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In this episode, I talk with Sairan Aqrawi, M.Sc., design coordinator team lead at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), about how women in their 40s and beyond can reignite their leadership potential in engineering, embrace new technologies, build confidence, and unlock the growth needed to thrive and make a lasting impact in their careers.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Sairan:
- How can women in their 40s and beyond rediscover their leadership potential and thrive in technical fields like engineering, especially when they are passionate about leadership development?
- What unique challenges have you faced as a woman engineer in your 40s, and how have you managed to overcome them?
- How has your perspective on career growth and success changed as you’ve reached the midlife stage of your career?
- How can women engineers see midlife as an opportunity for growth and rediscovery, both personally and professionally?
- What strategies do you use to help women in midlife rediscover their passions and successfully start side businesses?
- How do you balance the technical demands of your engineering career with your role as a business coach helping women find their niche?
- How does effective communication help midlife women rediscover their strengths and thrive in both their careers and personal lives, based on your experience?
- What is your final piece of advice for women over 40 who want to pivot or take on new challenges in their engineering careers?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Women in Their 40s Can Reignite Their Engineering Careers:
- Women in their 40s and beyond need to embrace change and continuously develop new skills, especially in rapidly evolving fields like engineering. Staying adaptable and open to learning, including emerging technologies like AI, is essential for thriving in both personal and professional growth.
- In male-dominated fields like engineering, women often face skepticism about their skills, regardless of their qualifications. To overcome this, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and backed by facts and data, which builds confidence and commands respect in professional settings.
- As women progress through midlife in their careers, many begin to seek more than just financial success, focusing instead on leaving a meaningful impact. Career growth becomes about fulfilling a deeper purpose, using their skills to contribute positively to their communities and inspire the next generation.
- Women in their midlife can reframe this stage as an opportunity for growth and innovation, rather than focusing on challenges like an “empty nest” or a “midlife crisis.” By embracing this period as a time for new ventures, such as starting a business, they can channel their experience and wisdom into fulfilling personal and professional achievements.
- Women often underestimate the power of owning their space and voice in professional settings. By confidently taking a seat at the table and valuing their own contributions, they encourage others to take them seriously and recognize their worth.
- When starting a side business, clarity is crucial for success. Women in midlife need to focus on what they truly want, setting clear priorities and realistic goals, which serves as the foundation for building their business step by step.
- Achieving success in both career and business requires focus and commitment rather than trying to balance everything at once. By dedicating full attention to each task, women can excel in their professional work and side ventures without compromising quality.
- Effective communication plays a critical role in helping midlife women rediscover their strengths and thrive in both their careers and personal lives. By being attentive listeners and promoting open dialogue, they can build stronger relationships, lead with empathy, and create positive work environments where everyone feels valued.
More Details in This Episode…
About Sairan Aqrawi, M.Sc.
With a rich background in engineering and business coaching, Sairan is dedicated to driving technical solutions and advancing organizational excellence. Possessing a strategic mindset and strong problem-solving skills, Sairan excels in designing and implementing comprehensive solutions that meet the highest industry standards. Their extensive experience in systems integration engineering includes engineering design, quality assurance, and compliance, ensuring successful project delivery through goal-oriented management.
Beyond technical expertise, Sairan is passionate about leadership development. They have a proven track record of empowering individuals and teams through training and mentorship, fostering the next generation of leaders in the industry. Their commitment to nurturing strong leadership skills has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many, guiding them to achieve their full potential.
Effective communication is central to Sairan’s approach. They bridge communication gaps across all levels of an organization, promoting collaboration and facilitating a seamless flow of information, which ensures collective success and drives innovation.
In addition to their engineering career, Sairan is a dedicated business coach for women, specializing in helping midlife women launch successful side businesses. They guide new business owners in discovering their unique niche within 28 days, enabling them to balance entrepreneurship with their day jobs.
Sairan’s unique blend of technical expertise, leadership development, and entrepreneurial guidance makes them an ideal guest for any radio show focused on real and raw discussions about entrepreneurship and leadership. They bring valuable insights and practical advice that will resonate with listeners and inspire them to take actionable steps toward their goals.
About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
As an engineer with more than 19 years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift – 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Sources/References:
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
AI Network
Connect with Sairan Aqrawi, M.Sc., on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how you think women in their 40s can reignite their engineering careers.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
To your success,
Tiffani Teachey
Host of the Women in Engineering Success Stories from STEM Professionals Podcast
