PhD/DBA Strategic Mentoring Discovery Form

PhD/DBA Strategic Mentoring Discovery Form
Balancing a senior career with a doctorate is a high-stakes challenge. Most university structures aren't designed for the reality of a working professional's schedule.

You've come to the right place!

I’m Emmanuel Tsekleves, a Full Professor at Lancaster University. I work exclusively with a small group of mid-to-senior level professionals to help you maintain momentum and reach your submission date efficiently.

My mentoring provides:
- Expert feedback on your writing
- Accountability to keep you progressing
- Career positioning for your post-PhD/DBA goals
- Support with responsible AI use in research
- Strategic guidance to avoid costly mistakes
Before we schedule a discovery call, I'd like to learn more about you and your PhD/DBA journey. This helps me understand if I can genuinely help you, and ensures our time together is focused and valuable.

The better and fuller you answer these questions, the more likely we'll connect. I work with a very small number of mentees to ensure focused, personalised support. Thoughtful answers help me understand your situation and prepare to create real value in our conversation.
What's your name?*

First NameLast Name
What's your email address?*
example@example.com
What's your LinkedIn profile URL or website?*
Select your country*
Full-time student (not working)Part-time student while working full-timePart-time student while working part-timeFull-time student but sponsored by employer
Mid-Level ManagementSenior Management / DirectorExecutive / C-SuiteBusiness Owner / FounderSenior Consultant / Independent ProfessionalFull-time studentOther
LinkedIn postLinkedIn comment on someone else's postWebinar (Paper Pal or other)NewsletterReferral from another PhD studentGoogle searchOther
Why are you doing a PhD/DBA? What's the end game: personal, professional, or both? (I ask this because understanding your motivation helps me tailor my support. Is it personal fulfilment, career advancement, a pivot to academia, or something else?)*
Which university are you with, and what is your specific research topic?*
Just finished/about to finish coursework/ taught coursesEarly Stage (Literature review & refining questions)Data Collection & AnalysisThe "Deep" Writing Phase (Drafting core chapters)Final Submission & Viva PrepStalled / Rescue Mission (I’ve hit a wall and need to get back on track)Other
How would you describe your current relationship with your university supervisors? (e.g., Are you getting the high-level feedback you need, or are you effectively self-managing?)*
What are you struggling with more than anything right now? (NOTE: I look at this question more carefully than anything else. This is how I decide whether I can be helpful and if we should spend time together in a discovery call. Be as specific as possible.)*
Mentoring Fees: 1:1 strategic mentoring is a premium service ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on the support required. This is a month-to-month arrangement designed to save you significant time and academic frustration. I need to earn the right to invoice you each month.

(NOTE: Your answer does not impact my interest in having a first conversation with you. Supporting working professionals through their PhD/DBA is part of my life's work, and I'll chat with anyone who answers the above questions thoughtfully. This just gives me a sense of where your head is at.)
Yes!Possibly — I'd need to explore options (employer sponsorship, etc.)Sadly, no.
WHEW! You're finished.

I know this probably took a minute to fill out, and I'm honoured that you took the time to tell me about yourself and your PhD/DBA journey. I'll follow up within 72 hours to let you know next steps.

Thanks for your time!

Emmanuel Tsekleves
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