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

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.

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.