Episode #2
Innovation

With atomic ballerina Dr Merritt Moore, marine analyst Peta Killian, risk engineer Emma Bordogna, and creative marketer Nicola Ratchford. Moderated by g4g Founder, Melissa Rancourt.

During one hour, we talked to these amazing STEM role-models to learn about that SPARK where they knew that science and their being were inexplicably intertwined. They told us about their experience, their studies, their projects (can you guess who plans on dancing on the Moon in the next few years?). We talked about everything from how to juggle multiple careers at a time, to what it means to be risk-averse, to the importance of believing in yourself.

Of course we laughed, of course we conducted a hands-on experiment, and of course, we tried to inspire girls to pursue STEM subjects and to provide a community of role models.

Curious to learn more? The replay is available below, as well as some of our favorite snippets! And if you only have a few seconds and want to get inspired, discover our favorite quotes of the day by our brilliant speakers!

Speakers of this episode

(Hover on their photos to read their bios!)

Merritt Moore graduated in Physics from Harvard and graduated with a PhD in Atomic and Laser Physics from the University of Oxford. She also pursued (and continues to pursue) a professional ballet career with the Zurich Ballet, Boston Ballet, Englis… — Merritt Moore graduated in Physics from Harvard and graduated with a PhD in Atomic and Laser Physics from the University of Oxford. She also pursued (and continues to pursue) a professional ballet career with the Zurich Ballet, Boston Ballet, English National Ballet, and Norwegian National Ballet. She was one of the 12 selected candidates to undergo rigorous astronaut selection on BBC Two "Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?”. Merritt has also been featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2018, she has been invited to be a featured guest speaker around the world such as at the Forbes Women's Summit in NY, panelist for the U.S. Embassy 'Women in STEM' Panel in London, and she is featured in the bestseller "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls".

Peta joined the insurance industry in 2009, she started her career as a marine underwriter and spent eight years underwriting at MS Amlin and Brit Insurance. In 2018 Peta made a career move away from underwriting and joined the Strategy and Innovati… — Peta joined the insurance industry in 2009, she started her career as a marine underwriter and spent eight years underwriting at MS Amlin and Brit Insurance. In 2018 Peta made a career move away from underwriting and joined the Strategy and Innovation team at MS Amlin, where she worked on digital strategy and alternative distribution. Since then, Peta has been part of the Operations team at the Lloyd’s Market Association, working closely with the Lloyd’s Lab and Future at Lloyd’s team. Peta recently joined Talbot’s INDEX Innovation and Strategy team as an Analyst.

Nicola Ratchford is Head of Marketing and Communications in the UK. Nicola has been at AIG for 5 years, and has responsibility for AIG's marketing, brand, communications, sponsorship, CSR, social media and digital media activities in the UK. Nicola started her career as a journalist after graduating from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She has a nine year old son and an eight year old daughter, two dogs, a husband and a vegetable patch.