I thought for a long time on something philosophical to say in this last newsletter for 2025, but alas, I’m all philosophized out. Ha!
So, instead, I’ll share a few reflections. Some personal. Some professional.
Personal.
1. My personal essay for Science was chosen as one of the top 10 most-read in 2025. I’m still wrapping my mind around that. Pitching and getting this essay accepted taught me an important lesson in “just doing the thing.”
2. I started exercising – alternating between running, walking, dancing and lifting light weights – 5 days a week this year. It was a habit I set an intention for and I’m happy to share that I kept it up all year. Exercise improved my mood and outlook on life a lot.
Professional.
1. In August and September, I put the principles I’d written about in Navigating the P.I.V.O.T. to the test. I cold applied to ~20 roles. I got an interview request in under a month, and a job offer in about eight weeks. I started the new role in November. So far, so good.
2. In January, I launched The Bold PhD Podcast. So far, the podcast has 48 episodes, has been downloaded over 3800 times, and listeners have come from 50 different countries.
Honestly, I was disappointed I didn’t have more downloads by the end of December, but then I came across this on a Reddit thread.
So, I’m going to relish the fact that I was consistent and posted 48 episodes (with episode 49 going up on Monday.)
The top 4 most listened-to episodes to date are:
- If I were starting a PhD in 2025, here’s what I’d do differently. (solo episode)
- Why every academic should think like an entrepreneur (with Dr. Ilana Horwitz)
- I burned out of my PhD program. What should I do now? (Q & A episode)
- How PhDs are finding secret jobs in academia without becoming professors (with. Dr. John C. Turner)
3. I wrote and launched Navigating the P.I.V.O.T.
I’m very proud I finished this work that I know will help so many PhDs and scholars. Huge thanks if you already got it and read the book!
(Psst, even if you don’t need it, you can get it for someone else!)
4. Getting a book contract with University of California Press was definitely a high for me.
5. I was also consistent with this newsletter. Thank you so much for reading. I enjoyed receiving your replies.
Closing thoughts for 2025.
- You can just do things. You don’t need permission from anyone else. Of course, don’t be reckless. But more doors open when you take chances than when you don’t.
- Every day, when you wake up, be in the business of building YOU. Your skills, your network, personal brand, and personal projects that use your skills. Document your results in your full-time roles. That’s your career capital. That’s your opportunity engine.
- Your disadvantage can also be your unfair advantage. Leverage it.
I appreciate you.
Like Bugs Bunny once famously said while wiggling his eyebrows, THAT’S ALL FOLKS!
See you in 2026.
Gertrude Nonterah, Ph.D.
Creator of TheBoldPhD.com | Author of Navigating the P.I.V.O.T.
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