High-Flyers in STEM

With the STEM industry experiencing rapid innovation during the global pandemic, and with an historic skills shortage to contend with, the team at HERO Recruitment believes there's no better time to tap into the knowledge and expertise of our industry leaders to discover why a career in STEM is a rewarding experience. In this podcast, we speak to leaders in STEM about their own career journeys in this unique sector, the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and their forecasts for the future. We’ll discover what it takes to manage cutting-edge projects and the teams that help to deliver them in an ever-evolving landscape. Through a series of open exchanges, our guests will share personal anecdotes, market insights and industry predictions. We want to inspire the next generation of STEMtalent by showcasing the success of real people who are already excelling on their leadership journeys.

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High-Flyers in STEM

High-Flyers in STEM S3E4: #GreatnessHasNoGender - Anastasija Ponomarjova, Production Unit Manager and Michelle Martin, Senior Quality Engineer - MGS Healthcare Manufacturing

April 15, 2025 • Deirdre Finnerty • Season 2 • Episode 4

In this episode of High-Flyers in STEM #GreatnessHasNoGender, host Deirdre Finnerty sits down with Anastasija Ponomarjova, Production Unit Manager, and Michelle Martin, Senior Quality Engineer at MGS Healthcare Manufacturing, to talk about what it really takes to thrive in the world of high-precision manufacturing.

This episode proves that you don’t always have to start with a perfect plan. Through a mix of curiosity, resilience, and straight-up determination, Anastasija and Michelle carved out careers that challenge expectations, from managing the pressures of production to making tough calls on quality in a high-stakes industry, they share the moments that shaped them, the lessons they’ve learned, and why being the only woman in the room isn’t the conversation we should still be having.

MGS Manufacturing fosters a culture of expertise, leadership, and backing the best people for the job. This episode is a real look at what’s changing in the industry, what still needs to shift, and why the future of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s) belongs to those willing to step up and own it.

Thank you to our sponsors Fenero, a multi-award-winning company dedicated to financial success for contractors, freelancers, and solopreneurs.

For more updates on #GreatnessHasNoGender, follow HERO on LinkedIn, reach out to hello@hero.ie, or explore job opportunities in STEM: Permanent Careers, Contracting Careers.

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#GreatnessHasNoGender