Thrilled to share some news that has our friends asking if we’ve completely lost the plot: my wife Gwen and I have BOTH been awarded our doctorates within three months of each other – with no amendments and commendations from our examination committees!
At 70, I’ve finally earned the right to be called “Dr. Neil” after completing my thesis on “The Phenomenology of Relationships.” Just as I was getting used to being the only doctor in the house, Gwen goes and matches my achievement with her brilliant work on “Responsiveness in the Evolving Landscape of Work: An Edgewalker’s Tale.”
What are the odds? Our academic advisors tell us this dual achievement is virtually unheard of!
Our secret? Two years of academic pillow talk, competing for desk space, and the occasional healthy debate over who gets to use the good printer. Nothing says romance like proofreading each other’s citations at midnight!
While most couples argue about what to watch on Netflix, we’ve been debating phenomenology and organisational theory over dinner. It’s a miracle we still like each other! 😂
Now that we’re both officially “Dr. Wilkie,” the competition continues as we’re each working on our third books. The race is on!
In all seriousness, this journey has reinforced what I’ve learned in my decades as a relationship therapist: supporting each other’s dreams while pursuing your own creates the most fulfilling partnerships. My mission to transform 10 million relationships worldwide by 2030 continues with renewed energy and academic backing.
And Gwen’s extraordinary insights into the future of work couldn’t be more timely as organisations everywhere navigate unprecedented change.
Here’s to lifelong learning, healthy competition, and partners who believe in your wildest dreams – even when they involve thousands of footnotes!