In this episode of the Material Business Podcast, host Monica Hernandez speaks with Bamidele Farinre, a multi-award-winning leader in STEM. Bami shares her journey from being a biomedical scientist to a leader and mentor, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of mentorship. She discusses the challenges she faced, the significance of owning one's achievements, and the need to empower the next generation in STEM fields. Bami's holistic approach to her identity and career serves as an inspiration for listeners at any stage of their professional journey. In this conversation, Bami and Monica discuss the importance of embracing failure as a part of growth, the impact of mentorship and feedback, the significance of recognition through awards, and the journey of writing and sharing personal stories. They emphasize that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for reflection and learning, and that constructive feedback can empower individuals to pursue their goals. Bami shares her experiences with awards and how they serve as a message of visibility and encouragement for others. The discussion also highlights the importance of storytelling and how sharing experiences can inspire and motivate others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bami's Journey

09:57 Owning Your Achievements

20:12 The Importance of Mentorship

29:57 Transitioning from Science to Leadership

40:01 Resilience and Perseverance in Career Growth

30:09 The Impact of Feedback and Mentorship

33:10 Recognition and Awards: Acknowledging Efforts

39:35 The Journey of Writing and Sharing Stories