Race in STEM

Welcome to Unlocking the Power of the Patient’s Voice in Clinical Trials, our new quarterly podcast series where we dive into the stories and experiences of the people behind clinical trials. In our very first episode, we’ll hear from Sharon Rivera-Sanchez as she shares her journey and insights.

Over the past year, Global Community Director Steve Fuller has facilitated many discussions with life sciences professionals to explore how clinical trials can be improved to better support patients. A key takeaway? The patient's voice often goes unheard in these trials. This is why Steve is so grateful to have met Sharon, whose personal journey highlights the importance of patient representation.

Sharon, a fit and healthy woman, was suddenly diagnosed with cancer and selected to participate in a clinical trial. In this podcast, she shares her story - from her diagnosis to the treatment and support she received through the trial process. Sharon’s experience sheds light on the challenges patients face when navigating clinical trials and the vital need for better patient inclusion.

The hope of this conversation is to amplify the patient’s voice, encouraging a more empathetic approach to clinical trials. Sharon’s story serves as a powerful reminder that patients should be at the centre of their care and that their experiences can help drive improvements in the clinical trial system.

If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t miss this conversation. Listen to the full podcast now to discover the support available and learn how to advocate for yourself.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

In this insightful podcast episode, Steve Fuller, Communities Director, engages in a fascinating conversation with Olúwágbémilékè (Gbemi) Ijeoma Jamie L. Austin. Gbemi’s journey into the life sciences industry began at a young age when she saw a TV advertisement that sparked her passion for helping others. This early inspiration laid the foundation for a remarkable career that spans across multiple fields.

As a mother and lifelong learner, Gbemi has pursued four degrees while holding senior positions in both small biotech companies and global pharmaceutical giants. Her expertise also extends to regulatory affairs, where she has played a key role in shaping industry standards. Beyond her corporate achievements, Gbemi runs her own consultancy and is deeply involved in non-profit work, particularly in Africa, where she focuses on making a meaningful impact.

Throughout the conversation, Gbemi shares her drive to continuously develop and support others, offering valuable insights into the balance between career and personal life. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of passion, persistence, and the desire to uplift those around us. 

Don’t miss out on hearing more about Gbemi’s inspiring journey. Tune in now to listen to the full episode and get motivated to take your own professional journey to the next level!

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

In the latest episode of the Race in STEM podcast, Steve Fuller and Jack Daley finally come together for a conversation that’s been years in the making. Although they've crossed paths in similar circles for some time, this year marked their first opportunity to sit down and talk.

Jack stands out for his thoughtful and measured approach to life. His story is one of resilience, marked by experiences that many might consider overwhelming. From his parents' early separation and a relocation from inner-city London to the countryside, to dealing with personal loss, Jack's journey is anything but ordinary.

In this podcast, Jack shares valuable insights on overcoming adversity. He reflects on how these challenges have shaped his character and driven him to make a positive impact, both in his personal life through a commitment to health and wellness, and in his professional role as Director of Regulatory Affairs at Organon Pharma.

Jack’s story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define us; instead, it’s how we navigate our challenges that shapes our future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a fresh perspective on resilience.

Listen to the full conversation and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

In the ever-evolving world of technology, few stories are as inspiring as that of Jeevantika Lingalwar, a Solution Architect whose journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In a recent conversation with Global Community Director Steven Fuller, we explored her path, challenges, and insights into fostering equity in STEM.

Growing up in India, where traditional careers like law or medicine are often encouraged, Jeevantika’s passion for gaming and music set her on a different path. With her family’s support, she pursued a career in technology, quickly rising to become a CTO by the age of 25. Her success in a male-dominated industry was hard-won - she confronted numerous challenges but overcame them with determination and skill.

Jeevantika also shared valuable insights on how companies can promote equity in STEM, highlighting the need for inclusive environments. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following your passions and breaking down barriers in the pursuit of success.

Check out the full conversation below! If you’re interested in sharing your own story or learning how to get involved with Race in STEM, reach out to our team today.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

In this special podcast episode, Race in STEM ambassador Peter Andu interviews a very unique guest—his mother, Dr. Bridget Andu. With over 20 years of experience in the NHS, Dr. Andu shares her inspiring journey into medicine, despite not coming from a medical background. Her story is one of determination and resilience, as she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor against the odds. 

Dr. Andu discusses the significant challenges she has faced, including moving to a new country to study medicine and navigating the demanding shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, her passion for healthcare and helping others has remained unwavering. 

Towards the end of the episode, she offers invaluable advice to young doctors, encouraging them to stay resilient and committed. She also shares her optimism for the future of the NHS, believing that positive changes are on the horizon. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone inspired by stories of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity. Dr. Andu’s journey is not only a testament to her strength but also a source of encouragement for aspiring healthcare professionals. 

Listen to the full conversation below and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today. 

