Teaming up with PhagePro: A Chat with Dr. Mimi Yen
Thinkubator Media takes great pride in the companies we support. Through our shared work, we have formed lasting relationships that enrich our team and our clients. It is an honor to support professionals, many of them women, in their growth and success. Our team develops a full understanding of each client and their needs so that we can best support them.
Dr. Minmin “Mimi” Yen is one of such unique clients who has established herself as a biotech innovator. As a co-founder of PhagePro, Dr. Yen and her team are reviving a century-old medical practice, using phages for virus protection, to revamp the way we synthesize and access vaccines. Their findings have the potential to increase efficiency
A graphic depicting a bacteriophage, the inspiration behind PhagePro.
We first connected with Dr. Yen when the PhagePro team sought to redesign their website and develop clear, compelling copy for the complex biotech startup. She shared that, “one of our biggest challenges was translating complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging language while remaining technically accurate. Thinkubator Media helped us achieve this without oversimplifying our work or losing credibility."
Dr. Yen's Experience
"Thinkubator Media brought structure to a process that felt overwhelming. I would tend to get stuck in the nitty-gritty of designing a website - wondering about color schemes, how to code columns, or whether this word was the right choice. They helped us [determine] what mattered most by asking the right questions and then moving efficiently from ideas to execution. This saved us time and resulted in a much more cohesive final product.”
“Throughout our time together, Thinkubator Media acted as true thought partners. Despite the entirety of our work being virtual, the process felt very personal and hands-on; [our] communication was clear, consistent, and collaborative. The Thinkubator Media team took the time to deeply understand our science, mission, and values, thus helping us articulate our story authentically.”
“Their guidance strengthened not just our website, but our overall narrative as a company, thus leaving us on a stronger foundation. The highly skilled team stood out for their professionalism and warmth. They were responsive, thoughtful, fun, and collaborative throughout the process, which made even challenging conversations about messaging feel easy and energizing.”
Leaving a Lasting Impression
As our work came to a close, Dr. Yen shared that the PhagePro team was left with a lasting impression. “Working with the team helped me better understand how to think about branding as storytelling. Thinkubator Media showed us how to frame our science in a way that connects with different audiences while staying true to who we are."
“Our biggest takeaway was that clear, thoughtful communication can be a force multiplier, especially for mission-driven, science-based organizations like ours. Thinkubator Media helped us see how powerful it is when your message is both precise and accessible.”
“I genuinely loved working with the Thinkubator Media team. They brought curiosity, care, and creativity to every interaction, and it truly felt like they were invested in our success. I would enthusiastically recommend them to any organization looking to clarify their story and elevate their brand.”
Field Notes: Understanding AI and Its Impact with Dorrian Wilson
This month, our dynamic team member, Dorrian Wilson, is shedding some light on the sudden rise of AI. She gave us a better understanding of what artificial intelligence is, how it's really impacting us, and how to develop a more ethical relationship with it.
Dorrian established herself as a leader in AI governance and risk, “helping organizations understand not just what AI can do, but what it should do.” Her current work includes AI risk and governance in the energy sector, consulting work through SheGov.AI, and a research background focused on ethics, consent, and systems that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. She also writes and speaks publicly about AI governance, transparency, and human-centered leadership in the age of automation.
Our featured expert, Dorrian Wilson
“I’ve spent my career working in regulated, high-impact environments where trust, safety, and accountability matter. I care deeply about translating complex systems into language people can actually use to make informed decisions. So for me, I come to AI through governance, not hype.”
What Exactly is AI?
So we wanted to know, what’s really going on with AI? From trajectories with immense promise to ones that foretell an impact that is much more daunting, AI still appears a bit unregulated. Thankfully, Dorrian was able to ground our understanding in reality.
But first, what exactly is AI, or artificial intelligence? According to IBM, AI is a system of learning that allows machines to replicate human behavior, such as planning, organizing, and producing content.
“AI has real power to streamline creation, decision-making, and productivity, but the ethical risks don’t come from the technology itself,” said Dorrian.“They come from how humans deploy it. The opportunity and the risk are inseparable. The way forward is not fear or blind adoption, but governance. Clear boundaries around data use, transparency about limitations, accountability when systems fail, and human oversight where impact is high. AI should expand human capability, not replace judgment or responsibility. The greatest risk is treating AI as neutral or infallible when it is neither.”
