USING MY RESEARCH

Frequently Asked Questions

This work was created to move the field forward — and I genuinely welcome scholarly dialogue, professional application, and creative collaboration. These FAQs are here to make it easy for you to know exactly what is permitted, what requires a conversation, and how to reach me when you are not sure. When in doubt, just reach out — the answer is usually yes.

FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS

Question: Can I cite your dissertation in my own research?

Yes — always, and no permission needed. Simply use the bibliographic information provided and generate your citation in your preferred format. That is exactly what this work was made for.

Question: Can I use your interview protocol guide in my own qualitative study?

Yes, with attribution. If you are replicating or adapting the protocol for academic research, you may use it with full citation. No advance permission is required, but I would genuinely love to hear about your study - feel free to reach out through jenngonzaga.com !

Question: Can I reproduce a section of your dissertation in my own thesis or dissertation?

Yes, for standard academic quotation and fair use purposes, AND it follows the guidelines as set forth by your institution. If you are reproducing a significant portion — a full chapter, multiple sections, or the complete findings — please reach out first so we can document the agreement. This is more about keeping a record than gatekeeping.

Question: Can I reference your findings or framework in my literature review?

Absolutely — this is encouraged. Please note that the 7C Pivotal Leadership Framework™ is the applied commercial evolution of the seven constituents and General Structure of Pivotal Moments in a Leadership Development Program as Experienced by Women Entrepreneurs - as described in the study. Reference whichever is most appropriate for your context and cite accordingly.

Question: Can I build on your research for my own original study?

Yes. Extending, replicating, or challenging this work is exactly the kind of scholarly dialogue that moves the field forward. No permission needed — just proper attribution.

Question: What if my institution requires a formal permission letter?

No problem at all. Reach out through jenngonzaga.com and I will provide one promptly.

FOR PRACTITIONERS, CONSULTANTS, AND PROFESSIONALS

Question: Can I reference your research in my workshop, presentation, or training?

Yes, with attribution. Citing the research and crediting Dr. Jenn Gonzaga as the source is all that is required for general reference in a professional setting.

Question: Is the interview protocol guide the same as the Pivotal Moment Interview™?

The Interview Protocol Guide is the academic foundation of the Pivotal Moment Interview™. The guide is available for scholarly and professional reference. The Pivotal Moment Interview™ is a commercial service delivered by Dr. Jenn Gonzaga through Pivotal Leadership Group and is not replicable through the guide alone. To learn more, visit Pivotal Leadership Group.

Question: Can I use the interview protocol guide with my coaching or consulting clients?

The Interview Protocol Guide is the foundation of the Pivotal Moment Interview™, which is a commercial offering of Pivotal Leadership Group. Using the protocol in a paid professional context requires a separate agreement. Please reach out through jenngonzaga.com to start that conversation — there may be a licensing or partnership arrangement that works beautifully for both of us.

Question: Can I adapt the 7C Pivotal Leadership Framework™ for use in my own programs or materials?

The 7C Pivotal Leadership Framework™ is proprietary to Pivotal Leadership Group and may not be adapted, rebranded, or incorporated into commercial programs without a written licensing agreement. That said, Dr. Jenn is open to collaboration — if you see a fit, reach out and let's explore it.

Question: Can I share the dissertation or protocol guide with colleagues or clients?

You are welcome to share the access link or direct others to jenngonzaga.com to make their own request. Please do not redistribute the files directly, as each request helps Dr. Jenn understand who is engaging with the work.

Question: Can I use your research to support or validate my existing program or methodology?

Referencing and citing the research as a supporting source is fine with attribution. Using it as a primary validation tool for a commercial program — especially one that references the 7C Pivotal Leadership Framework™ or uses the Pivotal Moment Interview™ — requires a conversation first. Reach out through my contact link (at the bottom of this page).

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE for when to go for it vs. reach out first

Go For It!

Citing in academic research
Using protocol in academic study
Referencing findings in literature review
Reproducing short quotes with attribution
Referencing research in a workshop, presentation, or training

Reach Out First

Using protocol in paid coaching/consulting
Adapting 7C Pivotal Leadership Framework commercially
Including in a published book / curriculum
Licensing for organizational use
Need a formal permission letter

Still not sure? Just reach out - I read every message personally and I am genuinely glad you are here!

Let's Connect!