From Cambridge to Coaching: How Dr. Anna York-Weaving is Redefining Academic Success & Dream Living
by Kristina Karlsson
"There’s something truly magical about sitting down with someone who radiates passion, purpose, and a deep love for learning. Particularly when they're a Member of our Coaching Program."
That’s exactly how I felt during my recent conversation with Dr. Anna York-Weaving on this Your Dream Life podcast episode.
Anna is a powerhouse — an academic coach, Cambridge PhD graduate scientist, podcaster and the founder of York-Weaving Education. She separately teaches cell biology and is a Bye-Fellow at the University of Cambridge. And she's Mum to two beautiful young boys.
And through all of that, she’s also one of the most humble, kind, and inspiring people I’ve met.
I first got to know Anna through my Dream Life Coaching Program, where she quickly stood out with her vibrant energy, love of life and wonderful contribution to our member community. Dialing in from the UK.
It didn’t take long for me to realise she had a story that needed to be shared — and what a story it is...
In our chat, we talked about everything from childhood dreams and academic setbacks, to the beauty of morning rituals and the power of writing things down.
Anna’s journey is a beautiful blend of scientific brilliance and heart-led dreaming — a perfect example of what can happen when we align learning with passion.
✨ Anna’s Academic Journey: Turning a Setback into a Strength
Anna grew up in Ukraine and came to the UK at just 14 years old on a scholarship. She was obsessed with science and dreamed of studying at Cambridge — a dream that, remarkably, she made come true.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
In her first year at Cambridge, she worked incredibly hard… only to do poorly in her exams.
It was a defining moment.
Instead of giving up, Anna sat down and wrote herself a letter saying this “setback” would one day become a strength. And it did. She went on to excel in her studies and was even invited to teach other students how to succeed at Cambridge.
That experience became the foundation of her academic coaching business. Anna now helps students understand how to learn, not just what to learn — something I believe we all could benefit from, no matter our age.
💡 Five Key Insights from Anna's Dream Life Journey
1. Learning isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter.
Anna teaches students how to create systems for remembering and retrieving information. Whether you're revising for an exam or reading a personal development book, it's not enough to passively consume — we need frameworks to help us retain and apply what we learn.
2. Writing things down is powerful.
When Anna was at her lowest point at Cambridge, she wrote herself a note — a future promise that she would turn the experience into a strength. Years later, that note became a symbol of transformation. Journaling and reflective writing are tools she’s used since childhood, and they remain part of her daily ritual.
3. Dreaming big begins with believing you can.
One of my favourite stories from our chat? The day Anna walked into a Kikki K store in Covent Garden and bought my book Your Dream Life Starts Here. She filled out the 101 Dreams exercise — and one of those dreams was to start her own business. She did just that. Goosebumps!
4. There’s power in community.
Anna is an active member of our Dream Life Coaching Program, and she spoke so beautifully about the impact it’s had on her life. From the accountability and inspiration to the practical tools and support, it’s become a core part of her week. (Her morning coffee and coaching notebook are ready every Monday!)
5. Life balance isn’t about doing it all — it’s about loving what you do.
As a mum of two young boys, Anna is juggling a lot. But she reminded me that when we genuinely love each part of our lives — work, family, learning — the balance becomes more natural. Boundaries help too, like shutdown rituals and defined work hours when working from home.
🌱 Morning Rituals, Lifelong Learning & Making Space for You
One thing I always love asking my podcast guests is about their morning rituals. Anna shared that her ideal ritual includes coffee, journaling, a short meditation, a walk with the dog, and a few pages of a personal development book. Doesn’t that sound dreamy?
She’s not a natural morning person, and with two young kids, mornings are unpredictable. But she’s learned to wake up a little earlier — not to be “productive,” but to nurture herself. Even 10–15 minutes makes a difference. It’s her time to reconnect before the day begins.
As Anna said, “You have to replenish your own energy, so you can share it with your family, your clients, and your community.” Yes. Yes. YES.
🎓 Her Dream: Making Learning a Joy for Everyone
Anna’s big dream right now?
To share her coaching methods with students and families around the world. She wants to help people fall in love with learning and feel proud of what they’re capable of.
With her podcast (Academic Coaching for Parents), her coaching business, and a book she’s dreaming about (yes, I’m holding her to it!), she’s well on her way.
And I know she’ll continue to inspire thousands with her compassionate approach to learning and dreaming big.
💛 Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I took away from my conversation with Anna, it’s that we are always learning — and when we embrace that, life gets even more beautiful.
Whether you’re a student, a parent, a coach, or just someone who loves personal growth — Anna’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks are not the end of the road. They can be the beginning of your next big leap.
So think about making a similar leap and joining us in my Dream Life Coaching Program too. Special intro offer for New Members here...
I hope you love this episode as much as I did.
Let me know what you think below or in our Dream Life Community Facebook Group — I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Keep dreaming big!
-
Links to connect with Anna:
- York-Weaving Education
- Academic Coaching for Parents Podcast
- Youtube
Leave a comment