Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this guest blog, Adam challenges the scepticism around “personal branding” by reframing it as a tool for clarity rather than self-promotion. Drawing from personal anecdotes and practical advice, he explains how early career researchers can shape how they’re perceived by being deliberate in how they show up, online and in person. With thoughtful encouragement, he demystifies what a brand is and isn’t—and why even quiet, kind, reliable people can benefit from having one.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-building-a-personal-brand/

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Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Follow us on Social Media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
• https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
• https://twitter.com/demrescommunity
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
• https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

In her new blog, Emily shares how a writing retreat provided a vital lifeline during a difficult time balancing research and parenting. Amid exhaustion, doubts, and a heavy workload, Emily found renewed confidence, rest, and extraordinary productivity during three days of silent writing. Her honest reflection highlights the value of protected time and reminds us that even small breaks can restore belief in ourselves and our work.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-retreat-regroup-rewrite/

#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research #Productivity #PhDWriting #PhDLife

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Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

--

Follow us on Social Media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
• https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
• https://x.com/demrescommunity
• https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher