eLABorate Topics

Are you a medical lab professional struggling to find happiness and fulfillment in your career? If you're feeling overwhelmed by productivity pressures, stuck in endless meetings, or managing a team under constant stress, the problem may not be what you think.

What if the root cause of your unhappiness isn't your workload, hours, or even your boss, but rather the neglect of some fundamental, non-negotiable principles in your career?

In this episode, your host, Lona Small,  career success coach, dives into "10 Non-Negotiables" that could be the hidden reasons behind your unhappiness at work. These are the essential questions every lab professional should ask themselves to ensure they are on the path to a satisfying and rewarding career.

Key Takeaways: The 10 Non-Negotiables to Consider for a Happier Lab Career

1.Do I Have Opportunities to Share Ideas and Foster Innovation?

Innovation isn’t just for tech startups—it’s crucial in labs too! Whether it’s streamlining daily tasks or contributing to large-scale projects, your voice and ideas should be heard. If you're not given a seat at the table, it may be time to speak up or look for opportunities elsewhere.

2.Is My Role Providing Me with Purpose and a Sense of Meaning?

Purpose is a powerful driver of job satisfaction. Are you able to see the impact of your work on patient outcomes or lab efficiency? If not, consider finding ways to connect your daily tasks with a bigger picture that resonates with your values.

3.Am I Continuously Growing and Learning in My Current Role?

Career satisfaction requires continuous growth. Are you gaining new skills and facing fresh challenges? If you feel stagnated, push for new opportunities—whether leading cross-functional projects or earning additional certifications.

4.Am I Valued and Recognized for the Contributions I Make?

Feeling valued is crucial to feeling fulfilled at work. If your efforts are going unnoticed, it might be time to seek feedback, self-advocate, or share your achievements in meetings to ensure your work is acknowledged.

5.Do I Maintain Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life?

Work-life balance is vital for long-term happiness. Are you constantly working overtime or struggling to switch off? Setting clear boundaries can protect your mental health and ensure you're recharged and engaged when you're on the clock.

6.Am I Engaging in Projects and Tasks That Reflect My Core Values?

Alignment between your work and core values is key. If your projects and tasks don’t match what you stand for, it may lead to frustration and burnout. Find roles or tasks that align with your personal beliefs and values.

7.Am I Fairly Compensated for My Skills and Professional Efforts?

Fair compensation isn’t just about numbers; it’s about feeling valued. Do you believe your salary reflects your experience and contributions? If not, research industry standards and prepare to advocate for what you’re worth.

8.Is My Work Environment Positive, Supportive, and Healthy?

A toxic work environment can drain your energy and enthusiasm. Does your workplace foster a positive, supportive atmosphere where you feel respected and have access to necessary resources? If not, consider speaking up or seeking a healthier environment.

9.Do I Make Time to Support My Mental, Spiritual, and Emotional Well-Being?

Mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being are fundamental for job satisfaction. Are you taking time for self-care, meditation, or reflection? Make sure your workplace supports a holistic approach to your health and well-being.

10.Do I Cultivate a Growth Mindset, Positive Outlook, and Practice Gratitude?

Your mindset shapes your experience at work. Do you focus on growth opportunities, see the positives, and practice gratitude? Research shows that individuals with a growth mindset are more resilient and adaptable, which is especially important in demanding environments like labs.

Action Steps: Reflect, Reassess, and Take Control

1. Reflect: Take time to consider which of these non-negotiables resonate most with you.
2. Reassess: Determine if any areas in your current role or work environment need adjustment.
3. Take Action: Write down your top non-negotiables and create a plan to address them—whether it means having a conversation with your manager, seeking new opportunities, or adjusting your mindset.

Join the Conversation!

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of Elaborate Topics by subscribing on DirectImpactBroadcasting.com or your favorite podcast platform. Connect with us on LinkedIn and join our group discussions with hosts Lona Small, Tywauna Wilson and Stephanie Whitehead. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Visit our website to submit your ideas.

Remember, a fulfilling career isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are while doing it. Until next time, stay balanced, stay fulfilled, and keep thriving in your lab career!

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1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form.  

• For further inquiries or personalized coaching, feel free to reach out to Lona Small at LonaSmall.com or connect with her and the team on LinkedIn.

Tune in as Stephanie Whitehead and her guest, Lisa Maruta, delve into a candid conversation about diversity in STEM, overcoming challenges, and the power of representation. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights for anyone passionate about science and inclusion.

Here's what's covered in this episode:

**Advocating for Diversity:** Lisa, a dedicated biomedicine student aiming to become a research scientist and lecturer, shares why diversity in STEM is crucial and how she plans to inspire future generations of scientists.

**Mentorship and Community Support:** Discover the significance of mentorship in academic success, as Lisa reveals her own experiences and encourages students to seek out and utilize available resources.

