eLABorate Topics

The eLAborate Topics podcast is celebrating 100 episodes!    In 2020, Tywauna, Lona, and Stephanie set out on a journey to help mentor, coach, and educate laboratory professionals through sharing weekly messages in this podcast. Almost two years later, the eLABorate Topics podcast has exploded and reached listeners in Africa and Canada with a successful following on social media!   Tune in today a...

Do you ever felt anxious, embarrassed or shy to start small talk? Have you ever avoided someone at work because didn't want to have a conversation? Effective communication is essential to build relationships, grow teams and harvest trust. But communication is not always easy and sometimes starting or holding a conversation can be tough.  In this episode, Stephanie Whitehead shared expert tips to m...

Do you feel like the pandemic has brought havoc to your social networks, connections, and professional relationships?  In this episode, Lona Small discussed the challenges of the pandemic with social connections. She discussed the opportunities that came out of these challenges to create new ways and discover existing ways we can connect. Lona also discussed examples of how people are using these...

Ever thought about a career in Medical Laboratory Science? Being a MLS is like taking a journey into a new and exciting world. Just like when you go on a journey, you are able to explore all the different areas and learn about all the new things. In today’s exciting episode the co-hosts  Lona Small, Stephanie Whitehead, and Tywauna Wilson share their experiences of being women in Medical Lab Scien...

Effective feedback is one of the most valuable things a laboratory leader can give. According to a study, 96% of employees say they want to hear feedback regularly . The use of effective feedback comes with significant benefits such as reducing staff turnover, providing better business outcomes, and increasing productivity.  By providing feedback, laboratory leaders can improve their own skills wh...

Everyone needs a good set of friends to lean on from time to time – but should you find those bonds with people you work with? Don't underestimate the power of your relationships at work! A work “spouse” or “BFF” could be the key to your success in the workplace. Employees that have friends at work are thought to be more productive, engaged and motivated.  In this episode, Stephanie and Kristine b...

In this episode Lona Small discussed how knowing your Core Values can prevent frictions, frustrations and disappointment on the job and different environments. Lona went in details to include more benefits of knowing your Core Values and a quick method on how to identify your Core Values. Listen to the full episode to find out the details on how to figure out your Core Values. Contact Lona to find...

When most of us hear the word leadership, we usually think of political officials, CEOs, military commanders, or even athletes. While it's true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill that everyone can use for their benefit and the benefit of others. Think of yourself as a superhero. Just like any superhero, you have unique powers and qual...

Do you find yourself looking for a job? Do you worry about what to wear, wondering if your resume is up-to-date, or if the interview will go well? If so, listen to these strategies to make sure you are prepared. Looking for a job can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. It's really about knowing what to do and how to open a door before you can enter it.   In today’s exciting episode the co-hosts ...

Special Guest Bio: Sarah Cook, CLS, LSSBB is a collaborative, multi-faceted consultant with proven experience in project management, quality and process improvement, and integrating organizational change with business strategy and tracking of key performance indicators. With a proven history of achieving and executing on a company's visions and goals, Sarah has experience collaborating with Execut...

In this episode Lona Small explains why Self- Awareness is so important to helping medical lab professionals land and stand out in their next- level careers. Lona went in more details to include 5 different self- awareness steps that are vital for medical lab professionals to stand out.  The 5 important Self- Awareness steps are: 1.       Be aware of- What You Do Best 2.       Be aware of- What is...

When you think about difficult decisions that take you out of your comfort zone, it can really be emotionally trying whether you are on the bench or in a supervisory role. You may rely on your intelligence until you realize that intelligence and good decision-making don't always go hand in hand. Even the smartest people can make decisions that they are not confident about. Whether you make a decis...

Are you looking for a challenge for your Medical Laboratory Science Students? Want your team to be included in the 2022 ASCP Cell Bowl Competition?  Listen in today as the co-hosts sit down with Professor Shirley Dardi whose team won the 2021 ASCP Cell Bowl! The Cell Bowl Competition brought over 70 teams from various MLT and MLS programs across the nation to compete in a Hematology cell identific...

