Ep. 26: Laura Stef-Praun - PhD in Literature Turned Content Marketing Strategist

The Work Seminar

Laura’s multipotentialite mother inspired so much in her life: a love of learning, culture, language, and academic achievement.

But a few years into her PhD in Victorian literature, Laura doubted that a tenured professorship was within reach. Or that it was the lifestyle she wanted.

Thanks to intensive soul-searching and working with a coach, she gained clarity into potential careers, finished her dissertation earlier than the bulk of her cohort, and began her transition to marketing.

Between working for a small nonprofit, a large professional services firm, and a few other employers, Laura has become a well-regarded content marketing strategist and ghostwriter for executives. When the pandemic hit, Laura struck out on her own for more flexibility, including time to augment her daughters’ online learning.

Laura’s future includes big plans for building a content marketing agency, working abroad for five or six years in Europe, and writing a novel. All ambitions her mother — her mentor — would surely be proud of.

Laura’s recommended books for a career switch

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant

Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses "No, But" Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration--Lessons from The Second City by Kelly Leonard & Tom Yorton

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Secrets to Winning at Office Politics by Marie G. McIntyre

Workplace Poker: Are You Playing the Game, or Just Getting Played? by Dan Rust

The Power of Bad: How the Negativity Effect Rules Us and How We Can Rule It by John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister

H3 leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick and Mark Burnett

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Laura’s recommended content marketing resources

Content Marketing Institute

Content Marketing Profs

LinkedIn Learning Content Marketing Courses

Other resources mentioned

The Versatile PhD

MentorCoach

Where to find Laura & Sharp Storylines

Laura on LinkedIn

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