Dr. Catherine Cherrstrom shares her journey from a 27-year banking career to earning a PhD and joining the professoriate. She discusses her dissertation on midlife career transitions for women, the “expert–novice–expert” arc, and the practical strategies—mentorship, small daily writing habits, collaboration, and productivity techniques—that helped her succeed. This episode offers encouragement and concrete advice for anyone considering or navigating a doctoral path: break large goals into steps, find supportive peers and mentors, and lean into the skills you already have.