In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jayshree Seth, Chief Science Advocate and Corporate Scientist at 3M, about the power of personal branding in engineering and how it can transform careers for women in STEM. With over 80 patents and a passion for innovation and thought leadership, Dr. Seth shares her journey from researcher to industry leader and introduces her VIBE model, a practical tool designed to help engineers build authentic personal brands that drive career growth and create lasting impact in the engineering community.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Dr. Jayshree:
- Could you share the inspiration behind your trilogy of books and how they support women in STEM?
- What inspired you to develop mental models and frameworks for skills like storytelling and personal branding?
- Can you explain how the VIBE model in your book helps women engineers build their personal brands?
- What role does communication play in establishing a personal brand for women engineers?
- How can women engineers overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt while working on their personal brand?
- How do engineering expertise and personal branding intersect to impact leadership opportunities for women engineers?
- What advice would you give to women engineers aiming to build their personal brand and make an impact in their field?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Powerful Personal Branding in Engineering That Will Make Women Thrive:
- Innovation and problem-solving have played pivotal roles in shaping careers in the engineering and thought leadership realms, allowing for seamless transitions across diverse fields from academic research to consumer products, exemplifying the power of adaptive application of expertise.
- The inspiration for the trilogy of books arises from a commitment to contributing positively during challenging times, leading to the creation of works that not only offer professional guidance but also support women in STEM through scholarships, reinforcing their growth and development.
- The development of mental models and frameworks for skills like storytelling and personal branding was inspired by the necessity to demystify complex concepts, making them accessible and practical for everyday professional use, thereby enhancing personal and career advancement.
- The VIBE model assists women engineers in building their personal brands by focusing on voice, visibility, image, and impact. This approach empowers them to showcase their authentic selves and competencies, which are crucial for professional recognition and advancement.
- Communication is crucial in establishing a personal brand for women engineers, as it enables them to articulate their expertise, achievements, and unique propositions effectively, strengthening their professional identity and community engagement.
Women engineers can overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt by engaging in reflection and asserting their agency, building confidence and clarity in their brand and capabilities. - Engineering expertise and personal branding intersect significantly to enhance leadership opportunities for women engineers by elevating their visibility and credibility. This strategic presentation of their professional identity opens doors to leadership roles and greater influence within their fields.
- Women engineers are encouraged to view themselves as thought leaders to build a significant personal brand and lasting impact in their field. By deepening their knowledge, sharing insights, and fostering professional relationships, they can enhance their credibility and leadership potential, fueling ongoing learning and innovation.
More Details in This Episode…
About Dr. Jayshree Seth
Jayshree Seth is a corporate scientist at 3M and currently holds 80 patents for a variety of innovations, with several additional pending. She joined 3M in 1993 after an MS and PhD in chemical engineering from Clarkson University, New York. She is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from her alma mater REC Trichy India, now NIIT Trichy, where she earned a B. Tech. In chemical engineering. Jayshree was appointed 3M’s first ever Chief Science Advocate in 2018 and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to advance science and communicate its benefits and the importance of STEM fields to drive innovation.
She is also a member of Carlton Society, which is the 3M Science and Innovation “Hall of Fame.” Jayshree is the fourth woman and first female engineer to be inducted. In 2020, she was awarded the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) highest Achievement Award. She is also the first-ever winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the new Female Thought Leaders of the Year category in the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business in 2021. In 2025, she was named to the prestigious Thinkers50 Radar list, featuring 30 people whose ideas will help shape the future of organizations and leadership.
Jayshree is a TEDx speaker and was also featured in a docuseries titled Not the Science Type that premiered during the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival and was accepted for the Brand Storytelling Showcase, a sanctioned event at Sundance Film Festival. She is the author of the books The Heart of Science – Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints, The Heart of Science – Engineering Fine Print and The Heart of Science – Engineering Blueprint published by the Society of Women Engineers, and all sales proceeds of the trilogy go to a scholarship for women in STEM.
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:
The Heart of Science: Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints
The Heart of Science Engineering Fine Print
The Heart of Science: Engineering Blueprint
Sources/References:
3M
Society of Women Engineers
Georgia Tech
Connect with Dr. Jayshree Seth on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how personal branding in engineering can make women thrive.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
