The Education-Focused Academic Podcast

Rushana Khusainova and Sally Everett
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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. 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.

    36 min

  2. 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.

    25 min

  3. 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.

    29 min

  4. 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.

    23 min

  5. Apr 2

    Episode 9. Making the Most of Leadership Roles in an Education-Focused Career with Prof.Wayne Holland

    In this episode, we are joined by Professor Wayne Holland, Professor of Management Education and School Education Director at the University of Bristol Business School, to discuss how leadership roles can shape an education-focused academic career. The conversation explores Wayne’s journey from starting on a traditional academic pathway (research and education) in the early 1990s to becoming the first education-focused professor in Bristol Business School. Along the way, we discuss how he chose to prioritise teaching and educational leadership, and how the sector has gradually evolved to recognise education-focused career pathways. A central theme of the episode is the role of leadership in education-focused careers. Wayne argues that leadership roles should not be seen as admin, but as a powerful way to influence educational practice, shape institutional culture, and amplify impact beyond the classroom. 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.

    30 min

  6. Mar 19

    Episode 8: A Different Kind of North: Developing an education-focused academic portfolio with intention with Prof. Christine Rivers and Assoc. Prof. Anna Holland

    In this episode, we are joined by Professor Christine Rivers and Associate Professor Anna Holland from the University of Surrey to discuss how intention, strategy, and courage can shape an education-focused academic career.   The conversation explores their very different journeys into higher education, from industry, apprenticeships, and further education to academic leadership and professorship. Along the way, we discuss navigating academic systems, building confidence, finding mentors, and recognising the value of diverse career paths.   A central theme of the episode is developing an academic portfolio with intention. Christine and Anna share their “compass” approach to career development and offer a powerful reminder: just because something does not yet exist does not mean you cannot build it. For education-focused academics, being brave, trusting yourself, and creating opportunities, sometimes with the help of trusted collaborators, can be part of shaping your own path in academia.   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.

    28 min

  7. Mar 10

    Episode 7. International Women’s Day Special: celebrating women in Academic Leadership

    In this special International Women’s Day episode of the Education-Focused Academic Podcast, we celebrate the women who inspire, mentor, and uplift us in academia and beyond. We reflect on what empowerment means for women in higher education, share personal stories about the women who shaped our journeys, and discuss the role of mentoring, sponsorship, and supportive networks in helping women thrive in academic careers. The conversation also explores the realities of navigating academia as women, finding your voice, challenging expectations, and embracing different leadership styles. A powerful theme throughout the episode is courage: the courage to pursue opportunities, to speak up, to support others, and to create new paths when they do not yet exist. 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.

    37 min

  8. Mar 5

    Episode 6. From Industry to Education: An Engineer’s Route to Professorship with Prof. James Norman

    In this episode, we are joined by Professor James Norman, Professor of Sustainable Design at the University of Bath, an engineer whose career began in industry and who later moved into academia to use education as a way to impact engineering practice.  The conversation traces James’s unconventional journey from engineering and industry, through part-time teaching alongside professional practice, to becoming a professor whose work spans education, curriculum design, leadership, and industry transformation. We discuss promotion, rejection, and credibility, including the role of national recognition, writing for impact, and how industry experience can reshape how education-focused academics navigate the system.  A central theme of the episode is purpose: challenging traditional academic pathways, protecting time for meaningful work, and using education as a lever to change industry practice, particularly in the context of sustainable engineering. Professor Norman also reflects on writing, creativity, AI, privilege, and why not all academic success needs to follow the same script. 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.

    40 min
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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.

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