WIE Rise Together: Charting Pathways to STEM Careers

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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.

  1. Oct 9

    You Made It. Now What?

    Picture this: the corner office, the strong reviews, the title you worked years to earn. And a small voice asking, "Is this it?" If that voice sounds familiar, this episode is for you. LaRhonda sits down with a career coach to challenge the idea that a career is something you climb. Instead, it is something you design, test, adjust, and sometimes completely rebuild. Here is what we get into: Who really needs a career coach? Spoiler: it is not just people in crisis. We cover what coaching looks like in practice, and how assessments can surface your strengths, motivations, and blind spots. There are no wrong answers, only better questions. Is a little chaos the price of greatness? We take on the uncomfortable idea that high performance may require seasons of imbalance, and how to tell the difference between a sprint with a purpose and a slow burn toward exhaustion. From expert to leader. Being great at the work and being great at leading people who do the work are two very different skills. We talk about stepping into a role before you feel ready, and how to shrink imposter syndrome by growing competence, credibility, relationships, and self-awareness. Planning for a future that keeps moving. When industries shift faster than any five year plan, what keeps you relevant? We look at pivoting, prioritizing, and diversifying your skills before you are forced to. What if you get everything you wanted? Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, we explore why achievement and fulfillment are not the same thing, and where meaning, purpose, and belonging fit in. The dark side of the corner office. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, known as the Dark Triad, can look a lot like confidence and charisma in the workplace. We discuss how to spot the difference and protect your effectiveness while you do. Everything circles back to one question: when you feel stuck, how do you move forward? Press play for practical ideas on handling transitions, building real confidence, and crafting a career that is not just impressive, but genuinely yours.

  2. Sep 9

    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.

  3. Aug 11

    Made, Not Born: Designing a Life of Meaning and Impact

    What does it take to become a leader worth following? In this episode, we welcome Randy Hain, founder of Serviam Partners, co-founder of Leadership Foundry, executive coach, speaker, and author of 13 award-winning books. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in senior leadership, executive search, and talent development, Randy shares insights gained from coaching leaders at some of the world's most respected organizations.  Here is a question most career plans never ask: what will people say about you when you are gone? If "they had a great career" is the best line you can come up with, this episode is for you. On IEEE Women in Engineering's WIE Rise Together podcast, host LaRhonda Julien sits down with executive coach and author Randy Hain to explore what it really takes to lead well and live well at the same time. After more than 30 years in senior leadership, corporate talent, and executive search, Randy argues that great leaders are shaped by experience, adversity, and service, not by title. Here is what we get into: Are leaders born or made? Randy is firmly in the "made" camp. He explains how family, friendships, setbacks, and even success shape the leaders we admire, and why coaching begins with sincere curiosity, careful listening, and the question: have you achieved the success you actually want? Does everyone want the C suite? Not necessarily. Randy shares why ambition often appears in your 30s or 40s, and why he walked away from that path in his early 30s while working directly under the president of a $5 billion restaurant company. He tells us why he admires people who choose to be great partners, parents, and community members alongside a great career. Welcome to the fourth quarter. Randy turned 60 just days before this conversation, and he sees this stage as more exciting than ever. We talk about why waiting for retirement to start living makes little sense, and why the real question is whether you are living to work or working to live. When the ground shifts. COVID tested how leaders care for their people. AI is testing something harder. Randy talks about the weight of cutting jobs, the pressure of doing more with less, and how his own son pivoted from marketing to human resources as entry level roles disappear. Candor, vulnerability, and a new kind of mentorship. Randy calls vulnerability a forgotten leadership superpower, and explains why making it safe to give honest feedback matters so much. He also previews his latest book, A Different Take, with 26 five minute chapters, and his next project, which asks mentors to step down from the mountaintop and learn from their mentees too. Résumé virtue versus eulogy virtue. Borrowing an idea from David Brooks, Randy explains what he teaches his students at Samford University: the skills that build a career are not always the ones that build a life people remember. Press play for a warm, candid conversation on leading with curiosity, speaking with honesty, and building a life that is as full as your résumé.

