Episode 16: The DNA of Leadership: A CEO’s Guide to Grit, Innovation, and Breaking Barriers

LeaderVoices by Sadhna Bokhiria

In this episode of LeaderVoices, our guest Jodi Barrientos, CEO of Ribbon Biolabs, shares her insights on navigating a career in STEM, the importance of synthetic biology, and fostering diversity within her company. With a background in diagnostics and genomics, Jodi reflects on her professional journey and the balancing act of being a STEM mom.

She discusses the significance of writing synthetic DNA, which gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic, and covers leadership styles that promote transparent communication in a remote work environment.

Jodi also highlights her company's commitment to diversity, with employees representing 23 nationalities and 40% being women, emphasizing the benefits of varied perspectives in decision-making. She offers valuable career advice, including the necessity of self-reflection, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for aspiring scientists, particularly women, to advance in their careers.

Sadhna concludes by inviting listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn for further discussion and to expect a list of recommended resources.

🎤 Introduction and Background (00:00 - 08:26)

• Jodi Barrientos introduced as CEO of Ribbon Biolabs

• Company founded in 2018, based in Vienna

• Jodi's career background in diagnostics and genomics

• Discussion on self-reflection and career progression

• Jodi's journey in STEM field described as 'journey of curiosity'

• Balancing career and motherhood as a 'STEM mom'

🧬 Synthetic DNA and Company Focus (08:27 - 18:50)

• Explanation of synthetic DNA and its applications

• Ribbon Biolabs' focus on writing DNA molecules

• Covid-19 highlighted importance of synthetic biology

• Transition from large industry to startup environment

• Discussion on leadership styles and team management

• Importance of culture and transparent communication in remote work

👥 Diversity and Team Building (18:50 - 28:41)

• Ribbon Biolabs' diverse workforce: 23 nationalities in 42 employees

• 40% female population in the company

• Benefits of diverse teams in decision-making and execution

• Challenges and strategies for remote work communication

• Importance of constant dialogue and using tools like Slack

• Balancing autonomy and connectivity in startup culture

🚀 Career Growth and Networking (28:41 - 37:48)

• Discussion on rapid career growth and challenges

• Importance of self-reflection and personal development

• Recommendation of 'The First 90 Days' book for career transitions

• Emphasis on building mutually beneficial professional relationships

• Challenges of being an introvert in leadership positions

• Importance of focusing on respect rather than likes in professional settings

🌟 Advice for Aspiring Scientists (37:48 - 46:21)

• Encouragement for women in science despite challenges

• Importance of owning one's career path

• Advice to not limit oneself to one category in career possibilities

• Emphasis on finding mentors for career guidance

• Discussion on balancing work and personal life

• Importance of continuous learning and adaptation in career

A short list of best reads, podcasts, and other resources shared by Jodi Barrientos:

Books -

The First 90 Days https://a.co/d/2lQEiiB

Good Strategy/Bad Strategy https://a.co/d/7bRMeKL

CEO Excellence https://a.co/d/7F2afZB

Blind Spot https://a.co/d/4j2mwAj

Podcasts –

I AM BIO

The Long Run

StarTalk

Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me

Smartless

On Purpose

TED talks –

My Identity is a Super Power - America Ferrara

Why do we have too few women leaders - Sheryl Sandberg

Why do ambitious women have flat heads? - Dame Stephanie Shirley