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How the Catalyst Coaching Program Helps Researchers Turn Innovations into Impact
Researchers are advancing extraordinary science inside our federal labs, but translating that expertise into language the private sector can immediately understand is its own skillset. Oak Ridge National Laboratory decided to tackle that challenge head on. The result is the Catalyst Coaching Program, a high-impact initiative that helps early and mid-career researchers sharpen their message, clarify the value of their work, and engage industry partners with greater confidence and purpose.
In this episode, we take a look inside Catalyst with the people who built it. Jennifer Caldwell, Director of Technology Transfer at ORNL, shares why the lab needed a new model for communication and collaboration. Susan Ochs, ORNL’s Engagements Program Manager with decades of experience across the DOE system, explains how the program evolved from earlier outreach efforts and why it’s resonating with researchers.
Along with Dr. Angelique Adams, CEO of Angelique Adams Media Solutions and Director of the Leadership in Engineering and Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Tennessee, talks about the communication framework she developed to help scientists present their technologies in a way that lands with industry decision makers.
We break down the shift from the original Safari program to Catalyst, the one-on-one coaching that transforms how researchers talk about their work, and the real-world outcomes that follow, including stronger pitches, new partnerships, successful TCF awards, and industry engagement that begins long before licensing discussions start. You’ll also hear how Catalyst is helping ORNL researchers move faster, connect more effectively, and bring their innovations into the marketplace with clarity and impact.
In This Episode:
[03:00] Jen explains how the earlier Safari program began as a way to break down barriers between ORNL and industry.
[03:31] ORNL shifts toward concierge-style engagement to create stronger private-sector connections.
[04:33] The team discusses why Safari was vital for showcasing ORNL’s breadth of innovation.
[05:13] Safari receives national recognition and becomes a catalyst for modernizing ORNL’s outreach.
[06:18] Susan highlights why long-term relationships are central to tech transfer success.
[07:14] Safari entrepreneurs return as mentors for Energy I-Corps applicants, showing the program’s ripple effect.
[08:03] COVID forces ORNL to rethink its engagement strategy and accelerate virtual communication tools.
[09:01] ORNL collaborates with Angelique to redesign the program around concise, industry-ready messaging.
[10:13] Catalyst launches with strong DOE support and earns internal recognition for its early success.
[11:11] Susan shares why ORNL’s early attempts at virtual engagement didn’t work and what needed to change.
[12:05] The team explains what makes Catalyst different from traditional communication training.
[13:18] Catalyst helps identify researchers who are ready to move their work toward commercialization.
[14:27] Small cohorts ensure each participant receives customized, high-touch coaching.
[15:26] How personalized coaching builds confidence and sparks clarity in researchers’ presentations.
[16:16] Why humility and a beginner’s mindset support real transformation.
[16:51] Catalyst skills begin translating into measurable commercialization outcomes.
[17:11] ORNL sees long-term impacts through stronger licensing, partnerships, and DOE program engagement.
[18:45] The curriculum that helps researchers shift from technical to industry-focused communication.
[19:22] Researchers learn how decision makers think, assess risk, and evaluate potential collaborations.
[20:22] Angelique explains why her industry background builds trust and credibility with participants.
[21:51] A high-stakes capstone event ensures researchers apply what they learn in real conversations.
[22:53] The program teaches researchers to transform traditional presentations into clear, concise pitches.
[23:16] Researchers develop both conversational and slide-driven formats to use across settings.
[24:05] Catalyst helps researchers direct industry interest to ORNL’s partnerships and licensing teams.
[25:10] Participants begin applying Catalyst skills to internal leadership situations as well.
[26:00] ORNL integrates commercialization managers to provide cross-functional perspective.
[27:21] One-on-one coaching becomes the turning point for overcoming fear and refining delivery.
[28:36] Angelique shares where listeners can access her 15-point communication checklist.
[29:02] The discussion turns to audience awareness and reducing jargon for non-experts.
[30:36] Angelique explains how analogies help researchers translate complex science simply.
[31:14] Michelle Kidder’s journey showcases how communication skills led to licensing and major TCF wins.
[32:38] A radiopharmaceutical team uses Catalyst tools to build partnerships and launch a major workshop.
[33:48] Quantum researchers transform their messaging and influence statewide investment discussions.
[35:28] Catalyst skills continue delivering long-term value across research programs.
[36:03] The program strengthens pipelines into TCF, vouchers, and DOE’s I-Corps program.
[37:55] Catalyst becomes part of a larger DOE commercialization arc that amplifies impact.
[38:53] The alignment between Catalyst and DOE funding programs becomes clear.
[39:10] The guests look ahead to the next Catalyst cohort and what’s planned for FY26.
[40:49] The new monthly FLC Update segment with Executive Director Paul Zelinsky.
[41:53] Paul explains how the lapse in appropriations is affecting federal agencies and confirms FLC remains operational.
[42:38] The mixed agency operating status, carryover funds, and essential services during the lapse.
[43:27] He clarifies FLC’s communication boundaries with Congress and highlights the release of the FLC Annual Report.
[44:56] Significant leadership turnover across agencies and why broad distribution of the report matters.
[46:09] Upcoming deadlines, key events, and preparations for the national meeting.
