The Engineering Talent Podcast

Engineering Talent Podcast #19 | Dr Luana Parisi | Designing Inclusive Futures

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Dr Luana Parisi about a career shaped by architecture, research, education, and a deep commitment to gender equity in STEM. From growing up around a transformed concrete factory in Italy to leading award-winning programmes and international research, Luana reflects on how spaces influence people’s lives, why inclusive design matters, and why technical excellence should never be separated from social impact. Together, they explore visibility, the leaky pipeline, mentoring, and the responsibility engineers, architects, and researchers have in shaping a more human-centred future.

Engineering Talent Podcast #18 | Hemal Dias | Engineering Needs Everyone!

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon speaks with design engineer, 1851 Royal Commission Scholar and Stable Spoon founder Hemal Dias about engineering with purpose. Hemal shares how human-centred design shaped his journey, from building early prototypes with everyday materials to developing assistive technology for people with hand tremors. Together, they explore creativity, social impact, the importance of diverse perspectives, and why engineering does not just need technical skill, it needs everyone!

Engineering Talent Podcast #17 | Emma Chivers | Engineering Beyond the Stereotype

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Emma Chivers, Hardware Engineering Manager at Thales and Engineering Talent Awards Graduate of the Year 2025. Emma shares her unconventional journey into engineering, from following her interests in maths and physics to discovering unexpected career opportunities along the way. Together, they explore breaking engineering stereotypes, the importance of creativity in inspiring young people, and why getting involved beyond your day-to-day role can open doors, build confidence, and make engineering feel more human.

Engineering Talent Podcast #16 | Neh Sharma | Beyond Comfort Into Growth

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Neh Sharma, Senior Energy Engineer at Sweco, about his journey from power plants in India to renewable energy projects across Europe. Neh reflects on stepping outside his comfort zone, studying in the UK, building resilience, and moving from mentee to mentor through the EqualEngineers Pathways Programme. With experience across solar, wind, battery storage and smart grids, he shares what drives his passion for sustainable engineering, the importance of mentorship, and his advice for aspiring engineers looking to build meaningful careers in renewable energy.

Engineering Talent Podcast #15 | Sarah Hodgkinson | Returning Stronger

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Sarah Hodgkinson, Senior Manager for Power Station Integration at Rolls-Royce SMR and winner of the ETA 2025 Returner of the Year award. Sarah shares her journey from aerospace into nuclear, why stepping away from engineering made her a stronger leader, and how returning on her own terms helped her rediscover what she loves about the profession. Together they explore inclusive leadership, the value of being challenged, the importance of visibility for returners and parents, and how engineering careers can be shaped to fit real life as well as professional ambition.