbalance firsthand, I intentionally build my sessions around recognizing and reaffirming what truly fuels you, in any context that you may encounter: research tasks, teaching preparation, long-term career strategizing, etc. Your motivation and energy form the base for anything that you do.

The Faculty Success Program addresses two closely linked priorities. First, at its core, it helps you find and sustain your personal fuel in academia. Second, there will also be a specific focus in each session, depending on your most pressing need at the moment. By tackling a specific task or issue, we often gain insight into your work style, sources of motivation, and what sustains you over the long run.

The three-session structure provides continuity and flexibility. You can apply it to a teaching-heavy semester, a research project, a tenure-statement draft, or any combination of pressing needs.

  • "I had the privilege of working with Pian through several 'Faculty Success Program' during a pivotal year in my academic career. At the time, I was navigating an open-ended project that demanded deep creative thinking, several later-stage papers moving through the publication process, and multiple conference presentations. Pian's guidance was instrumental to my success in all these areas. Each session allowed us to tackle challenges head-on, leaving me with a renewed sense of calm and creative energy. Thanks to Pian, my work-life balance improved as well."

    Yang S., Business School Professor