In this episode of Frustrated and Exhausted, I sit down with Silke Bloem, who shares her journey from physicist to research manager and leader, and the invaluable insights she's gained along the way. They unpack big topics around career pivots, the role of science in management, cultural assumptions, and what it really takes to build collaborative, trusting teams—especially when you’re “in the middle” between different stakeholders.

From Physics Lab to Leadership:

• Silke opens up about what initially drew her into science—the thrill of understanding how things work and the “philosophical” side of physics. She also talks candidly about why she eventually stepped away from lab work, preferring roles that kept her close to science but allowed her to communicate and manage rather than specialize deeply.

Embracing Uncertainty:

• Both Ruth and Silke discuss how science, and especially experimental physics, foster resilience and problem-solving in the face of uncertainty, a skill set that’s crucial for navigating today’s volatile work environments.

Diagnosing Problems—Like a Scientist:

• Silke shares her approach to workplace challenges: get to the root cause, distinguish symptoms from underlying issues, and experiment step-by-step rather than chasing big, risky solutions. This echoes a scientific diagnostic process and offers practical wisdom for leaders in any sector.

Building Bridges Across Departments:

• You’ll hear how Silke advocates for “bridging” between legal, marketing, operations, and research roles—demystifying internal tensions by reminding everyone of a shared goal and unique perspectives.

Cultivating Real Listening and Trust:

• The conversation moves to the importance of truly listening, adopting other people’s perspectives, and taking the time early in projects to build shared understanding. Both Ruth and Silke agree that investing in relationships up front saves time—and conflict—down the line.

Challenging Assumptions & Cultural Contexts:

• Silke offers powerful stories from her international career about the danger of assuming your frame of reference is universal, and how simple phrases or protocols can mean very different things in varied cultures and sectors.

Leading from the Middle:

• For those who aren’t the “boss” but function between teams, Silke provides practical advice: stay neutral, define common goals, make sure everyone feels seen, and reduce complexity by clarifying what matters.

Trust as a Simplifier:

• The episode wraps with big questions around the role of trust versus regulation, and the limits of what policy can accomplish. Silke asserts that “trust reduces complexity,” urging leaders to focus on building relationships and shared values rather than layering on controls.

If this episode resonated with you, or you’ve got questions, stories, or feedback—get in touch! And if you’re still showing up in spaces that weren’t built for you, we see you. Keep going.

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