In this episode, Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, shares her inspiring journey. From founding the Global Fund for Children at just 23 years old to revitalizing Society for Science, Maya has pioneered impactful initiatives. 

This show highlights her role in establishing a vast grassroots network for vulnerable children, her strategic transformation of the Science News Media Group and her work ensuring a strong future for the Society’s world-class STEM competitions. Maya's leadership emphasizes the power of storytelling and community engagement in education and youth empowerment, offering valuable advice on fostering entrepreneurial spirit and leveraging storytelling for influence in leadership roles.

Takeaways:

• Empower Your Team: Hire exceptionally smart people and give them the freedom and support to innovate. Allow them to bring their best ideas forward and give them opportunities to take initiative.
• Leverage Storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for making connections and influencing others. Personal, relatable stories can build lasting connections and help convey your organization's mission and values.
• Promote Community Building: Actively reach out to and engage with your community members, whether alumni, employees, or partners. Building an organic, engaged community can lead to valuable collaborations and stronger support for your mission.
• Innovate Through Feedback: Listen attentively to your audience's needs and adapt your products and services accordingly. Engaging with your users, like teachers or students, can provide critical insights that drive innovation and improvement.
• Develop Young Talent: Create programs and opportunities to bring in and nurture young talent. Encouraging project-based learning and offering platforms for young people to showcase their skills can lead to the discovery and development of future leaders.
• Capitalize on Serendipity: Be open to opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Networking and building relationships in unconventional situations can lead to significant support and partnerships.
• Intrapreneurial Culture: Foster an intrapreneurial spirit within your organization. Encourage your team members to think like entrepreneurs, bring their ideas to the table, and drive projects that can transform and grow the organization.

Quote of the Show:

• “Failure gives you more answers than you know. Science opened my mind to new ways of thinking about the world.”

Links:

• Twitter: @mayaajmera
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaajmera/ 
• Personal Website: https://www.mayaajmera.com/ 
• Company Website: https://www.societyforscience.org/ 

Shout Outs:

• The Global Fund for Children: https://globalfundforchildren.org
• Science News Media Group: https://www.sciencenews.org/ 
• Regeneron: https://www.regeneron.com/ 
• Regeneron Science Talent Search: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/ 
• Back to School: https://www.amazon.com/Back-School-Journey-Maya-Ajmera
• Every Breath We Take: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Breath-We-Take
• Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: https://www.amazon.com/Children-Australia-Zimbabwe-Photographic-Journey
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences: https://www.amacad.org/
• National Science Board: https://www.nsf.gov/nsb/ 
• Duke University: https://duke.edu/ 
• The Aspen Institute: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/ 
  • Henry Crown Fellowship: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/henry-crown-fellowship/ 
• Echoing Green Fellowship: https://echoinggreen.org/fellowship/ 
• Richard B. Fisher: Former Chairman of Morgan Stanley 
• Dr. Prem Parkash Sehgal
• Dr. Vickers Burdett
• Dr. Margaret Hollyday
• John Hecklinger: Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children
• Hayley Roffey: Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children  
• Kennedy Odede: Founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities
• Meg Garlinghouse: Vice President, Social Impact for LinkedIn 
• Dr. Cheryl Dorsey: President of Echoing Green 
• Wendy Young: President of Kids in Need of Defense