The Engineering Talent Podcast

Engineering Talent Podcast #8 | Daanish Chilwan | Saying Yes Changes Everything

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with mechanical engineer Daanish Chilwan, whose journey shows how curiosity, resilience and saying yes to opportunities can shape an extraordinary career. Growing up in Bradford, Daanish never imagined he would one day work both in heavy industry and trackside in international motorsport. From studying mechanical engineering and joining Formula Student at university to working as a Mechanical Plant Engineer at Tata Steel and gaining experience with Chip Ganassi Racing in Extreme E, he shares how theory turns into real world engineering under pressure. Daanish also reflects on the power of mentoring, the impact of programmes like the EqualEngineers Pathways Programme, and why giving back to inspire the next generation of engineers is just as important as building the technology of the future.

Engineering Talent Podcast #7 | Stephanie Alexander | Racing Beyond The Finish Line

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Stephanie Alexander shares her journey from a young motorsport fan inspired by Lewis Hamilton to becoming a senior calibration engineer, Formula One race marshal, and advocate for inclusion in engineering. She takes us behind the scenes of high-pressure trackside decisions, explains the split-second software intelligence inside modern vehicles, and reflects openly on resilience, representation, and reclaiming power in the face of adversity. From mentoring the next generation to amplifying the often unseen volunteers who keep motorsport running safely, Stephanie’s story is one of confidence, purpose, and showing up at full speed, on and off the track.

Engineering Talent Podcast #6 | Jakub Zemek | The Astronaut Dream Still Burning

What does it really take to hold onto a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, and keep chasing it into your twenties? In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Jakub shares his journey from building with Lego as a child in the Czech Republic to pursuing a PhD and flying planes while navigating rejection, setbacks, and the harsh realities of the AI driven job market. He speaks about failing exams, doubting his path after university, and why recognition at the Engineering Talent Awards came at exactly the right moment. This is a conversation about resilience, ambition, failure, and what it truly means to build a legacy in engineering.

Engineering Talent Podcast #5 | Amy-Rose Richardson | Building Confidence and Communities

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon sits down with award winning civil engineering undergraduate Amy-Rose Richardson to explore what it really takes to grow in engineering with confidence and purpose. From her first eye opening experience on HS2 to volunteering across Cambodia India and beyond, Amy-Rose shares how global exposure shaped her passion for sustainable infrastructure and post war reconstruction. She speaks about rejection leadership imposter feelings and the power of mentorship, offering practical advice for students navigating their own path. This is a conversation about belonging impact and building a future where engineering serves communities when they need it most.

Engineering Talent Podcast #4 | Suleymaan Khan | Building Robots With Purpose

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, host Fayon Dixon sits down with Suleymaan Khan, a young robotics innovator whose passion for engineering started in childhood and has grown into award-winning projects with real social impact. Suleymaan shares how curiosity led him into robotics, the inspiration behind building Pepper, a robot designed to support elderly independence, and why creativity matters more than budget when it comes to engineering. From teaching himself through YouTube to using everyday materials to build complex systems, this conversation explores the mindset, resilience, and purpose driving the next generation of robotics talent.

Engineering Talent Podcast #3 | Nyasha Mutembwa | Engineering the Life You Dream Of

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon is joined by Nyasha Mutembwa, an engineer, leader, and changemaker whose journey spans continents, cultures, and confidence. From growing up with limited exposure to engineering to discovering curiosity through travel, education, and problem-solving, Nyasha shares what it really means to find your place in the industry. Together, they explore identity, leadership, imposter feelings, communication, burnout, and the importance of showing up authentically, especially for young people navigating engineering today. Honest, reflective, and energising, this episode is a powerful reminder that engineering is as much about people and perspective as it is about technical skill.

Engineering Talent Podcast #2 | Shohail Ismail | Be Brave, Be Bold

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon sits down with Shohail Ismail to explore what it really takes to build confidence, find your voice, and create opportunity, not just for yourself, but for others too. Shohail shares how growing up in an area with limited opportunity shaped his drive to make engineering feel fairer and more accessible, why asking questions is one of the most powerful skills you can develop, and the mindset shift that helps you be brave, be bold, and back your own potential. A motivating conversation about talent, resilience, and taking that leap, even when self-doubt kicks in.

Engineering Talent Podcast #1 | Hannah Livingstone | An Award Winning Journey

In this first episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, we sit down for an inspiring conversation about breaking into engineering, overcoming self-doubt, and finding confidence when you don’t see many people like you in the industry. From navigating early career choices to embracing opportunities without having everything figured out, this episode is packed with honest reflections, motivational advice, and encouragement for anyone starting out or changing direction. If you’ve ever questioned whether engineering is “for you,” this is your reminder to take the leap, back yourself, and just go for it.