The Engineering Talent Podcast

At just 19, Yanmi Orebowale is already building an impressive career across technology, engineering and apprenticeships. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Yanmi joins Fayon Dixon to reflect on choosing a degree apprenticeship, learning from placements with EA, Mastercard and Bloomberg, overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping outside his comfort zone. He also shares how basketball coaching, public speaking and representation have shaped his approach to leadership, and why he is passionate about helping more young people see a future for themselves in engineering and technology.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Blossom Olisemeke, a final year civil engineering student whose journey spans bridge building, capital markets and a powerful commitment to opening doors for others. Blossom shares what drew her into engineering, why tangible impact keeps her rooted in the sector, and how her experiences as a Black woman in civil engineering have shaped her confidence, resilience and sense of purpose. From construction sites and internships to mentoring, representation and decolonising the engineering curriculum, this conversation explores what it means to refuse to be boxed in and to build a career that makes space for others to follow.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Nadia Kanyike, a planning engineer working across major UK nuclear infrastructure programmes, about building a career that has been anything but linear. Nadia shares how a business management degree led her into engineering, the realities of being a Black woman in nuclear, and why representation must go beyond visibility to real change inside companies. From mentoring young people and supporting STEM outreach to her ambition of building STEM opportunities in Uganda, Nadia’s story is a reminder that you do not need to come from a traditional engineering background to belong, contribute, and hold the door open for others.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with biomedical engineer Melissa-Sue Anderson about finding her voice, building confidence, and creating technology with real human impact. From growing up in Jamaica to working on medical devices that support cancer treatment, Melissa-Sue shares her journey into engineering, the importance of mentorship and self-validation, and why diversity efforts must focus not just on attracting talent, but creating environments where people can stay and thrive.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Ranita Ariyibi, UK Young Engineer of the Year 2023, about creativity, confidence and making a meaningful impact through engineering. Ranita shares the story behind Intersign, her British Sign Language interpreter device, reflects on finding her place as a young woman in engineering, and explains why you should never wait for permission to pursue an opportunity. From quiet leadership and mentoring others to her ambitions for a career in technology, this conversation offers a look at the next generation of engineering talent.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with William Dryden about high-stakes decision making in power systems, what it means to help keep the lights on for millions of people, and why visibility in STEM still matters. William reflects on being the first openly gay person to hold the authorisation of Head of Power System at the National Energy System Operator, the importance of inclusion being built into systems rather than treated as a tick-box exercise, and the personal moments that have shaped his career and advocacy.

In this first minisode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far: four months of filming, 20 incredible guests, and a growing collection of stories from across the engineering world. From early-career talent and graduates to returners, educators and experienced professionals, Fayon celebrates the variety of people, backgrounds and experiences that make engineering such a rich and vital sector. She also shares an open invitation for more people to come forward, tell their story, and help inspire others to enter, stay in or return to engineering.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Dr Luana Parisi about a career shaped by architecture, research, education, and a deep commitment to gender equity in STEM. From growing up around a transformed concrete factory in Italy to leading award-winning programmes and international research, Luana reflects on how spaces influence people’s lives, why inclusive design matters, and why technical excellence should never be separated from social impact. Together, they explore visibility, the leaky pipeline, mentoring, and the responsibility engineers, architects, and researchers have in shaping a more human-centred future.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon speaks with design engineer, 1851 Royal Commission Scholar and Stable Spoon founder Hemal Dias about engineering with purpose. Hemal shares how human-centred design shaped his journey, from building early prototypes with everyday materials to developing assistive technology for people with hand tremors. Together, they explore creativity, social impact, the importance of diverse perspectives, and why engineering does not just need technical skill, it needs everyone!

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Emma Chivers, Hardware Engineering Manager at Thales and Engineering Talent Awards Graduate of the Year 2025. Emma shares her unconventional journey into engineering, from following her interests in maths and physics to discovering unexpected career opportunities along the way. Together, they explore breaking engineering stereotypes, the importance of creativity in inspiring young people, and why getting involved beyond your day-to-day role can open doors, build confidence, and make engineering feel more human.