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

In a recent podcast, Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador, a practicing doctor, shared her journey from working with the NHS to transitioning into the commercial global pharmaceutical industry. Her story highlights the importance of mentorship and the value of learning through discussion.  

A key lesson Diggi emphasises is the power of learning through debate and discussion. Engaging in thoughtful conversations helped her develop critical thinking skills and stay innovative in her approach. As Diggi puts it, “I learned through debate and discussion, and this has been the bedrock of my career.” 

Her journey is a reminder that mentorship and continuous learning are essential to personal and professional growth. 

Listen to the full conversation and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today. 

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

Adeola Adenuga, an experienced clinical professional, brings over 25 years of experience across the pharmaceuticals, biopharma, and CRO sectors. Her hands-on approach as a consultant has made her a vital strategist in various phases of clinical trials.

In our latest podcast episode, Adeola shares her remarkable journey, discussing how she built resilience throughout her career and her unique perspective on failure. She also opens up about the central role her faith plays in her daily life.

Adeola provides valuable advice on creating diverse and inclusive work environments, emphasising the importance of building bridges within the industry. Her insights are not only inspiring but also practical, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in clinical leadership, diversity, and personal growth. 

Listen to the full conversation and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

Recorded live at the Dublin Tech Summit 2024, BioTalent’s Global Community Director and Race in STEM Founder, Steve Fuller, sits down with Guild Esport’s CEO, Jasmine Skee, for an engaging and insightful conversation.

In this episode, Steve and Jasmine dive into the panel session Jasmine participated in earlier that day, titled "Levelling the Playing Field." They explore the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and the technical measures being implemented to address gender disparities. Beyond the professional realm, the discussion also provides a personal glimpse into Jasmine’s life.

Listeners will journey through Jasmine’s upbringing in Newcastle, Australia, her multicultural background with an Australian mother and a Polish/Scottish father, and the unique story behind her surname, "Skee." Discover how Jasmine’s heritage and personal experiences have shaped her identity and career trajectory, and ponder how different her path might have been if certain changes had never occurred.

Join us for this compelling episode that blends industry insights with personal narratives, offering a holistic view of Jasmine Skee both professionally and personally.

Make sure you join the community by following the LinkedIn page and subscribing to the monthly newsletter.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

For our latest Race in STEM podcast, our global community manager, Steven Fuller, caught up with aviation and sustainability expert Kwame Bekoe.

Born and raised in the UK of Ghanaian parents, Kwame went back to Ghana for three years of secondary school, gaining a deeper understanding of his culture and background, before returning to the UK and finishing his education. It was far from plain sailing in the part of southwest London where he spent the first part of his childhood. “The town I was actually born in was a stronghold for the British National Party, so I remember actually in my youth seeing these marches happening all around me, all these people filled with anger and hatred.”

It was Kwame’s parents, and his father in particular, who helped him come to terms with experiences like these. “He would explain to me about really what is going on, why people think like this and you know, a lot of it is down to indifference and lack of understanding – and really just how to navigate my way through that and not let it become a deterrent or a hindrance as to where it is I feel I want to go in life.”

Kwame combines this measured approach for all life throws at him with a strong resolve and willpower – something his father also had no small part in instilling. “He is someone who’s really filled with grit, with determination. I think someone of his generation to be able to move from Africa, to move from Ghana, pretty much the first I would say in my direct and indirect family, with the passion to just study and learn and really just to go for that dream and to do something different.”

Kwame’s certainly doing something different with his current role as commercial director at Zero, a company revolutionising the way aircraft are powered and reducing their environmental impact. Listen to the complete conversation as Kwame talks family responsibilities, having a dream your teachers don’t believe in and ensuring better representation within the STEM space.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

The Dublin Tech Summit took place on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th May at the RDS, bringing together global leaders in innovation, technology and business to shape the future of global trends. Among them were founder of Race in STEM Steven Fuller and C-suite engagement director for The IN Group, Natalie Whittlesey.

In our latest podcast, Nat discusses how being at one of Europe’s leading tech festivals was a key learning experience: “I have to talk to a lot of really interesting tech leaders and I have to keep myself well informed, make sure I know what’s going on, what the leading trends are in tech, data, digital.” She gives her first-hand perspective on the three fascinating talks she attended at the summit, covering:

• The robots are here – With Ireland at the forefront of the robotics and machine learning revolution, how are companies successfully leveraging AI

•  Using tech and AI during times of political crisis – With the UK and US general elections coming up, how could tech potentially be used for the purpose of disinformation? How can tech advancements help, but also hinder, the relationship between the state and citizens?

•  Return on investment of DEI, hosted by our very own Steven Fuller – How return on investment can manifest in financial performance, staff retention and customer satisfaction – but DEI needs to be embedded in the heart of a business with commitment from the top, rather than a tick box exercise or a sentence on a website.

Listen to the full conversation to learn more about this year’s Dublin Tech Summit and the big trends shaping the tech market.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!