Mechanical Engineering with Gabriella Martini - a podcast by Michele Ong

Gabriella Martini is a curious, dynamic and adaptive engineering professional with a proven record of managing a portfolio of engineering projects from concept to implementation.

She focuses on embedding sustainable business processes while generating and maintaining relationships, is dependable and a structured thinker who thrives on solving problems in challenging, fast paced and pressurised environments.

Gabriella actively participates in a number of programs which promote a healthier STEM pipeline, always curious on how she can further broaden her impact.

In our conversation, we talk about mechanical engineering, mentorship, mental health, and aquascaping.

Show Notes (link)

[00:00:50] Gabriella's journey to mechanical engineering.

[00:02:09] Finding a good fit for learning and teaching styles.

[00:02:18] Being given a set path, and a first generation university student.

[00:05:17] The benefit of hindsight and the desire to help others find their way.

[00:06:30] Where Gabriella saw her future in mechanical engineering.

[00:06:51] Wanting to explore the full range of what mechanical engineering has to offer.

[00:07:37] The scope of mechanical engineering.

[00:08:58] The discipline allows you to be flexible and branch into other areas.

[00:09:57] The growing range of industries in Western Australia.

[00:10:30] Joining FirstMode.

[00:11:27] About FirstMode.

[00:12:52] Misconceptions about what the industries involve.

[00:13:38] How to approach projects of this scale.

[00:15:45] The similarities between operational and project settings.

[00:16:25] You can't be formulaic in your processes with creative engineering.

[00:17:09] Governance in mining and engineering.

[00:19:11] The joys of Classified Plant.

[00:21:13] Both project management and governance are working with people to solve problems.

[00:22:25] It's about problem-solving and affecting change in the industry in various ways.

[00:24:26] This is not the career Gabriella imagined she would have so far.

[00:25:20] The mistaken belief that we have one chance to choose our path.

[00:25:50] Using herself as an example of the indirect path.

[00:26:09] Don't have regrets. Everything that happens is part of your journey.

[00:26:28] Living with anxiety and depression and having a breakdown that became a pivot point for her life and career.

[00:28:01] The stigma that still exists around mental health.

[00:28:31] Being more open about her own experiences.

[00:29:37] The changes that resulted after her breakdown, and being more conscious of self-care.

[00:32:38] Finding methods that work for you.

[00:33:03] Writing and reflection journals.

[00:38:46] Motivated to mentor.

[00:41:46] Experiences as a mentee.

[00:42:18] To MBA, or not to MBA.

[00:44:41] The opportunities we have to explore other facets of our fields.

[00:48:31] Common first years at university.

[00:49:10] How to juggle a heavy mentoring load and other commitments.

[00:49:25] Calendar all the things.

[00:50:08] A FIFO lifestyle teaches you to manage your time.

[00:52:25] You perform better when you look after yourself.

[00:53:55] Taking time to reflect on who you are and who you want to be.

[00:56:04] Seeing the shift in being able to have open conersations about self.

[00:58:26] Just as we innovate at work, we need to innovate how we treat ourselves.

[01:01:52] Bonus Question 1: What hobby or interest do you have that is most unrelated to your field of work?

[01:01:58] Aquascaping.

[01:04:48] It's nice to work with your hands....

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Further podcasts by Michele Ong

Website of Michele Ong