Episode 25: Professor Claudia Vickers

Welcome to episode #25 We're thrilled to be joined by Professor Claudia Vickers, an esteemed expert in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. With a strong track record in science excellence and securing competitive funding, she focuses on using microbes to produce valuable substances for industries. Professor Vickers has held influential positions in various organizations and even served as the inaugural director for CSIRO’s synthetic biology group. Her expertise and leadership continue to drive scientific innovation, making a positive impact on both people and the planet. Welcome to the show Claudia!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Had two children with ADHD and then connected the dotsSuperpowersHyperfocusPattern recognition - connecting the dotsChallengesTime blindnessStrategies Walking treadmillTimers and alarmsWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Taking a pause to reflect on where to create impact3 days per week as adjunct professorNow focusing on climate-carbon sequestrationDesigning microbes to pull carbon down:Cellular AgLandTech: feed Carbon Monoxide/Methane to clostridiumEnzymatic breakdown plasticCarbon sequestration (e.g. enhancing Rubisco)Construction materials (bio cement)Other projectsConsulting with startupsSoftware company AI-powered academic writingConstruction company using bio-based materialsWork history:Last 18 months worked for startups (e.g. Eden Brew)Previously led CSIRO’s synbio labAcademic for many years prior to thatHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Reading (paper) books - Sam Neil’s memoirsHanging out with kids (coaching son’s soccer team, daughter’s touch team)What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Getting the kids out the door (lunchboxes, brush teeth)Start workWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Walking treadmillList with prioritiesIntrospection: look at how to improveCommunicate working preferences + expectationsNoise-canceling headphonesCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Time blindness: magnify estimations by 2xHow do you switch off at night?Need to tire self outIdentifying hyperfixation (e.g. workplace issues) early in the evening - “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Noise-canceling headphonesWalking treadmill (use during meetings)Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInTwitter: claudiaevickersDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Life is special and wonderfulLearn about your own mindUse Joey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course