Tanya Lama on Why “Ready” Is a Lie

Waiting to feel ready is just a sophisticated form of stalling.Tanya thought she needed more papers, more time, more something.The truth? Academia rewards speed, not hesitation.If the door’s cracked, kick it open. You’re already enough.SummaryIn this episode, Mike Dauphinee speaks with Tanya Lama, a professor of genomics, about her journey in academia, the challenges of mentorship, and the importance of resilience in both personal and professional life. They discuss the CliftonStrengths assessment and how it has influenced Tanya's approach to teaching and mentoring. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and family, the significance of community support, and the value of viewing failures as opportunities for growth and learning.About Tanya Lama (Achiever, Relator, Learner, Significance, Focus)Tanya Lama is an Assistant Professor of Genomics focused on mammalian evolution and conservation. At Smith College, her lab investigates the genetic mechanisms behind complex life history traits—like lifespan—in bats and other mammals. From fieldwork to faculty leadership, Tanya brings deep curiosity and a sharp scientific lens to every space she enters.More at: smith.edu/TanyaTakeawaysTanya reflects on her role as a mentor and educator.The CliftonStrengths assessment highlighted Tanya's instinct to challenge rather than encourage.Mentorship in academia often lacks formal training.Postdocs often feel unprepared to apply for faculty positions.Time is a critical factor in academic job searches.Tanya emphasizes the importance of community in parenting.Teaching reviews can be biased and do not always reflect true teaching ability.Resilience is built through facing challenges and failures.Experiments in teaching can lead to valuable insights and growth.Honoring emotions and frustrations is essential for personal development.Sound Bites"I want to help you navigate to X.""You can do hard things.""I want to run an experiment."