BD stemm strategies

It's been a week since the Career Transition breakfast for Franklin Women and I am overwhelmed by the response to my comments on the panel and at the table. It is truly humbling. 🙏 Because of this, I have decided to host a free online session this month to continue the discussion. Later this week, I'll announce details for this session where we'll chat honestly about all things academia and career transition and explore all the feelings! What would you like me to talk about? Share below ----------------- To those new to following me - welcome! I'm Belinda - your honest stemm consultant here to guide you on all things career transition from academia. Thanks for joining my journey! #AcademicCareer #CareerTransition #BDstemmstrategies

Someone called me positive last night....... I’ll be honest—it completely took me by surprise. I’ve never really considered myself a positive person, especially because I used to be quite negative (at least in my mind) about so many things. When I told my husband, we both laughed... but then he paused and said, “Actually, you are more positive now that you’re more balanced and happy with your job.” That got me thinking—he’s right. I’ve noticed a shift in myself over the past couple of years. As I’ve grown more comfortable and fulfilled in my work, the negativity that used to cloud my thoughts has started to lift. I’m finding that being happy in one area of life—especially in work—can spill over into the rest of it. This shift in mindset has not only improved my work-life juggle, but it’s made me more present, less stressed, and, yes—more positive. It’s easy to underestimate the role that a positive mindset can play in both personal and professional life, but it truly does make a difference. It’s not about being unrealistically optimistic, but about learning how to reframe challenges and find balance, even on the tough days. I’m going to embrace the positive comment and recognise that maybe now I'm a more positive person! I hope that by sharing this you realise that how others percieve you might not be what you consider about yourself. #MindsetShift #CareerFulfillment #PersonalGrowth

Staying in academia doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Think of it as a flexible platform that supports purpose-driven goals, diverse roles, and personal development. For a long time, I believed that staying in academia meant choosing one clear, rigid path. But over time, I’ve realised that academia can actually be a flexible platform—one that supports a variety of roles, skills, and personal goals. It can provide purpose-driven work, diverse experiences, and room for growth, even if that means blending academic research with consulting, industry partnerships, or policy work. It’s about creating a path that aligns with what drives you and contributes to your values and strengths. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside professionals who are reshaping what an academic career looks like—mentoring students, launching collaborations, consulting with industry, and advocating for science. Their unique journeys remind me that the value of staying in academia isn’t in following a single “right” path, but in adapting it to support the work that’s meaningful to us. What are you creating within your own academic journey? Consider how you can leverage this flexibility to explore personal projects, partnerships, or new skills that align with your vision. Let’s embrace academia as a launchpad for purpose-driven growth, not a restrictive path. #AcademiaAndBeyond #STEMCareers #CareerFlexibility #PurposeDrivenCareer #RedefiningAcademia

When I transitioned into consultancy, I knew I was in for a change—but I had no idea just how wide-ranging and impactful my life would become. This week I was blessed with such a diverse range of experiences that I really needed to reflect...... This week I found myself - ➡ Working with patients to understand what they need from health professionals and exploring new ways to effectively communicate the science to meet their needs at the inaugural Parkinson's Disease Centre of Excellence Open Day. ➡Partnering with academics, supporting them as they transition into industry roles or guiding them on how to amplify their work through personal branding through BD stemm strategies ➡Engaging with industry professionals and having amazing conversations to help bridge the gap between research and application at the amazing Health Industry Hub awards night alongside the fantastic Entrepreneurial Women in Health Network (EWiH) and representing Heart Support Australia. And then, there are the collaborations that happen “in between”—supporting start-ups, crafting communication strategies, assisting with grant proposals, and even mentoring those who are just beginning to navigate the STEM landscape. It's been an intense week and I'm incredibly fortunate to have experienced it! I'm constantly learning that there’s no single way to apply your skills and passion. Academia, industry, and community outreach are all interconnected, each offering unique opportunities to make a difference. It’s rewarding to help people discover these intersections and see the potential they hold, no matter where they started or where they’re headed. For anyone considering a path outside the traditional, remember: your journey can be as diverse as you want it to be. The skills you’ve developed are valuable across many fields, and sometimes the most unexpected roles can lead to the most rewarding experiences. And thanks for joining me on my journey - if you have just started following me - welcome 👋 I'm Belinda - your #RecoveringAcademic who is having fun exploring the many sides to science! #STEMCareers #CareerDiversity #AcademicTransition

