WIE Rise Together: Charting Pathways to STEM Careers

wiestaff

Join professionals in STEM as they share real-life experiences navigating work-life balance, dual careers, and personal growth. Each episode offers inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips to help you thrive in your career and connect with a global community.

  1. 4d ago

    Beyond the Data: Effectively Communicating Science That Matters Across a Global Community

    In this episode, we speak with Aleksandra Ziembińska‑Buczyńska about the power of effective scientific communication, one of the most essential tools for reducing risk, building trust, and strengthening human performance. Together, we explore how scientific communication advances knowledge within the global scientific community and how it aligns with IEEE’s core values of trust, clarity, and community building. Our conversation highlights the human side of science. While scientific work is grounded in facts and data, emotions shape the journey, from the excitement of launching new projects to the exhaustion or sadness that can accompany the completion of long‑term research. Aleksandra reflects on how communicators can connect with audiences authentically while remaining anchored in evidence. We also discuss practical strategies for making complex topics accessible, including communicating with clarity, focusing on the merits of the work, and preparing to explain data in ways that diverse audiences can understand. The episode closes with an exploration of avoiding excessive “glitter” in communication, ensuring that engaging techniques support learning rather than distract from the message. Ultimately, this episode highlights how effective scientific communication creates understanding, fosters collaboration, and enables people around the world to share knowledge across disciplines, cultures, and boundaries. When science is communicated effectively, we build not only understanding, but also trust and community.

  2. Jun 9

    Leading Humans in an AI World: Conquering Imposter Syndrome and Showing Up With Purpose

    Guest - Kim Meninger, Leadership Coach, Consultant & Keynote Speaker Host - LaRhonda Julien In this episode, we explore what it truly means to “make it easier to be human at work” in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven landscape. Our guest, an experienced leader turned executive coach, shares how a successful corporate career evolved into a mission-driven practice focused on helping individuals and organizations thrive. The conversation highlights how real-world experience can be transformed into meaningful impact for others. We dive into the ever-present challenge of imposter syndrome, what it is, who it affects, and how the rise of AI and rapid technological change is reshaping self-doubt in the workplace. From Mary Oliver’s The Journey to practical advice for navigating internal criticism, our guest offers actionable insights for professionals at all levels, especially women and underrepresented groups who experience imposter syndrome at higher rates.  Listeners will also gain perspective on leadership in action, from first-day mindset strategies to trust-building techniques, from overcoming burnout-inducing “reactive habits” to adopting grounded, intentional behaviors. We explore how leaders influence team culture through their presence, and how high performers can better access their “best selves” when it matters most.  The episode introduces the LEADS framework, Listen, Examine, Align, Develop, Support, as a practical guide for personal and professional growth, alongside foundational techniques for managing stress, triggers, and overthinking. We also touch on leadership differences across genders, the evolving expectations of modern teams, and insights from work with organizations such as the Council for Women of Boston College, Women Accelerators, and WITI.  Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or simply striving to grow, this conversation offers powerful tools to help you lead with clarity, resilience, and humanity in an increasingly complex world. Guest Bio Kim Meninger is a leadership coach, consultant and TEDx speaker who is on a mission to make it easier to be human at work. She believes that what holds us back in the workplace is rarely our ability to do the work itself. It’s the fears, doubts and insecurities we bring to our interactions with others. Kim strives to reveal the messy human side of the workplace and provide actionable strategies to help us more confidently navigate our work environments. Because when we are more confident, we are more innovative, collaborative and inclusive and that's better for everyone! Kim previously held leadership positions managing strategic relationships at EMC and Monster. She holds a BA in psychology and an MBA from Boston College. She is also an ICF Professional Certified Coach. Kim hosts the Impostor Syndrome Files podcast and leads a weekly Leading Humans discussion forum, which is free and open to all.  To learn more about Kim and her work, visit: KimMeninger.

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Join professionals in STEM as they share real-life experiences navigating work-life balance, dual careers, and personal growth. Each episode offers inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips to help you thrive in your career and connect with a global community.