Featured Member - Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska

Recently published author, Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska, has a list of qualifications, accolades and credentials that could make one somewhat intimidated, had she not dedicated much of her working life to helping other potential high achievers overcome internal obstacles and pursue higher education. 

Ok, so we are still quite intimidated, but we're also in awe because she not only believes in the benefits of higher education for herself, but has supported so many others in accessing it too. 

PhD, SFHEA, EMCC accredited, Agnieszka is an award-winning filmmaker, academic, mentor and life coach. Best known for her acclaimed documentary, Married to the Eiffel Tower, she has held senior positions at universities in the UK and in Europe, has written extensively on psychoanalysis and culture, has had three monographs published with leading academic publishers and has a new edited collection on documentary ethics coming out later in 2025. And, as first mentioned, she has recently authored ‘The Scholar's Mentor’s Guide to Global Success for International Research Students.’

This book has been informed and inspired by the work Agnieszka has been involved in for the last 13 years, supervising PhD students at higher education establishments. Through offering a more holistic support to doctoral students, beyond just sharing disciplinary knowledge, she has improved the well-being and outcomes of many students, and this has led her to launch The Scholars’ Mentor.

The Scholars’ Mentor supports international research students with mentoring, life coaching and meditation and also works with institutions. Much work so far has been pro bono, but Agnieska is now looking into other funding avenues and revenue streams to support the work being done and ensure the sustainability of the business.

“The business is very new and developing, so I am also looking at new partnerships and ways of engaging positively in the world for the highest good of all” - Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska.

Joining Breakthrough Labs has been a step into opening up the business - and Agnieszka - to new contacts, networking opportunities and creative ways to develop and expand.

Meanwhile, Agnieska continues to make creative work and specialises in coaching high-performing creative people, particularly women.

Welcome to Breakthrough Labs, Agnieszka!