How One Missing Credit Led to a STEM Career | Liahna Smith on Non-Linear Paths, Mental Health & Taking Uncomfortable Opportunities

What happens when being "one credit short" becomes the catalyst for an extraordinary journey?Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with Liahna Smith, a 23-year-old wahine toa from Taranaki who's redefining what career success looks like. Currently working with Pūhoro STEM Academy (on secondment from Why Ora), Liahna shares her raw and real journey from feeling "not ready" to becoming a voice for Māori rangatahi across five secondary schools.In this episode, we explore:Navigating rejection and turning setbacks into opportunitiesThe power of saying YES to uncomfortable opportunitiesWorking in kaupapa Māori organizations and connecting with cultural identityMental health, grief, and finding purpose after lossThe reality of non-linear career pathwaysWhy being uncomfortable is where growth happensTransitioning from national-level athlete to youth mentor and coachBuilding confidence and finding your voice in professional spacesTopics covered: Career development, Māori education, STEM pathways, mental health awareness, grief and loss, sports psychology, youth mentorship, cultural identity, professional growth, asking for help, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, finding purposePerfect for: Young professionals, educators, career changers, parents, coaches, anyone navigating uncertainty, Māori and Indigenous professionals, STEM advocates, youth workersRecorded during Mental Health Awareness Week, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take opportunities even when you don't feel "ready."Baskets of Knowledge brings you real conversations with real people doing extraordinary mahi in Aotearoa New Zealand.🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 💬 Share with someone who needs to hear this ⭐ Leave us a review- it helps others find these important conversations#Podcast #CareerAdvice #NewZealand #MāoriCulture #STEMeducation #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #Taranaki #Leadership