In the high-stakes world of STEM—where pressure is constant and rejection is often personal—resilience isn’t just a skill. It’s survival.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jo Viney, career coach, biotech leader, and co-founder of Seismic Therapeutics. From co-leading the $1.85B acquisition of Pandion by Merck to navigating the invisible weight of leadership, Jo’s story is anything but linear. Behind the titles and milestones is a journey marked by rejection, hard pivots, and the kind of setbacks that quietly shape who we become.
We explore the power of adaptive resilience—a mindset shift that helps STEM professionals not just endure, but evolve. This is the resilience that moves beyond grit. It's about learning to bend, not break.
Together, we dive into:
- The real meaning of adaptive resilience in STEM—and why it matters more than ever.
- How to reframe rejection and stay grounded when your career feels stuck.
- Practical tools for managing job search frustration, imposter syndrome, and long-haul goals in biotech, academia, and research.
- How high-pressure environments challenge our mental and emotional strength—and how to protect both.
- The single most powerful mindset shift Jo recommends for anyone feeling lost in their career.
This episode isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about building the inner scaffolding to keep going—even when things fall apart.
Because in STEM, the people who make it through aren’t just the most talented. They’re the most resilient.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - The Journey of Resilience
06:56 - Adaptive Resilience in STEM
10:26 - Mindset Traps in Job Searching
15:22 - Reframing Rejection and Setbacks
19:18 - Maintaining Emotional Strength in STEM
22:01 - Unique Challenges in STEM Careers
24:30 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
26:08 - Shifting Focus from Goals to Purpose
29:03 - Maintaining Work-LifeBalance in STEM
33:30 - Creating an Empowering Work Environment
36:09 - Navigating Career Challenges
40:38 - The Importance of Mentorship
#stempodcast #biotechcareers #womeninstem #overcomingrejection #mentalhealth #stem #jobsearchtips #science
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