  4. Jul 6

    Money, Power, and Purpose: Redefining Financial Freedom for Women

    In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Tanis, a leading financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, who has dedicated her career to advancing financial literacy and empowerment for women. She shares the pivotal moment that sparked her passion for financial planning—realizing how little women are taught about managing, protecting, and growing their wealth.  Our conversation explores how financial plans differ across genders, the unique challenges faced by high-performing women in diverse professions, and the impact of major life transitions such as divorce, career changes, and parenthood. We examine how financial strategies evolve through every stage of life—from student years to entrepreneurship, family building, retirement, and legacy planning.  Listeners will gain practical insight into navigating taxes, avoiding common money traps, and teaching children healthy financial habits. We also discuss how to prepare for unexpected life events, build generational wealth, and make intentional choices today that secure your financial future.  Finally, Caroline reflects on her professional journey, sharing lessons learned and advice for professionals who aspire to build independent, purpose-driven practices.  This episode offers clear, actionable guidance for anyone seeking financial confidence, resilience, and long-term prosperity. Guest: Caroline Tanis Host: LaRhonda Julien

  5. 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.

  6. May 11

    Build a Transferable STEM Career: Manage Your Career Like a Business

    In this special Mother's Day episode, Wendy Anderson-Cocke speaks about how technical professionals can take ownership of their careers with intention. Wendy shares lessons from moving from corporate engineering to entrepreneurship, why professionals should treat their careers like a business, and how flexible work can support both performance and personal priorities. This episode offers practical strategies for flexible work, personal branding, burnout prevention, and creating a personal “board of directors” to guide career growth. Listeners will learn how small changes, clearer boundaries, and engineering-style problem-solving can help them show up more fully at work and in life. Host: LaRhonda Julien

  7. Apr 15

    Finding your pause: Communicating with Clarity Under Pressure

    In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Kane—CEO and Founder of the Kane Intentional Communication™ Institute, mindfulness instructor, and author of The Pause Principle—to explore how intentional communication can elevate leadership, confidence, and career growth in STEM. Cynthia shares her personal journey and how mindfulness and communication work together to help leaders show up with clarity, calm, and purpose. We dive into the everyday challenges women in STEM face—from finding their voice in high-pressure environments to navigating interruptions, bias, and self-doubt. Cynthia offers practical strategies to stay grounded in difficult conversations, reframe negative self-talk, and communicate with confidence when it matters most. Listeners will gain insight into the power of “the pause” as a leadership tool, the role of mindfulness in shaping workplace culture, and the habits that set effective leaders apart. This empowering conversation provides actionable guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their voice, expand their impact, and lead with intention. Host: Rawan Alghamdi

  8. Mar 11

    From Curiosity to Calling: Building a Purpose‑Driven STEM Career

    In this episode, we dive deep with Distinguished Lecturer John McDonald, a globally recognized leader whose career is defined by technical excellence, extensive publications, and a lifelong commitment to volunteering and mentorship. John shares how an early spark of curiosity grew into a purpose-driven path—one shaped by service, professional communities, and intentional leadership.   Together, we unpack the real challenges facing today’s students and young professionals: balancing demanding academic pressures, building confidence, developing communication and emotional intelligence, and cultivating networks that truly matter. John offers practical, actionable strategies to thrive in school while preparing for the complex dynamics of the modern workplace. Listeners will gain rare insight into the discipline behind authoring more than 150 technical publications, the impact of mentorship on career trajectory, and the mindset required to make meaningful, long-term contributions to the engineering profession. This candid and inspiring conversation is essential listening for anyone seeking not just a job in STEM—but a purpose-filled, resilient, and influential career. Guest: John  McDonald, Founder & CEO, Electric Power System Engineer JDM Associates, LLCAbstract Host: La Rhonda Julien Inspection Performance Specialist, Georgia Transmission Corporation

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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.

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