At some point in your life, it's common to dream of something bigger and better when it comes to your career. No matter how cushy a job may seem, you may find yourself wishing that you were working somewhere better or doing something different. The good news is that you can go out and make your dream job a reality! In this podcast episode, you'll discover: Tidbit #1 - It's Not Too Late To Figure O...

Do you have trouble finding the motivation to stick to your New Year's Resolutions each year? This episode is for you so be sure to share it with your lab colleagues!    In today’s exciting episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead offers tips on how to effectively reflect on your 2021 achievements and plan out a strategy to attack your goals in 2022!   Tune in, Stephanie talks about how to maintain mo...

In this episode of the eLABorate Topics podcast, Lona Small interviewed Jesse Day as he spoke about his work in grassroots advocacy for the medical lab profession, the success it garnered, and the formation of a collaborative grassroots organization the National Coalition for the Advancement of Laboratory Professionals. Guest Bio Jesse Day is a Medical Laboratory Scientist, board-certified by ASCP...

It's easy to underestimate the importance of personal branding and actively avoid participating. The truth is branding occurs whether you participate in it or not. In today's world, it's important to take your personal brand seriously if you want others to take you seriously. Define your brand or it will be defined for you . In today’s exciting episode co-host Tywauna Wilson discuss using your per...

In today’s exciting episode the co-hosts  Lona Small, Stephanie Whitehead, and Tywauna Wilson discuss the difference between Mentoring versus Coaching. Are they the same or are they different? Often, these terms are used interchangeably but there are fundamental differences.  Listen to understand comparisons and figure out what you may need in your life to excel in your career. Key Points: Identif...

Are you a military trained laboratory professional? This episode is for you so be sure to share it with your lab colleagues!    In today’s exciting episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead interviews Marcy Dufrene, MLT (ASCP) about her laboratory journey as a military trained MLT. Marcy attended the University of Texas San Antonio and decided to join the military to help with college expenses. She was...

Is your team undergoing additional stresses due to drama caused by one person pulling your team in the opposite direction? In this episode Lona Small gives tips on how to challenge a resister on your team.   She discusses the steps:   1.     Conversation. 2.     Identify strengths. 3.     Validate strengths. 4.     Share expectations. 5.     Highlight opportunities to improve (be specific of the i...

Whether you are starting a new career or working on building momentum in your current position, expanding your professional network gives you the ability to increase your credibility, interact with likeminded individuals and develop professionally. In today’s exciting episode the co-hosts offers a few do’s and don’ts on networking that are sure to help you succeed. Improving your career starts wit...

Retaining prepared and developed talent can be a challenge.... but it doesn't have to be. Are you interested in finding ways that you can retain and develop the staff that you already have? Career growth opportunities for internal talent may be just the solution you are looking for.   In today’s exciting episode co-host Tywauna Wilson, offers a formula for developing your internal talent.  Key Poi...

Special Guest Bio: Blessing Ijeoma Ugwumba, MLS (ASCPi), MPH. is a research student with an interest in public health research, transfusion medicine, cancer research, and health system services. Her love for research stems from her histopathology internship posting. Blessing is from Nigeria (in West Africa), where she obtained a bachelor’s in medical laboratory science. Currently, she is branching...

Have you ever wondered how some leaders seem to have it together? They have such confidence, professional presence and they’re respected by their team. “How can I get to be that type of leader?”   In this episode Lona Small gave 10 Traits of a Lab Operational Excellence Leader and discuss how you can be such a leader.     1.     Have a Clear Vision  of who you want to be  a.     For yourself b.   ...

Are you disappointed in your current position? Does the expectations you have for your career match what you have been able to achieve so far?   Improving your career starts with improving your mindset! In today’s exciting episode the co-hosts offer tips on how to grow at work, increase your impact and chart a unique career path.    Tune out the distractions and turn up your volume to hear some im...