Episodes

  • The Rapping Science Teacher: "I Wanted To Reach Kids Who Couldn't Afford It". Scaling-Up Science Education w/ Matt Green
    May 29 2024

    Clive and Ali are joined by Matt Green to discuss the evolution of the Rapping Science Teacher. We discuss Matt's foundations as an educator, the limitations of working in schools, starting a global tutoring business (with 80+ tutors) and the process of scaling up education to reach the masses by becoming a content creator. Specifically, on teaching the GCSE science curricula through the medium of rap music.


    We gained invaluable insight around what it takes to create viral yet accessible educational content, exploring what it means to strive for excellence. We discussed Matt's experience on The Voice UK, his recent TV appearances and his partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry to create equitable STEM education.


    Matt's charm and easy-going nature made this an incredibly smooth and funny conversation. Be sure to check it out and comment your favorite part!


    ❤️ LIKE + SUBSCRIBE ❤️


    Follow Matt Green

    https://www.instagram.com/mattgreen.jgm

    https://www.tiktok.com/@mattgreen.jgm

    open.spotify.com/artist/56HYUU6uVomUzXKFl8tqc7

    jgmtutors.com/mattgreen



    Follow Vanta STEM https://vantastem.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantastem/ https://www.instagram.com/vanta.stem

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    57 mins
  • How Women Can Take Back Tech: “They Couldn’t Even Imagine A Black Woman Doing Mathematics”, “Sharing the HERstory of Black Women in Tech” Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon
    May 16 2024

    Clive & Ali are joined by Stemettes CEO, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, for a riveting discussion around representation in Tech. We explore the foundations and countless contributions of women in Tech and Engineering, from Gladys West (GPS) to Hedy Lamarr (Wi-Fi), while exploring how power dynamics seek to prevent entry and progression to Black women. Despite there being gatekeepers, Anne-Marie demonstrates the importance of women entering (and building) spaces that support diversity and reminds us to seek out environments where we thrive, instead of just being tolerated.


    This episode is full of wisdom and gems garnished through years of experience at the head of companies and in the boardrooms of businesses. Anne-Marie’s charm and humour shine through, making this episode a MUST WATCH.

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    45 mins
  • Navigating Cultural Differences: “They Weren’t Used To Black People” but “We All Had The Same Aspirations”. Albert Rwarasika, Consultant Scientist.
    May 1 2024

    Ali & Clive are joined by Petroleum & Chemical industry expert and Consultant Scientist, Albert Rwarasika.


    Albert migrated to the West, following the end of colonial rule and change in country from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. After fulfilling his childhood desire of “getting on a plane” he arrived in Czechoslovakia, which then underwent the fall of Communism via the Velvet Revolution, gaining independence to become Slovakia. Albert learned the local Slovak language and became a citizen and a student, before migrating the to UK in the early 90’s.


    Having seen two political revolutions and travelled across the world to find opportunity, Albert has had to navigate the landscape of clearly being a minority in a non-diverse society. From “sticking out like a sore thumb” to finding commonality through language and culture, Albert demonstrates that although we have differences, globally we are akin in so many ways. From passions such as sport, to ambitions of creating a family, we must remember that our similarities are more pronounced that our differences.


    This is an incredibly powerful episode and explores Albert’s humble outlook on life, as well as providing practical guidance to creating connection and finding commonality and finding commonality.


    In Memory of Nigel - 2024

    Follow Vanta STEM https://vantastem.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantastem/ https://www.instagram.com/vanta.stem

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    52 mins
  • The Black Woman In STEM Experience: "I Was Ignored In Meetings", "Only 1/4 Black Women In The School". Developing Confidence And Stripping Away Hierarchy with Dr Kayisha Payne
    Apr 17 2024

    Ali & Clive sit down with Dr Kayisha Payne, a chemical engineer turned business consultant. In this episode, they explore the experience of being a Black woman in STEM and being skipped at the table, growing up in Kent where there were very few people who looked like her, the power of allyship, and the various routes one can take in industry with a Chemical Engineering (or related) degree.


