Guest article from Linda Alkire, recipient of the 2024 SERVSIG Emerging Service Scholar Award.
When I reflect on the journey that led to this profoundly humbling recognition, I realize that many of the pivotal choices I made ran counter to the well-meaning advice we often give to PhD students and early career researchers. As academics, we tend to offer carefully curated guidelines: prioritize publishing, stay focused, limit service commitments, and avoid risks. While such guidance has its merits, I discovered that there is also immense value—and joy —in taking a different path. For me, breaking with convention was not a detour—it became the path. In fact, breaking from convention was the very thing that made my academic journey so fulfilling.
When I was asked to share reflections with the SERVSIG community, I chose to highlight three personal lessons that shaped my journey—each one going against conventional academic advice yet profoundly shaping who I am as a scholar and a person.
1. Embracing Service from the Start
– The common advice: Do not get too involved in service early in your career—it distracts from research.
– What I did: I said yes to service opportunities, even before tenure – even when it meant longer hours or added responsibilities.
From organizing doctoral consortia and mentoring early career scholars to engaging in various initiatives, I have embraced service in all its forms. What began with small roles, such as PhD class representative and managing social media for SERVSIG, grew into co-chairing SERVSIG, leading tracks at major conferences, and contributing to service journals. Service was never just a checklist item; it energized and inspired me. It broadened my network, deepened my understanding of our field, and—perhaps most importantly—helped me stay connected to the “why” behind my work. Far from detracting from research, it sparked new questions, opened doors to collaborations, leadership roles, and lifelong professional relationships and friendships that I would not trade for anything!
2. Taking Risks—and Leaving the Comfort Zone
– The standard advice: Minimize risk, especially early on. Build stability.
– What I did: I took leaps —across borders, institutions, and comfort zones.
Moving from my home country to pursue a PhD in the UK —without knowing anyone there and having only spoken with my supervisor by phone (this was pre-Zoom, and the electricity in Lebanon failed during our Skype meeting)—was a leap of faith. Upon completing my degree, I moved again, this time to the United States, and once again started from scratch.
Navigating new academic cultures and building a career across continents was challenging and, at times, overwhelming. I often felt uncertain or out of place. Even now, when I look back, I am in awe of how things have unfolded, often in ways I could never have predicted.
The risks were not just geographical. I chose to focus my research on Transformative Service Research (TSR) at a time when the field had only a handful of publications. I still remember a senior scholar telling me at a major conference, “This whole well-being and TSR thing—it’s just a fad.” I am grateful that I followed my instincts rather than that advice. These risks—geographic, professional, and intellectual— shaped me more than any safety could. They helped me build resilience, cultural understanding, and ultimately, a sense of purpose. I have come to believe that risk is not the opposite of success; it is often what makes success possible.
3. Helping Others Helps You
– The standard advice: Focus on yourself first; help others later.
– What I did: I embraced a mindset of lifting others from day one.
Whether mentoring students or supporting colleagues —particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds— I found that investing in others was not a distraction from my goals—it was fuel for them. Helping others kept me grounded, motivated, and inspired. This reminded me that academia is not a solo sport. The act of giving—time, encouragement, support—has a way of coming back around in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.
While some steps I took were deliberate and others more serendipitous, two truths have remained constant: hard work matters, and it is okay to ask for help. I would not be here without the generosity of mentors who took a chance on me, who offered guidance, support, and kindness at just the right moments (you know who you are!). Perhaps I was lucky to cross paths with them—but I also believe that authenticity, commitment, and a spirit of giving resonate with others. I never approached relationships with a transactional mindset, with a checklist or a scorecard. I gave with my heart, and I hope that came across.
To the Next Generation of Service Scholars
We are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a generous, encouraging, and uplifting scholarly community—without question, the most supportive I have encountered in all academic and professional spaces. Being welcomed into this community is a privilege but also a responsibility.
As you grow in your academic journey, I encourage you to serve it forward—share your time, your insights, and your kindness with those around you. Say yes to what feels meaningful. Take a leap, even if it is not on the “official path.” The future of our field is brighter when we lift together. Let us continue to support, inspire, and invest in one another—because that is the true spirit of service scholarship.
Linda Alkire, Ph.D.
Vicki L. West Excellence Endowed Professor
Associate Professor of Marketing
Director of the Center for Professional Sales
Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Service Management
Texas State University
