Maya Ajmera

Today, we’re featuring some of the most inspiring guests we’ve had on the show - and it just so happens they are all women. You’ll hear from Oscar winner turned Trevor Project Founder Peggy Rajski, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker,  CNN Hero Yasmine Arrington, White House Cyber Czar Camille Stewart Gloster, ad agency legend Cary Hatch, Points of Light CEO Jennifer Sirangelo, healthcare innovator Silvia Taylor, Science luminary Maya Ajmera, Substack influencer Lia Haberman, and Accenture diversity champion Nedra Dickson. This powerful episode dives into authentic leadership and the art of influencing both within large organizations and in the wider community. The conversation covers a range of impactful topics, from translating marketing and finance to engaging younger audiences, combating misinformation, and building personal brands. The guests share their personal journeys and invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, embracing failure, fostering inclusivity, and championing supplier diversity. Takeaways:Translate Across Disciplines: Understand different terminologies, such as finance and corporate speak. As a leader or influencer, being fluent in the languages relevant to your stakeholders is essential to gaining credibility and a seat at the table.Prioritize Listening and Learning: Authentic listening is key. Leaders should intentionally create opportunities to hear from their audience, staying connected and responsive to their needs.Address Misinformation Proactively: Focus on spreading credible, fact-based information rather than chasing down every piece of misinformation. Tailor your message to highlight benefits and facts that resonate with your audience.Commit to Solving Problems: Recognize critical moments and take decisive action when challenges arise. Whether it's creating new solutions or improving existing ones, proactive problem-solving is essential for leadership.Be a Good Listener: Effective influence begins with listening. Understanding your audience's needs and perspectives allows for more impactful communication and decision-making.Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Use setbacks as opportunities to learn. Embracing failure and applying those lessons can sharpen your approach and enhance your influence.Build and Maintain a Personal Brand: Actively define and promote your personal brand. Whether within an organization or externally, a strong personal brand helps you connect with your audience and drive impact.Links:Cary Hatch: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryhatch/ Jennifer SirangeloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sirangelo-62a8723/ Silvia Taylor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviabtaylor/ Peggy Rajski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyrajski/ Annise Parker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annise-parker-7956bb6/ Maya Ajmera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaajmera/ Yasmine Arrington Brooks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-arrington-brooks-66451220/ Camille Stewart GlosterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillestewartesq/ Lia Haberman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liahaberman/ Nedra Dickson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedra-dickson-051b361/ 

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: @mayaajmeraLinkedIn: 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.orgScience 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-AjmeraEvery Breath We Take: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Breath-We-TakeChildren from Australia to Zimbabwe: https://www.amazon.com/Children-Australia-Zimbabwe-Photographic-JourneyAmerican 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 SehgalDr. Vickers BurdettDr. Margaret HollydayJohn Hecklinger: Co-CEO of Global Fund for ChildrenHayley Roffey: Co-CEO of Global Fund for Children  Kennedy Odede: Founder and CEO of Shining Hope for CommunitiesMeg Garlinghouse: Vice President, Social Impact for LinkedIn Dr. Cheryl Dorsey: President of Echoing Green Wendy Young: President of Kids in Need of Defense