The Engineering Talent Podcast

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 for permission to pursue an opportunity. From quiet leadership and mentoring others to her ambitions for a career in technology, this conversation offers a look at the next generation of engineering talent.

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 importance of inclusion being built into systems rather than treated as a tick-box exercise, and the personal moments that have shaped his career and advocacy.

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 experiences that make engineering such a rich and vital sector. She also shares an open invitation for more people to come forward, tell their story, and help inspire others to enter, stay in or return to engineering.

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 design matters, and why technical excellence should never be separated from social impact. Together, they explore visibility, the leaky pipeline, mentoring, and the responsibility engineers, architects, and researchers have in shaping a more human-centred future.

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 creativity, social impact, the importance of diverse perspectives, and why engineering does not just need technical skill, it needs everyone!

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 stereotypes, the importance of creativity in inspiring young people, and why getting involved beyond your day-to-day role can open doors, build confidence, and make engineering feel more human.

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 across solar, wind, battery storage and smart grids, he shares what drives his passion for sustainable engineering, the importance of mentorship, and his advice for aspiring engineers looking to build meaningful careers in renewable energy.

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 about the profession. Together they explore inclusive leadership, the value of being challenged, the importance of visibility for returners and parents, and how engineering careers can be shaped to fit real life as well as professional ambition.

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 outside her comfort zone has helped her grow as an engineer. From hands-on industry learning to award nominations and finding confidence in technical spaces, this conversation explores what it means to push yourself, ask questions and build a career on your own terms.

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 that shaped his path and the lessons he has learned along the way. He also shares insights into university setbacks, mentoring early-career talent, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is such an important part of growth in engineering.