Rising Star Awards: What happened next for Bamidele Farinre

WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star Awards are now in their tenth year.

The Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the achievements of women below Senior Management or Director level – representing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.

In this ongoing series, we speak to our winners about life after winning a Rising Star award.

We spoke to Bamidele Farinre, who won a Rising Star Award in Science & Engineering, in 2022.

I am a highly experienced chartered biomedical scientist and scrum master, and my passion lies in advancing the STEM industry through the lens of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). My journey in healthcare has been a testament to my unwavering dedication to innovation, leadership, and advocacy within the realm of biomedical science. Over the years, I’ve amassed a myriad of accolades and accomplishments that have allowed me to emerge as a trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on both my profession and the broader STEM landscape. As a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), my influence spans various domains, shaping the industry’s trajectory and setting benchmarks for excellence. Furthermore, my commitment to mentorship extends across various platforms. As a dedicated WISE campaign role model and Freedom to Speak Up Ambassador, I actively encourage open communication and safety within the workplace, fostering a fair and inclusive environment.

My journey isn’t confined to professional accolades; it extends to elevating awareness about my field through various platforms such as publications in IBMS, the Pathologist Magazine, and InspiringtheFuture, alongside interactive and educational podcasts. My dedication to dispelling misconceptions and fostering inclusivity is evident through my involvement in the Tara Binns case studies project with The WISE Campaign. In essence, my journey mirrors resilience, leadership, and advocacy in the realm of biomedical science. My impact resonates in institutions, policies, and the aspiring minds I guide. As I forge ahead, my unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare, inspiring generations, and pioneering transformative change remains steadfast.

How did winning a Rising Star award influence your perception of your own achievements and potential?

Winning the Rising Star award in the Science and Engineering category in 2022 was an absolute honour and a defining moment in my professional journey. It had a profound impact on how I perceive my achievements and potential. To be recognized as a Rising Star by esteemed peers and industry experts was incredibly validating. It served as affirmation that the hard work, dedication, and passion I’ve invested in my field haven’t gone unnoticed. It gave me a renewed sense of confidence in my abilities and reinforced my belief that my contributions are making a difference.

Moreover, winning this award acted as a catalyst for me to aim higher and push my boundaries even further. It ignited a spark within me to set more ambitious goals, embrace challenges, and continuously strive for excellence. The acknowledgment of being a Rising Star inspired me to explore new opportunities, take on leadership roles, and become a mentor for aspiring professionals in my field. Most importantly, this recognition reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and dedication. It reminded me that with determination, hard work, and a supportive network, remarkable achievements are within reach.

Overall, winning the Rising Star award was not just a recognition of past achievements; it was a motivation to reach greater heights and make a lasting impact in the realm of Science and Engineering. It solidified my belief in my potential and continues to fuel my drive to excel.

the Rising Star award has been a catalyst for numerous opportunities that have expanded my professional horizons, amplified my impact, and allowed me to contribute to shaping the future of Science and Engineering.

Have there been specific opportunities or doors that opened for you as a result of receiving the award?

Absolutely, winning the Rising Star award in the Science and Engineering category brought forth a myriad of opportunities and opened doors that have significantly impacted my professional journey. One of the most immediate effects was increased visibility and recognition within my industry. The award acted as a stamp of approval, enhancing my credibility and visibility among peers, leaders, and potential collaborators. It paved the way for networking opportunities and facilitated connections with industry experts, leading to collaborations, partnerships, and invitations to participate in high-profile projects and initiatives.

The award also propelled my career growth by opening doors to speaking engagements, panel discussions, and conferences. It provided a platform to share insights, experiences, and expertise with a broader audience, allowing me to contribute to discussions on cutting-edge developments in Science and Engineering. Moreover, the recognition as a Rising Star positioned me as a role model and mentor, enabling me to engage with emerging professionals and students aspiring to join the field. It has been fulfilling to share my journey, offer guidance, and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Additionally, winning the award has had an impact on professional development opportunities. It led to invitations for specialized training, workshops, and educational programs, providing me with invaluable learning experiences and skill development that furthered my expertise in the field. I have won many awards since winning the Rising star awards to name a few: Women in Business awards 2023/2024 category Women in STEM, featuring on the Diversity Power List at the Inclusive Awards 2023! Honoured with the Prestigious Powerhouse Global Women Award 2023. Featured in the 2023 Heroes Role Model Lists, Top 100 Women Future Leaders List, featured as one of 51 Black women whose stories was published in the hard copy of 3^rd volume of The Voices in The Shadow. Finalist in the Baton awards 2023, STEM Trailblazer category, Zenith Health Global awards 2023, winner of the Diversity and Inclusive and Equity Leader award, winner of the National BAME Health and Care awards category Compassionate and Inclusive Leader, finalist in the Precious awards category Leadership. Winner of the Women of the Future award category ‘Mentor of the year 2023 amongst other recognition.

