You don’t look like an Engineer

Hosted by Laura Miranda & Sohan Roopra

Careers Education Science

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Jan 2026

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About the show

Laura Miranda and Sohan Roopra co-founded You Don’t Look Like an Engineer. A podcast aimed at challenging the stereotypes about what an engineer looks like, the show sparks meaningful conversations about inclusion, finding your passion in your career, leadership and self-improvement. The corporate world is often seen as impersonal and robotic, even, but the podcast is here to show its human side—the people and their stories, and the diversity that is reshaping this profession. Through honest conversations, we explore industry issues like gender equity, cultural diversity, and leadership, offering real insights and ideas to help workplaces become places where everyone feels they can fulfill their dreams, and everyone feels like they belong. With a mission to drive change through storytelling, our podcast reshapes perspectives and opens doors for a more inclusive future in engineering and beyond.

Listen to episodes

48 recent

January 8, 2026Episode 4750 min

Quota Hire or Qualified? Women Owning Their Power in Engineering

In this Episode of You don't Look Like and Engineer, we delve into what it really means to build a career as a woman in the energy and engineering sectors. Carolina Mayol, a senior grid connections engineer, and Jasmine Wiklander, a senior energy and infrastructure recruitment consultant, share how childhood passions, cultural identity and career twists led them into renewables and people-focused work. Together, they unpack “quota hire” versus “qualified”, how unconscious bias shows up in hiring and promotion, and why women are often required to overperform just to be seen as equally capable. They explore confidence gaps, risk-taking, leadership styles that don’t fit the traditional “boys’ club”, and the power of using your voice without dimming your femininity or authenticity. This is a practical, honest conversation for women in STEM, leaders, and anyone serious about building truly inclusive teams.

October 31, 2023Episode 301 hr 0 min

Andrew MacGregor: The mindset change that creates workplaces where people want to stay

To celebrate their 30th Episode, Lau and Sohan sit down with Andrew McGregor - the male ally who has supported the You don't Look Like an Engineer Podcast since its inception. Andrew is the Managing Director for Design & Build and has been in the recruitment industry for 17 years. In this episode, Andrew shares his insights into some of the most critical challenges the construction and engineering industry face at the moment - poor leadership, talent attraction and retention. This casual conversation shares the wisdom of a professional who is passionate about diversity, inclusion and creating an environment of trust at the workplace. Tune in to enjoy an insightful conversation, regardless of what industry you are part of, you would benefit from listening to this. Want to reach out to Andy or anyone on the Design & Build team ? click here ⚡️Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 10, 20222 min

Trailer | What is You Don’t Look Like an Engineer all about?

Our Podcast channel aims to communicate our personal experience in a male-dominated industry, the lessons we have learned through our professional and personal journey; but more importantly, provide you with a different perspective of what STEM is about. We aim to spread awareness about diversity in STEM while providing tools to make you be the engineer of the life you want.linktr.ee/youdontlooklikeanengineer

May 6, 2022Episode 428 min

Identity: More than a job description

In Episode 4, Sohan and Laura discuss a common phenomenon - over identifying with your job. What do you do? Is the most common defining question of your personality. This can be detrimental for your mental health and self-steem. In this episode, they share tools to prevent this from happening at work, and in other aspects of life. Do you want to know more about You don’t look like an Engineer? Follow us on Instagram and stay tuned! @Youdontlooklikeanengineerlinktr.ee/youdontlooklikeanengineer

August 19, 2023Episode 2545 min

9 to 5 is no bueno

In Laura and Sohan's latest conversation, they delve into the origins of the 8-8-8 split within the working day. Their conversation takes a look at how the conventional 9-5 work routine has evolved throughout the last century.This podcast explores how societal influences have moulded our work environments, prompting a critical reevaluation of the standard 5-day workweek. This episode examines the emerging trends such as 4-day week and 6-hour workdays many companies are now experimenting with; addressing the potential implications of this shifting landscape on work-life balance. If you've ever pondered the history behind the 9-5, 5-day workweek, or if you believe it's time for change, this episode is a must-listen. Thank you to our sponsors, Design & Build Recruitment ⚡️

September 9, 2022Episode 1241 min

The art of quiet confidence: have we been getting it wrong?

In this episode, Laura and Sohan explore what it really means to be confident, whether we have been given the right tools to date and how to improve your confidence. The confidence gap between men and women being a prominent issue in, and outside of, the workforce, the episode uncovers the psychology of confidence and how you can use it to improve your work and life, without face value advice to 'fake it 'til you make it'.

February 3, 2024Episode 341 hr 3 min

Angela Hucker: Creating a successful journey in spite of gender biases

In this episode, Lau and Sohan host Angela Hucker, CEO of EPIC. Angela shares experiences from her career, spanning two decades in male-dominated industries. She talks about learning to rise to the occasion, how you can jump into a new role and learn to fit into it. She talks about the changes the industry has been through, in recognising female talent and fostering better, more inclusive cultures. Angela talks about how recognising biases was difficult in her earlier career, when it was hard to understand that certain behaviour was warranted to gender stereotypes. A badass in her own field, Angela has a remarkable portfolio including multimillion dollar projects in oil, gas and infrastructure, and even a spotlight on US TV Show “Mega Structures”. The conversation explores the importance of fostering an open mindset in the construction industry and delves into the challenges of FIFO work. She shares about her latest venture EPIC, which seeks to empower those in construction.Join us for this episode to hear Angela's practical career insights and genuine take on gender quotas and their impact on the industry.The You Don't Look Like an Engineer Podcast is proudly supported by Design & Build RecruitmentHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2022Episode 538 min

Boundaries: put the life back into work life balance

In Episode 5, Sohan and Laura discussed the importance of setting up boundaries to enhance emotional stability and reduce anxiety at work.Do you want to know more about You don’t look like an Engineer? Follow us on Instagram and stay tuned! @Youdontlooklikeanengineerlinktr.ee/youdontlooklikeanengineer

April 2, 2024Episode 3750 min

Rhianna Di Trapani: Creating a healthy relationship with change

Join Laura and Sohan in their interview with Rhianna Di Trapani, the civil construction professional turned director of her very own company - Virtual Civil Consulting! From juggling two degrees and two part-time jobs to managing 20-million dollar projects in the construction industry - Rhianna is an inspiration for young women in STEM wanting to reach the stars.At just 15 years old, Rhianna moved from Dubai to Australia and embraced new cultures. In this episode, Rhianna uncovers the keys to building a healthy relationship with change, growing through learning, and taking courageous leaps in both work and life. You don’t want to miss this one.The You Don't Look Like an Engineer Podcast is proudly supported by Design & Build RecruitmentHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 20, 2024Episode 3543 min

Miranda Swift: The 13-year old grabbing everyone's attention

Join Sohan and Laura as they interview Miranda Swift, a rising star in engineering. Discover how she kickstarted her career in high school, evolving from a part-time worker to a cadet civil engineer. Miranda's passion for enhancing STEM opportunities for rural girls is palpable as she discusses her initiatives to boost their job prospects and education. Learn about her groundbreaking project, 'Hustle,' aimed at mentoring aspiring engineers, and her accolades including the 2022 NAWIC University Student of the Year. With a focus on advocating for women in STEM, Miranda's insights offer a refreshing perspective on industry challenges and mindset improvements. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with this remarkable young talent!The You Don't Look Like an Engineer Podcast is proudly supported by Design & Build RecruitmentHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.