The Education-Focused Academic Podcast

Rushana Khusainova and Sally Everett
  • 0.0 (0)
  • How To
  • Updated Monthly

The Education-Focused Academic podcast, hosted by Dr Rushana Khusainova and Prof. Sally Everett, shares stories, strategies, and insights to support academics pursuing education-focused careers. From teaching excellence and pedagogical innovation to career development and community building, each episode offers ideas, inspiration, and practical guidance to help you navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and thrive on the education-focused pathway. Join us on this journey to shape and celebrate education-focused careers.

  1. Aug 6

    Episode 17. Teaching-Focused Careers in Australia: Lessons from the Other Side of the World with Associate Professor Michael Baird

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr Michael Baird, Associate Professor and Director of Learning and Teaching at Curtin University, Australia, to explore what the education-focused academic pathway looks like from an Australian perspective. We chat about Michael's career journey into academia and examine how teaching-focused careers are structured, recognised and promoted in Australia. We discuss leadership, scholarship of teaching and learning, promotion, and the balance between teaching, research and educational innovation.  A central theme of the episode is the importance of embracing opportunities. Through examples including a case of contract cheating, generative AI and educational leadership, Michael reflects on how saying "yes", building a national reputation, and turning challenges into opportunities can shape a rewarding and impactful education-focused career. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  2. Jul 30

    Episode 16. Education-Focused Careers in the United States: The Professor of Practice Pathway with Dr Zach Thompson

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr Zach Thompson from the University of Tennessee, USA, to explore the education-focused academic pathway in the United States and the growing role of the Professor of Practice career route. Zach shares his unconventional journey from the charity sector and entrepreneurship into academia, reflecting on how industry experience can enrich teaching, curriculum design and student employability. We discuss the different promotion pathways available in US universities, how teaching excellence is recognised, and why industry engagement is increasingly valued alongside educational leadership. A central theme of the episode is preparing students for an AI-enabled workplace. Zach discusses authentic assessment, integrating generative AI into teaching through a university AI fellowship, and why educators should move beyond simply policing AI use towards helping students develop AI literacy and professional judgement. The conversation also explores work-life balance, mentoring, podcasts as educational outreach, and finding meaningful impact through an education-focused career. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  3. Jul 23

    Episode 15. Belgium, Academic Careers and the Power of Following Opportunity with Dr. Samir Nuseibeh

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr Samir Nusseibeh from KU Leuven, Belgium, to explore academic careers, teaching and professional development in the Belgian higher education context.Samir reflects on his journey from laboratory research in pharmacology into teaching-focused roles, before moving into talent development and technology transfer at KU Leuven. In this conversation we discuss  cultural differences, courage to change careers and locations and the limited visibility of formal education-focused pathways in Belgium.A central theme of the episode is the importance of following opportunities and building strong professional networks. We also discuss assessment and AI, the value of critical thinking, and how academic expertise can evolve into new roles beyond the traditional university career path. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  4. Jun 25

    Episode 14. Academic Careers in Mexico: Research, Teaching and Social Impact with Dr Mark Speakman

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr Mark Speakman from the Autonomous University of Guerrero, Mexico, to explore academic careers and higher education in the Mexican context.   Mark reflects on his unconventional journey into academia, from teaching English in Mexico to completing his university education later in life and building an academic career in tourism and sustainable development.   A central theme of the episode is the relationship between teaching, research and social impact. We discuss how academic careers are recognised in Mexico, the opportunities and challenges facing education-focused academics, and the growing importance of engaging with Indigenous communities and knowledge systems. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  5. May 28

    Episode 13. On upshifting, teaching innovation and evidencing your impact with Prof. Nicki Newman

    In this episode, we are joined by Professor Nicki Newman, Professor of Business Education (Marketing) and Deputy Dean (Resources) at Birmingham Business School, to discuss career progression, teaching innovation and the idea of “upshifting” in education-focused academic careers. The conversation traces Nicki’s journey from banking into academia, and explores how her love of teaching, curiosity and commitment to improving student learning shaped her career. We discuss teaching innovation, impact, promotion applications, mentoring, and the challenge of evidencing educational contribution.   One of the themes we discuss is how education-focused academics can demonstrate impact without needing to “prove” perfect causality. Another theme of the episode is upshifting: taking on roles and opportunities that help you grow towards the next career stage. Nickireflects on how to say yes strategically, when to say no, and how to build a promotion case while being mindful enjoyment, wellbeing and purpose. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  6. May 18

    Episode 12. Creating connections, shaping futures: building professional networks as an education-focused academic with Dr Rachael Lamb

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr Rachael Lamb from the University of Bristol Business School to discuss how professional networks can shape an education-focused academic career.The conversation explores Rachael’s journey from industry into academia and reflects on the challenges of changing careers mid-life, learning how universities work, and building confidence in a new professional environment. Along the way, we discuss how networking can support career development, leadership, collaboration, and a stronger sense of academic identity. A central theme of the episode is that networking does not have to be performative or transactional. Rachel shares a more thoughtful and purposeful approach, showing how curiosity, reciprocity, and small everyday conversations can open up meaningful opportunities, create connections across the university, and help education-focused academics build influence and support over time. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  7. Apr 30

    Episode 11. Real-World Experience in the Classroom: What Industry Teaches Academia with Dr Lloyd Fletcher

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr Lloyd Fletcher, Associate Professor in Management at the University of Bristol Business School, to explore how industry experience can shape an education-focused academic career. The conversation traces Lloyd’s journey from physics and engineering, through telecommunications and consultancy, to academia. The episode highlights how real-life stories, examples, and lived experience make learning more meaningful and bridge the gap between theory and practice. The conversation also challenges the idea of linear career planning, showing how impactful academic careers can emerge through curiosity, opportunity, and reflection rather than rigid strategy. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  8. Apr 16

    Episode 10. Why failure matters: Rethinking innovation in education-focused academia with Dr Chahna Gonsalves

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr Chahna Gonsalves, Senior Lecturer in Marketing (Education) at King’s Business School, to explore how innovation, failure and unlearning shape education-focused academic careers.   The conversation traces Chahna’s journey into the education-focused pathway, from initially applying for research-track roles to discovering a strong commitment to teaching, pedagogical development and evidence-based education. We discuss the realities of working in research-intensive environments, including the challenges of navigating student engagement, curriculum design and institutional expectations.   A central theme of the episode is the role of failure in driving pedagogical innovation. Drawing on her book chapter in the How to Become an Education-Focused Academic book, Chahna reflects on the importance of creating space for experimentation, embracing uncertainty, and using evidence to inform teaching practices. The discussion also highlights the need for supportive institutional cultures that enable educators to take pedagogical risks without fear of reputational consequences. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

See All (17)

About

The Education-Focused Academic podcast, hosted by Dr Rushana Khusainova and Prof. Sally Everett, shares stories, strategies, and insights to support academics pursuing education-focused careers. From teaching excellence and pedagogical innovation to career development and community building, each episode offers ideas, inspiration, and practical guidance to help you navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and thrive on the education-focused pathway. Join us on this journey to shape and celebrate education-focused careers.

Information