Ep 11: From Office Assistant to Senior Executive: A Data Journey Story
Release Date: 07/28/2024
Ep 20: Thriving in Tech Without Coding with Diana Malcomess
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest: Diana Malcomess has vast experience in technology consulting, whose career exemplifies the power of curiosity and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Currently serving as a Technology Strategist at Microsoft, Diana brings a wealth of global experience and cultural diversity with a background spanning three countries, including Partner in Digital & Emerging Technology at Ernst & Young (EY) and a significant tenure in New York with a leading tech company. Diana embodies leadership through action, emphasizing the power of example over words. Diana...
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Ep 19: Unlocking Transferable Skills: Moving From Lab Science To Policy With Dr Supre Ponnappa
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest: Dr. Supre Ponnappa is a distinguished materials scientist who holds a PhD from the Queensland University of Technology. With a stellar academic background, she secured a gold medal in her engineering master's program and was recognized with the Higher Achiever Award from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on developing a scalable biosensing platform utilizing polymer materials. Dr. Ponnappa’s career trajectory spans across scientific evaluation, industrial research, economic analysis, and policy development with experience in several...
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Ep 18: Leading with Grace: Becoming an authentic leader in STEM with Professor Dipti Talaulikar
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest: Professor Dipti Talaulikar is a renowned clinical and laboratory haematologist at Canberra Health Services, having contributed to the field for over two decades. Originally from India, she holds the distinction of being the first woman in the nation to receive a Doctorate of Medicine in Haematology. Professor Talaulikar is affiliated with the Australian National University (ANU), where she is a professor at the College of Health and Medicine. Her accolades include fellowships from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Royal Australasian College of...
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Ep 17: Helping Communities to Innovate Against Climate Challenges with Dr Aparna Lal
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest: Dr. Aparna Lal is an Associate Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University (ANU). Her interdisciplinary research background spans environmental science, wildlife ecology, and public health. Notably recognized as the 2020 Young Tall Poppy of the Year and the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year, Dr. Lal recently received the 2024 Tony Ayers Prize for Excellence in Research in Translational Medicine. Her passion lies in addressing issues related to access to clean water and...
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Ep 16: Navigating the Commercial World in STEM with Nadine Najmeddine
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest: Nadine Najmeddine is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in scientific sales and channel management. She holds a Master of Biological Sciences from The Australian National University, a Bachelor of Public Health from the University of Canberra, and a Bachelor of Medical Science from Northern Lebanon University. Currently, Nadine works as a Channel Management Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific ANZ, where she excels in fostering client relationships and driving business growth. Recognized for her achievements, she received the "Rookie of the Year"...
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Ep 15: Economics and STEM: How Economic Modelling Can Help Non-Profit Organisations
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest Dr. Madhumita Iyengar is an economist by profession, advocate for women’s empowerment, and community leader. She has a PhD in Economic Modelling from Queensland University of Technology and specialises in Economic evaluation of policies and programs, Impacts analysis, policy and program development and review. She is the Founder Chair of Initiatives for Women in Need (IWiN) and Chair of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF), the peak body representing 110+ member organisations in the ACT. She has also served on various community boards, including Canberra Women...
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Ep 14: Overcoming Stereotypes: How to Thrive in a Male-Dominated Industry like Geophysics
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest Dr Yvette Poudjom Djomani is a senior geophysicist at Geoscience Australia, Canberra, with over 25 years of experience in geophysical data processing, visualisation and interpretation. Her work supports mineral and energy investment attraction for Australia. She also holds an MBA in general administration and brings a holistic perspective on leadership, human resources and managing change. In her roles as Treasurer of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG), member of the Gender Equity Network at Geoscience Australia (GENGA) and her passion for STEM,...
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Ep 13: Empowering Youth: Ananya Banerjee's Journey in STEM and Activism
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest Ananya Banerjee is the Director of Sarth, a youth-led NGO with 640+ youth volunteers from across India working towards building awareness on issues of mental health, menstrual hygiene, and gender. She is the founder of ‘Abhivyakti’, a mental health project at Sarthi, and the co-founder of ‘Sushiksha’, a chain of free weekend schools in rural India, and ‘Buland’, a menstrual health project. She is currently in her third year studying a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the Australian National University (ANU) on the Chancellor’s International Scholarship....
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Ep 12: From Academia to Industry to Government: Lessons from a Mum in Science
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest Dr. Munazza Imran is a distinguished alumna of ANU, bringing forth more than two decades of invaluable experience in Life Sciences, which includes an extensive background in education. She previously served as an Assistant Professor specializing in microbiology at a public sector university in her native country Pakistan, where she shared her knowledge and expertise with the next generation. In 2014 Dr. Munazza won two very prestigious scholarships to fully fund her doctoral studies at the Australian National University (ANU). She started her PhD with two little girls (1 year...
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Ep 11: From Office Assistant to Senior Executive: A Data Journey Story
CALD Voices in STEM
About the Guest Xiaoyan Lu is the Acting Group Executive Director of Systems Assurance and Data Analytics Group at the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). She has extensive leadership experience in using data and technology to drive business outcomes. In 2020, Xiaoyan was awarded an Australian Day Achievement Medallion in recognition of her leadership in business transformation through data analytics, her mentoring, and her dedication to innovation and excellence. Prior to working for the ANAO, Xiaoyan dedicated 11 years to the Australian Sports Commission, where she led data-driven...
info_outlineAbout the Guest
Xiaoyan Lu is the Acting Group Executive Director of Systems Assurance and Data Analytics Group at the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). She has extensive leadership experience in using data and technology to drive business outcomes. In 2020, Xiaoyan was awarded an Australian Day Achievement Medallion in recognition of her leadership in business transformation through data analytics, her mentoring, and her dedication to innovation and excellence. Prior to working for the ANAO, Xiaoyan dedicated 11 years to the Australian Sports Commission, where she led data-driven decision-making initiatives in the sports sector and successfully executed a nationwide community sport research agenda. Xiaoyan is one of the senior executive mentors for Australian Public Sector Women in IT Executive Mentoring program 2023–24. She was recently appointed as an Industry Fellow in the UTS Accounting Department for the Business Analytics Program. Xiaoyan is an immigrant who came to Australia at the age of 25. Today, she is an executive champion and proactive advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Episode Summary
In this enlightening episode, Dr Chloe Lim engages in an in-depth conversation with Xiaoyan Lu about her remarkable journey from a small mining town in China to becoming a respected leader in the data analytics industry. Xiaoyan shares insights into her educational background, career progression, challenges faced as a woman of colour in a leadership role, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, Xiaoyan provides valuable advice for women aspiring to pursue a career in STEM, emphasizing the significance of self-advocacy and building a strong support network.
Xiaoyan's narrative underscores the transformative power of continuous learning, seizing opportunities, and advocating for oneself in a male-dominated industry like data analytics. Her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone to achieve personal and professional growth.
Key Takeaways
- Xiaoyan emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and displaying the courage to challenge oneself beyond the comfort zone.
- Building a strong support network, including mentors, coaches, and allies, is crucial for career advancement and overcoming barriers in the STEM industry.
- Self-advocacy is key for women in STEM to ask for development opportunities, training, and recognition they deserve.
- Addressing unconscious bias in recruitment processes and promoting diversity and inclusion are essential for fostering a more equitable and diverse workforce.
- Xiaoyan's journey highlights the significance of seizing opportunities, continuous learning, and embracing challenges to drive personal and professional growth in the data analytics field.
Find Out More
- Connect with Xiaoyan Lu on LinkedIn.
*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*
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