FIRST THOUGHT: The da Vinci Rule
Anthony Bourdain (RIP), famous philosophical writer and chef, had what he described as the “a*hole rule.” Put simply, he’d ask himself if he wanted to work with the person. He gave an anecdote about meeting with a guy who was going to offer him and his team a “Bond villain-wealthy” project. Afterwards, he asked his team if they’d answer a call from the guy at 11pm. They answered with a resounding “no way!”
Another writer describes this as the “da Vinci rule.” He once said that it’s easier to resist early on rather than later. So before you answer with yet another “yes” in your crazy, hectic life, ask yourself these questions.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 10,700
Sometimes, you’re not (or never will be) at the point in your career when you can resist the jerks. And that sucks. But if you can connect—heck, latch onto—one colleague who has the same snarky banter as you, that can make a world of difference. Regardless of your industry, this is essential for maintaining a clear head and happy heart. One industry, electrical engineering, might just be the place for you. They say by 2020, there will be 10,700 new jobs in this field. You’re sure to find a work wife there, don’t you think?
WOMAN TO WATCH: Dr. Ozak Esu, Technical Lead at BRE
Do you ever see someone’s accomplishments and assume she’s got to be in, like, her mid 70s, only to find out that she’s the same age as you? Today’s Woman to Watch is one such woman. Dr. Ozak Esu, is one of the most exciting electrical engineers in the field right now, and she’s under 30.
Born in Nigeria, Ozak was inspired to study this aspect of STEM due to the country’s ongoing energy problems. As recently as April this year, power was cut when four plants shut down. Ozak knew she needed to pursue further education, so she traveled to the UK, where she studied at university and earned a scholarship to cover her PhD coursework.
As a PhD student, Ozak worked at an engineering consultancy. During her first two years there, she helped provide the technical work necessary to build more than a dozen schools. In 2017, the Institution of Engineering and Technology named Ozak the Young Woman Engineer of the Year, leading her to be a guest curator at The Women’s Library in Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park.
So what’s this genius woman up to now? This year, she stepped into a new role as the technical lead for BRE. Based in Watford, UK, BRE is a collaboration of sorts, where government and academic intersect to create smart products for homes and buildings. It’s not entirely glamorous work, as the company works to carry out certifications and research, and also find solutions for challenges that clients face in taking a structure from paper to reality.
Telegraph named Ozak one of its “Top 50 Women in Engineering Under 35” for her work in wind energy and embedded technology, as well as for her advocacy work. Over the course of a decade, Ozak has volunteered her time and energy working to expand the scope of STEM, through educating girls on how a career in this field is possible. She speaks up on behalf of minority ethnic engineers and is the international STEM hero we all need.
QUITE THE QUOTE
Kerry Washington said:
"I realized that I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect and beautiful journey of my life."