Dr. Bill Walker didn't have an easy start. Growing up with trauma and hardship, he defied the odds to become a biomedical entrepreneur and engineering professor. In this conversation, he shares how his early struggles shaped his career. He also explains why mental health matters in high-pressure fields like STEM and entrepreneurship and how mindfulness helped him thrive. This isn't just a story of resilience-it's a practical guide to turning life's toughest challenges into opportunities for reaching towards the sky like a Vandenberg launch.

00:00 Teaser: Choices in Life

00:38 Meet Dr. Bill Walker

01:02 From Academia to Entrepreneurship

03:08 Navigating Academia and Industry

06:34 The Value of a PhD

08:01 The Five Pillars of Education

13:46 Advisor vs. Mentor

19:04 Personal Journey and Mentorship

21:59 The Importance of Vulnerability

33:52 Closing Thoughts and Advice