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

Are you doing your PhD/DBA full-time or part-time?

Current Professional Seniority/Status:

How did you find me?

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?

Where are you in the process?

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.)

A note on mentoring fees: 1:1 strategic mentoring is a premium, month-to-month service starting from $1,000 per month, depending on the level of support you need. It's designed to save you significant time and academic frustration, and I work on the basis that I earn the right to invoice you each month.

I mention this early simply so we're both clear before we talk. It does not affect whether I want to speak with you. Supporting working professionals through their doctorate is part of my life's work, and I'll happily talk with anyone who answers these questions thoughtfully.

Having seen the above, how does this kind of investment sit with you right now? (There's no wrong answer. This just helps me understand where you are, and it won't change my interest in a first conversation.)

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