There are still a couple of spots left for our next virtual Members Connect meetup on 16 Oct. We’re getting excited to hear from the very brilliant Professor Francine Marques and mix with a bunch of the best people – our FW members!     If you’re navigating the early stages of your career or figuring out what’s after graduation, come along.    This members-only virtual meetup is free but registrations close TONIGHT! Sign up here 👉 https://lnkd.in/g8UbaBk7 #FWMembersConnect #WomenInSTEMM #ECR #career #community #connection

If you're interested in joining a fantastic network of like-minded STEM professionals - check out Franklin Women's Career Transition breakfast. Always a great event!

We often talk about the challenges of balancing parenthood and academia, but what about the support systems that help make it possible? At BD Stemm Strategies, I'm committed to creating spaces where mothers in STEM feel supported and heard. Mothers shouldn’t have to face bias and discrimination alone—by connecting with each other, we can build a stronger, more inclusive academic world. If you’re a mother in STEM or academia, what has your “village” looked like? How has community made a difference in your journey? #MothersInScience #STEMSupport #WomenInSTEM #AcademicCommunity #FindYourVillage

This long weekend in Australia, I managed to carve out some precious child-free time, thanks to my wonderful husband. It’s not often that I get these moments, but they always remind me just how crucial it is to make time for myself, even in the midst of juggling family and career. Being a parent in academia has unique challenges, and time management is at the top of the list. Balancing research deadlines, career transitions, and family activities can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle of “catch-up.” It wasn't something I ever did well while I was an academic...... Now I’m learning that the key isn’t just about “finding time”—it’s about redefining what balance looks like. People who have heard me talk will know I mention that it is a juggle of glass and rubber balls - you need to define the aspects of your life that will break if they are neglected..... this is different for everyone. For me it is family. So a few things I've learned: 💡 Setting Priorities Over Perfection - I’ve started to let go of the idea that I need to be 100% present and perfect in every role, all the time. Instead, I’m asking myself, What needs my focus today? Sometimes that’s work, and sometimes it’s my family—or even just a quiet moment for myself. 💡 Embracing Flexibility - Schedules with children are often unpredictable, but flexibility can be a huge asset. I’m finding ways to integrate work and family time, allowing each to flow naturally. It’s amazing how shifting my perspective on “routine” has made things feel more manageable. 💡 Carving Out Time for Self-Care - I'm still pretty slack with this one because the guilt lingers, but self-care is essential for long-term success. This weekend reminded me that it’s okay to ask for help and make time for rest and reflection—it makes me a better parent, partner, and professional. 💡 Being Kind to Myself - Parenting and working are both demanding roles, and combining them can be intense. I’m learning to show myself the same compassion I’d show a friend and remind myself that I’m doing my best. So to all the working parents out there: you’re not alone in this juggling act. Let’s move beyond just “surviving” and redefine how we integrate our work, our family, and our personal time. How do you find balance as an academic parent? I’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies! #AcademicParenting #TimeManagement #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingInAcademia #STEMCareers

❓ Do you think academia was designed to cultivate innovators or scholars? Innovation thrives at the intersection of disciplines, sectors, and perspectives. Rather than producing academics for academia’s sake, we should focus on developing minds that can innovate across multiple arenas. 💡Think about how your academic work can contribute to the broader world, and encourage institutions to support interdisciplinary and applied research. BD Stemm Strategies is passionate about helping academics unlock their potential as innovators, whether inside or outside of academia. #InnovatorsNotAcademics #STEMCareers #CrossDisciplinary #STEMLeadership

🎓 What if we taught students that academia is just one option in a world of possibilities? Many students enter academia with the belief that professorship is the only real measure of success. But what if we redefined success for the next generation? What if we showed them that their skills and passions could lead to roles in policy, industry, communication, or entrepreneurship? 📢 If you’re mentoring students, start having conversations about diverse career paths early and often. I want to create a new narrative in academia. I will work with you to reframe career possibilities and develop skills that go beyond traditional academic roles. Reach out for a free chat! #Mentorship #NextGenSTEM #BeyondAcademia #STEMCareers