Equivalent Too

Maryam is so inspiring as a woman of colour in engineering.  She opens up about the hardships she has faced being one of few in her industry, but also describes her career journey.  Being raised in a council flat in London, she had always been focused on getting out and securing a high-flying job.  Having done all this, she then turned to where she is from and reveals how her processionals of self-acceptance has made her proud of who she is today.  As always on Innervation, this is an uplifting, enriching and hopeful conversation.

This week on Innervation we speak to Celine Montanari, who is about to get her PhD in Biocomposite Material Engineering.  We hear about what valuable life lessons she has learned along her life and career journey, including the importance of making mistakes.  

This week we hear from Jo Sadler, a biotechnologist, who shares her knowledge, wisdom and experiences with us, as a Woman in STEM.  

My guest this week, design engineer Esmeralda Ypsilanti talks about the importance of following your heart, as well as the rules.  Her strength of character and 'don't mess with me' attitude is perfect as one of few females in her industry.  I get to the root of where her resilience and confidence comes from and its inspiring, especially if you are a little unconventional, like me.  

In this episode Kerrine, A Lead Systems Power Engineer, admits she has taken too much in life for granted... 

Sometimes I don't think women realise how little power they have in most western societies.  We truly do live in a patriarchal age, and as a result we all miss out on the power, strength and creativity that women can bring to the table.  Times are getting better though, but I still think there are many things we can all do to empower ourselves, if we have fallen back into a role of being the underdog - and that doesn't just apply to women.  Check out the discussion and perspectives from women in STEM on the topic of empowerment, as we increase our awareness of this important topic!  

Resilient materials in engineering, are very elastic and can bounce back to their original forms after they have been subjected to stress!  What a great analogy for life!  I discuss this together with perspectives from women in STEM on the topic.  Resilience is a super power!  I want some of it for myself - its a work in progress and discussing the topic certainly helps with that.  

I don't know if its a woman thing, or a minorities thing, but I've wasted so many years asking for permission just to exist; just because I felt different from everybody else.  I break down this topic together with some perspectives from women in STEM, and we talk about why we seek permission and why we shouldn't have to, as empowered people.  

Taking some time out to relax can be so rewarding, despite the guilt and shame of doing nothing.  It's so important for our creativity and innovation.  I'm usually really highly strung and can take life quite seriously sometimes, but at least I now see the importance of doing something different or nothing!! Progress!

Being vulnerable with others is so hard, but when we are able to, we give ourselves permission to be ourselves.  Being vulnerable is empowering, because it means that we are not in shame about being human.  We need connection, we need others and being vulnerable is beautiful.