**Representation in STEM:** Tune in as Lisa discusses the importance of visibility and representation for young individuals, particularly from minority backgrounds, and shares her journey and inspiration.

**Networking and Genuine Engagement:** Lisa delves into the importance of networking, being genuine, and confidently holding spaces in academia and beyond, providing practical advice for navigating biases and imposter syndrome.

Don't forget to connect with us on social media!

Special Guest Bio:

Lisa Maruta is a dedicated biomedicine student with three years of experience in academic level 6 laboratory settings. Known for her diligence and proactive approach, Lisa excels in collaborative environments, consistently adhering to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) standards. Her passion for life sciences extends beyond the laboratory; she is committed to empowering young women and children worldwide. Through her social media platform, where she documents her biomedicine journey, Lisa inspires others and discusses topics ranging from healthy living to making a global impact. Balancing academia with creativity, she expresses herself through various mediums, staying connected with her passions while contributing to scientific discourse. Committed to continual growth and improvement, Lisa strives to enhance her laboratory skills and make a positive impact in both the scientific community and society at large.

Connect with Lisa:

Instagram: @diaryofabiomedstudent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamaruta/

In this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson discusses essential Emotional Intelligence strategies for new laboratory supervisors transitioning from technical roles to leadership positions.

Today, we'll cover:

• Understanding Emotional Intelligence in laboratory supervision
• Using the Pause Button Technique for managing emotions
• How to apply the Empathy map tool to better understand team members
• Delivering constructive feedback using the Feedback sandwich

Take Action:

1. Implement one Emotional intelligence tidbit per week
2. Practice self-awareness in daily interactions
3. Use EI to balance technical excellence with empathetic leadership

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Related Episode:

• Episode 26 (Season 4): Beyond Technical Skills: Showcasing Emotional Intelligence in Lab Interviews
• Episode 19 (Season 4): Enhancing Emotional Intelligence for Lab Leaders in the digital Era

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Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Connect with Coach Tee Wilson

To connect with Tywauna for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics visit: TywaunaWilson.com or connect with her on LinkedIn where she shares topics to help you learn grow and develop in the area of leadership and personal development. If you want a personalized EI assessment with Leadership Coaching, please reach out to Tywauna on LinkedIn.

Need More Tips? Secure Your Copy Today!

Leading With Emotional Intelligence Resource Book By Tywauna Wilson / Cedrick LaFleur

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form or e-mailing us at [email protected].

Do you find yourself excited about your plans, projects, and initiatives, only to be derailed by others’ priorities that don’t support your vision as an impactful leader? Are you juggling too many priorities, leading to discouragement and burnout? This episode of Elaborate Topics is for you.

Join host Lona Small, a career success coach, as she dives into how focusing on fewer initiatives can help you achieve the impact you desire for yourself and your team—without sacrificing your well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• Clear Focus: Discover how narrowing your priorities allows you to align your actions with your vision, ensuring every effort is purposeful.
• Better Decision-Making: Learn how focusing on fewer projects enables you to make smarter, more informed decisions, leading to faster and better outcomes.
• Higher Quality Work: Understand why spreading yourself too thin leads to a drop in quality, and how concentrating on key initiatives can produce superior results.
• Deeper Expertise: Explore how specializing in fewer areas can help you build mastery and position yourself as an authority in your field.
• Stronger Team Alignment: Find out how clear focus and communication can enhance team cohesion, collaboration, and overall performance.
• Greater Support and Collaboration: See how delivering high-quality results attracts support from upper leadership and other teams, paving the way for future initiatives.
• Sustained Well-Being: Learn how focusing on less can prevent burnout, allowing you to maintain your energy and leadership effectiveness over time.

Practical Takeaway:

Lona wraps up the episode with a practical exercise to help you get started. Choose the project that aligns with your goals and has the potential to create the impact you want. Eliminate, automate, or delegate tasks that don't support your objectives. This first step will set you on the path to becoming a more focused, impactful, and fulfilled leader.

Additional Resources:

• Winning Your Year as an Impactful Leader: Listen to the episode for a deep dive into how to focus on what truly matters.

Connect with Us: Connect with Us

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form.  

• For further inquiries or personalized coaching, feel free to reach out to Lona Small at LonaSmall.com or connect with her and the team on LinkedIn.

In this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson explores the critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) in job interviews for leadership positions in medical laboratories. Listeners will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to demonstrate their EI during the interview process.

Today, we'll cover:

• Understand why emotional intelligence is increasingly valued in laboratory leadership roles
• Learn techniques for crafting compelling stories that showcase your EI in action
• Discover EI-driven strategies for excelling in both traditional and digital interviews
• Explore insightful questions to ask interviewers that demonstrate high EI and uncover team culture

Take Action:

1. Reflect on your EI strengths and areas for growth.
2. Practice telling your EI stories.
3. Before your next interview, take a moment to center yourself and remember – your ability to understand and manage emotions is your superpower.

