When Science Speaks

Episode Summary:

This insightful episode features Emmanuel Tsekleves, Ph.D., a full professor at Lancaster University and research director in Lancashire, England. Emmanuel shares his personal journey from Ph.D. graduate to full professor by age 40 and offers invaluable advice on how Ph.D. candidates, postdocs, and early-career academics can successfully navigate the complex academic job market. From avoiding common application mistakes to the importance of securing funding, this conversation is packed with practical tips for aspiring academics.

Key Takeaways:

• Start Early & Learn from Mistakes: Dr. Tsekleves highlights the importance of mentors and learning from early mistakes in his academic journey. He emphasizes that mistakes can be powerful learning tools but suggests it’s even better to learn from others’ experiences.

• Transitioning from Postdoc to Assistant Professor: Many postdocs fall into the trap of discussing future research plans rather than focusing on securing funding. Emmanuel explains how this common pitfall can hinder postdocs’ chances of securing tenure-track positions.

• Application Quality vs. Quantity: Sending out many generic applications will likely yield poor results. Emmanuel stresses the importance of focusing on a single application, conducting thorough research on the institution, and aligning your application materials with their specific needs.

• Speak to the Postholder: Before submitting an application, Emmanuel suggests reaching out to the academic contact listed in the job ad. This helps you gain insider information, shows genuine interest, and gives you visibility with those making hiring decisions.

• Show How You Add Value: Instead of listing your qualifications, demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the needs of the institution. Show how you can contribute to their teaching programs, research groups, and overall mission.

Actionable Tips:

1. Avoid Common Pitfalls: Postdocs need to shift their mindset from talking about research to discussing the funding they can attract. Learn to demonstrate value by focusing on what you bring to the institution.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Tailor each application specifically to the institution and role, showing how your research and teaching expertise fit their culture and objectives.

3. Engage with the Hiring Institution: Reach out to the postholder before submitting your application. It gives you a chance to learn more about the role and make a strong impression.

4. Research and Personalize Your Applications: Whether you’re applying for a postdoc or a tenure-track position, be sure to thoroughly research the department and align your cover letter, research statement, and teaching statement with their current projects.

About Dr. Emmanuel Tsekleves:

Dr. Emmanuel Tsekleves is a professor at Lancaster University, where he also serves as research director. His work includes mentoring early and mid-career academics, helping them publish high-quality research, secure funding, and navigate the academic job market. He offers a variety of resources, including training programs and his popular newsletter, Academic Insider.

Connect with Dr. Emmanuel Tsekleves:

• LinkedIn: Emmanuel Tsekleves
• Twitter/X: @EmmanuelTsekleves
• Instagram: @EmmanuelTsekleves

Bridging the Communication Gap for Scientists and Engineers: Insights from “Speak Like a CEO”  Thought Leader Oliver Aust

In this episode of When Science Speaks, I sit down with Oliver Aust, one of the world’s preeminent experts on leadership communications. Oliver has helped hundreds of founders and CEOs become top 1% communicators, including many leaders with a scientific or engineering background.

Oliver shares actionable tips and insights in his books, LinkedIn and newsletter, as well as on his popular podcast, Speak Like a CEO. Those interested in working with Oliver can join the Speak Like a CEO Academy (links to Oliver’s offerings in the Resources section below).

During the episode, Oliver highlights common communication challenges and offers strategies for improvement, such as using clear structures, storytelling, and simplifying language. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience and dealing with linguistic nuances for non-native English speakers. 

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Clear Communication

00:21 Challenges for Scientists and Engineers

00:39 Career Transition Beyond Academia

00:54 Exploring Communication Improvement Options

01:00 Guest Introduction: Oliver Aust

01:57 Common Communication Blind Spots

03:28 Transforming Leadership Communication

04:41 Practical Hacks for Effective Communication

06:18 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

10:33 Overcoming Language Barriers

16:44 Final Thoughts and Actionable Tips

19:08 Conclusion

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Oliver’s LinkedIN profile

Oliver’s books: Available on this page 

• Message Machine: How Communications Will Make You an Unstoppable Founder

• Unignorable: Build Your Personal Brand and Boost Your Business in 30 Days

• Mastering Communications: How CEOs and Executives Can Build a Great Reputation in the Digital Age

• How to Speak Like a CEO: How successful leaders communicate

Speak Like a CEO:

• Podcast

• Newsletter

• Academy

In this episode of 'When Science Speaks, host Mark Bayer talks with Bill Mahoney, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Student and Postdoctoral Affairs at the University of Washington.

The discussion centers around the importance of mentorship in academic and professional development.

Dr. Mahoney shares valuable insights on how to choose the right mentor, manage mentoring relationships, and recognize the signs of both beneficial and detrimental mentorship dynamics.

Bill also emphasizes the significance of having multiple mentors and leveraging networks to seek career opportunities beyond academia. Additionally, the episode explores the concept of the 'hidden curriculum' and ways to navigate unseen challenges in higher education.

00:00 The Importance of Mentorship

00:21 Choosing the Right Mentor

01:00 Managing Mentoring Relationships

03:54 Avoiding Pitfalls in Mentorship

06:08 Navigating the Hidden Curriculum

11:55 Career Development Beyond Academia

15:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of When Science Speaks, Mark talks with Gerrit McGowan, a lifelong entrepreneur and former competitive whitewater kayaker.    Gerrit shares valuable insights on overcoming networking dread, gaining buy-in from stakeholders, and creating value for customers.   Learn about his journey from competitive kayaking to founding a venture-backed marketing tech company used by global brands like Coca-Cola and JetBlue Airways. Discover essential principles for entrepreneurs such as curiosity, authenticity, reciprocity, and empathy, and hear inspiring stories about building successful enterprises and navigating the unpredictable world of startups, drawing fascinating parallels to the lessons learned from whitewater kayaking.   00:00 Introduction and Networking Dread 00:55 Introducing Gerrit McGowan 01:55 Key Principles for Entrepreneurial Success 03:42 The Power of Human Connection 07:18 A Story of Persistence and Innovation 14:01 Focus on Value Creation 19:28 Effective Networking Strategies 22:20 Lessons from Whitewater Kayaking 25:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Mark Bayer welcomes Dr. Amy Bantham, CEO and founder of Move to Live More, to discuss practical ways to incorporate physical activity into our hectic lives.   The episodes touches on:

• The biochemical benefits of exercise
• Strategies to maintain fitness habits
• The updated Physical Activity Guidelines, which include the benefits achieved by even one minute of exercise

Dr. Bantham shares her experiences balancing a demanding career and family responsibilities and provides insights into how public health policies are evolving to promote proactive health measures.   She introduces her new book, 'Move to Live More,' a guide for parents and caregivers to help their children stay active and healthy.   Here's where you can find the topics covered in this week's episode:   00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:32 Guest Introduction: Dr. Amy Bantham 01:45 Balancing Health and Busy Lives 04:17 The Science of Physical Activity 09:01 Making Exercise a Habit 13:24 Public Policy and Health Advocacy 16:21 New Book: Move to Live More 19:09 Conclusion and Farewell   Resources mentioned in the episode   Move to Live More, by Amy Bantham, DrPH

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "When Science Speaks," host Mark Bayer welcomes Monique Mills, an engineer renowned for her exceptional science communication skills. Monique shares her unique journey and discusses the importance of communication in engineering and career development.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Monique Mills Monique Mills, an accomplished engineer and communicator, joins the show to share her insights on balancing STEM skills and communication.

2. Importance of Science Communication in STEM Careers Discussing the critical role of effective science communication in advancing engineering careers and its impact on professional growth.

3. Monique's Personal Journey Exploring Monique's background, her path to becoming an engineer, and the challenges she faced as the youngest of 13 siblings and the first in her family to attend college.

4. Career Development Tips for Engineers Practical advice on how engineers can enhance their career development through improved communication skills.

5. Role of Communication in Engineering Projects The significance of being able to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

6. Monique's High School Achievement Monique shares her experience of graduating third in her high school class despite missing most of her sophomore year. Her story highlights the influence of perseverance and natural talent.

7. Women Excelling in STEM A discussion on the increasing presence of women in STEM fields, including college enrollment and graduation rates. Monique emphasizes the significance of this trend for future career development.

8. The Translator Role in the Workplace Monique delves into her role as a "translator" in professional settings, bridging the gap between technical expertise and effective communication. She explains the value of having individuals who can navigate both technical and interpersonal dynamics.

9. Challenges and Biases Faced by Women in STEM Addressing the unique challenges women encounter in STEM careers, including communication expectations and gender biases. Monique shares her insights on navigating these obstacles.

10. Respect and Learning in Professional Relationships Monique discusses the importance of mutual respect and continuous learning in the workplace. She provides examples from her career, illustrating how these principles contribute to successful collaboration.

11. Navigating Professional Relationships Monique discusses her experiences working as the youngest, only black woman in authority on job sites, and how she managed professional relationships with respect and collaboration.

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12. Navigating Professional Relationships Monique discusses her experiences working as the youngest, only black woman in authority on job sites, and how she managed professional relationships with respect and collaboration.

13. Challenges in the Workplace Addressing the challenges Monique faced, including racial and gender biases, and how she overcame them to gain respect and succeed in her roles.

14. Evolving Career Paths Monique shares her journey from highly technical roles to entrepreneurship, founding a tech startup, and consulting. She emphasizes the importance of combining technical and business skills.

15. Essential Skills for Young Professionals Monique offers advice on the importance of communication, connection, and understanding the business side of technical roles. She stresses the need for young professionals to learn sales and real estate fundamentals.

16. The Importance of Adding Value Monique highlights the need for STEM professionals to understand how their work contributes to a company's profitability and to always be a value add in their roles.

Highlights:

• Monique’s dual expertise in engineering and communication.
• Strategies for young engineers to develop both technical and communication skills.
• The impact of family dynamics and background on career paths.
• Overcoming gender biases in STEM fields.
• Monique's resilience and determination in overcoming workplace challenges.
• The importance of mutual respect and collaboration in professional settings.
• Practical advice for young professionals to develop essential business and communication skills.
• Monique's transition from technical roles to entrepreneurship and consulting.

Quotes:

• "Effective communication is just as important as technical expertise in engineering."
• "Navigating a male-dominated environment as a woman in engineering requires unique skills."
• "Being able to articulate complex ideas clearly is crucial for career advancement in STEM."
• "Respecting what other people bring to the table is crucial for effective collaboration."
• "Learn how to sell, because you're constantly selling yourself, whether it's for a job or convincing someone to help you."
• "Understand where you fit into this engine of how people make money. Be a value-add in every role you take on."

Resources:

• One for the Week Newsletter - Weekly resources for enhancing presentation, writing, and persuasion skills.
• Unpolished MBA Podcast - Listen to Monique Mills discuss her career and insights.

Episode Summary:

This week, host Mark Bayer sits down with Ginger Lockhart, Ph.D. founder of Quantfish, to delve into the world of startups and career transitions. Ginger shares her journey from tenured professor to successful entrepreneur, offering valuable insights for PhDs considering similar shifts. Discover how to leverage academic skills for startup success and overcome challenges in non-academic job markets.

Key Topics Covered:

• Strategies for effectively communicating research to non-scientists
• Overcoming challenges in academic careers, including debt and work-life balance
• Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship: myths vs. reality
• Recognizing the transferable skills of PhDs in diverse industries
• Practical advice for navigating career transitions and maximizing potential

Throughout the conversation, Ginger shares valuable insights into the emotional complexities of transitioning careers, especially for individuals with caregiving responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say "no" in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Despite the challenges, Ginger's entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by her passion for creativity and innovation. She shares her excitement for building Quantfish, an online school dedicated to advanced statistical methodologies for researchers. Through Quantfish, Ginger empowers individuals worldwide with the skills they need to succeed in academia and beyond.

Join us as Ginger reflects on the joys and struggles of entrepreneurship, offering inspiration for anyone navigating life's transitions.

Conclusion: Whether you're a PhD considering a career change or an academic looking to enhance your communication skills, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice from Dr. Ginger Lockhart's personal journey. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Quantfish: Expert statistics training for health and social scientists through on-demand workshops from the world's leading methodologists 
• Ginger Lockhart, Ph.D.

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This week's episode features Jordan Cutler. Jordan is the author of the widely popular High Growth Engineer Newsletter, reaching over 50,000 subscribers. He's also a respected course instructor and a senior software engineer, known for his expertise in helping engineers excel in their careers.

In this episode, Jordan shares his journey of developing both technical and writing skills, highlighting the importance of continuous growth and vulnerability in personal and professional development.

From overcoming challenges in writing to realizing the value of essential communication and relationship-building skills in engineering, Jordan's insights offer valuable lessons for listeners at all stages of their careers.

Jordan discusses the intersection of engineering and communication, the power of vulnerability, and the endless opportunities for growth in both technical and non-technical domains.

Key Takeaways:

• Jordan's journey from struggling with writing to becoming a successful newsletter author.
• The importance of communication skills and emotional intelligence in the engineering field.
• Overcoming the fear of vulnerability and embracing personal growth.
• How writing enhances various skills and opens doors to new opportunities.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Subscribe to the High Growth Engineer Newsletter

Connect with Jordan on LinkedIN

In this episode, I sit down with Tulani André, Vice President, Social Media at National Geographic, to discuss the power of storytelling, brand building, and following your passion in career transitions and professional success.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Tulani André is an expert in creating successful social media campaigns and brand presences for major organizations. Tulani shares insights from her diverse career spanning National Geographic, Amazon Prime Video, and Fox Corporation.

[00:01:00] Tulani's Career Journey: Tulani emphasizes the importance of aligning career paths with personal passions rather than specific industries or companies. She shares her experience transitioning between sectors, emphasizing the value of social storytelling and connection.

[00:02:00] Career Transitions: Tulani offers practical advice on preparing for career transitions, stressing the significance of having an exit plan and cultivating positive relationships within organizations.

[00:03:00] The Power of Storytelling: Tulani discusses the importance of storytelling in engaging audiences, particularly for scientists and engineers. She highlights the need for authenticity and a clear understanding of the "why" behind one's work.

[00:04:00] Crafting Impactful Narratives: Tulani advises professionals to take a step back and view their work from a broader perspective, identifying the significance of their contributions within larger ecosystems and societal contexts.

[00:05:00] Key Takeaways: Tulani underscores the value of following one's passions, developing exit strategies, and building positive relationships within organizations to drive career success.

00:10:00] Connecting with Others: Tulani emphasizes the importance of adopting a broader perspective, encouraging professionals to elevate themselves above the minutiae of their work to understand its broader impact. By making connections and leveraging social media, individuals can engage audiences and foster curiosity about niche topics.

[00:11:00] Building Your Personal Brand: Tulani offers practical advice for professionals entering the job market, emphasizing the importance of leveraging writing and speaking opportunities to showcase expertise and thought leadership. By sharing insights and engaging with industry conversations, individuals can amplify their personal brand and attract opportunities.

[00:12:00] Writing and Speaking Opportunities: Tulani encourages professionals to seek out writing and speaking opportunities to showcase their expertise and perspectives. Whether contributing to publications or participating in conferences, these activities can help individuals establish themselves as thought leaders in their field.

[00:13:00] Embracing Exposure and Connection: Tulani shares her approach to speaking engagements, emphasizing the value of exposure and connection over monetary compensation. By seizing opportunities to share insights and engage with audiences, individuals can build meaningful connections and enhance their personal brand.

[00:14:00] Amplifying Industry Conversations: Tulani advises professionals to actively participate in industry discussions by sharing relevant articles and insights on social media. By contributing to ongoing conversations and amplifying important topics, individuals can position themselves as valuable contributors within their field.

[00:15:00] Buidling Your Brand: As professionals navigate their career journeys, Tulani encourages them to embrace opportunities for self-expression and connection. By leveraging writing, speaking, and social media engagement, individuals can build their personal brand and establish themselves as influential voices within their industry.

[00:17:00] Making Authentic Connections: Tulani emphasizes the importance of genuine connections in networking and personal branding. She acknowledges the courage it takes to reach out to others and encourages individuals to find common ground and genuine interests when initiating conversations or collaborations.

[00:18:00] Balancing Reverence and Relevance: Tulani discusses the challenge of maintaining a historic brand's reverence while making it relevant in today's world. She highlights the importance of creating timely and engaging content that resonates with audiences, driving conversations and fostering connections.

[00:19:00] Segmenting Audiences and Tailoring Messaging: Tulani stresses the significance of understanding diverse audience segments and tailoring messaging to meet their unique preferences and interests. By segmenting audiences and crafting personalized content, brands can effectively engage with their followers and build meaningful connections.

[00:20:00] Partnerships and Multi-Platform Engagement: Tulani explores the value of strategic partnerships and multi-platform engagement in reaching diverse audiences. By collaborating with other brands and leveraging various channels, brands can expand their reach and create impactful content that resonates with different audience segments.

[00:21:00] Emotional Connection and Brand Impact: Tulani emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional connections with audiences to drive brand impact. By considering the desired emotional response and crafting authentic messaging, brands can create meaningful experiences that resonate with their followers and drive engagement.

[00:22:00] Goals for Nat Geo's Social Campaigns: Tulani shares her goals for Nat Geo's social campaigns, focusing on increasing relevance, engagement, and visibility. By creating timely and compelling content, Nat Geo aims to captivate audiences and reinforce its position as a leading source of exploration and discovery.

[00:23:00] Crafting Relevant and Engaging Content: Tulani discusses the process of crafting relevant and engaging content that resonates with audiences. By aligning content with current events, trends, and audience interests, brands can capture attention and foster meaningful connections with their followers.

[00:24:00] Reverence Plus Relevance: Tulani highlights the importance of balancing reverence for Nat Geo's legacy with a focus on relevance in today's media landscape. By combining respect for the brand's heritage with innovative approaches to storytelling, Nat Geo aims to captivate audiences and drive meaningful engagement.

[00:25:00] Providing Accessible and Memorable Content: Tulani discusses the importance of providing accessible and memorable content that resonates with audiences. By making complex topics understandable and engaging, Nat Geo aims to inspire curiosity and empower audiences to explore the world around them.

[00:26:00] Goals for 2024: Tulani shares her personal goals for 2024, focusing on fitness and creative expression. By pursuing activities like running a half marathon and writing a romance novel, Tulani aims to challenge herself and find joy in new experiences.

[00:28:00] Wrapping Up: Mark expresses gratitude to Tulani for sharing her insights and highlights the importance of connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling. He commends Nat Geo's efforts to engage with diverse communities and inspire curiosity through compelling content.

[00:29:00] Impactful Social Engagement: Mark reflects on Nat Geo's ability to create impactful social engagement by providing accessible and engaging content. He praises the brand's commitment to fostering connections and driving meaningful conversations about important topics.

[00:30:00] Making Science Accessible: Mark acknowledges the role of organizations like Nat Geo in making science accessible and engaging for audiences worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in conveying complex scientific concepts and driving positive change in society.

[00:31:00] Personal Growth and Development: Mark encourages listeners to pursue personal growth and development by setting goals and challenging themselves. He applauds Tulani for her commitment to fitness and creative expression and encourages listeners to find joy in new experiences.

[00:32:00] Authenticity and Creativity: Mark highlights the importance of authenticity and creativity in personal and professional endeavors. He commends Tulani for her passion and dedication to her goals and encourages listeners to embrace their unique interests and talents.

[00:33:00] Building Meaningful Connections: Mark underscores the value of building meaningful connections and fostering genuine relationships in both personal and professional settings. He encourages listeners to engage with diverse communities and leverage their passions to make a positive impact in the world.

[00:34:00] Conclusion: Mark concludes the episode by thanking Tulani for sharing her insights and encouraging listeners to apply the lessons learned to their own lives. He invites listeners to tune in to future episodes of When Science Speaks for more inspiring conversations with leaders in science, technology, and innovation.

 

In this episode, guest, Colin Gray, takes us on a fascinating journey through his unconventional career path, starting with his early passion for astrophysics and membership in the British Astronomical Society at the age of 12.

We delve into his transition from space exploration to cyberspace, exploring the reasons that led him to discover his passion for creation and making a real-world impact.

Colin shares insights into his expertise in e-learning, particularly in the nuances of online learning versus in-person education, and the challenges he faced in capturing attention in the digital realm. Discover the key elements he identified for successful online learning, including goal-based approaches, real-world context, and actionable steps.

Colin recounts his transition from academia to entrepreneurship, offering valuable advice for those considering startups. Learn how he strategically hedged his bets during this shift, utilizing his academic background and a PhD pursuit as safety nets. We discuss the skills he found transferable from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of research, analytical abilities, and effective communication.

The second part of the episode shines a spotlight on Colin's current ventures, The Podcast Host and Alitu. He shares the origins of The Podcast Host, its evolution into a comprehensive resource for podcasters, and the challenges of content creation and monetization. Additionally, we explore Alitu, a tool designed to simplify podcast editing, recording, and hosting.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a podcast enthusiast, or someone navigating career transitions, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice from Colin Gray's diverse and impactful journey.

Resources mentioned in the episode

The Podcast Host

Alitu