EP 123: Navigating Career Transitions in STEM w/ IncrediPaul
Release Date: 06/02/2025
IncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi discusses the journey of discovering one's passion and the importance of balancing work with personal interests. He shares his own experiences of navigating transitions in life and career, emphasizing the significance of networking and building relationships. Paul encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty, seek mentorship, and understand that it's okay not to have everything figured out. The conversation highlights the iterative process of finding passion and the necessity of advocating for oneself in the workplace. ...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, host Paul Faronbi speaks with Deb Coviello, known as the Drop in CEO. They discuss Deb's journey from a STEM background to becoming a leadership consultant and podcast host. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing professional and personal life, self-reflection, and the value of building connections. Deb shares insights on celebrating small wins, the shift from high achieving to high performing, and offers advice for young professionals considering entrepreneurship. Follow me on Socials ...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi shares his journey from being painfully shy to becoming a professional connector and effective networker. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on others during networking, shares strategies for initiating conversations, and highlights the mutual benefits of networking. Paul also discusses how personal experiences and shared interests can foster connections, making networking a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. Follow me on Socials TAKEAWAYS Networking is essential for personal and professional...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi speaks with Maynard Okereke, also known as Hip Hop MD. He is an award winning Science Communicator, and received the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Social Media, the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts, and was named NSBE's Entrepreneur of the Year! They discuss Maynard's journey from aspiring wildlife biologist to civil engineer, and ultimately to a successful career in entertainment and science communication. Maynard emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion, the role of...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi discusses the challenges of aligning personal career goals with the objectives of a company. He shares his own experiences in research and development, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about career paths and making decisions that align with long-term aspirations. Paul encourages listeners to advocate for themselves and to seek opportunities that will help them grow professionally, while also reflecting on the significance of personal fulfillment in one's career journey. Follow me on Socials TAKEAWAYS • Engage...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this engaging conversation, Paul Faronbi interviews Ashley Jeter, a passionate advocate for STEM education and mentorship. Ashley shares her journey from studying metallurgical engineering to working in the aerospace industry at Lockheed Martin. She discusses the importance of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the inspiration behind her platform, 'All Things STEM with Ashley' The conversation highlights the significance of community, volunteering, and the challenges faced by minorities in STEM fields. Ashley also shares her experiences launching a podcast and...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode, Paul Faronbi discusses the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, exploring its impact on individuals, particularly high achievers. He shares personal anecdotes and client stories to illustrate how common these feelings are and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing them. Paul offers practical strategies for combating imposter syndrome, including reframing one's mindset, celebrating successes, and seeking support from others. The conversation highlights that while imposter syndrome may never fully disappear, it can be managed effectively...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi speaks with Tamuka “DJ Dr. Muk” Chidyausiku, Ph.D., a protein engineer and science communicator. They talk about his unique approach to making STEM accessible through hip hop culture. They discuss Dr. Mooc's journey from his early fascination with science to his innovative program, STEAMULATOR, which combines hip hop and biochemistry to engage diverse communities in learning. The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship, leadership in science, and the evolving nature of career paths in STEM fields. ...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
In this episode, Paul Faronbi discusses the concept of leading without a title, emphasizing that anyone can lead from any position within an organization. He shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of communication, understanding different perspectives, and building relationships to effectively influence others. The conversation highlights the significance of feedback, the necessity of explaining the 'why' behind actions, and the value of listening to foster collaboration and growth in a professional setting. Follow me on Socials: @imincredipaul ...
info_outlineIncrediPaul® Leadership
Paul Faronbi interviews Uma Abu, a software engineer at Netflix and co-founder of Candoor. They discuss Uma's journey from aerospace engineering to software engineering, the importance of candid feedback in career development, and the challenges of navigating the tech industry. Uma shares insights on embracing failure, the significance of physical fitness, and the joy of creating content. The conversation emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and finding balance in personal and professional life. Follow me on Socials TAKEAWAYS • Candid feedback can...
info_outline
Subscribe to my newsletter to become the most incredible version of yourself
In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi discusses the transition from academic life to the professional world, particularly for young professionals in STEM fields. He emphasizes the importance of taking time off before starting a full-time job, building a community in a new city, and being proactive in engaging with management. Paul also highlights the significance of mentorship and setting realistic expectations during the first year of employment. The episode is filled with practical advice for navigating the early stages of a career and developing leadership skills.
Follow me on Socials
TAKEAWAYS
• Graduation marks a transition into the workforce, which can be daunting.
• Internships differ significantly from full-time roles in expectations and support.
• Taking time off before starting a job can provide valuable perspective.
• Building a community is crucial when transitioning to a new job or city.
• Regular meetings with your manager are essential for career success.
• Informal connections with colleagues foster trust and collaboration.
• Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals is vital for performance evaluations.
• Mentorship outside your immediate team can provide broader insights.
Managing expectations in the first year can alleviate pressure and imposter syndrome.
Learn more about me and sign up for the IncrediPaul Community
Need career or leadership coaching?