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.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Bethany Hall about building a career in engineering that is driven by purpose, shaped by challenge and grounded in personal values. From sustainable aviation and hydrogen aircraft to imposter syndrome, redundancy and career change, Bethany shares an honest reflection on what it means to look for impact, navigate uncertainty and find a place where you can truly thrive. It is a thoughtful conversation about engineering, identity, inclusion and staying true to what matters most.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon speaks with Hasiba Nawaz about her journey into engineering, the realities of starting an apprenticeship, and the resilience it takes to keep going when confidence is tested. Hasiba reflects on learning to block out outside opinions, trust herself, and keep pushing forward even when things feel difficult. It is an honest conversation about growth, determination, and why real change starts with backing yourself.

What does it really take to become an engineer when the path isn’t built for you? In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Ash Kala shares his journey from growing up in a low progression school to working in high impact engineering roles where his ideas have delivered real world results. Along the way he opens up about imposter syndrome, navigating university challenges finding his strengths as a people focused engineer and the power of representation in shaping the next generation. This is an inspiring conversation about resilience identity and redefining what it means to succeed in engineering today.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Alexia Williams, a multi award winning STEM champion, Chartered Engineer and Technical Lead at Rolls-Royce. Alexia shares her journey from aerospace degree apprentice to industry leader and reflects on the experiences that shaped her career along the way. Together they explore the power of apprenticeships, the importance of role models, and why engineering is ultimately about problem solving, creativity and collaboration. Alexia also speaks openly about confidence, imposter syndrome and the need to create workplaces where women not only enter engineering but truly thrive.

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.