When Science Speaks Mark Bayer

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:
Introduction to Monique Mills
Monique Mills, an accomplished engineer and communicator, joins the show to share her insights on balancing STEM skills and communication.
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.
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.
Career Development Tips for Engineers
Practical advice on how engineers can enhance their career development through improved communication skills.
Role of Communication in Engineering Projects
The significance of being able to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
   
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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. Stay Connected:
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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 wh