Jan was introduced to me by a friend as "the most intelligent woman she knows", and after our chat, I can certainly see why.
With a PhD in material science focused on solar cells for satellites, Jan has transitioned into a powerful force for change in engineering.
What struck me most was Jan's passion, which she describes as having an "extra fairness gene" from childhood. Her focus isn't on "fixing women" but on fixing the space – creating an engineering profession where everyone can thrive, where the majority accommodates and welcomes minority groups.
We dived into fascinating topics, from her early research 20 years ago looking at the demographics of engineers, to the shifts happening today thanks to increased outreach and diverse role models. Jan highlighted that diversity isn't just about gender or ethnicity; it's crucially about diversity of thinking and life experiences.
Jan shared how she uses tools like CliftonStrengths to help engineers build self-awareness, understand different communication styles (especially for those with high IQ but potentially lower EQ), and appreciate neurodiversity within teams. This helps people be their authentic selves rather than trying to fit a stereotype, leading to more dynamic and innovative teams.
Her definition of success is truly inspiring: making a difference, seeing something not working and fixing it. She shared a powerful example of how advocating for better-fitting PPE for women in engineering led to real change. She also finds success in empowering individuals and seeing them grow.
Jan left me with a thought-provoking question for the next guest: How successful have you been in noticing and raising up other people who needed a bit of a boost? This sparked a discussion on mentorship versus relying solely on AI for guidance, and the importance of teaching people to ask great questions and truly listen.
This conversation is packed with insights on creating inclusive environments, the power of diverse thinking, and what it truly means to make a difference.