Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the Process

Sheila Akbar, PhD
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Jun 5, 2024 • 14min

Chris Davis: Harvard Extension School

In today's episode, I sit down with Chris Davis, Associate Director of the Career and Academic Resource Center at Harvard Extension School, to explore the innovative programs offered at Harvard Extension, the impact on non-traditional learners, and the future of education in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to discover the exciting possibilities beyond traditional higher education!BioChris Davis has worked at Harvard University for over a decade, at Harvard Business School, and at the Harvard Extension School. As the Associate Director of the Career and Academic Resource Center, he oversees the academic skills-building programs and resources available to students at the Extension School, which include a vast array of live webinar programming, a podcast dedicated to serving the needs of adult learners, and more. Access our College Essay Masterclass here: https://signeteducation.com/events/Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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May 30, 2024 • 20min

Jenny Meanwell: Using Intuition in Tutoring and in Life

Join me in today's conversation with Jenny, an archaeologist and material scientist teaching at MIT and tutor at Signet. Discover the insights on following your instincts, fueling curiosity, and crafting your own destiny. Don't miss out on this exhilarating conversation that promises to inspire and intrigue!BioJenny has been with Signet since 2011, logging over 3,800 student hours. She specializes in test prep, sciences, and math and holds a BS and PhD from MIT in Archaeology and Materials Science. Jenny is Signet’s most tenured tutor, with teaching experience at MIT and Brown. She has a son and enjoys spending time with him. Clients and students appreciate Jenny for her calm, patient, knowledgeable, and experienced approach.Access Signet's College Essay Masterclass here: https://signeteducation.com/events/Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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May 22, 2024 • 24min

Patricia Bannan: Burnout

In today's episode, I sit down with Patricia Bannan, a seasoned wellness expert and author of “From Burnout to Balance”, to explore the intricacies of navigating burnout. Patricia shares her own journey through burnout, distinguishing between stress and burnout while offering practical strategies for building resilience. Join us as we delve into the world of wellness intelligence and discover how to prevent and overcome burnout in today's fast-paced society.BioPatricia Bannan, MS, RDN, is a nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist, author, and healthy cooking expert dedicated to helping ambitious women thrive without burning out. As someone who has personally experienced burnout, Patricia knows the challenges of juggling work, family, and personal well-being. Her journey through these struggles inspired her award-winning book, From Burnout to Balance, which combines health guidance with delicious, healing recipes. Patricia's mission is to empower women to lead fulfilling lives with less stress and more joy. This led her to create Wellness Intelligence™, a groundbreaking approach designed to help professional women cultivate micro-habits that boost energy, improve focus, and foster inner calm. To learn more about Wellness Intelligence™ and discover supportive programs for yourself or your organization, visit http://mywellnessintelligence.com/. You can also follow Patricia on Instagram @patriciabannan and explore her website http://patriciabannan.com/ for expert advice, interviews, recipes, and tools to enhance your wellness journey. Follow Patricia Bannan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-bannan-ms-rdn-5609054/Sign up to join our live coaching session and receive personalized insights!Students: https://forms.gle/cRyBSFP9tSEJnsVN6Parents and other Adults: https://forms.gle/v6Nppxix6HPKrRfdAAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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May 15, 2024 • 37min

Aneesh Raman: Finding the Thread

In today's episode, I sit down with Aneesh Raman to explore the future of education and work. Join us as we discuss navigating career pivots, redefining success, and empowering the next generation.  Whether you're a parent guiding your child's educational path or an individual navigating career choices, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to pursue lifelong learning and fulfill your potential. Tune in!BioAneesh Raman is a VP and Workforce Expert at LinkedIn. As part of this role, he leads the Opportunity Project, which works with global leaders to help them understand the biggest changes impacting work and to build a more dynamic and equitable global labor market in the age of AI. Prior to LinkedIn, Aneesh was a Senior Economic Advisor for California Governor Gavin Newsom helping to shape and communicate the Economic Agenda for one of the world’s largest economies, as well as the state's response to the global pandemic.  Aneesh joined the Governor’s Office after five years in the tech industry, including as Head of Economic Impact at Facebook.  From 2009-2013, he held multiple positions in the Obama Administration, including as a speechwriter to President Barack Obama as well as a speechwriter to the Treasury Secretary amidst a historic economic crisis.  Raman started his career as a CNN correspondent, first in Southeast Asia and then across the Middle East, where he spent two years as a war correspondent in Iraq. A graduate of Harvard and a former Fulbright Scholar, Raman is a Board member of Shanti Bhavan, an education non-profit that works with children from the most disadvantaged communities in India and was the subject of the critically-acclaimed Netflix documentary, ‘Daughters of Destiny.’ Raman is a former term member at the Council on Foreign Relations and former member of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library’s New Frontier Award Committee. Follow Aneesh on LinkedIn.Click here to RSVP for our upcoming webinar: Selective College Admissions: What Really Matters, and How to Build Your StrategyAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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May 9, 2024 • 38min

