Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

Mental Health, Motivation, and Meaning in the PhD Journey – With Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska

Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska SFHEA, EMCC · November 14, 2025

Life Coach · Author · Leadershipin

Interview with Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska SFHEA, EMCC

Mental Health, Motivation, and Meaning in the PhD Journey – With Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska — Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska SFHEA, EMCC

Podcast: Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

November 14, 2025 · 33 min

Listen to Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska SFHEA, EMCC on Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD.

Listen

Mental Health, Motivation, and Meaning in the PhD Journey – With Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska

0:00 / --:--

Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

GO TO APPLE PODCASTS →

Key topicsBeyond the Abundance Myth: The Problem with Selling Mindset Through FearDr Agnieszka Piotrowska can speak to a growing discomfort with the “manifestation mindset” trend-where abundance is marketed through scarcity tactics, and success is promised with little more than a vision board and a smile. Agnieszka brings a rare mix of academic rigour and spiritual curiosity to this space. As a certified life coach with a PhD in psychoanalysis, she offers a more grounded approach-one that values intuition _and_ intellect, and refuses to pretend that mindset alone can dismantle systemic inequalities. Her critique is not cynical; it’s deeply hopeful, proposing a version of growth that’s rooted in truth rather than performance. Why PhD Students Are Dropping Out-and What No One’s Talking AboutDr Agnieszka Piotrowska can discuss the quiet crisis happening in higher education, where as many as 75% of PhD students never finish their degrees-despite being some of the most motivated individuals in the system. Drawing on her experience supervising PhDs across the UK, Poland, and Africa, Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska offers a behind-the-scenes view of what really pushes students to the brink. She explores the emotional weight of academic isolation, the hidden traumas that resurface during research, and why mindset work is often dismissed in institutions that pride themselves on intellect. Her work with international students through The Scholars’ Mentor shows how a well-timed intervention-grounded in both scholarship and compassion-can change the trajectory of a researcher’s entire life. Why Messy Feelings Are Fuel for High PerformersHigh achievers are taught to control emotion, but that pressure to “optimize” often fuels quiet anxiety and burnout. Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska argues that real resilience comes from embracing, not erasing, messy feelings. Through tools like journaling, micro-storying, and creative exploration, she helps leaders, academics, and creators turn uncertainty into insight. With a background spanning BBC filmmaking, psychoanalysis, and global mentoring, she bridges art and intellect to show that emotion isn’t a flaw in high performance-it’s the energy that sustains it. View all topics →

About Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska SFHEA, EMCC

PhD in Psychoanalysis and Ethics in Film, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Academic, and Certified Life Coach3

60 countries Married to the Eiffel Tower screeningsTEDx speaker AI, ethics & human intimacyBest Screenplay Mumbai International Film FestivalPhD Psychoanalysis

Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska is a filmmaker, academic and certified life coach whose work unpacks the invisible stories people carry—particularly those who appear outwardly successful but wrestle with anxiety, isolation or a lingering sense of unfinished business. Through The Scholars' Mentor, her coaching and mentoring platform, she supports international PhD students and accomplished professionals in reclaiming their voice and direction—not through empty affirmations, but through honest conversation, creative exploration, and a clear-eyed view of what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Her podcast appearances explore the less-spoken truths behind personal growth: why so many high achievers burn out or self-sabotage, how unprocessed trauma can linger beneath polished ambition, and why creativity—not just therapy—can be a powerful tool for navigating life’s contradictions. She also brings a rare voice to conversations around media ethics, storytelling and the responsibilities we carry when we tell other people’s stories.

What sets Agnieszka apart from typical life coaches is the depth and integrity of her approach. Her practice is grounded in academic rigour and lived experience—not just weekend certifications. With a PhD in psychoanalysis, a career directing emotionally charged documentaries, and years spent mentoring creatives and researchers through complex transitions, she offers more than just mindset hacks.

Featured onApple Featured onSpotify Featured onYouTube

View profile →

About this episode

Why do we really pursue a PhD—and what happens when the reason no longer feels valid? In this honest and powerful conversation, host David Mendes is joined by Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska—founder of The Scholars Mentor—to unpack the psychological and emotional challenges PhD students face, especially those studying abroad.

Drawing on her background in psychoanalysis and decades in higher ed, Agnieszka discusses the quiet crisis many international and doctoral students go through: anxiety, isolation, and the haunting question—should I just quit? Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just deeply unsure, this episode offers grounded advice on how to move forward with clarity and compassion.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

The hidden toll of doing a PhD away from home

How institutional structures can amplify stress and mental health issues

Practical tips for choosing the right supervisor and university

How to tell if you’re sabotaging your PhD journey—and how to get back on track

The power of talking, writing, and “speaking your truth” when things get hard

Why AI tools can help but shouldn’t replace real human support

What to do when you're seriously thinking of dropping out

🛠️ Mentioned Resources:

The Scholars Mentor coaching platform: https://www.scholarsmentor.com/

Agnieszka’s book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1805586963

💬 Notable Quote: