Race in STEM

Principles Over Popularity: Why HR Must Lead With Truth

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Race in STEM, Nigeal Stokes Fisher shares a candid and powerful perspective on leadership, integrity, and the true role of HR.

From growing up in Mississippi to leading HR functions across global organisations, Nigeal reflects on the principles that have shaped her career — and why being liked should never come before being right.

She explores why HR is the engine of an organisation, why data must anchor every difficult conversation, and why “no” is a complete sentence.

This is a conversation about candour over comfort, truth over popularity, and the courage it takes to stand firm in your values - especially when it’s uncomfortable.

If you work in HR, leadership, or alongside either, this episode will challenge how you think about responsibility, accountability, and the future of the function.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

Keep in touch and find out more about RACE in STEM!

We Didn’t See Ourselves in STEM – So We Built SISTEM

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the RACE in STEM podcast, host Steve Fuller is joined by sisters Dr Abigail Otchere and Donna Otchere, co-founders of SISTEM.

Growing up in Brixton, Abigail and Donna share their journeys into science and engineering – navigating under-resourced schools, cultural expectations, confidence struggles, and being the only Black women in many academic and professional spaces.

Abigail reflects on her path from failing A-levels to earning a PhD in biomedical science and building a career in medical writing, while Donna opens up about studying mechanical engineering, facing bias in the classroom, and questioning whether she truly belonged.

Together, they discuss:

Why access to STEM isn’t enough without retention
How confidence, culture, and representation shape career outcomes
The impact of teachers, mentors, and community
Why SISTEM was created to make the journey easier for the next generation

This is an honest, powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and what it really takes for women of colour not just to enter STEM – but to stay and thrive.

Curiosity Took Me Further Than Any Job Title

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the RACE in STEM podcast, host Steve Fuller speaks with Moyo Tobun, a clinical research leader and founder supporting clinical trials across phases II–IV.

Moyo describes herself as “made in the UK and assembled in Nigeria” – a phrase that captures how her upbringing across two cultures shaped her confidence, discipline, and resilience. Starting her career as a bench scientist, she knew early on that staying in one lane wasn’t for her.

This episode is an honest and grounded conversation about:

Taking ownership of your career path
Moving beyond job titles and traditional routes
Navigating cultural differences at work without losing yourself
Building something meaningful when curiosity meets lived experience

No One Opened the Door, So I Knocked Again

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the RACE in STEM podcast, Steve Fuller speaks with Bamidele (Bami) Farinre, a biomedical scientist and public health professional whose journey into STEM is marked by persistence, rejection, and resilience.

From growing up in Nigeria to navigating identity challenges in the UK, Bami shares the reality of being underestimated, overlooked, and told she wasn’t “right” for science — and how she refused to let those experiences stop her.

This episode explores:

the barriers women of colour face entering STEM
why opportunity and access are still unequal
the role of mentorship and representation
how persistence shaped every stage of Bami’s career

A powerful and honest conversation for anyone building a career against the odds.

I Didn’t Fit the Mould – So I Made My Own

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Race in STEM, host Steve Fuller speaks with Elaine Montilla, tech executive, author, TEDx speaker, and founder of 5xMinority.

From growing up in the Dominican Republic to leading in the tech C-suite, Elaine shares her remarkable journey of resilience and representation. She discusses navigating life as a Latina, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ leader, and how those experiences shaped her empathy-led approach to leadership.

Elaine opens up about breaking into tech, overcoming bias, and creating space for others to rise – proving that what once felt like a barrier can become your greatest superpower.

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📚 Explore Elaine’s work:

What Social Mobility, Mentorship, and Resilience Really Mean for Your Career

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the RACE in STEM podcast, host Steve Fuller speaks with Alice Choi, President of Envision Medical Communications, about her journey from North Manchester to the boardroom, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Alice opens up about growing up as a Korean-British woman in the UK, experiencing gender inequality in Korea, and how these challenges shaped her passion for social mobility and equity. She discusses the importance of mentorship as a two-way journey, offers advice for building resilience, and highlights why organisations must create pathways for people from diverse backgrounds to succeed.

This compelling conversation blends personal insight with practical advice on career growth, mentorship, and equity – essential listening for anyone striving to grow while making a positive impact on others.

You Can’t Aspire to What You Can’t See

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the RACE in STEM podcast, Steve Fuller speaks with Furkan Karayel, author, diversity and inclusion strategist, and founder of Diversein.

Furkan shares her journey from working in tech to becoming a global voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. She discusses the power of visible role models, the importance of allyship, and why creating spaces where underrepresented voices can thrive is critical for the future of science and technology.

Whether you’re an aspiring STEM professional or a leader looking to create real change, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical steps for building a more inclusive future.

📚 Explore more from Furkan:

From Amsterdam to the NHS: Power of Support and Mentorship

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the RACE in STEM podcast, host Steve Fuller sits down with Rachel Osei - biomedical scientist and Programme Manager at the NIHR - to unpack her extraordinary journey across countries, cultures and career hurdles.

Rachel opens up about:

Navigating three cultures as a Ghanaian-Dutch girl growing up in the UK
Learning English from scratch and how it shaped her grit
Falling in love with science in Year 9 and pushing through academic setbacks
Breaking into the health research sector without traditional networks
The power of mentorship, faith and community in building an equitable career

This is a candid and inspiring conversation for anyone at the intersection of identity and ambition in STEM.

From Academia to Impact: Asha Parekh on Purpose-Driven Innovation

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Race in STEM, Steve speaks with Asha Parekh, co-founder and CEO of Frontline Medical Technologies. From her multicultural upbringing in Canada to launching a life-saving MedTech device now used around the world, Asha shares her journey through engineering, entrepreneurship, and breaking barriers. Tune in for an honest conversation about representation, risk, and redefining success in science and innovation.

Unlocking the Power of the Patient’s Voice in Clinical Trials: Empathy in Action

Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Unlocking the Power of the Patient’s Voice in Clinical Trials again, our new quarterly podcast series where we dive into the stories and experiences of the people behind clinical trials.

Our guest in this episode, Harriet Scorer, a former medical director and life sciences professional, shares her unique perspective on clinical trials, both as a doctor and as a patient. Her journey through a rare blood cancer, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM), has highlighted the importance of integrating the patient’s voice into clinical research.

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Over the past year, Global Community Director Steve Fuller has facilitated many discussions with life sciences professionals to explore how clinical trials can be improved to better support patients. A key takeaway? The patient's voice often goes unheard in these trials. This is why Steve is so grateful to have met Sharon, whose personal journey highlights the importance of patient representation.

How to Pivot, Progress, and Thrive in STEM: How Tafoya Hubbard is Paving the Way for Black Women in STEM

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Tafoya Hubbard’s career is a powerful example of resilience and adaptability in STEM. From navigating early career challenges to leading global clinical trials, she shares key lessons on breaking into the industry, career transitions, and the importance of mentorship.

Tune in to hear her insights and advice for those looking to make their mark in STEM!

Breaking Barriers in STEM: Siobhan Johnson’s Journey to Success

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Breaking Barriers in STEM: Siobhan Johnson’s Journey to Success

Siobhan Johnson’s career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of mentorship. As a biomedical sciences professional, she has navigated an unconventional path to success—one that challenges the traditional notion of linear career progression. In a conversation with Steve Fuller on the Race in STEM podcast, she shared her story, offering invaluable insights for those looking to break into the industry.

For those still finding their way in STEM, her message is clear: “You can create your own path. Just take the first step.”

Tune in to the full episode for key insights and advice!

Unlocking the Power of the Patient’s Voice in Clinical Trials: Sharon Rivera-Sanchez's story

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Unlocking the Power of the Patient’s Voice in Clinical Trials, our new quarterly podcast series where we dive into the stories and experiences of the people behind clinical trials. In our very first episode, we’ll hear from Sharon Rivera-Sanchez as she shares her journey and insights.

Sharon, a fit and healthy woman, was suddenly diagnosed with cancer and selected to participate in a clinical trial. In this podcast, she shares her story - from her diagnosis to the treatment and support she received through the trial process. Sharon’s experience sheds light on the challenges patients face when navigating clinical trials and the vital need for better patient inclusion.

The hope of this conversation is to amplify the patient’s voice, encouraging a more empathetic approach to clinical trials. Sharon’s story serves as a powerful reminder that patients should be at the centre of their care and that their experiences can help drive improvements in the clinical trial system.

If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t miss this conversation. Listen to the full podcast now to discover the support available and learn how to advocate for yourself.

Empowering Others Through Life Sciences: Gbemi Ijeoma Jamie L. Austin’s Path to Success

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this insightful podcast episode, Steve Fuller, Communities Director, engages in a fascinating conversation with Olúwágbémilékè (Gbemi) Ijeoma Jamie L. Austin. Gbemi’s journey into the life sciences industry began at a young age when she saw a TV advertisement that sparked her passion for helping others. This early inspiration laid the foundation for a remarkable career that spans across multiple fields.

As a mother and lifelong learner, Gbemi has pursued four degrees while holding senior positions in both small biotech companies and global pharmaceutical giants. Her expertise also extends to regulatory affairs, where she has played a key role in shaping industry standards. Beyond her corporate achievements, Gbemi runs her own consultancy and is deeply involved in non-profit work, particularly in Africa, where she focuses on making a meaningful impact.

Throughout the conversation, Gbemi shares her drive to continuously develop and support others, offering valuable insights into the balance between career and personal life. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of passion, persistence, and the desire to uplift those around us.

Don’t miss out on hearing more about Gbemi’s inspiring journey. Tune in now to listen to the full episode and get motivated to take your own professional journey to the next level!

Overcoming Adversity: Jack Daley’s Journey of Resilience and Growth

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In the latest episode of the Race in STEM podcast, Steve Fuller and Jack Daley finally come together for a conversation that’s been years in the making. Although they've crossed paths in similar circles for some time, this year marked their first opportunity to sit down and talk.

Jack stands out for his thoughtful and measured approach to life. His story is one of resilience, marked by experiences that many might consider overwhelming. From his parents' early separation and a relocation from inner-city London to the countryside, to dealing with personal loss, Jack's journey is anything but ordinary.

In this podcast, Jack shares valuable insights on overcoming adversity. He reflects on how these challenges have shaped his character and driven him to make a positive impact, both in his personal life through a commitment to health and wellness, and in his professional role as Director of Regulatory Affairs at Organon Pharma.

Jack’s story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define us; instead, it’s how we navigate our challenges that shapes our future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a fresh perspective on resilience.

Listen to the full conversation and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today.

Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Jeevantika Lingalwar, a Pioneering CTO in the Tech Industry

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In the ever-evolving world of technology, few stories are as inspiring as that of Jeevantika Lingalwar, a Solution Architect whose journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In a recent conversation with Global Community Director Steven Fuller, we explored her path, challenges, and insights into fostering equity in STEM.

Growing up in India, where traditional careers like law or medicine are often encouraged, Jeevantika’s passion for gaming and music set her on a different path. With her family’s support, she pursued a career in technology, quickly rising to become a CTO by the age of 25. Her success in a male-dominated industry was hard-won - she confronted numerous challenges but overcame them with determination and skill.

Jeevantika also shared valuable insights on how companies can promote equity in STEM, highlighting the need for inclusive environments. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following your passions and breaking down barriers in the pursuit of success.

Check out the full conversation below! If you’re interested in sharing your own story or learning how to get involved with Race in STEM, reach out to our team today.

An Inspiring Journey in Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Bridget Andu

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0100

In this special podcast episode, Race in STEM ambassador Peter Andu interviews a very unique guest—his mother, Dr. Bridget Andu. With over 20 years of experience in the NHS, Dr. Andu shares her inspiring journey into medicine, despite not coming from a medical background. Her story is one of determination and resilience, as she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor against the odds.

Dr. Andu discusses the significant challenges she has faced, including moving to a new country to study medicine and navigating the demanding shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, her passion for healthcare and helping others has remained unwavering.

Towards the end of the episode, she offers invaluable advice to young doctors, encouraging them to stay resilient and committed. She also shares her optimism for the future of the NHS, believing that positive changes are on the horizon.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone inspired by stories of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity. Dr. Andu’s journey is not only a testament to her strength but also a source of encouragement for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Listen to the full conversation below and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today.

The Power of Mentorship: Lessons from Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0100

In a recent podcast, Dr Adaugo (Diggi) Onyeador, a practicing doctor, shared her journey from working with the NHS to transitioning into the commercial global pharmaceutical industry. Her story highlights the importance of mentorship and the value of learning through discussion.

A key lesson Diggi emphasises is the power of learning through debate and discussion. Engaging in thoughtful conversations helped her develop critical thinking skills and stay innovative in her approach. As Diggi puts it, “I learned through debate and discussion, and this has been the bedrock of my career.”

Her journey is a reminder that mentorship and continuous learning are essential to personal and professional growth.

Listen to the full conversation and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today.

Exploring Resilience, Faith, and Diversity in Clinical Leadership with Adeola Adenuga

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Adeola Adenuga, an experienced clinical professional, brings over 25 years of experience across the pharmaceuticals, biopharma, and CRO sectors. Her hands-on approach as a consultant has made her a vital strategist in various phases of clinical trials.

In our latest podcast episode, Adeola shares her remarkable journey, discussing how she built resilience throughout her career and her unique perspective on failure. She also opens up about the central role her faith plays in her daily life.

Adeola provides valuable advice on creating diverse and inclusive work environments, emphasising the importance of building bridges within the industry. Her insights are not only inspiring but also practical, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in clinical leadership, diversity, and personal growth.

Listen to the full conversation and if you would like to share your own story or find out how you can get involved with Race in STEM, contact the team today.

Levelling the Playing Field and Exploring Identity with Jasmine Skee

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Recorded live at the Dublin Tech Summit 2024, BioTalent’s Global Community Director and Race in STEM Founder, Steve Fuller, sits down with Guild Esport’s CEO, Jasmine Skee, for an engaging and insightful conversation.

In this episode, Steve and Jasmine dive into the panel session Jasmine participated in earlier that day, titled "Levelling the Playing Field." They explore the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and the technical measures being implemented to address gender disparities. Beyond the professional realm, the discussion also provides a personal glimpse into Jasmine’s life.

Listeners will journey through Jasmine’s upbringing in Newcastle, Australia, her multicultural background with an Australian mother and a Polish/Scottish father, and the unique story behind her surname, "Skee." Discover how Jasmine’s heritage and personal experiences have shaped her identity and career trajectory, and ponder how different her path might have been if certain changes had never occurred.

Join us for this compelling episode that blends industry insights with personal narratives, offering a holistic view of Jasmine Skee both professionally and personally.

Make sure you join the community by following the LinkedIn page and subscribing to the monthly newsletter.

Steel meets serenity: Kwame Bekoe talks to Race in STEM

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0100

For our latest Race in STEM podcast, our global community manager, Steven Fuller, caught up with aviation and sustainability expert Kwame Bekoe.

Born and raised in the UK of Ghanaian parents, Kwame went back to Ghana for three years of secondary school, gaining a deeper understanding of his culture and background, before returning to the UK and finishing his education. It was far from plain sailing in the part of southwest London where he spent the first part of his childhood. “The town I was actually born in was a stronghold for the British National Party, so I remember actually in my youth seeing these marches happening all around me, all these people filled with anger and hatred.”

It was Kwame’s parents, and his father in particular, who helped him come to terms with experiences like these. “He would explain to me about really what is going on, why people think like this and you know, a lot of it is down to indifference and lack of understanding – and really just how to navigate my way through that and not let it become a deterrent or a hindrance as to where it is I feel I want to go in life.”

Kwame combines this measured approach for all life throws at him with a strong resolve and willpower – something his father also had no small part in instilling. “He is someone who’s really filled with grit, with determination. I think someone of his generation to be able to move from Africa, to move from Ghana, pretty much the first I would say in my direct and indirect family, with the passion to just study and learn and really just to go for that dream and to do something different.”

Kwame’s certainly doing something different with his current role as commercial director at Zero, a company revolutionising the way aircraft are powered and reducing their environmental impact. Listen to the complete conversation as Kwame talks family responsibilities, having a dream your teachers don’t believe in and ensuring better representation within the STEM space.

Shaping the future of tech: lessons from the Dublin Tech Summit

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0100

The Dublin Tech Summit took place on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th May at the RDS, bringing together global leaders in innovation, technology and business to shape the future of global trends. Among them were founder of Race in STEM Steven Fuller and C-suite engagement director for The IN Group, Natalie Whittlesey.

In our latest podcast, Nat discusses how being at one of Europe’s leading tech festivals was a key learning experience: “I have to talk to a lot of really interesting tech leaders and I have to keep myself well informed, make sure I know what’s going on, what the leading trends are in tech, data, digital.” She gives her first-hand perspective on the three fascinating talks she attended at the summit, covering:

The robots are here – With Ireland at the forefront of the robotics and machine learning revolution, how are companies successfully leveraging AI

Using tech and AI during times of political crisis – With the UK and US general elections coming up, how could tech potentially be used for the purpose of disinformation? How can tech advancements help, but also hinder, the relationship between the state and citizens?

Return on investment of DEI, hosted by our very own Steven Fuller – How return on investment can manifest in financial performance, staff retention and customer satisfaction – but DEI needs to be embedded in the heart of a business with commitment from the top, rather than a tick box exercise or a sentence on a website.

Listen to the full conversation to learn more about this year’s Dublin Tech Summit and the big trends shaping the tech market.

From hoops to healthcare: the eclectic career journey of Zahir Carrington

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0100

The latest Race in STEM podcast saw global community manager Steven Fuller chat to Zahir Carrington, a medical tech sales professional based in the US.

Growing up in Philadelphia, a strong family dynamic has been a key foundation of Zahir’s life from an early age. “I grew up in a very big family, a very close family. If you messed with one of us, you messed with all of us. If I think about some of the values that we had as kids, early on it was always to watch out and look out for each other as cousins, being the oldest of two younger brothers.” But most importantly of all, “I was always surrounded by a lot of love from all these people as well.”

Zahir’s enjoyed a varied career, which started as a professional basketball player. But despite his natural talent for sport, his parents would only allow him to get involved in extracurricular activities if he was doing well at school. Everything had to be based on strong educational foundations.

“I remember vividly my dad standing over me at the kitchen table as I’m practising my penmanship and cursive handwriting which you don’t even use anymore, but they were so dialled into ensuring that we had all the necessary schools to be taken seriously in the world and to be in a better situation. I hated it as a kid, I couldn’t stand it as a kid, but I really, really appreciate it now.” That academic grounding proved to be crucial in paving the way for his future success.

Listen to the complete conversation to hear more about the importance of family in Zahir’s career, how he became a successful account manager for a global pharmaceutical company, and how hard work and commitment have allowed him to make the most of life’s varied opportunities.

A walking contradiction: how Ral Ogbah’s changing lives by doing things a little differently

Thu, 09 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

For this month’s Race in STEM podcast, global community manager Steven Fuller caught up with Rapulu (Ral) Ogbah, a pharmacovigilance and lifecycle management quality assurance professional based in the UK.

Born in Nigeria and part of the Igbo tribe, Ral moved to Ireland when he was a child and has lived in Europe ever since. Family has always had a huge impact on his educational and career journey: “A whole lot of my upbringing has always been dictated by my immediate family, specifically my parents and even more specifically, my mum, who had a huge influence on my life. So growing up in an African family, there’s always that element of, you must respect your elders, you must respect authority, you have to listen.”

But Ral’s not the kind of person to blindly accept the world for what it is. In fact, he’s already recognised as a powerful changemaker in life sciences. He’s the founder of the Black Pharma community, which aims to amplify voices and increase the representation of ethnically diverse professionals across the pharmaceutical industry.

“I would actually say I’m a walking contradiction, because I wanted as much as possible to follow my own path, and I am quite headstrong. Anybody who knows me would describe me as a contrarian. I would do things exactly the opposite to what the general population is doing. Whether on purpose or not, I’m not 100% sure!”

Listen to the complete conversation to hear more about the impact of family on Ral’s career, how he became an associate director for lifecycle management, regulatory compliance and PV QA for a global pharmaceutical company, and how Black Pharma is changing the lives of students, graduates and experienced professionals across the UK, US, Africa and Asia.

Faith in STEM: why two unlikely elements go hand-in-hand for Mandy Budwal-Jagait

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100

For the latest Race In STEM podcast, our global community manager Steven Fuller caught up with Mandy Budwal-Jagait, a mother of two and senior good clinical practice professional based in the Midlands.

The daughter of immigrants from India, Mandy was brought up in a religious household. What kind of impact did growing up as a woman of colour and of faith have on her educational journey and her decision to pursue life sciences as a career? In Mandy’s words, “Sikhism is about fighting for your rights and equality, rising against injustice.” In that respect, her religion represents her perfectly as a person, as a professional and as an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.

The teachings of her religion have been supplemented by a focus on education: “Education comes first, because once you have your education, no one can really take that away from you. Opportunities open. You’ll never be reliant on anyone else if you can kind of support yourself in that regard. If you’ve got a good education behind you, you have more job prospects. It wasn’t a case of, when I grow up, the expectations for me were to get married and have a family. I’m quite lucky in that regard, whereas culturally I know that has been an expectation for others. For me, it was very much, you take the opportunities that are available and you run with it.”

Listen to the complete conversation to hear more about the part Mandy’s faith has played in her career, her journey to head of GCP at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and how we can achieve better representation within the STEM space.

Where north meets south: Netra Macon shares her geographical and personal journey

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The latest Race In STEM podcast saw our global community manager Steven Fuller catch up with Netra Macon, an HR professional within the life sciences healthcare sector, based in New York.

Being exposed to different lifestyles, cultures and communities from an early age has helped to shape Netra into the openminded individual she is today. Just as her upbringing was geographically polarised – she was born in North Carolina but grew up in New York – her experience of school before second grade could not have contrasted more with her experience from second grade onwards. Having attended a nursery school where the children were predominantly of colour, she suddenly found herself in a new school among only a handful of minority children.

“The school I attended up until second grade closed suddenly and then I had to go to a school that was predominantly white, and it was a handful of us minorities and I was the only black kid in the class. So that was an experience that was very unique and different, and as a child you don’t know if it’s because it’s just a new school. That point of reference of colour and race was just not part of the conversation.”

Growing up, HR wasn’t a career path she could have foreseen: “I did not wake up one day deciding I want to be an HR professional. I had no idea what that meant.” In fact, she had planned to be a journalist. Now a global people lead and board advisor who forges talent strategies, instigates DEI initiatives and connects people at all levels, she’s certainly exceeded her own expectations.

Listen to the complete conversation to hear more about Netra’s remarkable personal journey – one where she’s learned that we should avoid putting each other in boxes, and appreciate that we all show up in different ways before we can have effective discussions about culture and people.

The power of purpose and positivity: a chat with Bimpe Shitta-Bey

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

For the latest Race In STEM podcast, Steven Fuller, global community manager for Race in STEM, caught up with Bimpe Shitta-Bey on the importance of education, how to balance learning with the internal pressure to socialise with your peers, and why Desmond’s is an important cultural touchpoint for people of African descent growing up in the UK.

Bimpe is a regulatory strategy lead based in London. One of the most striking things about her is her strong sense of purpose and endless positivity. But despite her spontaneity and desire to make the most of opportunities when they come along, she’s never lost that clear vision of what she wants to achieve.

“I’ve always been lucky because I’ve always had a real sense of self, what I wanted to do. Like everybody, you can be kind of pulled by what others are doing, but in myself I know what the right thing is and what I want to do, what I’m trying to get to, and so I don’t allow myself to be moved from that path. And I think that’s always done me good – just do the thing that it’s telling me inside to do, not what’s going on outside.”

Trained as a pharmacist but realising very early on that the life of a pharmacist wasn’t for her, Bimpe went on to complete her PhD in pharmacy and embarked on a career that’s taken her from the civil services to global pharma and small start-up companies. Now, as a regulatory strategy lead, she draws upon her diverse experience in the pharma and biotech industry to devise and implement innovative regulatory strategies and manage complex and novel regulatory issues.

Listen to the complete conversation (or watch on YouTube) to hear more about her fascinating personal and professional journey, characterised by an incredibly powerful drive and an infectiously positive outlook on life.

The quest for continual learning: a conversation with Dr John Ndikum

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In the latest Race in STEM podcast, Steven Fuller, global community manager, sat down with Dr. John Ndikum to talk making a difference, breaking through barriers and finding the right voices which resonate with you as an individual.

Dr John Ndikum is an author, educator, pharmaceutical physician, clinical researcher, and currently, medical affairs professional based in the UK. Although he’s achieved so much, one of the most striking things about him is his humility and desire for continual learning.

“I do remember being in a hospital with my dad when I was about three years old in Cameroon and while we were waiting, we were seeing these people in white coats. I remember turning round to my dad and saying, ‘Who are those people, why are they wearing lab coats?’ ‘Those are doctors, John.’ I said, ‘Wow, what do they do?’ He said, ‘They help people.’ And I said, ‘I want to do that when I grow up.’”

After going to medical school at Bart’s, John was a doctor in the NHS for around seven years before completing his master’s in public health at Yale University. He worked in clinical trials before moving into medical affairs. As a senior medical affairs manager, he’s involved in pre-paunch strategy and planning, strategic insight gathering and HCP engagement, collaborative working and cross-functional education.

Listen to the complete conversation to hear more about his fascinating personal and professional journey, in which a desire to help others, through the many insights and experiences he’s gained along the way, has been a defining characteristic.

Identity Matters: Exploring Authentic Recruitment with Arrash Masoomi

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Steve caught up with the incredible Arrash Masoomi, recruitment extraordinaire-turned-mentor, transformational coach, and trainer.
As a Recruitment Specialist with over 12 years of experience in the Life Science Industry, Arrash has had the privilege of working with the leading Pharmaceutical, Biotech and Consultancy companies in the World, and he is globally recognised as an expert in Contract Recruitment and Biometrics.
A passionate mental health advocate, Arrash now focuses on delivering Recruitment Training, Mentoring and Coaching, having received an ICF Accreditation Diploma in Transformational Coaching.

Exploring STEM’s Cultural Kaleidoscope with Karen Bastin

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0100

How can we create the conditions for greater representation in STEM? How do we confront the barriers disproportionately faced by international STEM students, and what do those barriers look like? To help us explore all this and much more, Steve is joined by the incredible Karen Bastin, who shared her thoughts and experiences of working and studying in science and tech all over the world.

Karen Bastin is a dynamic and experienced Lead Technical Analyst at MasterCard, based in Dublin, Ireland. With a background in product and software analysis, Karen’s expertise lies in driving innovation and efficiency, whilst her diverse range of hobbies outside of work showcases her creativity and passion for life and travel.

Shaping Science for the Future and the Role of Diversity with Dr. Dammy Olayanju

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:00:00 +0100

Listen to our recent Race in STEM episode featuring Dr. Dammy (Adedamola) Olayanju.
Dammy is the Product Manager for Qkine. He is responsible for defining product roadmap and planning new product launching strategies for successful commercialisation. He is also responsible for the management of company’s high-quality products, providing technical and scientific support for customers, strategic partners, and the wider community. Prior to joining Qkine, Dr. Dammy was a Principal Scientist at Manchester BIOGEL working on the development and application of robust 3D platforms such as stem cell and organoid technologies for use in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and drug screening and development. He also gained his post-doctoral training and PhD in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Liverpool, UK.

Visit our website at www.trinnovogroup.com/race-in-stem

Learning How to Approach a 'No' and Achieve Global Success with Razanne Khrais

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

If you want to know what resilience looks like, to understand how to take a 'No' and turn it into a positive, or how to be a success after relocating: you will certainly gain some insight through Razanne Kharis' lens.

Having been in the healthcare industry for more than 12 years, Razanne has cultivated her passion and skills through working with patients, teams, and clients. At the heart of her journey lies a profound commitment to serving patients and helping develop both individuals and organizations to ultimately provide the best health care to patients. Through her experience, Razanne has developed a deep comprehension of how to build high-performing teams and drive development and results by strategizing, implementing, and executing at the highest standards.

Razanne believes that being agile and adopting a growth mindset is key to ensuring success and achieving excellence in delivery. She strives to foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued, as this not only brings out the best in individuals but also creates a synergistic atmosphere that drives collective achievement and transforms vision into reality.

Visit our global platform at trinnovogroup.com/race-in-stem

Navigating a life of Code Switching with Kmla Sharma

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Steve interviews the fabulous Kmla Sharma, Tech Lead at Hubspot. Kmla Sharma is an Indian-born Irish woman who has lived in Ireland for the last 28 years. She holds a degree in computer science from Trinity College Dublin and has been a backend engineer in the software engineering industry for the last 7 years. She has worked across many different domains including accounting machine learning software, transport logistics, financial tech and acquisition. Kmla currently works as a tech lead in Hubspot, where she uses her coding expertise to lead a team of engineers in Hubspot’s growth acquisition department.

From Adversity to Entrepreneurship with Christine Noonan

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode of 'Race in STEM,' host Steven Fuller interviews Christine Noonan, CEO of Klem Digital Wardrobe Technology.

Christine shares her journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the creation of Klem, an innovative digital wardrobe management platform. She emphasises the importance of authenticity and genuine support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, while also expressing her commitment to promoting diversity and providing opportunities in the fashion industry and beyond.

Originally from Uganda, Christine grew up in rural Ireland and went on to attend the University of Limerick for her Economics degree. She has since worked in tech companies in the US and Europe. Christine is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech and believes in the power of dialogue followed by action with the goal to create more room for minorities at the decision-making levels of tech companies.

www.trinnovogroup.com/race-in-stem

Addressing Workplace Discrimination with Makeba Lawson-Williams

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Steve is joined by life sciences professional Makeba Lawson-Williams. In this episode, Makeba speaks about personal experiences with workplace discrimination and the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion. We explore Makeba's background, upbringing, and career journey within the STEM field, highlighting instances of discriminatory comments and uncomfortable situations which she has encountered throughout her professional life. We also discuss ways to positively take action and lessons which can be learnt.

Makeba is a life science consultant with over 5 years of experience working in quality assurance for the pharmaceutical industry. Makeba specialises in biotechnology with industrial applications and is currently pursuing a PhD in protein engineering. Her research focuses on driving exciting advancements in recombinant tools for synthetic biology

Supporting Talent of Tomorrow with Chinedu Madichie

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0100

Take a listen to our latest Race in STEM podcast, featuring insights from Steven Fuller and Chinedu Madichie. In this episode, the pair discuss supporting a new generation of life sciences professionals.

Chinedu is a senior quality and regulatory compliance leader with a passion for improving health equity across the world. With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, his expertise includes quality management systems, GMP/GCP/GDP/GLP regulations, and analytical method development and validation. Dr Madichie has extensive experience in pharmaceutical development and Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) with a commercial focus that drives business growth through innovative products and technologies.

Leading with Confidence with Olivia Cream

Tue, 02 May 2023 19:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Steve is joined by the fabulous Olivia Cream. Olivia discusses how to channel your inner confidence, as well as perceiving the glass to be 'half full' rather than 'half empty.' 🥛 🌟

Olivia served as the Advanced Sourcing manager for 4 years before moving to HR as the Endoscopy Division Sales HRBP in 2015. As an HR leader, Olivia is focused on employee relations, talent assessment, performance management, development, workforce planning, and recruiting functions. Olivia is now serving on the National Board for SAAN and is also a contributing member of the Stryk Veterans Association focusing on recruiting, retention and development of Veterans.

Exploring Faith with Ailon Haileyesus

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Steve was introduced to Ailon Haileyesus several months ago. 'It was refreshing to hear how much she enjoys acting as an Engineer, and how respected she is by her colleagues,' Steve commented. Ailon attributes her focus and calmness to her faith, which is explored in this podcast.

Ailon is a Staff Engineer at Stryker - developing products for spine surgeries while interacting directly with surgeons worldwide. Prior to this role, Ailon completed her M.S.E. (CBID Program ‘18) and B.S.E. (‘16) in Biomedical Engineering. Ailon was a Harvard-Amgen Scholar (2015) and interned in USAID’s Global Health Bureau (2016). As a first-generation Ethiopian American and female engineer, Ailon is passionate about innovating within the global healthcare field and empowering others to do the same.

Women in STEM: Combating Biases and Celebrating Excellence

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

We held our very first Race in STEM webinar, ‘Women in STEM: Combating Biases and Celebrating Excellence’ hosted by Founder Steve Fuller. We spoke about the challenges and biases women have historically faced in STEM, and how this has continued to trickle into today’s context. We also discussed the importance of celebrating women in STEM, and how in a world where you may feel unrepresented, having assurance and encouragement can support you with confidence and feeling like an ‘imposter.’

Key insights from the discussion included:
- Addressing the ‘leaky funnel’
- The pay divide: negotiate and challenge
- Value of transferable skills
- Importance of advocates and allies
- Tall Poppy Syndrome and how this can impact women
- Why we need to continue to celebrate women

Thank you, Archita, Ana, Tea and Magali, for all your insights!

The Impact of Resistance with Andrew Obadiaru

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Check out our latest episode where our US Ambassador interviewed Andrew Obadiaru to discuss Black Resistance.

Andrew is the Chief Information Security Officer at Cobalt, which provides a Pentest as a Service (PtaaS) platform that is modernizing the traditional, static penetration testing model. At Cobalt, Andrew is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Cobalt's systems and data. Prior to joining Cobalt, Andrew was the Head of Information Security for BBVA USA Corporate Investment banking, where he oversaw the creation and execution of Cyber Security Strategy. Andrew has 20+ years in the security and technology space, with a history of managing and mitigating risk across changing technologies, software, and diverse platforms.

Philosophical Thinking with James Kusena

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Steven sits down with the wonderful James Kusena, who discusses his philosophy when dealing with adversity within STEM.

James is the Vice President of Bioprocessing & Applications at MicrofluidX, where they are developing the Cyto Engine, a cell therapy bioprocessing and manufacturing platform. James has experience in cell and gene therapy process development and manufacturing optimisation. His work has focused on understanding the translational requirements for robust product realisation, considering aspects such as process development, manufacturability and ultimately the clinical adoption and health economic implications. He holds a Ph.D. in regenerative medicine from the Centre of Biological Engineering at Loughborough University, UK and is an awardee of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Shott Scale Up Accelerator Award.

Growing Up in Africa as a White Man with Adam Slater

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Steve interviews respected Global Quality Assurance Consultant, Adam Slater. Adam is a white man and was bought up in Africa from 3 months old until his late teenage years.

A Quality Professional with over 30 years’ experience within the pharmaceutical, healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries. Adam is qualified in both Microbiology and Analytical Chemistry. He has completed the EU Qualified Persons qualification and has worked within large global pharma, start-ups, CRO’s and CDMO’s. The positions he has held have included senior leadership positions in Quality Assurance, R&D, Regulatory and Quality Control. These roles have included managing large and diverse teams, leading complex change initiatives and continuous improvement programmes. He has experience of working in industries throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Asia. For the last 12 years has run his own independent consultancy company providing interim senior leadership roles, project management, conducting international audits, and leading remediation and inspection readiness initiatives for biopharmaceutical and ATMP companies.

Exploring Identity with Rosemary Lakeru

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Steve is joined by Rosemary Lakeru to discuss the pillars of identity within STEM.

Rosemary Lakeru is the Founder and CEO of ACORN IQ, a data-driven clinical research Patient Recruitment & Engagement company committed to changing the face of clinical research; with a mission to bridge the disparity gap, improve clinical trial experiences and drive clinical research across Africa and emerging markets for better health outcomes.

Prior to ACORN IQ, Rosemary worked directly with life sciences organisations to deliver successful clinical trials that are equitable and Inclusive. She specialises in innovation for trial participant study design and involvement, addressing access to clinical trial barriers, and Enrolling participants from underrepresented populations for medical research through RWD.

Recognizing USA Black History Month with Sharmaine Kelly

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, were joined by the fabulous Sharmaine Kelly who spoke with us as we recognised this year's Black History Month in the US, discussing the current theme of Black Resistance.

Sharmaine Kelly is from Durham NC having lived in the area majority of her life. She attended North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University for Psychology then transferred and graduated from Shaw University Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. At home, she lives with her fiancé and two teenage daughters along with a long hair chihuahua, an English Agora Rabbit and Guinea Pig (which feels like a small farm). In her free time, she enjoys audiobooks, making candles, spending time with her family and travelling, most recently to Costa Rica.

The Power of Being Yourself with Dipesh Mistry-Dhillon

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

‘You’re going to go through some hard times, but you’re going come out the other side.’ This episode of My Race in Science delves into the risks of ignoring changing terminology, the importance of mutual respect, and the necessity of representation at every level of the life sciences industry.

We discussed the pitfalls and the positives experienced by people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community, the resources available, and the power of being yourself, even when the negativity around you starts to take its toll.

