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 working at Signet since 2011 and has logged over 3,800 student hours. She specializes in all test prep, sciences, and math. She received her BS and PhD from MIT in Archaeology and Materials Science.Jenny M. stands out because:She is Signet’s most tenured tutor.She has taught at MIT and Brown.She has a son and loves doing things with him.Clients and students love Jenny M. because:She is calm, patient, knowledgeable and experienced.Click here to register for our upcoming webinar on College Essays! Get expert tips on crafting standout college essays on June 17th at 5 PM ET. See you there!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/.

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 mywellnessintelligence.com. You can also follow Patricia on Instagram @patriciabannan and explore her website PatriciaBannan.com for expert advice, interviews, recipes, and tools to enhance your wellness journey. Follow Patricia Bannan on LinkedIn.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/.

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/.

Join me in today's episode as I discuss the tools and routines designed to help students excel academically and grow personally. From daily reflections to semester evaluations, discover practical tips for navigating academic life. Tune in!Click this to access Signet's Academic Wellness Implementation GuideAccess 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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

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/.

In today's episode, I sit down with Shereen Herndon-Brown, founder of Strategic Admissions Advice, about the evolving college admissions process. We dive into the significance of redefining success, the value of authenticity, and the importance of embracing one's unique identity in college applications. Tune in for insights on storytelling and diversity in higher education.BioFeatured in periodicals like the New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, and Chicago Tribune, Shereem knows everything you and your child need to succeed in the college admissions game. As a dynamic leader, educational strategist, speaker, and author of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation About Education, Parenting, and Race, his experiences in the field are unparalleled. As an educator for almost twenty years and entrepreneur for over a decade, he has counseled many students and families through the often-frustrating private school and college “admissions maze.” He is a graduate of Wesleyan University with a BA degree in English and a MA of Arts degree from the Breadloaf School of English at Middlebury College. In 2005, he was selected by the National Association of Independent Schools as an E.E. Ford Fellow for Aspiring Heads of School. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Trustees at La Cima Elementary Charter School in his native Brooklyn, New York. He is also a Member of the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) and the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC). Above all, Shereem is a husband, father and a distinguished gentleman of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Follow Shereem on LinkedIn.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/.

In today's episode, I sit down with Van Tran, co-founder of API Rising, and delve into the intersection of art and technology, her pivotal career transitions in corporations, and the importance of trusting oneself in navigating diverse career paths. Join us for a conversation that inspires embracing purpose-driven career pivots and making a meaningful impact.BioVan is a community builder, DEI practitioner, and an inclusive marketing and technology leader with 20+ years of experience leading high-performing teams and clients like UPS, AT&T, and Disney towards success. Ex-Oracle, ex-StubHub, ex-VP of Innovation & Experience, and a consultant at her core, she’s worked with and navigated startups and enterprises across various industries in various roles. Van’s passion for people's experience and development is guided by core values of growth, empathy, and integrity. She credits her success to a family legacy of grit, community building, and resilience. Van’s also a hiker, runner, foodie, and wellness enthusiast. Follow Van on Linkedin.Resources here:API Rising WebsiteAPI Rising Linkedin 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/.

In today’s podcast episode, I talk about the college list. From navigating super scoring policies to campus visits and holistic considerations, gain valuable insights on creating a tailored list for a seamless college application process. Join me for essential tips and tools to guide you through this crucial phase. Resources here:Signet Education’s College List-Building LabPersonal College InventorySample College List TemplateTop Questions to Answer When Researching a CollegeAccess 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/.

In today's episode, Signet’s Account Manager Emmaline shares her remarkable journey—from unconventional high school experiences and the complexities of college admissions to a surprising detour into dance during a transformative gap year. Her story is a testament to self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of authentic fulfillment. Tune in!BioEmmaline is our logistical frontline! She joined Signet as an Account Manager in the summer of 2023 and works with the whole team to match students to the right tutor, coach, or admissions consultant for their situation.Prior to her time at Signet, Emmaline received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) and Social Anthropology from Harvard. She is now back at Harvard in the Graduate School of Education, working on a Master’s in Human Development. Outside of work, Emmaline is an active member of SAG-AFTRA and loves all facets of movies – including a large popcorn no matter what movie she is seeing.Access Signet's Ultimate Guide to Summer Planning Course here!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/.

In today's episode, join me for a captivating conversation with Evan Mandery, as we unravel the hidden truths behind elite colleges, exposing their role in perpetuating social inequality. Tune in for a compelling exploration that might reshape your perspective.BioAn Emmy and Peabody award winner, Evan Mandery is the author of eight books, including four novels and, most recently, Poison Ivy: How Elite Colleges Divide Us. He has been a professor for 25 years at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. He is a contributing editor to Politico and the co-founder and board chairman of Class Action, a grassroots nonprofit that combats career funneling and fights for greater equity in admissions to elite colleges. Evan lives in Montclair, New Jersey with his wife Valli Rajah, a sociologist. They have three children. Follow Evan on LinkedIn.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/.

