Research lab directors, program directors, and future research leaders listen up. This episode is for you (especially if you’re an overcommitted researcher). I talk about leadership and management skills for researchers with Dr. Stefanie Robel of GLIA Leadership. Let’s talk about research leadership mastery.
This is The Social Academic, a podcast about online presence for faculty, researchers, and graduate students. Hi, I’m Jennifer van Alstyne. I help academics like you feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating a stronger online presence for yourself. Let’s build a strong digital footprint through your academic website, social media, and bio writing. Read the blog.
A full text transcript of this interview is coming for you soon. Thank you!
Bio
Stefanie Robel
Stefanie Robel is a tenured professor of neuroscience, research team builder, and leadership educator. Originally from Berlin, she earned her Ph.D. in Munich before moving to the United States, where she launched an independent research program that has secured more than $10 million in funding and developed a high-performing, resilient team over the last 10 years.
She has guided her laboratory through significant challenges—including the COVID-19 shutdown and a major institutional move—while maintaining productivity and cohesion. Several of her former trainees have since established successful research programs of their own.
Her interest in leadership began during her postdoctoral years, first as a way to strengthen her competitiveness and later as a means to create a sustainable career and lab culture. Stefanie is a multi-certified life coach and has integrated leadership development into her own academic journey, combining scientific excellence with personal fulfillment.
In 2019, she founded what is now GLIA-Leadership, bringing together coaching expertise and academic experience to support researchers in leading with clarity, building strong teams, and sustaining joy in their work. Her mission is to help change academic culture by showing that success does not need to come at the expense of personal well-being.