STEM's Massive Talent Drain: An Insider's Wake-Up Call on Losing Women with Andrea Mohamed
Have you heard these myths about women in STEM? Myth 1: Women leave STEM careers because they prioritize family over work. Myth 2: Women lack the skills and aptitude for STEM fields. Myth 3: Women don't want leadership roles in STEM. But wait, I've got the truth that's going to blow your mind. Stay tuned to uncover the reality behind these myths and discover the game-changing strategies for retaining and empowering women in STEM. Get ready for a paradigm shift.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Mastering the art of retaining women in STEM careers.
Unveiling the impact of workplace culture on STEM retention.
Empowering with strategies for increasing female leadership in STEM.
Confronting gender bias in corporate environments.
Navigating the transition from corporate to co-founder in STEM.
My special guest is Andrea Mohamed
Andrea Mohamed is the Co-Founder and COO of QuantumBloom, a company dedicated to helping employers retain early-career women in STEM fields.
Previously, as VP of Strategy, Innovation, Marketing and Communications at for a science and research organization, she drove growth strategies that increased revenue from $400M to $750M. She also led a 3,000-person organizational transformation and managed a $10M innovation portfolio.
Andrea is known for creating cultures where authenticity, accountability, and adaptability thrive. She serves on the Semiconductor Research Corporation's Workforce Advisory Board; speaks frequently on the topics of STEM, women, and innovation; and is a NC Women in Business Awardee.
The key moments in this episode are:00:02:11 - "Challenges in STEM" 00:04:09 - "Andrea's Insights on STEM Retention" 00:11:43 - "Reframing Imposter Syndrome" 00:12:50 - Impact of external signals on women 00:14:49 - Responsibility of senior women leaders 00:19:37 - Risk of inaction and the need for courage 00:21:51 - Challenging societal norms and expectations 00:24:58 - Transition from corporate America to Quantum Bloom 00:26:00 - Creating a Digital Marketing Machine 00:27:03 - Striving for Success in Corporate America 00:29:00 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 00:32:03 - Gender Disparities in Corporate Promotions 00:38:37 - Self-Worth and Empowerment 00:39:34 - Breaking Free from Gender Socialization 00:40:13 - Gender Bias in Performance Reviews 00:41:52 - Gender-based Privilege and Allyship
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Reach out to Andrea Mohamed on LinkedIn to connect and continue the conversation about women in STEM, leadership, and creating a groundswell of women prepared to lead and thrive authentically.
Check out Quantum Bloom at quantumbloom.com to learn more about their mission to revolutionize women's retention in STEM and explore opportunities for collaboration or support.
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A World of Difference
Tired of the same old leadership advice? Step into a new era of leadership with the A World of Difference podcast. Hosted by Silicon Valley tech executive, global leadership expert, and advisor to Silicon Valley CEOs, Lori Adams-Brown, this podcast is for leaders who want more than just surface-level strategies—they want to lead with authenticity, purpose, and impact. Each episode features real stories and hard-won lessons from authentic leaders across industries who have faced challenges, embraced change, and built inclusive cultures that drive success. Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or making a difference in your community, this podcast gives you the tools to lead boldly and inspire real change. If you’re ready to move beyond traditional leadership, subscribe now and discover how to lead with authenticity and create the lasting impact you’ve always dreamed of.
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