LearnORS Webinar Schedule

Join us for a summer webinar series on compassionate leadership. Designed for scientists of all levels in academic, clinical, and industry settings, the webinars will address stress management, burnout, criticism, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Each session of this three-part series will help attendees recognize challenges peers, mentors, and mentees while also prioritizing self-care. Our discussion will also address compassion fatigue – the emotional and physical exhaustion that can arise when consistently supporting others.

Practical, evidence-based strategies will help attendees:

• Recognize signs of burnout, stress, and self-doubt in those you support
• Provide meaningful encouragement without absorbing others’ struggles as your own
• Set healthy boundaries to balance your well-being with leadership responsibilities
• Recognize when you’ve reached your limits and need to recharge
• Advocate for additional resources and support within your institution or organization

Series Organized by: 
The ORS Women’s Leadership Forum, the ORS Accessibility and Belonging Committee, 
and the ORS Membership Committee

Disclaimer:

The content of this webinar is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your own medical provider regarding any questions or concerns you have related to your mental health.

Session 3: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Central
Fireside Chat – Sustaining Compassion in Leadership
Dr. Marianne Cook and Dr. Anne Welsh

In this closing session, we bring together Dr. Marianne Cook and Dr. Anne Welsh for an intimate fireside chat exploring the complexities of compassionate leadership in scientific and academic environments. Drawing from their deep experience supporting high-achieving professionals, they will reflect on key takeaways from the series—how to recognize burnout in others, support mentees and colleagues without overextending, and create psychologically safe, values-aligned spaces. Attendees will be invited to ask questions, share insights, and engage in real talk about what compassionate leadership looks like in practice—not just in theory.

Speakers:

Marianne Cook, EdD, LICSW, is a highly trained therapist specializing in helping high-achieving professionals, college and graduate students, and faculty through evidence-based approaches, offering in-person and telehealth services across MA, NY, and CT, with a deep commitment to supporting the academic community.

Anne Welsh, PhD, PMH-C, R-CPLC, ACC, a licensed psychologist and certified executive coach, specializes in helping high-achieving women in male-dominated fields like biotech, IT, and law elevate their leadership, build resolute confidence, and break free from perfectionism, all while fostering alignment between their career and personal life through a blend of practical strategies and deeper self-exploration.

Organized by:

Brianne Connizzo, PhD (Women’s Leadership Forum)
Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Boston University

Fei Fang, PhD (Membership Committee)
Assistant Professor
Department of Orthopaedics
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Christina Salas, PhD (she/her/they/them) (Accessibility and Belonging Committee)
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering (primary)
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering (joint)
Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation (secondary)
Director, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

Register Now

Just In Case You Missed It

Session 1: Recorded on May 14, 2025, 60 mins
Leading with Presence—Managing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in Ourselves and Others
Dr. Marianne Cook, EdD, LICSW

As scientists, educators, and clinicians, we are often expected to be calm under pressure and available to support others—yet few of us are taught how to manage the toll this takes. In this opening session, Dr. Marianne Cook, a therapist specializing in high-achieving professionals and academics, will guide us through practical, evidence-based tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness to help recognize and manage the emotional labor of leadership. Learn how to cultivate self-awareness, spot early signs of burnout and compassion fatigue in yourself and your peers, and engage in grounded, intentional responses that support both your community and your well-being.

Session 2: Recorded June 11, 2025, 90 mins
Confident, Compassionate, and Aligned Leadership
Dr. Anne Welsh, Licensed Psychologist and Certified Executive Coach

Building on the inner awareness developed in the previous session, this shifts the focus to cultivating leadership grounded in self-awareness, confidence, and sustainable compassion. Dr. Anne Welsh draws on her experience as both a licensed psychologist and executive coach to help high-achieving professionals in demanding, fast-paced environments develop clarity in their leadership style. Through a blend of practical tools and deeper self-reflection, attendees will explore how to recognize and respond to the emotional needs of those they support while staying aligned with their own values and well-being. Learn how to set clear, empathetic boundaries, communicate with purpose, and lead from a place of grounded presence—even when facing high expectations or limited resources. You’ll leave with tools for setting strong yet empathetic boundaries, aligning your leadership style with your personal strengths, and fostering psychological safety in your lab, team, or workplace.

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To search these recordings using the link above, please select “Career Development Session” and the year “2025.”