Using AI Ethically
To put it plainly, here are Dorrian's pros and cons of AI:
Pros of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Pros of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Free people’s time and resources
Obscure accountability
Increase efficiency
Reinforce bias
Surface insights at scale
Create harm when deployed without proper guardrails
Support better decision-making when used responsibly
Poor data practices can compromise privacy and trust
Reduce administrative burden
Over-automation can lead to decision-making without context
Improve and increase access to information and services
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Dorrian Wilson, a modern-day leader in AI governance.
Whether we want it or not, artificial intelligence is here, embedded in many facets of our work, home, and school lives. But the current hype around it has crafted a dizzying cocktail of overuse, fear, and avoidance. We were curious about how to find a sustainable middle ground that can make our integration with AI simpler and safer.
Dorrian shared the top five tips to support readers in their journey with AI, as it is rapidly integrated into our daily lives. Below are some questions to consider when seeking out the best AI practices and programs as they become increasingly available.
Top 5 Ways to Identify High Quality AI
Transparency: Does the tool clearly explain what it does, how it was trained, and its limitations?
Data Practices: Where does the data come from, and how is user data handled and protected?
Human Oversight: Is there a clear process for human review, escalation, or correction?
Accountability: Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
Fit for Purpose: Is the AI appropriate for the task, especially if decisions affect people’s lives, rights, or opportunities?
“AI is powerful, but it’s not magic. The smartest users are the ones who stay curious, ask good questions, and remember that responsibility always sits with humans, not machines," Dorrian concludes. So, it seems that AI, when created and used responsibly, isn’t so scary after all? Let us know your thoughts.
Financial Wellness with Nidhi Mathson
Financial wellness is a vital part of adulthood, with the potential to make or break a person’s quality of life. With growing conversations around finances and bettering them, one might wonder: what does financial wellness look like, particularly when I’ve never seen it? Our friend and financial planning expert, Nidhi Mathson shared her expertise around developing a financial growth mindest. Her earlier experiences were shaped by parents who were fiscally responsible, maintaining bills and saving for emergencies. But she, like many women, didn’t get to see much wealth-building, which is what most financial discussions focus on today.
Having made her own vicarious jump from PR and marketing to life insurance financial planning, Nidhi gained new insights with this career pivot. As she navigated the transition between careers, Nidhi met with a financial advisor who supported her ability to stay afloat with a young, growing family. The hope and peace of mind that her advisor instilled in her encouraged Nidhi to pursue a similar path. With Nidhi’s expertise, we’ve created a guide to help you develop stronger money management skills.
Financial Planning 101
Financial wellness is a vital part of adulthood, with the potential to make or break a person’s quality of life. With growing conversations around finances and bettering them, one might wonder: what does financial wellness look like, particularly when I’ve never seen it?
Financial planning begins with your first paycheck. The first thing that’s taken out of your paycheck is state and federal taxes, social security, and Medicare. With whatever is left over, you may pay bills, such as groceries, utilities, or rent/mortgage. Anything that is left over is for you to spend or save – consider paying yourself first – make a paycheck deduction for yourself that goes to an investment account and/or a savings account — this can be done by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck to these specific accounts. Any additional money left over is money you can spend guilt-free.
When it comes to investing for the first time, one thing to remember about the stock market is that although it fluctuates, in the long term (10+ years), it’s historically trended upwards. Understanding your timeline and tolerance for risk will give you a better idea of how aggressive or conservative an investor you need to be.
When the stock market is volatile, panicking and pulling money out can work against you – when the market is down, stocks are cheaper, so it may be a better time to buy. When the market is up, that’s when you will likely see the most gain. So, being patient when the market is down is important. Find investments that closely match your risk tolerance, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if that is your biggest fear about investing.
With generational behaviors having a direct impact on future output, it’s no surprise that most adults today are still struggling to make ends meet, falling short of many of the milestones that define the American Dream. While many young people are making immense strides, financially, it is still very challenging to “keep up” with the same socioeconomic trajectory as previous generations, leaving many of us confused and overwhelmed by what the future holds.
