About

I remember the frustrations I experienced while completing my doctoral program. The experience was unlike any other challenge I faced. I recall times of feeling completely isolated and constantly overwhelmed by:

  • How do I balance my family, job, and doctoral program? 
  • Do I have what it takes to complete each milestone? 
  • Is this really worth it? 

    An estimated 50 - 70% of all doctoral students who start a program never complete their dissertation.

    I recall a sobering moment in my doctoral orientation when the Associate Dean told us to look at the individuals sitting to our left and to our right and stated, "only one of you will complete the program". 

    By God’s grace, I completed my doctoral journey in March 2022. During that humbling process, I passed qualifying exams with honors and successfully defended my dissertation with no revisions. I took time to reflect on my  journey and my classmates' journeys and wondered-

    What factors cause some doctoral students to finish their dissertation and others never to achieve that pinnacle of success?

    After completing my dissertation, I learned about the Working Genius, a framework developed by Pat Lencioni for how we get work done. I was so intrigued by the framework that I became a certified facilitator in the Working Genius. As I learned about the stages of work, I realized how our Geniuses (strengths) and Frustrations (weakness) can work for or against us in any project, especially for a doctoral student striving to complete their dissertation. 

    I have heard many people refer to "imposter syndrome" plaguing doctoral students. I believe that the overlying issue doctoral students struggle with is a lack of awareness of their Geniuses and Frustrations and having strategies to regulate their Geniuses and Frustrations at every stage of the doctoral program. 

    I want to show you how to leverage and regulate your Working Genius and identify resources to address your Working Frustrations so you can complete your dissertation and call yourself "Doctor".

    Here's to your success,

    Nori Conner, PhD

    Founder, A Done Dissertation

    Photo of founder in doctoral regalia surrounded by family

    "A good dissertation is a done dissertation."  Author Unknown