Podcasts by Scientists: The Lead Candidate
In the third in our new Podcasts by Scientists series, we shine the spotlight on The Lead Candidate! Created by Dr Simona Carbone of Monash University in Australia, this fantastic new podcast aims to understand what qualities and experiences make a great leader in different fields of science.
We spoke to Simona to find out more about the podcast and how it came about.
First of all, can you tell us a little bit about your background as a scientist?
Simona: I am an early to mid-career researcher at Monash University (Melbourne Victoria). I am an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow and co-direct the Integrated Neurogenic Mechanisms Laboratory, in Drug Discovery Biology at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS). I’m also part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology (CBNS).
My team and I research the ‘little brain in the gut’ called the Enteric Nervous System. We aim to identify new ways that the actions of the Enteric Nervous System can be modulated to change the functions of the gut. By changing these functions, we aim to identify new sites that can be targeted to treat a range of gut disorders.
How did the podcast come about?
Simona: Pretty innocently really. I wanted to talk to people in different positions of leadership to learn what makes them a great leader. I thought rather than simply talking to people why don’t I record the conversations so that others can learn with me? Plus I figured, people are more likely to agree to sit down and chat with me if I say ‘it is for my podcast’.
Is this the first podcast you have produced?
Simona: It most certainly is! I’ve never done anything remotely close to this before - ever! I’ve been interviewed before but never produced something on my own. Luckily there are so many tips out there on how to launch a podcast, my steep learning curve was very much assisted!
Who is the podcast aimed at?
Simona: A lot of the content covered by The Lead Candidate can really be applied to anyone wanting to learn about leadership. However, my intended audience is anyone from a science background. It is probably more aimed at academic scientists only because beyond running a lab or a department or school, I don’t feel we academics are very good at learning about ‘leadership’ and what leadership positions are available to us. So, by specifically providing examples of people with a scientific background that are leaders in their respective roles, I hope to expand this narrow view point we sometimes set for ourselves.
Why are you passionate about the subject of leadership in science?
Simona: Great leadership, I believe can make a real difference. Firstly, it can make a difference to the daily lives of your team. If your team are happy, properly guided and supported, they will work more effectively. This makes a real difference in the outcomes they are trying to achieve. In science, those potential outcomes can have a huge impact to the world we live in. Secondly, I’m really passionate about working in a better and smarter way so that I get the most out of my day. I’m learning that a lot of great leaders have excellent skills in this area too.
What topics, themes or interviewees do you have coming up in future episodes?
Simona: I don’t want to give too much away about interviewees because I have some very good ones scheduled. Some of the upcoming topics include being a leader of a start-up, leading a new industry, the benefits of mentoring and mentorship programs.
If you could interview absolutely anybody, who would be your dream podcast guest?
Simona: I like to think that I can potentially have absolutely anyone on this podcast, I just have to ask them. To me a dream person has to be someone crazy and very far removed from my networking circles, so I’ll say Angela Merkel - the German Chancellor who has a PhD in quantum chemistry. I bet I could learn an awful lot from her!
What are your plans for the podcast long-term?
Simona: As long as I still love this project I will keep producing episodes. I get so energised after each interview that it is becoming quite addictive! I plan to keep going until I lose this feeling (and I don’t see that happening anytime soon). If people listen to it, then wonderful. If they don’t, that’s ok - I’ll do it anyway because I really do enjoy it that much. I’m shocked that people have generously shared my posts and interviews already.
What advice would you give to other scientists who are keen to get into podcasting?
Simona: In terms of how to start the process of making a podcast, someone else has done it before so don’t feel you need to reinvent the wheel. Also, don’t get stuck on making it perfect, just get it done and figure out what does or doesn’t work later on. The majority of podcasts that are starting get stuck on these points and never get produced. So, if you love your idea just go with it and get it out there.
Aside from The Lead Candidate, which other science-themed podcasts would you recommend?
Simona: I love “Science Vs” by Wendy Zuckerman for themed episodes about science. The production in this show is so well done and the topics are very well researched. Dr Shane from Melbourne has an excellent radio show/podcast called “Einstein A Go Go” where he conducts some wonderfully insightful interviews with scientists. The “20 PhDs in 20 minutes” feature is particularly excellent.
How can our readers listen to your podcast?
Simona: Currently episodes can be found through my website: theleadcandidate.com. I will be making the podcast available from the usual sources once I have a few more episodes under my belt.
And finally...
Simona: If you have someone in mind that you think would make an excellent guest on my show, I’d love to know. Send me a DM on Twitter. I’m not looking for people with excellent publication records necessarily, I’m looking for people who really lead. Let me know about them!
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Connect with The Lead Candidate:
- Website: theleadcandidate.com
- Twitter: @LeadCandidate
- Instagram: @theleadcandidate
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