Overall, the Rising Star award has been a catalyst for numerous opportunities that have expanded my professional horizons, amplified my impact, and allowed me to contribute to shaping the future of Science and Engineering. It has been an incredible journey of growth and collaboration, and I’m immensely grateful for the doors that this recognition has opened for me.

How has winning the award affected your professional network and relationships within your industry?

Winning the award has had a profound impact on my professional network and relationships within my industry. It significantly amplified my connections, fostering a broader and more diverse network that continues to play a pivotal role in my career growth.

Firstly, my recognition as a Rising Star expanded my network by providing opportunities to connect with esteemed professionals, industry leaders, and peers. It facilitated interactions with individuals who I might not have easily crossed paths with otherwise. This broadened network has been invaluable for exchanging ideas, gaining insights into industry trends, and establishing collaborations.

Moreover, winning the award enhanced existing relationships within my industry. It solidified my credibility among colleagues and peers, leading to deeper and more meaningful collaborations. It allowed me to leverage these relationships for joint projects, research endeavors, and initiatives that have contributed to the advancement of Science and Engineering. The award also acted as a conversation starter and a bridge for establishing connections with individuals from various sectors within my industry. It enabled me to engage in discussions, share experiences, and build relationships with professionals from different backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and diverse network.

Additionally, the recognition as a Rising Star opened doors for mentorship opportunities. It encouraged emerging professionals and aspiring scientists and engineers to reach out, seeking advice, guidance, and mentorship. Building these mentor-mentee relationships has been immensely fulfilling and has allowed me to contribute to the growth and development of talented individuals entering the field. Overall, winning the award has been transformative for my professional network, enriching my relationships, enabling collaborations, and fostering a supportive community within the Science and Engineering industry. The connections made through this recognition continue to be a source of inspiration, learning, and growth in my career journey.

Have you had the chance to mentor or inspire others based on your experience?

Yes, winning the Rising Star award has provided me with incredible opportunities to mentor and inspire others, especially those looking to enter the profession based on my experiences. It’s been a deeply fulfilling aspect of my journey, allowing me to pay forward the support and guidance I’ve received throughout my career.

The recognition as a Rising Star positioned me as a role model within my industry. It inspired emerging professionals, students, and aspiring scientists and engineers to reach out for mentorship, advice, and insights into navigating the field. Engaging in mentorship relationships has been incredibly rewarding as I’ve had the chance to share my experiences, offer guidance, and provide support to those starting their journey in Science and Engineering.

Moreover, the award opened doors to various speaking engagements, workshops, and panel discussions where I’ve had the privilege to share my story and insights. These platforms have allowed me to inspire audiences by highlighting my journey, discussing challenges faced, lessons learned, and strategies for success in the field.

Being recognized as a Rising Star has also enabled me to participate in initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education and empowering underrepresented groups in Science and Engineering. I’ve been involved in outreach programs, educational workshops, and community activities designed to inspire the next generation, especially young women, and minorities, to pursue careers in STEM.

Largely, mentoring, and inspiring others based on my experiences as a Rising Star has been an essential and deeply rewarding part of my professional journey. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to positively impact the lives and careers of aspiring professionals, contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and promising future in Science and Engineering.

It’s been a deeply fulfilling aspect of my journey, allowing me to pay forward the support and guidance I’ve received throughout my career.

What advice would you give to someone else thinking of nominating themselves or others for the awards?

