Whether you have been reading my newsletters, listening to our episodes, or both, you are no stranger to pivots, and the unfolding of career paths in unexpected ways. But sometimes it is hard for us to articulate what drives us, especially when everyone has an opinion even if they do not know what it is like to be in our shoes. In this episode, we talk about a few topics that spark particularly strong opinions.
In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of talking about all things career pivots with my colleague and founder of The Bold Ph.D., Dr. Gertrude Nonterah. Dr. Gertrude Nonterah has a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology. She's a scientific communications professional by day and shares post-PhD career insights for those seeking careers outside academia. Gertrude recently published a book called Navigating the P.I.V.O.T., which is a handbook for PhDs and academics looking to pivot to fulfilling careers outside the ivory tower.
There are two things that we delve into as part of our conversation that can be highly sensitive topics for many: the uncertainty and struggle of being an immigrant, and money. In my mind, these two are deeply connected for a lot of us through this one thread: our ideas of success. In fact, Gertrude shares an inner thought that many of us have faced at different times (and even if you are not an immigrant, or have not been, you likely relate to it):
“I am here in the United States and I am supposed to be successful but [I have a Ph.D. and cannot find a job.]”
When transcribing this line, I used the square brackets for a reason. Because this is a familiar feeling for all of us at different points in our lives, when we do things we believe will translate into new opportunities, wealth, or experiences… and it turns out that is not the case. All that work and effort, all that sacrifice, for what? The lack of “success” defined in those terms feels awfully close to the existence of failure.
Yet that is not entirely true. Here is why: Gertrude found herself at that point in time, which led her to explore what else was possible. She also shared her honest perspective and experience, and that is how a lot of others started resonating with her words and wisdom, and from that emerged what has become both her professional career in writing and a prolific career that includes her business, The Bold Ph.D. and multiple books, including Navigating the P.I.V.O.T.
What changed? The definition of success and the timing of it all. She is very open about her wanting to live a good quality of life and earning the adequate amount of money to sustain it as part of her family unit. In fact, during our discussion, we also talk about some of the problematic ways in which academia shames or suppresses honest conversations about money and resources, and what I label the risk of self-abandonment that we often face and work against over time.
Gertrude honored her desire to earn money to provide for herself and her loved ones. Her definition of success was anchored in that, so her focus shifted away from academia and into exploring what else was possible. But that was not automatic either, it took time. It took paying attention to small details in conversations and big signals in the process. It took learning from them and integrating them. She honored her definition of success and was able to sustain the process that got her closer to it. The path that leads you to where you want to be is not a set point, it is a constant unfolding.
In today’s reflection, I want to invite you to sit with Gertrude’s story and our discussion, and to ponder about these two questions:
When you think about what “success” looks like for you, what are the underpinning elements (money, autonomy, learning, adventure, etc.)? Which ones are you honoring in your daily life right now?
I hope you enjoy this week’s episode as much as I did, and share your insights by replying back or commenting on our Patreon. Our next monthly chat for members is on May 21, 2026 here.
Until next time,
