Talking About Organizations Podcast 132: AoM Special (Part 2) -- Queer Eye for Academics: Skills for Navigating Academic Life
Dec 16, 2025
Anthony Myers, scholar of care theory who focuses on building communities and advisor relationships. Jonas Friedrich, researcher of creativity and queer-informed pedagogy who explores sensory, performance-based teaching and failing forward. Mika Rajanov, qualitative researcher blending tech and activism who crafts research identity. Lauren Kaufman, ethics professor who teaches presenting with presence and authenticity. They discuss presenting, pedagogy, research identity, care, and recognition.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Present With Presence Over Slides
- Do treat presentations as presence work, not just slide polish, by using voice, silence, movement, and eye contact to connect authentically.
- Lauren Kaufman models centering your why and leaving audiences with a feeling, not only facts, to make talks memorable.
Intentionally Shape Your Research Identity
- Research identity can be intentionally curated to avoid pigeonholing and burnout while still allowing later re-entry into community-relevant topics.
- Mika Rajanov chose eSports and professional identity initially, then accepted a funded LGBT entrepreneurship hub when timing and readiness aligned.
Frame Sensitive Findings As Relatable Patterns
- Do report sensitive experiences using generalized narratives and relatable examples to persuade broader audiences without naming individuals.
- Jonas Friedrich advised framing politics as plausible patterns rather than direct accusations to expand impact and avoid backlash.