Resources:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Jennifer Caldwell - ORNL
Jennifer Caldwell - LinkedIn
Susan Ochs - ORNL
Dr. Angelique Adams
Dr. Angelique Adams - LinkedIn
View all episodes
By Federal Laboratory ConsortiumResearchers are advancing extraordinary science inside our federal labs, but translating that expertise into language the private sector can immediately understand is its own skillset. Oak Ridge National Laboratory decided to tackle that challenge head on. The result is the Catalyst Coaching Program, a high-impact initiative that helps early and mid-career researchers sharpen their message, clarify the value of their work, and engage industry partners with greater confidence and purpose.
In this episode, we take a look inside Catalyst with the people who built it. Jennifer Caldwell, Director of Technology Transfer at ORNL, shares why the lab needed a new model for communication and collaboration. Susan Ochs, ORNL’s Engagements Program Manager with decades of experience across the DOE system, explains how the program evolved from earlier outreach efforts and why it’s resonating with researchers.
Along with Dr. Angelique Adams, CEO of Angelique Adams Media Solutions and Director of the Leadership in Engineering and Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Tennessee, talks about the communication framework she developed to help scientists present their technologies in a way that lands with industry decision makers.
We break down the shift from the original Safari program to Catalyst, the one-on-one coaching that transforms how researchers talk about their work, and the real-world outcomes that follow, including stronger pitches, new partnerships, successful TCF awards, and industry engagement that begins long before licensing discussions start. You’ll also hear how Catalyst is helping ORNL researchers move faster, connect more effectively, and bring their innovations into the marketplace with clarity and impact.
In This Episode:
[03:00] Jen explains how the earlier Safari program began as a way to break down barriers between ORNL and industry.
[03:31] ORNL shifts toward concierge-style engagement to create stronger private-sector connections.
[04:33] The team discusses why Safari was vital for showcasing ORNL’s breadth of innovation.
[05:13] Safari receives national recognition and becomes a catalyst for modernizing ORNL’s outreach.
[06:18] Susan highlights why long-term relationships are central to tech transfer success.
[07:14] Safari entrepreneurs return as mentors for Energy I-Corps applicants, showing the program’s ripple effect.
[08:03] COVID forces ORNL to rethink its engagement strategy and accelerate virtual communication tools.
[09:01] ORNL collaborates with Angelique to redesign the program around concise, industry-ready messaging.
[10:13] Catalyst launches with strong DOE support and earns internal recognition for its early success.
[11:11] Susan shares why ORNL’s early attempts at virtual engagement didn’t work and what needed to change.
[12:05] The team explains what makes Catalyst different from traditional communication training.
[13:18] Catalyst helps identify researchers who are ready to move their work toward commercialization.
[14:27] Small cohorts ensure each participant receives customized, high-touch coaching.
[15:26] How personalized coaching builds confidence and sparks clarity in researchers’ presentations.
[16:16] Why humility and a beginner’s mindset support real transformation.
[16:51] Catalyst skills begin translating into measurable commercialization outcomes.
[17:11] ORNL sees long-term impacts through stronger licensing, partnerships, and DOE program engagement.
[18:45] The curriculum that helps researchers shift from technical to industry-focused communication.
[19:22] Researchers learn how decision makers think, assess risk, and evaluate potential collaborations.
[20:22] Angelique explains why her industry background builds trust and credibility with participants.
[21:51] A high-stakes capstone event ensures researchers apply what they learn in real conversations.
[22:53] The program teaches researchers to transform traditional presentations into clear, concise pitches.
[23:16] Researchers develop both conversational and slide-driven formats to use across settings.
[24:05] Catalyst helps researchers direct industry interest to ORNL’s partnerships and licensing teams.
[25:10] Participants begin applying Catalyst skills to internal leadership situations as well.
[26:00] ORNL integrates commercialization managers to provide cross-functional perspective.
[27:21] One-on-one coaching becomes the turning point for overcoming fear and refining delivery.
[28:36] Angelique shares where listeners can access her 15-point communication checklist.
[29:02] The discussion turns to audience awareness and reducing jargon for non-experts.
[30:36] Angelique explains how analogies help researchers translate complex science simply.
[31:14] Michelle Kidder’s journey showcases how communication skills led to licensing and major TCF wins.
[32:38] A radiopharmaceutical team uses Catalyst tools to build partnerships and launch a major workshop.
[33:48] Quantum researchers transform their messaging and influence statewide investment discussions.
[35:28] Catalyst skills continue delivering long-term value across research programs.
[36:03] The program strengthens pipelines into TCF, vouchers, and DOE’s I-Corps program.
[37:55] Catalyst becomes part of a larger DOE commercialization arc that amplifies impact.
[38:53] The alignment between Catalyst and DOE funding programs becomes clear.
[39:10] The guests look ahead to the next Catalyst cohort and what’s planned for FY26.
[40:49] The new monthly FLC Update segment with Executive Director Paul Zelinsky.
[41:53] Paul explains how the lapse in appropriations is affecting federal agencies and confirms FLC remains operational.
[42:38] The mixed agency operating status, carryover funds, and essential services during the lapse.
[43:27] He clarifies FLC’s communication boundaries with Congress and highlights the release of the FLC Annual Report.
[44:56] Significant leadership turnover across agencies and why broad distribution of the report matters.
[46:09] Upcoming deadlines, key events, and preparations for the national meeting.
Resources:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Jennifer Caldwell - ORNL
Jennifer Caldwell - LinkedIn
Susan Ochs - ORNL
Dr. Angelique Adams
Dr. Angelique Adams - LinkedIn