When Science Speaks Mark Bayer

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:
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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