With so much uncertainty in higher education, research funding, and institutional policies, it’s easy to feel like the ground is constantly shifting beneath you. But instead of reacting to institutional panic or the latest funding changes, you need a way to stay grounded in what actually matters—your research and the impact you want to have.

That’s why your North Star is more important than ever. It’s the navigational tool that helps you filter out distractions, stay focused on your long-term vision, and make strategic career decisions that align with your research—not just external expectations.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why institutions are making reactive decisions—and how to avoid getting pulled into the chaos.

• How defining your North Star gives you clarity, direction, and control over your next steps.

• The importance of prioritizing your research impact over institutional pressures.

• Why your next funding move should be dictated by your research needs, not just the funding mechanism.

• How to reconnect with your original purpose in research—and use it to guide your decisions now.

Join me in this episode as we talk about why having a clear navigational tool is essential in uncertain times—and how to use your North Star to move forward with clarity and confidence.