How do we open up positive discussion? How do we empower others in the life sciences? It all starts with a willingness to learn.

Exploring Meaningful Allyship with Allison Jack

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

‘Standing out in some way is part of the journey of life.’ In this episode of My Race in Science, we explored the infinite value of self-belief, mentoring, and meaningful allyship in the fight against discrimination in the life sciences space.

From sharing stories to speaking up for others – you don’t need to have experienced first-hand discrimination to be an impactful advocate.

While diverse teams are starting to populate senior leadership positions, the persistence of the ‘Old Boys Club’ mentality still acts as a barrier to progression for minorities in today’s world, particularly for women of colour.

How do we break the mould and inspire change, and what does that process look like?

Is your voice heard as a Black female in industry? A conversation with Corryn Gardiner

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0100

Corryn Gardiner is a Director of her own Quality Assurance Consultancy who works with pharmaceutical companies to help with the set-up and/or ongoing maintenance and responsibilities relating to the Pharmaceutical Quality System and maintaining licences.

After spending over 10 years working in Quality Assurance Corryn believes and strives for quality and compliance to work hand in hand, without one being compromised for the other. Corryn has worked at and supported global pharmaceutical companies and related organisations including Fisher Bioservices part of Thermofisher Scientific, Eisai, Roche and Alexion. In addition to her varied Quality Assurance roles across the lifecycle of a medicinal product, Corryn acts as a Responsible Person and Responsible Person of Import.

Corryn holds a BSc in Biochemistry with Forensic Science from the Queen Mary University of London.

My Race in Life Sciences: Yogesh Krishan Davé

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0100

Yogesh’s career in pharma spans over 38 years and he has operated his own UK registered limited company for the past 12 years. All his formal education has all been in the United Kingdom and he is proud to be a British Citizen. Yogesh is also proud of his heritage and ancestorial roots in India and he has tried to integrate the best of both cultures.

Yogesh developed a passion for the natural sciences as a young teenager at a London middle school when he was inspired by his chemistry and biology teachers. That led him on his journey in science higher education and then a career in the biopharmaceutical industry.

The excellent training Yogesh received at David Begg Associates and the University of Strathclyde, for the qualification on eligibility as a Qualified Person (QP), taught him to understand the many risks associated with manufacturing that could lead to the making of a defective product or defects could arise via poor packaging and/or distribution controls that render a batch or part batch to become unsafe and/or ineffective.

Yogesh is passionate about ensuring that everyone involved in the manufacturing, quality control and supply chain understand the risks and they follow the correct procedures for ensuring protection and control of the product for its Quality, Safety and Efficacy requirements.

Yogesh promotes for a very good understanding of Quality Risk Management by all staff involved in drug product manufacture and control. The key message being is there is poor or no chance of a patient knowing a product supplied is defective in any way. And even a small number of defective units can cause harm or even death.

Yogesh has lived and worked in the USA, Canada, UK, Switzerland and The Netherlands. He has a comprehensive understanding of the USA & EU regulations, quality standards and the expected requirements for the manufacturing, testing and certification of both sterile and non-sterile medicinal products including cell and gene therapy products.

Qualified as a lead GxP auditor, Yogesh has played key roles, including principal lead for hosting Regulatory Agency Inspections for a number of companies. These inspections were highly successful for the company Yogesh represented.

To date, Yogesh has conducted ca 25 national and international audits of 3rd party manufacturing organisations, quality control laboratories, API suppliers and a number of GCP inspections at Clinical Investigation sites.

Yogesh is a Chartered Chemist, a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, a member of the Research Quality Association (MRQA), and H is registered as a “Qualified Person” under the Permanent Provisions of the EU Directives.

People, Equal Representation and How to Overcome Discrimination with Alexander Doyle

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Our new Diversity in Life Sciences Series.

A trained Scientist with a passion for the people, Alex developed a strong interest in healthcare through working in the industry at Boehringer Ingelheim and Novartis and used his commercial acumen to transition from research and development into pharmaceutical recruitment consulting. Customer focus and in-depth industry knowledge have allowed Alex to partner effectively with Biotechnology organisations, CROs and pharmaceutical clients.

Alex grew up in Barbados, which is known as the ‘Amputation capital’ of the world. This ignited his passion for treatment, disease and science. He later studied at Kings College London and studied pharmacology, he has also researched airway lung inflammation. Alex adores the mission of the pharmaceutical industry, which is to help people and enable people to live longer lives. Alex moved into recruitment to help companies find the best talent to perform these important roles.

‘Diversity of thought enables the breakthroughs needed in research and development.’ As recruiters, there is a lot of ownership, as they are the interface within the external market. Alex believes it is vital to wear a diverse lens on the marketplace and not to insert our own biases on the initial recruitment processes, as this can affect the overall process.

Alex then discussed the intensity of discrimination, by referencing the research of Dr Winston Morgan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the link between structural racism and disease. Alex believes that in order to overcome discriminatory issues, regulatory changes are required to support diversity and inclusion. Similar to the Equality Act 2020 that mandates organisations of a certain size to publish information relating to the gender pay gap; ‘it pushes a shift in thought.’

Alex’s passion for Inclusion and Diversity has led him to leverage his knowledge of the hiring process to implement change aimed at making the job application process fairer and more accessible to all. Alex is a strong diversity and inclusion advocate and influential leader and is driving positive change within the life sciences landscape.

www.biotalent.com