Alex Knight is the founder and CEO of Stemazing - a social enterprise dedicated to inspiration and inclusion in STEM. She is also a chartered engineer, fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, fellow of the Women’s Engineering Society, TEDx speaker, board trustee, mentor and trainer.
What was your first job, and how much did it pay? A lab assistant for a small medtech start-up on £19k.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? Best advice - “You need a mentor”. I did and I have never stopped seeking mentors since then which has helped me massively in my life and career.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? In STEM industries I have seen a big shift towards actively pursuing the benefits of diversity and inclusion in business, but with only 24% women in STEM and only 16% women in engineering we still have a long way to go.
What would your dream job be? I literally have my dream job now. Running a non-profit social enterprise that empowers women and inspires young people, all from my home in the countryside in beautiful Northumberland. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than helping hundreds of women become STEM role models to thousands of children up and down the country.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Find a mentor! They will help you navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in a way that uses your unique strengths and is aligned with your personal values.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? There is so much potential here and it genuinely feels like a community where people want to support each other to succeed rather than being in competition.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? Hugely important. I make this point at the end of my TEDx talk. Businesses have a critical role to play in inspiring the next generation to see the opportunities available to them. By supporting their employees to engage in the local community with young people they are nurturing their longer-term future talent pipeline whilst developing their existing talent simultaneously.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? Planning our family adventures! We love to go on active adventures in the school holidays and Airbnb our house out to help fund it. Things like wild camping in Scotland or cycling challenges – combining being in nature with keeping fit and exploring new places.
Who would play you in a film about your life? Amy Adams.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? Hannah Fry, Michelle Obama and Brian Cox. Hannah Fry because I love her passion and style of communication. Michelle Obama because she is such an incredible role model, and Brian Cox because everything he says blows my mind.
