My guest this week is a woman who has smashed through many a glass ceiling in the world of science with grace, endeavour and success. She is Dame Athene Donald, professor of experimental physics at the University of Cambridge and the first ever female professor of physics at one of the most historic universities in the world.
Her mind is undoubtedly brilliant, and her capacity to unpick complex theories and principles that most of us wouldn’t have a hope in hell of understanding is legendary in her field, but she is more than just an academic working away on scientific research in a lab.
Athene is a massive advocate of increasing equality in science - in addition to her busy day job, she regularly gives talks and lectures to encourage girls into physics and, from 2010 to 2014 was the University of Cambridge’s very first Gender Equality Champion. She also writes a successful blog on the politics and economics of science, recently discussing everyday sexism, toxic environments in the workplace, and the impact of Brexit on diversity in academia to name a few.
Athene is a fellow of the Royal Society, and has been awarded the Faraday Medal and the L’Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science. She has appeared on Desert Island Discs and was herself an accomplished viola player who performed extensively.
She joined me to discuss physics and feminism, amongst other topics!
Annabelle Buckland - on audio obsessions and an adult diagnosis of ADHD
Jia Wertz - from Forbes and fashion to film-making and fighting for freedom
Samantha Baines, Part 2 - on starring in Magic Mike Live with Channing Tatum and accidentally writing a children's book
Samantha Baines, Part 1 - on life as a comedian, becoming a deaf activist and the secret bit of Heathrow airport
Season 6 Trailer
Justine Nagaur - on holistic care, spiritual healing and recovering from chronic pain
Caroline Kremer - on healing injuries, unexpected circumstances, and career re-invention
Dot Zacharias - on sleep deprivation, life at a tech startup and the power of yoga Nidra
Sinéad McGrath - on endometriosis advocacy, becoming a golf influencer and women in the law
Catie Friend - on unexpected career challenges, solo travel and life in the mountains
Siobhan Daniels - from nursing to broadcast journalism to pro-age campaigning, and life in a campervan
Vicki Prais - on international human rights and a lifetime of advocating for others
Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa - on the power of imagination, and teen entrepreneurship
Tigz Rice - on burlesque, boudoir and her unique photography career
Hannah Roper - on life as a country musician, teacher, policeman and survivor
Elizabeth Ogabi - on becoming a changemaker and progressing your side hustle
Nikki Trott - on conscious business, the value of service and selling umbrellas
Victoria Jenkins - on life as an adaptive designer, disability advocate and unexpected entrepreneurship
Mira Patel - on learning the value of hard work, and why teenagers need a helping hand
Imogen Tinkler - on foraging, fairytales and altered career aspirations
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Reaching your Goals
Insights@work
Second Life
Radical Candor: Communication at Work
The Ken Coleman Show