This episode addresses a challenging landscape of academic professional development funding in 2025, offering a priority-based framework for maximizing limited resources amid budget cuts and funding uncertainty. Christine’s systematic approach begins with the "number one priority test" (identifying resources you'd pay for personally), moves to immediate commitments like fall conference registrations and organizational memberships, then productivity tools and resources such as specialized software or methodology training, and concludes with strategic remainder spending on non-expiring resources like coaching hours or PDF guides, emphasizing the critical importance of spending allocated funds before potential budget clawbacks while prioritizing investments that directly advance scholarly productivity and writing progress.

Resources Mentioned:

• Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) - Membership under $100 with writing tools, videos, and professional resources
• Defend, Publish & Lead coaching hours - Currently on special pricing, stackable and non-expiring - email christine@defendpublishlead.com or visit our website and schedule a free consultation.
• Etsy academic resources - PDF guides for writing logs, dissertation organization, and scholarly productivity tools (for one example, see here)
• Professional development consultation - Free consultation available at defendpublishandlead.com