The Engineering Talent Podcast

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon is joined by David Stevens, NHS Estates Director and award-winning engineering leader at our Engineering Talent Awards 2026, to explore his journey from apprentice electrician to senior leadership. David shares what it takes to manage the buildings and infrastructure that underpin patient care, the challenges of balancing limited...

Engineering is all around us, often in ways we don't even recognise. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon is joined by Charlotte Wessels, a chemical engineer whose career has taken her from industrial plant operations and wastewater research to engineering policy and disability advocacy. Drawing on her experiences as a neurodivergent and disabled professional, Charlo...

This October, the Engineering Talent Podcast, powered by EqualEngineers, marks Black History Month by bringing together nine Black engineers we've had the privilege of interviewing. Host Fayon Dixon revisits moments from guests across motorsport, nuclear, aerospace, medical technology, civil engineering, AI and tech: Stephanie Alexander, Melissa-Sue Anderson, Nyasha Mutembwa, Nadia Kanyike, Blosso...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon is joined by Adrian Turle, Managing Director of Crane Craft Limited, to explore how inclusion, wellbeing and practical thinking can help reshape the culture of construction. Adrian shares his journey from running a coffee shop at 18 to working in lifting operations, and discusses his work creating employment pathways for autistic peopl...

After four years away from engineering and being forced to leave Ukraine with her two children, Anna Shkurba faced the challenge of rebuilding both her life and career in the UK. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Anna joins Fayon Dixon to share her journey back into the profession, from repeated job rejections and doubts about whether her international experience would be recognis...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Panxin West about her journey from wanting to become a chef to building a career in nuclear engineering through an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce SMR. Panxin reflects on the rejections and self-doubt she faced along the way, the confidence she gained through work and life experience, and why she believes young people should...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Julia Barr about building a successful career in commercial management while balancing family life, flexible working and the realities of being part of a military family. Julia shares how her career developed from support roles into nuclear projects, why adaptability and relationship-building have been central to her progre...

Space software engineer and PhD researcher Beth Probert joins Fayon Dixon to share the unconventional journey that took her from astrophysics and accountancy to software engineering and satellite research. Beth talks about following a childhood dream of working in space, why careers do not have to follow a straight line, and the importance of being willing to “rock the boat” and bring your authent...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Animesh Anand about breaking down barriers for disabled and neurodivergent talent in engineering. Animesh shares how his own experiences shaped his advocacy, why asking for support should be seen as a strength, and how inclusive design benefits everyone. From education and workplace culture to representation, retention and...

Brogan MacDonald was once told that engineering was not for her. Now an award-winning structural engineer and sustainability leader, she is helping to reshape what the profession can look like. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Brogan joins Fayon Dixon to discuss overcoming setbacks, finding the right way to learn, creating space for failure and why the future of engineering will...

At just 19, Yanmi Orebowale is already building an impressive career across technology, engineering and apprenticeships. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Yanmi joins Fayon Dixon to reflect on choosing a degree apprenticeship, learning from placements with EA, Mastercard and Bloomberg, overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping outside his comfort zone. He also shares how basketbal...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Blossom Olisemeke, a final year civil engineering student whose journey spans bridge building, capital markets and a powerful commitment to opening doors for others. Blossom shares what drew her into engineering, why tangible impact keeps her rooted in the sector, and how her experiences as a Black woman in civil engineerin...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Nadia Kanyike, a planning engineer working across major UK nuclear infrastructure programmes, about building a career that has been anything but linear. Nadia shares how a business management degree led her into engineering, the realities of being a Black woman in nuclear, and why representation must go beyond visibility to...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with biomedical engineer Melissa-Sue Anderson about finding her voice, building confidence, and creating technology with real human impact. From growing up in Jamaica to working on medical devices that support cancer treatment, Melissa-Sue shares her journey into engineering, the importance of mentorship and self-validation, and...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Ranita Ariyibi, UK Young Engineer of the Year 2023, about creativity, confidence and making a meaningful impact through engineering. Ranita shares the story behind Intersign, her British Sign Language interpreter device, reflects on finding her place as a young woman in engineering, and explains why you should never wait fo...

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 imp...

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 experienc...

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 desig...

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 crea...

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 st...

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 acr...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Sarah Hodgkinson, Senior Manager for Power Station Integration at Rolls-Royce SMR and winner of the ETA 2025 Returner of the Year award. Sarah shares her journey from aerospace into nuclear, why stepping away from engineering made her a stronger leader, and how returning on her own terms helped her rediscover what she loves...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Asfarina Jamaluddin, a degree apprentice in materials science whose journey into engineering has been shaped by curiosity, challenge and a determination to find her own path. Asfarina shares how an early dislike of maths turned into a love for problem-solving, the influence of her mother and teachers, and why stepping outsi...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Gregor Sandford about the journey into engineering, the power of applying maths to the real world, and the importance of building a career with purpose. From growing up between New York and Scotland to exploring renewable energy, heat pumps, sustainable homes and the future of engineering, Gregor reflects on the experiences...

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Bethany Hall about building a career in engineering that is driven by purpose, shaped by challenge and grounded in personal values. From sustainable aviation and hydrogen aircraft to imposter syndrome, redundancy and career change, Bethany shares an honest reflection on what it means to look for impact, navigate uncertainty...