Breaking Barriers in STEM: Jayshree Seth on Leadership, Innovation, and Advocacy

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In this episode of Badass Women in Business, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. Jayshree shares her journey from being a scientist focused on research to becoming an advocate for science, diversity, and representation in STEM.

Jayshree talks about the evolving role of thought leadership in her work, explaining how it pushes her to think beyond her immediate projects and consider broader societal impacts. She emphasizes the importance of public perception and why it’s critical to make science more visible and accessible to everyone. Jayshree’s role at 3M includes not only advocating for the importance of science but also working to break down stereotypes and barriers that often keep underrepresented groups out of STEM fields.
Jayshree also talks about her book The Heart of Science: Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints & Imprints, which explores the impact of diversity, innovation, and thought leadership in STEM. All proceeds from the book go to a scholarship fund supporting underrepresented minority women in STEM.

Throughout the conversation, Jayshree reflects on the significance of diversity in driving innovation, the necessity of challenging ingrained biases, and how she navigated her own identity as a woman in science. She offers practical insights into how we can all play a role in promoting science and innovation that benefits everyone.

Key Takeaways:

• Thought leadership requires thinking beyond personal or organizational goals, focusing on broader societal impacts.
• Science plays a critical role in addressing global challenges, but it is often underappreciated or misunderstood by the public.
• Diverse perspectives are essential in science to drive meaningful innovation.
• Stereotypes about who "belongs" in STEM fields must be actively challenged.
• Authentic leadership and a commitment to advocacy can influence change at both individual and systemic levels.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:30 - Jayshree’s Path from Scientist to Advocate
06:45 - The Role of Thought Leadership in Science
12:20 - Public Perception of Science and Why It Matters
19:10 - Addressing Stereotypes and Breaking Down Barriers in STEM
24:25 - Diversity’s Role in Innovation
30:00 - Authenticity in Leadership and Advocacy
35:40 - Jayshree’s Ongoing Work at 3M

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Jayshree’s work and how she’s advocating for a future where science is inclusive and impactful.
Connect with Jayshree:

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