How can we embrace mentorship, self-reflection, and inclusive leadership to amplify our impact as scientists?

Today on the Science with Impact Podcast, Paul Faronbi, better known as IncrediPaul®, shares how research scientists can lead with intention, foster inclusive communities, and grow personally and professionally.

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🤔 Who is this for?

  1. Research scientists looking to mentor and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders
  2. Graduate students and postdocs exploring how to align personal growth with professional impact
  3. Scientists and educators building authentic, supportive communities beyond the bench

📋 What is it about?

Paul’s journey from chemical engineering R&D to founding NALA STEM and establishing the IncrediPaul brand underscores the importance of mentorship and community. He emphasizes the importance of balancing technical skills with ongoing development in communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence, while also practicing self-care, gratitude, and faith as essential components of sustainable leadership. Navigating current challenges to DEI initiatives, Paul advocates for staying true to inclusive values and embracing growth as a continuous process, finding joy along the way.

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Key Takeaway: Leading with intention, mentoring with empathy, and nurturing your growth can transform you—and the communities you serve—far beyond the bench.

⌚️ Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Paul Faronbi

01:54 Balancing Multiple Roles

02:25 The Importance of Self-Care

03:27 Journey into Podcasting

05:07 Life as a Scientist

06:27 Challenges in STEM and DEI

08:32 Leadership in Tough Times

14:22 Path to Becoming a Scientist

19:32 Building Communities in STEM

24:34 Advice for Young Professionals

33:32 Balancing Technical and Soft Skills

35:50 The Compound Effect: Small Steps to Big Changes

37:36 Gratitude and Reflection in Leadership

37:47 Relentless Solution Focus: Shifting from Problems to Solutions

41:59 NALA STEM: Building a Supportive Community

48:08 Faith and Leadership: Integrating Personal Values

58:47 The Journey of Personal Growth and Development

01:09:16 Collaborating Beyond STEM: Bridging Worlds

01:14:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections

📣 Guest:


Paul Faronbi, Ph.D. | Chemical engineer, leadership coach and podcast host at IncrediPaul®, and founder of NALA(STEM).

🎙️ Host

⁠Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D⁠., is the founder of ⁠Science with Impact⁠, where we partner with research organizations to translate STEM advancements into measurable societal benefits beyond academia.

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  2. Communicating (illustration/animation, data visualization, and presentations)

the impact of their STEM research, click the button below to connect them with Dr. Rosa.

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The Team at Science with Impact