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Related Episode:

• Episode 19 (Season 4): Enhancing Emotional Intelligence for Lab Leaders in the digital Era

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Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Connect with Coach Tee Wilson

To connect with Tywauna for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics visit: TywaunaWilson.com or connect with her on LinkedIn where she shares topics to help you learn grow and develop in the area of leadership and personal development. If you want a personalized EI assessment with Leadership Coaching, please reach out to Tywauna on LinkedIn.

Need More Tips? Secure Your Copy Today!

Leading With Emotional Intelligence Resource Book By Tywauna Wilson / Cedrick LaFleur

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form or e-mailing us at [email protected].

We are excited to bring you another insightful episode!

Where do laboratory medicine and health equity intersect? In today's episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead sat down with Kyle Riding to take a deep dive into the pressing issue of health disparities, especially within laboratory diagnostics.

Whether you're a seasoned lab professional or just beginning your journey, this episode uncovers critical insights you won't want to miss.

Here’s a glimpse of what we cover:

**Impact of Health Literacy on Families**: Understand how lack of health literacy can lead to crushing debt due to laboratory diagnostics and what can be done to improve this scenario.

**Urban vs. Rural Health Disparities**: Explore the significant differences in health outcomes like mortality rates from heart disease and diabetes complications between urban and rural communities.

**Roles of Laboratory Professionals**: Discover the vital role that all levels of lab professionals, from phlebotomists to pathologists, play in addressing health disparities.

**Advocacy and Education**: Learn why educators must emphasize advocacy and the importance of students being vocal about their concerns, plus the potential impact of societal involvement.

**Continuing Education and Evolving Roles**: Kyle and Stephanie discuss the valuable content available for continuing education in health equity and stress the importance of laboratory professionals stepping outside their traditional roles to advocate for change.

Special Guest Bio:

Dr. Kyle Riding is the incoming MLS Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire. He holds a bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science and a PhD in Public Health. He has a passion for topics that relate to patient safety, health equity, and the impact of access to laboratory services on community health. He works with non-profit organizations like Diverse Health Hub to enhance health literacy.

Connect with Kyle B Riding:

X (Twitter): @KRidingMLS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-riding-phd-mls-ascp-b4211511/

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Don't forget to follow us on social media, share your experiences, and submit any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes!

Episode Highlights:

1. Welcome to Elaborate Topics Podcast! Are you struggling to wake up with energy and excitement for the day ahead? Do you find yourself overwhelmed, stressed, and unfulfilled in your leadership role? You're not alone. Many leaders, especially in high-stress environments like medical laboratories, face similar challenges.

Host: Lona Small, Career Success Coach

1. Love Yourself First

• Importance: Loving yourself first is crucial for maintaining balance and positive energy.
• Tips: Spend a day listening to your inner dialogue. Are the words kind and supportive? Engage in activities that promote self-love, such as reading, courses, or coaching.

2. Health Is Wealth

• Physical Health: Eat healthy meals to boost energy and reduce fatigue.
• Mental & Emotional Health: Engage in fun activities, build a support system, and process your emotions.
• Spiritual Health: Take time for meditation, prayer, or connecting with a higher power to realize your limitless potential.

3. Draw The Line

• Importance: Know your wants and communicate them effectively to avoid feeling taken advantage of.
• Tips: Clearly outline your needs and expectations at home and work. For example, no office visits during lunch or no work calls on weekends.

4. Embrace The Fun

• Importance: Fun reduces stress, stimulates creativity, and fosters team bonding.
• Tips: Incorporate small fun activities at work and home, like bingo games, family movie nights, or date nights with your partner.

5. Align Your Work

• Importance: Aligning your work with your core values and strengths brings fulfillment.
• Tips: Identify your unique core values and seek roles and projects that resonate with your passions and strengths.

6. Grow Continuously

• Importance: Continuous growth is essential for personal and professional fulfillment.
• Tips: Embrace learning through experiences, others, and your unique inspirations. Don’t resist growth; let it guide your evolving interests and roles.

7. Share and Inspire Others

• Importance: Your fulfillment creates a ripple effect, inspiring and empowering those around you.
• Tips: Share your journey, volunteer as a mentor, celebrate others' successes, and provide valuable resources.

Practical Steps to Get Started:

• Journal for Self-Love: Set aside quiet time to journal your thoughts, accomplishments, and things that bring you joy. Identify your emotional, physical, and mental needs.
• Set Daily Intentions: Reflect on your journal entries and set small, manageable intentions each day that align with self-love, such as taking breaks or speaking kindly to yourself.

Connect with Us

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form.  