    We discuss the founding of her company BBSTEM, an organisation dedicated to supporting Black British individuals reach success in STEM. BBSTEM just celebrated it's 6 year anniversary and is consistently taking on new cohorts of mentors in their flagship programme "Bridge".


    BBSTEM: https://bbstem.co.uk/

    Access STEM Jobs: https://jobs.bbstem.co.uk/

    Bridge Mentoring: https://bbstem.co.uk/about-us/bridge-mentoring-programme/


    Follow Vanta STEMhttps://vantastem.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantastem/

    https://www.instagram.com/vanta.stem/


    Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@VantaStem

    Join: https://vantastem.com/join/


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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • The Culture Of Chemistry Is Racist, Where Are All The Black Chemists? "0% Black Chemistry Professors, But I DO Exist!" Prof. Robert Mokaya
    Apr 3 2024

    Clive and Ali are joined by Professor Robert Mokaya OBE, lecturer in Materials Chemistry and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Nottingham. Robert is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, where he sits on the Board as a Trustee.


    We discuss Robert's life growing up in Kenya, the cultural shift in moving to the UK to study a PhD at Cambridge University and the significant drop off in Black Chemists after undergraduate level. We deep dive into the recently published 'Missing Elements' report which concluded that, based on the data, the culture of Chemistry is racist. Finally, we discuss the RSC's action plan, addressing these issues by taking an equitable approach.


    Sponsored by: https://www.rsc.org/

    Missing Elements Report Launch Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mrl5YEUBWE&ab

    Missing Element Report: https://www.rsc.org/globalassets/22-new-perspectives/talent/racial-and-ethnic-inequalities-in-the-chemical-sciences/missing-elements-report.pdf

    Follow Vanta STEM

    https://vantastem.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantastem

    https://www.instagram.com/vanta.stem/

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Breaking The Glass Ceiling: "Losses Are A Lesson", Equity vs Equality, UK Failing Black Chemists
    Mar 20 2024

    Join Clive and Ali as they have candid conversations around race in STEM. In this episode, we discuss Vanta STEM's core values of "Equity" and "Mindset", and how these principles have guided our success. We discuss the reasons why equity is fundamental to our society's progression, and how to develop from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Empowering Excellence: "Believe It To Achieve It", Re-Write Your Self Story and Overcome Imposter Syndrome
    Mar 6 2024

    In this compelling episode, Clive and Ali delve deep into the core values that drive their mission of enhancing representation for Black individuals in STEM fields.


    Join us as we unpack the power of 'Self', examining the pivotal role self-control, self-belief, self-love, self-discipline, and self-improvement play in shaping personal and professional growth.


    Additionally, we explore different expressions of 'Technical Excellence', exploring the balance between being a versatile Jack of All Trades and mastering a specific technical expertise. Tune in for enlightening insights and actionable strategies that illuminate the path to success in the ever-evolving landscape of STEM.

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    49 mins
  • Overcoming Rejection: "From 3rd Class Degrees To Chemical Consultancy", Starting A Brand From Scratch, Re-defining Success In STEM
    Feb 22 2024

    Ever experienced the sting of rejection or found yourself grappling with the challenge of reshaping your mindset? If so, this episode is made for you!


    Join Ali and Clive in a soulful conversation, as they delve into the #BlackLivesMatter call to action of 2020. Drawing from their personal journeys, they open up about navigating the hurdles of rejection within a fiercely competitive job market. Tune in as they not only share their triumphs, but also unveil the essential skills that propelled them towards success.


    In this episode, Ali and Clive go beyond the surface, unravelling the genesis of their brand, Vanta STEM. Explore the core values that have defined their brand and also played a pivotal role in shaping their narratives. Get ready for a compelling exploration of resilience, growth, and the transformative power of embracing challenge.

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    43 mins