Let’s Get Tactical: Academic Excellence Without Burnout

Explore strategies for academic excellence and student-centered coaching, focusing on preventing burnout and supporting unique challenges. Learn about the importance of gradual skill development and optimizing routines with practical tools and resources.
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May 6, 2024 • 31min

Holly Schreiber: Watershed Parent Coaching

In today’s episode, I sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Holly Schreiber, from Watershed Parent Coaching. Together, we delve into strategies for reducing stress during the college application journey—for both your child and yourself! Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt insights that will transform your parenting approach and help your family thrive during this pivotal life stage.BioHolly is the founder of Watershed Parent Coaching and an admissions consultant at Signet Education. She holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MA and PhD from Indiana University.Visit Watershed Parent Coaching or email Holly at holly@watershedparentcoaching.comAccess free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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Apr 25, 2024 • 35min

Let’s Get Tactical: What do you need to know about the digital SAT?

Join me today as I delve into the transition to digital SATs, unravel strategies for choosing between the SAT and ACT, and explore the intricacies of test-optional admissions policies. Tune in for valuable insights and guidance on navigating standardized testing!Click here to access the resources mentioned in this episode.Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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Apr 18, 2024 • 23min

Joy Meserve: Leading with Joy

In today's episode, join me as I sit down with Joy Meserve, CEO and founder of Leading with Joy. We delve into her transformative journey from corporate PR to pioneering STEM education, exploring insights on joyful leadership and navigating career shifts. From parenting parallels to practical college prep tips, Joy shares candid wisdom and actionable advice for listeners seeking purpose-driven growth in work and life.BioAfter two decades of executive experience in scaling operations and developing leaders, Joy Meserve founded Leading with Joy to help other executives develop leaders that foster high-performing and joyful workplace cultures where both people and profits thrive. Meserve leverages her experience as the former COO of iD Tech, where the company’s growth and success were inextricably linked to the award-winning culture. Joy brings a unique perspective to the forefront with her commitment to introducing leaders to a simpler, more practical way for busy leaders to scale their time.  Through dynamic and actionable workshops, keynotes, and leadership coaching, Joy guides audiences on a transformative journey – steering them away from hustle culture towards one firmly rooted in the principles of Partner Leadership. While conventional wisdom may dictate that success hinges on doing more, doing better, and doing it faster, Joy asserts that true greatness in leadership emerges from slowing down, just a little, to ensure that people feel seen, heard, and appreciated for their contributions within the framework of Partner Leadership.  Follow Joy Meserve on LinkedIn. Website: https://leadingwithjoy.comRegister for her Free Leadership Workshop on Performance Coaching: Practical Conversations for Busy Leaders at https://more.leadingwithjoy.com Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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Apr 11, 2024 • 24min

Let's Get Tactical: How to Navigate the Waitlist

Join me in today’s episode as I delve into the intricacies of college waitlists. I'll discuss the purpose behind waitlists and offer actionable advice for waitlisted students on navigating their current acceptances while strategically positioning themselves for potential waitlist admissions. Tune in!Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.
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Apr 4, 2024 • 27min

Joanna Graham: Expertise, Authenticity, and Purpose

In today's episode, I chat with Joanna Graham, one of Signet’s Senior Admissions Consultants, to discuss the significance of expertise, authenticity, and purpose in shaping students' paths, highlighting the transformative power of education. Join us for insights into career navigation and the impact of self-discovery on students' aspirations.BioJoanna is one of Signet’s top admissions consultants. She has decades of experience in the college admissions and standardized testing space, having worked as an admissions interviewer and application reader at Georgetown University and then as an independent admissions consultant in the DC area. Joanna received her Bachelor’s degree in Language & Linguistics and Sociology from Georgetown University. Joanna stands out because she is a current member of the Board of Governors at Georgetown, she spent nearly a decade working at the Graduate Management Admissions Council, and she volunteers at a variety of athletic and military organizations such as Dog Tag Bakery, Team Red White & Blue, the Ironman Foundation, and the Pat Tillman Foundation Clients. Students love Joanna because she is kind, well-accomplished, and encouraging. She is an avid athlete and has completed nearly 40 marathons and ultramarathons and 2 Ironman triathlons, and she is a proud mother and dog mom!Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

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