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Before starting my PhD, I founded and launched a wellness venture

Through my wellness venture, which I was running before starting my studies, I wanted to help people improve their physical wellbeing through customized nutrition plans, workout programs, and live coaching. While the business performed well, I realized that physical health alone was not enough to sustain long-term change without addressing the emotional, social and psychological aspects of wellbeing. This insight led me to pursue a masters in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of East London. During the program, I became fascinated with workplace wellbeing, which inspired me to pursue a PhD in Work Psychology from 91ֱ�� University Management School.

I was impressed by the diverse research groups within the Management School

The diverse research groups within the Management School, such as The Center for Decent Work, Operations Management and Decision Sciences, and The Institute of Work Psychology, offered opportunities to cross-pollinate ideas across different fields, ensuring a more creative and well-rounded research project. 

In addition, I was particularly drawn to the three supervisors I would be working with. After submitting my PhD proposal, I expected an interview process similar to other universities. Instead, they returned my submission with insightful and detailed feedback. This rigorous attention to detail was exactly what I was looking for, and it made me excited to be part of an environment that prioritizes continuous improvement. Meeting them in person, where they took the time to give my family and me a tour of the campus, made me feel both welcomed and confident that this was the right environment for me. I knew I would be supported and challenged under their supervision, making it an ideal fit for my academic journey.

I chose to pursue a PhD because it aligned with my passion for the subject matter, my love of research, and my commitment to continuous development

First, my passion for psychology, entrepreneurship and wellbeing made the opportunity to explore these subjects through a fully funded project a dream come true. Second, I have a deep appreciation for the research process - it’s like being a detective, investigating complex challenges, identifying patterns, and uncovering insights that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Finally, I am driven by a desire for personal growth, and I saw the PhD as an academic gym - a place where I could push my limits, discover what I’m truly capable of, and evolve both personally and professionally.

My thesis explored the nature of entrepreneurs' vulnerability and its impact on their wellbeing

My doctoral thesis was titled Heart-Break / Break-Through: Entrepreneurs' Vulnerability and Wellbeing.

Vulnerability, defined as exposure to potential loss or harm in material, personal, and social dimensions, is arguably inherent in entrepreneurship due to its complex context and entrepreneurs' deep attachment to their ventures. However, prior discussions on vulnerability in entrepreneurship mainly focus on ventures or entrepreneurs from objective perspectives, often capturing subjective vulnerability indirectly through negative emotional states. Moreover, existing entrepreneurship research has largely overlooked the positive outcomes of embracing vulnerability, broadly assuming that avoiding or suppressing it is favorable despite the potential illbeing effects.  

To address these gaps, my PhD research employs an inductive, theory-building approach with qualitative data from 46 entrepreneurs to explore when vulnerability arises, how entrepreneurs navigate it, and the impact these experiences have on their wellbeing. The data collected informed the development of a dynamic model that elucidates the triggers, responses, and wellbeing consequences of entrepreneurs' vulnerability. It frames vulnerability not as objective or stable but as a dynamic process, encompassing opposing yet interconnected experiences, where entrepreneurs avoid and approach sources of vulnerability to facilitate hedonic and eudaemonic aspects of wellbeing. Theoretically, this work advances our understanding of entrepreneurs' vulnerability, coping, and wellbeing. It offers a compassionate perspective of entrepreneurs not as invulnerable heroes but as multidimensional humans who experience vulnerability in their everyday entrepreneurial roles. Practically, the findings provide insights for entrepreneurs, supporting organizations and society.

To help find a good work-life balance, I shifted my focus from chasing perfection to embracing daily progress

Finding a good work-life balance during a PhD can be challenging, especially when you catch a case of the “mores” - the constant urge to do more, read more, and discover more. Early on, I fell into this trap, which diverted my focus from key priorities and left me feeling overwhelmed. To manage this, I developed a simple strategy: I’d ask myself, ‘Does this relate to my work? Will it help me finish my thesis?’ If the answer was no, I set that reading or task aside. Recognizing that this urge stemmed from imposter syndrome, I shifted my focus from chasing perfection to embracing daily progress. This shift not only helped me manage my workload but also allowed me to be more compassionate with myself as a researcher. 

In the first year of my PhD, I struggled with overworking, convinced I had to constantly push myself. It wasn’t until I attended my first conference, which forced me to take time off, that I realized the importance of rest for mental performance. From then on, I adopted the mindset that "rest" is productive. When I noticed diminishing returns in my work, I could shut my computer and feel proud for prioritizing my wellbeing, rather than guilty for not pushing harder.

To keep my workload manageable, I used Gantt charts to organize my tasks and set milestones. I also communicated regularly with my supervisors to ensure our expectations were aligned and to update them on any challenges. By continually reassessing my approach and adjusting as needed, I was able to balance intense work periods with crucial breaks, allowing me to meet deadlines while maintaining my mental and physical wellbeing throughout the PhD journey.

What I love most about 91ֱ�� is the city's unique balance between vibrant urban life and peaceful natural surroundings

91ֱ�� is the kind of place that fuels both my academic curiosity and personal wellbeing. Being in England's fifth-largest city means there's always something happening—whether it's exploring a new exhibition at a gallery, grabbing coffee at an independent café, or catching live music at a small venue. That creative and dynamic energy keeps me inspired.

But what makes 91ֱ�� really special is how close it is to the Peak District. After a long day of research, I can be hiking in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK in no time. That kind of accessibility to nature provides a great balance to the intensity of academic work, helping me recharge and come back fresh. 91ֱ�� University Management School, nestled between this lively city and stunning landscapes, feels like the perfect environment to foster both professional and personal growth - it's hard not to feel at home here.

After completing my studies, I accepted a position with Exos as a Mental Performance Coach

My role as a Mental Performance Coach allows me to bridge the gap between academia and practice, combining my passion for work psychology with practical, real-world applications to enhance employee wellbeing. I was particularly drawn to Exos because of its culture, which is rooted in curiosity and continuous improvement - values I believe are essential for long-term success. The position aligns seamlessly with my PhD research in work psychology, enabling me to make a meaningful impact on employees' mental performance and overall wellbeing. 

Looking ahead, my 5-year goal is to establish a strong presence in this field, deepen my expertise, and develop coaching and training solutions that drive positive change for clients. Over the next 10 years, I aspire to lead a team of coaches, help shape the company’s direction, or potentially step into the role of CEO at my own performance and wellbeing firm - still excited to work every day.