Engineering Talent Podcast #21 | William Dryden | Powering Change Through Visibility

Engineering Talent Podcast #21 | William Dryden | Powering Change Through Visibility

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with William Dryden about high-stakes decision making in power systems, what it means to help keep the lights on for millions of people, and why visibility in STEM still matters. William reflects on being the first openly gay person to hold the authorisation of Head of Power System at the National Energy System Operator, the importance of inclusion being built into systems rather than treated as a tick-box exercise, and the personal moments that have shaped his career and advocacy.

Engineering Talent Podcast #20 | Everyone Has an Engineering Story

In this first minisode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far: four months of filming, 20 incredible guests, and a growing collection of stories from across the engineering world. From early-career talent and graduates to returners, educators and experienced professionals, Fayon celebrates the variety of people, backgrounds and experiences that make engineering such a rich and vital sector. She also shares an open invitation for more people to come forward, tell their story, and help inspire others to enter, stay in or return to engineering.

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.