Leadership Journeys [187] - Steven Fuller - "Being open to pivoting is scary"

Choosing Leadership with Sumit Gupta

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this captivating episode, Steven, Founder and Global Community Director of Race in STEM, shares his remarkable journey from a world-touring musician to a pioneering advocate for diversity in STEM fields.

Steven’s story is filled with inspiring pivots, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, offering valuable insights for leaders facing their own professional challenges.

Discover how he navigated career shifts, the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on his mission, and the lessons in humility and adaptability he's learned along the way.

Hear about the tangible impact of Race in STEM, including uplifting underrepresented voices to new heights.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends personal growth with professional wisdom, perfect for any leader looking to make a meaningful difference.

You can find Steven Fuller at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenfullerpc/
• https://www.biotalent.com/race-in-stem

In the interview, Steven shares

• "Steven's story is a testament to the value of resilience and the ability to pivot in the face of change."
• "Steven began his career as a full-time musician, mastering the piano, violin, and trombone, and even studying jazz at the prestigious Trinity College of Music in London."
• "His musical career was a glamorous one, filled with global tours, pop stars, and top-charting hits."
• "However, the financial crisis of 2009 forced Steven to rethink his path. Seeking security, he retrained as a music teacher at Warwick University."
• "After seven years, he realized that education wasn't his calling either and took another leap of faith into the life sciences industry through a fortuitous meeting with a sales manager."
• "The impact of the Black Lives Matter movement during the pandemic urged Steven to address the systemic discrimination he had experienced in all his previous careers."
• "Race in STEM is dedicated to increasing representation for people of color and those from different cultural backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)."
• "Steven shared an inspiring example of a Sikh MHRA inspector from the UK who, after being featured on his podcast, was invited to be a keynote speaker by the Sikh Society of Clinical Trials in America."
• "Steven’s career transitions have taught him crucial lessons in humility and adaptability, emphasizing the importance of being willing to start from the bottom and work your way up whenever you pivot into a new field."
• "Steven draws parallels between his music career and his current roles, noting that just as musicians rehearse rigorously before a performance, professionals must constantly practice and refine their skills."