Let’s get messy!

I’m here to support you through your messiest moments in life, PhD and everything in between.

By working with me, you’ll…

  • … discover more of the things that feel fiery, nourishing and good, and let go of the things that don’t
  • …create and manifest all your little+big desires from a place of total ease, rest and flow
  • …craft unapologetic, fierce boundaries that will smash past perfectionism, fear of failure and imposter syndrome for good

Are you ready to find the magic in the mess? Jump into a Discovery Call with me to see how we might work together

Yes! Let’s get messy!

How to get messy with me

The M.E.S.S.Y Mentorship
12-weeks of customised 1:1 life coaching. I’ll work with you to bust through your greatest blocks to find more joy, ease and the confidence to meet any mess.

<<GET UP CLOSE>>
The Messy PhD workshops
A suite of workshops for universities, focusing on researcher wellbeing, designed to support PhD candidates to do more thoughtful research with clarity, ease and joy.

<<DISCOVER THE DETAILS>>>
1-to-1 PhD coaching
I offer various 1:1 coaching options to help you find clearer ways of navigating the ‘messy’ challenges of PhD life, including accountability, intention-setting and finding your best work flow

<<COME COACH WITH ME>>

13 things you need to know about doing a PhD

A totally FREE e-guide for anyone doing doctoral research – now updated with 3 key new additions.

We dive into some super clear insights and tips for dealing with 13 key aspects of PhD life that just aren’t that commonly talked about.

If you ever struggle with things like…

  • Neverending PhD guilt for not doing more
  • Imposter syndrome
  • What to do when things go wrong

… this guide will put a stop to those niggly worries.

Download the guide for free

Jump into the blog

Hey! I’m Jamie, the Messy Coach

I’m all about embracing the grubby, untidy, imperfect things we’ve been taught to avoid, resist, sweep under the carpet or control and fix to within an inch of our lives. Things like: 

  • Imperfections and flaws
  • Discomfort
  • Every gross, sticky, shitty feeling
  • Feeling not-good-enough
  • Mistakes

I dare do this work because I myself am a recovered/recovering perfectionist.

I’ve known what it’s like to fear failure, to live a half-life because I was too afraid of fucking up, and then to land unexpectedly, over and over again, in exactly the kind of mess I tried so hard to avoid.

But I also know what it’s like to finally step out of that fear. After going through the wringer multiple times myself, I’ve broken the code for how to shift from this gross, messy space into one of badass boundaried confidence, joy, ease, flow and sharp-as-tack clarity.

And now I’m making it my mission to support you to do the same – for your PhD, for life-in-general and for all the in-betweens.

Learn more about me

Client love notes

I am very proud of the fact that I was one of the early members of Jamie’s Messy coaching programme. She is a vibrant, creative, spiritual, and intellectual person, and that energy is infused into everything that she does! She has a knack for community building and, honestly, whatever community she builds, I know I want to be a part of. Jamie never fails to be an encouraging and empowering presence, often approaching things from a completely different direction, which provides a fresh and energising perspective on whatever it is you’re working on.
Shelby Judge
PhD Researcher
I feel so fortunate to have come into Jamie’s sphere, and learn from her wisdom, warmth, compassion, and generosity of spirit. She has a remarkably intuitive nature, and always knows what I need, and she always has the tools to help me through whatever it is I’m going through. Being coached by Jamie is like going through the storms of life with the dearest and most loyal of friends, but one with the expertise and equanimity of someone who has been through it herself and who can offer trusted and humble guidance that will always be in your best interest. I can’t say enough about Jamie, but I can add: give yourself the blessing of being coached by this beautiful, fun, funny, clever, master of love, truth and insight!
Tammy Stone Takahashi
Poet, Author, Healer, Yoga teacher
Jamie Pei has done wonders for me! Through her consistent encouragement and positive mindset, I have finally been able to ease away from being a workaholic. Part of her magic is that she not only helped me to understand mentally what I needed to do, but she was able to give me the tools – and permission – I needed to allow myself to just BE. One of her superpowers is teaching people how to truly rest. While stress is a constant in my life, I am now happier and healthier than I have been in years.
Dr. Lara Wallace
Research Communication Coach & Founder of ‘English for Sustainability’
Jamie was in the latter stages of her PhD as I began mine, and continued to offer tips and insights that helped me and many other PhD researchers navigate the choppy waters of academia. Without that, I am not sure how long I would have persisted with it – the intellectual side itself is only half the story, if that – the other, more important part is the climate of encouragement and excitement around you, and Jamie was pivotal in creating that!
Dr. Tom Shillam
Researcher
In conversations, I always feel heard, acknowledged and my own positions and feelings are always centered. Jamie’s approach is especially unique in the way that she is able to share her own questions and ideas without ever forcing her own opinions or thoughts on anyone in the conversation, while also providing truly unique and valuable advice in the process. My interactions with Jamie are transformative, unique and in so many ways, empowering.
Gabriel/le du Plessix
PhD Researcher
Jamie and I worked closely to develop the doctoral training and peer support project ‘How to Thrive and Survive in your PhD’, and she did an excellent job growing the project from 2019-20. She is an excellent public speaker and doctoral research trainer – engaging, energetic, insightful, and a very clear communicator. She is both a confident and skilled independent professional and highly collaborative in her approach. It has been a pleasure working together and I certainly hope to again.
Dr. Sarah Masefield-Karran
Researcher
For those who are tired of working with overwhelmed, you are in the right place with Dr. Jamie Pei! She is consistently positive, encouraging, and REAL. Not only does she understand the struggles of students and academic writers, she combines effective techniques, community support, and FUN to help overcome these struggles and find progress.
Dr. Lara Wallace
Research Communication Coach and Founder of ‘English for Sustainability’
I thoroughly recommend working with Jamie. She is a natural collaborator, extremely well organised and always seeking to reflect and improve on past performance. Her motivation and drive to support students on their PhD journey has enabled her to plan and run a series of online workshops that have enhanced student wellbeing and sense of community, during an otherwise challenging time.
Dr. Francina Clayton
Researcher Developer, University of York
Jamie is a super friendly coach, and the way she talks about navigating the challenges of life is incredibly relatable. [She] has encouraged me to set my own boundaries so I can manage the expectations and pressures of academic life. I’d recommend her to anyone who is trying to make some progress in turbulent times!
Gareth Hughes
PhD candidate