testimonial lovin’
from current and former clients and colleagues
I’ve known Jamie since her excellent performance in the Three Minute Thesis competition where from the first rehearsal I knew she’d be one to watch. Since then I’ve seen her grow and develop into a skilled trainer and coach who offers fresh approaches and perspectives. There are lots of development professionals about. Many are very competent, but only a small proportion of these genuinely make you think afresh. Jamie is one of these. For someone who works around academics and clever people, this is priceless.
Dr. Steve Hutchinson, Academic and research trainer/coach (Hutchinson Training)
I found my initial session with Jamie so very helpful. I’ve been feeling stuck and overwhelmed in my dissertation writing process. Jamie talked me through my stressors and helped me take apart each one and discuss why I’m stuck and how I can move forward. She is fun and easy going. It felt like talking to a friend but one that is very knowledgeable about providing support during the PhD process. I’ve already recommended her to two of my friends who are also struggling to navigate their PhD program! Thank you, Jamie!!
Caroline Kearney
PhD Candidate, Yonsei University
I left my coaching session with Jamie buzzing with good energy and also feeling a profound sense of relief. I’d been setting unrealistic expectations for how much I’d get out of my workday and I’d been frustrated with my attempts to fit it all in through time blocking (attempts that always ended with me rebelling against my own schedule). I loved Jamie’s suggestion that I create an “abundance menu” of tasks to choose from rather than rigidly mapping out my days. I also appreciated the feeling of possibility that I got as Jamie and I talked through various shifts that I’m imagining for my business. I’m excited to work with Jamie as I navigate these shifts.
Ellen Tilton-Cantrell
Developmental Editor, Minneapolis, USA,
I really enjoyed the space and time that Jamie provided for me during my work/play audit to reflect as I plan my next steps, post-PhD. It’s really easy to just jump back onto the hamster wheel of work, or to feel like you have to chase after every opportunity out of a fear of missing out or self-imposed pressure to be seen as “successful” in particular ways.
Dr. Elsa urmston
But Jamie opened up space for such a light, fun and inspiring conversation about what’s next in my journey, and offered the support and encouragement I need to move forward in a joyful, balanced way. She’s helped me see how I can harness the potential of this time (between completing my PhD and moving to the next chapter) to curate my future as I want it, not how others feel it should be.
Freelance dance educator & researcher
ipswich, UK
For those who are tired of working with overwhelmed, or even self-important academics who seem to have lost their senses of humor, you are in the right place with Dr. Jamie! 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 progress as writers. Jamie’s support helps us become unstuck in writing and as individuals, and I appreciate that she provides such a safe harbor where we can be ourselves and let our writing flourish.
Dr. Lara Wallace
Academic writing and speaking coach
Founder, English for Sustainability
I first met Jamie when studying for an MA in Modern History at the University of York. Her warmth, generosity, and ceaseless suggestions about how to make the most of my studies really influenced me and were reflected in my good academic results, and personal enjoyment of the degree. Jamie was in the latter stages of her PhD as I began mine two years after the MA, 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. Thomas Shillam
Researcher
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 Candidate, English literature/Classics,
University of Glasgow,
Jamie is a great light in this world, and brings her whole self to everything she does, an extremely rare quality in a person. 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 love how serious yet playful she is, and am always surprised in the best way possible how much levity and creativity she brings to her work of helping people on their soul’s journeys. 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 was a breath of fresh air, giving me the opportunity to explore some difficult areas with her calm (and calming!), no-nonsense approach. I instantly felt at ease and free to talk without judgement, but more than that, I came away with practical suggestions for change which have already started to make a real difference to the way I’m working and living. Thank you!
Alex Mallinson, Senior Lecturer & PhD CANDIDATE
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 as the project coordinator 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.
Sarah Masefield, Researcher, University of York
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. In addition to her successful work as a the Thrive and Survive programme leader, Jamie is a powerful and authentic communicator, she writes with style, humour and compassion.
Francina Clayton
Researcher Developer, Building Research & Innovation Capacity Team, University of York
Charlesworth Author Services has been working with Jamie since January 2020 and we have always found our commissioned content to be of high quality and delivered to agreed timelines. Jamie has an authoritative voice across both her webinar and article content which has been well received by the Charlesworth global academic researcher community.
Jean Dawson
Product Manager, Charlesworth Author Services
I really enjoyed my coaching session with Jamie! I was feeling stuck following a difficult couple of months with personal stuff and she helped me to get over the hump. By the end of the session I felt much calmer and more confident in choosing to read literature that brings me joy. I have greater faith in my ability to trust my instincts and know that what’s right for me is what’s right for my research!
Anna
PhD Candidate
I met with Jamie for a coaching call following a period of feeling overworked and a bit unsure of myself. Jamie immediately understood me. She gave me space and time to talk, but also provided really practical, helpful ideas for different ways to approach my situation – as well as coming up with a great little slogan to sum it all up in my mind, which I’ve repeated to myself ever since! Thanks Jamie!
Miranda
PhD candidate
Talking with Jamie and having conversations with her is always a remarkably transformative experience. 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 issues, questions, ideas and problems 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 Candidate
Jamie is inspiring, motivating and has a genuine interest to help and support students. As a PhD student, I find talking to her quite insightful, mostly because she has experienced being a PhD student herself and has deep understanding of the issues students usually face. The talk provided me with clarity and increased my awareness regarding the issue I am facing and directed me my attention towards possibilities that I wasn’t able to see. Her support goes beyond the call as she follows up with tips, inspiration and further helpful resources. Many thanks, Jamie
Malaak M
PhD candidate