Nominating yourself or others for awards can be a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition, highlight achievements, and inspire others. Here’s some advice based on my experience:

1. Identify Impactful Achievements: Before nominating yourself or someone else, identify the significant contributions, accomplishments, or milestones that stand out. Highlight specific projects, initiatives, or leadership roles that have made a notable impact in your field.
2. Tell a Compelling Story: Craft a compelling narrative that showcases not only the achievements but also the journey, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Use concrete examples and metrics to demonstrate the impact and value of the work done.
3. Highlight Unique Contributions: Emphasize what sets you or the nominee apart. Showcase unique qualities, innovative approaches, or contributions that have made a difference. Highlight how these contributions have benefited the industry, community, or organization.
4. Gather Testimonials and Endorsements: Collect testimonials or endorsements from colleagues, peers, supervisors, or stakeholders who can vouch for the impact and value of the work. These endorsements add credibility to the nomination.
5. Align with Award Criteria: Ensure that the nomination aligns closely with the criteria set forth by the awards. Tailor the nomination to reflect how the accomplishments align with the award categories and values.
6. Articulate Future Potential: Highlight not only past achievements but also the potential for future growth, impact, and leadership. Show how the nominee’s work contributes to advancing the field or making a difference in the broader context.
7. Submit a Polished Nomination Package: Pay attention to the nomination process guidelines and deadlines. Prepare a well-written, clear, and concise nomination package that effectively communicates the achievements and impact.
8. Be Bold and Confident: Don’t hesitate to put yourself or someone else forward for recognition. Celebrate achievements and contributions with confidence, emphasizing their significance and the value they bring to the industry or community.

Lastly, awards can be an excellent way to shine a spotlight on outstanding work and inspire others. Whether nominating yourself or others, it’s an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments and encourage continued growth and impact in your field.

What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to achieve success in their careers?

Always remember success is a journey, and it’s essential to define what success means to you personally. Stay committed, keep learning, adapt to changes, and celebrate your achievements along the way. For someone who has attained some level of success in her career/professional life, I would advise the following:

1. Define Your Goals: Take time to define your short-term and long-term career goals. Having clear objectives helps in charting a path and staying focused on what you want to achieve.
2. Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Stay updated with industry trends, acquire new skills, and seek out opportunities for personal and professional development.
3. Build a Strong Network: Cultivate relationships within your industry. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, mentorship, and support.
4. Embrace Challenges: Don’t fear challenges; view them as opportunities for growth. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks.
5. Develop Resilience: In your career journey, you’ll encounter setbacks and obstacles. Cultivate resilience to bounce back from failures and learn from them.
6. Seek Mentorship/coaching: Find mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and support based on their experiences. Mentors can provide valuable insights and help navigate challenges.
7. Communicate Effectively: Develop strong communication skills—both verbal and written. Clear and effective communication is crucial in every aspect of your career.
8. Show Initiative: Take initiative and be proactive. Volunteer for projects, propose ideas, and demonstrate your willingness to go above and beyond.
9. Adaptability: Embrace change and be adaptable. Industries evolve, and being adaptable to change is essential to stay relevant.
10. Work-Life Balance: Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care, maintain boundaries, and ensure time for relaxation and personal interests.
11. Be Professional and Reliable: Build a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and integrity. Consistently delivering quality work and keeping commitments goes a long way.
12. Stay Positive and Persistent: Maintain a positive attitude and persistence in pursuing your goals. Success often requires resilience, dedication, and perseverance.

What is next for you?

Wow, that’s a thought-provoking question. Adaptability is key in today’s ever-changing landscape, and I’m ready to embrace change, remaining open to new challenges and opportunities that come my way. Balancing work, personal life, and well-being continues to be paramount. I’m committed to nurturing a healthy lifestyle, making time for personal interests, and ensuring a harmonious work-life balance.

As I look forward to the next phase of my journey, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Reflecting on past achievements, I’m gearing up to set new goals that will propel me further in my career. Continued learning and skill development remain at the forefront of my plans. I’m eager to delve deeper into education, attend workshops, and acquire certifications that will not only keep me updated but also broaden my expertise.

I’m looking forward to exploring avenues that would allow me to exert greater influence within my field or organization. Strengthening my professional network and seeking collaborations with diverse individuals and organizations is another priority, as I firmly believe that collaboration breeds innovation. Contributing to the growth and development of others is a fulfilling endeavor that I will continue to embrace. Creating and enhancing my personal brand is also on the horizon. Highlighting my expertise, values, and unique qualities will further establish my presence and impact within my field.

As I move forward, I aim to contribute significantly to the advancement of the STEM industry. Engaging in writing, speaking engagements, and involvement in professional organizations will be instrumental in this endeavor. Periodic evaluations and adaptations to my plans are essential. Remaining flexible and open to adjusting goals or strategies based on new opportunities or changing circumstances is something I prioritize. The future is filled with endless possibilities, and I’m ready to embrace it with enthusiasm, determination, and a hunger for growth.

Where can others follow you?

Twitter: @bamicious

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bamidele-farinre-352b1191/

Instagram: Bamimusic