In today's episode, join me in a thought-provoking conversation with Ned Johnson, author of several books and founder of PrepMatters. We delve into crucial parenting topics, sharing insights from his book, "The Self-Driven Child." Your journey to understanding and empowering your child begins here, tune in!BioNed Johnson is the founder of PrepMatters, an educational company that helps students find success in high school and get into and through college. A professional “tutor-geek” since 1993, Ned has spent more than 50,000 one-on-one hours helping students conquer an alphabet of standardized tests, learn to manage their anxiety, and develop their own motivation to succeed.    With Dr. William Stixrud, Ned co-authored The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives and What Do You Say? How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home. He is the host of the The Self-Driven Child podcast and his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, BBC, and many others. Follow Ned on LinkedIn, visit The Self-Driven Child Website, and click to listen to The Self-Driven Child Podcast.Become part of Signet’s Parent Support Community here!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/.

In today's episode, I engage in a compelling conversation with two dear friends and accomplished professionals, Dr. Neha Pathak and Dr. Joyce Varughese, on navigating the pressures of college and societal expectations. They offer insightful advice for the next generation, urging a pursuit of passion over predefined paths. Join us as they candidly discuss the complexities of finding contentment amid the pursuit of success.BioDr. Joyce Varughese is a highly accomplished gynecologic oncology surgeon, specializing in pre-cancers and cancers of the female reproductive tract. Having graduated from Harvard College, Yale University, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she is a clinical assistant professor at Rowan University and Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Dr. Varughese is recognized for her expertise in robotic surgery, complemented by her dedication to teaching and involvement in international medical initiatives. Currently serving as the Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Capital Health, she is also a devoted wife and mother who enjoys running, hiking, and family time.Neha Pathak MD, FACP, DipABLM is board certified in both internal medicine and lifestyle medicine andworks as Chief Physician Editor for Health and Lifestyle Medicine and host of WebMD’s HealthDiscovered podcast. She reports on topics related to lifestyle, climate change, and environmentalimpacts on health for WebMD and Medscape, and is a regular contributor to Yale Climate Connections.She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine board of directors and Chair of the GlobalSustainability Committee. Dr. Pathak is also a lecturer at the Yale School of Public Health where shefacilitates coursework on climate change and health. She is a founding member of Georgia Clinicians forClimate Action. She has been invited to join the National Academy of Medicine’s Communicating aboutClimate Change and Health Project expert panel. Through all of her work, she hopes to educatehealthcare professionals and the public about the health impacts of climate change and environmentalpollution and the health benefits of climate action. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.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/.

In today's episode, join us as we dive into Andy's unique journey on exploring the art of writing, the musicality of language, and how he guides students to craft compelling narratives. Get ready for an engaging and insightful discussion!BioAndy has been working at Signet since 2018 and has tutored and taught for over a decade. He specializes in admissions writing, test prep (including SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE), coaching, and humanities. He received his BA in Music from Princeton University and his PhD in Music Theory from Harvard. Andy stands out because he is wildly successful at helping students improve and plan their writing processes and other academic skills. He has taught at Harvard for 10 years as a Lecturer, Head Teaching Fellow, Independent Study Advisor, and Summer School Instructor. He has also been a Lecturer at Boston College and Brandeis. He has worked in an Italian restaurant as a pasta maker and on an organic, horse-powered farm. He loves music, philosophy, tennis, and guitar. Clients and students love Andy because he is calm, patient, and witty. He is empathetic, warm, and encouraging.Join our Circle community hereAccess 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/.

Welcome back to the podcast! After a refreshing holiday break, join me as I share valuable insights on making your student’s summer meaningful. Let’s kick off the year together!Access Signet's Guide to Summer Planning here.Explore various summer programs and exciting opportunities from Pathways to Science, Teenlife, and College Match Point.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/.

In today's episode, I dive into a captivating conversation with Samara Bay, an advocate for embracing individuality and finding power in our unique voices. We explore the transformative impact of authenticity and self-acceptance while uncovering Samara's upcoming newsletter series, 'How to Show Up,' aimed at reshaping power dynamics. Join us for an inspiring discussion!BioSamara Bay is the author of Penguin Random House bestseller PERMISSION TO SPEAK, a love letter to anyone about to open their mouth – out now, and available in 15+ countries. She's an LA-based speech coach whose clients range from candidates for U.S. Congress to C-suite executives, change-making entrepreneurs, thought leaders, Hollywood celebrities, and high school girls. Visit www.samarabay.com for more.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/.

Early results are here! Dive into my latest episode to understand how to decode acceptances, denials, and deferrals, and learn why these decisions don't define your journey. Join me as we navigate the highs and lows of early applications, helping you support your child through this pivotal moment!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/.