For further inquiries or personalized coaching, feel free to reach out to Lona Small and the team. Let's embark on this journey to success and fulfillment together!

In this insightful episode of "eLABorate Topics," our co-hosts delve into the mindset required for career success and the courage to pursue personal fulfillment. They share practical tips, personal challenges, and the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and continuous growth.

Key Points

• Courage and Leadership: Making tough decisions with confidence and integrity.
• Shifting Perspectives: Viewing work as a platform for growth and learning.
• Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Embracing a growth mindset and practicing self-compassion.
• Designing Your Career Path: Building a career based on your strengths and values.
• Practical Tips: Effective goal setting, leadership strategies, and celebrating small achievements along the way.

Why Listen?

• Gain actionable insights to boost your professional journey.
• Learn how to navigate challenges with resilience and self-reflection.
• Discover the power of a positive mindset in achieving career and personal goals.

Don't Miss:

1. Real-life stories of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
2. Expert advice on personal and professional development.
3. Strategies to help you design a fulfilling and impactful career.

**Tune In and Transform Your Mindset!**

Subscribe to "eLABorate Topics" and be part of our community dedicated to continuous growth and professional excellence. Share this episode with colleagues and friends to inspire and empower them on their career journeys.

Join us for an insightful episode where we delve into the impactful careers and contributions of two trailblazing doctors in clinical laboratory science, Dr. Lashanta Brice and Dr. Melody Boudreaux Nelson. Explore their journeys, the significance of a DCLS degree, and the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.

Today, we'll cover:

- The Importance of DCLS Professionals and Collaborative Healthcare

- Comprehensive Advice for Pursuing a DCLS Degree

- How to Showcase the Laboratory’s Value in Patient Care and Outcomes

Tune in to learn valuable insights and strategies for elevating your career in medical laboratory science.

Guest Bios:

LaShanta Brice, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)SH(ASCP)

Dr. LaShanta Brice graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston December 2021 with her Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. She received her Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2014 and her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia in 2008. Dr. Brice specializes in hematology and coagulation with 15 years of bench experience, management experience, process development, quality and compliance, and teaching experience. Her most recent position was the Hematology and Flow Cytometry Supervisor at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. She currently serves as Diagnostica Stago's Scientific Engagement & Clinical Education Scientist. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and designing Happy Planner layouts.

Melody Boudreaux Nelson, DCLS, CC (NRCC), MS, MLS (ASCP)cm

Dr. Melody Boudreux Nelson is a board-certified Clinical Chemist and a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science at the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, KS. Her leadership experience spans core laboratory oversight, operational management, and informatics. Dr. Nelson advocates for laboratory prominence in healthcare and enjoys creating quality improvement initiatives with interdisciplinary teams.

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Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us! 

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform

2.     Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!

3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!

4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn

5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please contact us by completing the guest interest form.  

In this episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead interviews Dr. Kathryn Golab, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, SH^CM, a trailblazer in laboratory medicine and a strong advocate for laboratory professionals. Dr. Golab shares her unique career journey, starting from her high school days through obtaining her doctorate.

She explains the importance of laboratory advocacy, and how she uses social media platforms like X (Twitter) and LinkedIn to enhance visibility and awareness for the laboratory profession. Dr. Golab offers valuable tips for leveraging social media for professional growth, inspiring listeners to be active advocates for their field.

This episode provides insightful strategies for navigating social media authentically and effectively for advocacy and professional development.

Special Guest Bio:

Dr. Kathryn Golab, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, SH^CM, is the Clinical Laboratory Utilization Specialist at Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories (WDL) in Milwaukee, WI. Kathryn is an active member of ASCP, where she is currently the chair of the National Social Media Committee and a career ambassador. She also is a member of ASCLS and is active at the Wisconsin State level as the current secretary for the Board of Directors, and on the national level as a member of the Consumer Response Team. She also is on the Menomonee Falls High School Healthcare Career Academy Board of Directors as a member at large. In 2022, she was awarded the ASCP Board of Certification Lab Superstar Award Runner-up, is a 2021 ASCLS Voices under 40 awardee, and has multiple publications related to social media and laboratory administration. When not promoting the laboratory profession, she enjoys hiking and reading books in her free time.

Connect with Dr. Kathryn Golab:

X (Twitter): @kgolabmls

LinkedIn: Dr. Kathryn Golab

Connect with Stephanie Whitehead Click on the link to connect with Stephanie for more on this and other leadership and personal development topics.

Podcast Call to Action

We would love to feature YOU!!!

Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode: Video Review

Be an eLABorate Supporter!

1. Follow @eLABorate Topics on all social media platforms and Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn
2. Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!
3. Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform
4. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode!
5. Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!
6. Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review

Be a Guest on our show!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or sending us an e-mail at [email protected].