Mindset Shifts: Tina Persson on Leaving Academia and Embracing Industry

Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

In this episode, host David Mendes sits down with Tina Persson, a PhD in organic chemistry turned career coach, recruiter, and author, to dive into the reality behind making the leap from academia to industry. During the conversation Tina shares her personal journey, from her PhD and climbing the academic ladder, to discovering that professorship wasn’t the right fit for her ambitions and personality.

David and Tina reflect on the unique challenges PhDs face when transitioning to the corporate world, including the crucial need to understand what companies value, and how to “sell yourself” outside of the academic bubble. Tina also discusses the importance of being coachable, building the right networks, and embracing new tools like AI. With advice rooted in firsthand experience, she reminds us that successful career transitions require strategy, self-awareness, and the courage to ask for help.

Tina Persson, Associate Professor, is an ICF-certified career, Leadership, and Team Coach with over 20 years of experience in academia and 10 years in the corporate sector. As CEO of Passage2Pro, a global educational and coaching company, she provides career coaching, leadership training, and team development for professionals in a fast-paced and AI-driven world where Innovation is a future skill. What we covered in the interview:

• Mindset Shift Is Everything: The longer you stay in academia, the harder it can be to adapt to the mindset industry expects. It’s not just about technical skills. It’s about learning to communicate your value in a new language, understanding what companies want, and positioning yourself accordingly.

• Embrace Being Coachable & Adaptable: Today’s job market evolves quickly. AI and tech are reshaping roles at lightning speed. Tina’s advice? Stay coachable. Willingness to unlearn, relearn, and adapt is a superpower, especially as career pathways become less linear and more dynamic.

• Don’t Undervalue Diverse Experiences: Whether it’s a “detour” into sales or a stint in recruitment, every experience adds value. Tina reflects on how roles she didn’t initially appreciate proved vital for her future as a coach and entrepreneur. Sometimes, your “side quests” become your secret strengths.

If you’re navigating your own academic-to-industry leap, Tina’s journey proves that you’re not alone and that there’s real power in asking for help, exploring new territory, and owning your story.

See the resources section below for Tina Persson’s links!

This episode’s resources:

• Passage2Pro| Website

Thank you, Tina Persson!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Tina, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:

Send Tina Persson a thank you message on Linkedin!

Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!

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