From home and car ownership to having a successful work/life balance, there is a lot to juggle for the modern adult, whether they are coupled or not. For young women in particular, financial stability determines their options and freedom. With the age-old dichotomy between motherhood and shameless self-exploration, young women are being prompted now more than ever to have
Nidhi sitting pretty in a lovely candid.
a solid financial foundation, regardless of the path they choose.
It is also important to note that a good career doesn’t necessarily guarantee healthy finances, which is where learning how to properly manage and invest one’s money comes to light.
“But I’m Just a Teenager, Why Do I Need to Be Thinking About My Finances?”
Nidhi shared that “time is actually on your side” when it comes to financial wellness. The more time you have to build and enact a financial portfolio, the greater your financial history, which opens doors to a brighter future, sooner. Things like lower interest rates on credit cards, loans, and mortgages, and the ability to successfully lease a car, home, or apartment, are directly tied to one’s financial standing.
“Financial wellness means putting your future-self first, while also taking care of your present-self.” Nidhi Mathson, a life insurance agent and financial advisor, shares her wisdom from first-hand experience. After making a major pivot into a field she never considered before, financial planning opened her mind, and wallet, to life-changing information about money.
If there is one thing for you to remember, it’s that “budgeting, saving, and investing” are the cornerstones of financial wellness.
Budgeting teaches you to live within your means, i.e., spending what you earn and nothing more.
Saving teaches you how to prepare and protect yourself in case of emergencies (such as unexpected car and home repairs, credit card bills, or medical bills)
Investing teaches you how to make your money work for you.
Now that we understand the fundamentals of financial health, we can consider what that looks like in action. Proper budgeting, saving, and investing make it possible to successfully manage debt.
“But isn’t Debt Bad?”
Debt, in the dictionary sense, isn’t the most ideal position to be in. However, our current financial system functions by rewarding debt (ever heard of tax breaks?). In other words, all debt is good debt, which is why learning how to manage it is so important. This is where credit comes in.
While it is a notoriously tricky option, one of the easiest ways to start building credit is with a credit card. With proper planning, it is possible to have a credit card without accumulating massive debt. So, how is it done? To start, making timely payments helps avoid or decrease high-interest rates. Nidhi shared that, “if you have a high interest rate (~7-10%), try to pay it off sooner rather than later. With a lower interest rate (~2-4%), you might be better off paying that off on time (vs. early) and putting some of the money into an investment that can earn you 7-10% back (more than the amount you're paying in interest).”
Debt management is learning how to leverage it so that it ultimately starts working for you by generating more income that you can then budget, save, and/or invest for greater wealth.
“What if I Don’t Have A Credit Card or a Stable Job?”
No matter what age you are or where you are in your financial journey, there is always something that can be done to improve your finances. If you haven’t been in the workforce long or if you face any other income challenges, start by budgeting and saving your money. A cool way to see these concepts unfold is through the “envelope method” Nidhi shared with us:
The Envelope System
“This system involves having three or four envelopes, one for saving your money (maybe for a large purchase in the future, or just for a rainy day). The next envelope would be for budgeting, setting aside exactly the amount you need to spend on bills or regular costs such as gas or bus fare. Whatever is left can be divided into two additional envelopes: one for investing and one for spending. With the investing envelope, talk to your parents about how they can help you grow that money. The spending envelope can be used for anything - that is, money you can spend guilt-free.”
Seeing money as a tool rather than something to fear or hoard, we can also realize that managing our finances isn’t so bad after all. When we are fully aware of our financial landscape, we are better able to prepare for and actualize our dreams and goals. So now, that dream house, car, or outfit you've wanted for years? That business you wanted to start or that degree you wanted to finish are now within reach once you make money management a priority. Budgeting, saving, and investing open doors and create stability that your future self will thank you for. The sooner you start taking intentional action toward financial wellness, the better; and it’s never too late to start. From our team at Thinkubator Media, thank you, Nidhi, for sharing your story and your expertise!
I recently spent a few days hiking in California—deep in the Redwood Forest, with stretches of silence, ocean air, and time to just be. No meetings. No expectations. Just my body, my people, and a lot of trails and expeditions.
I never thought the words “I love hiking” would ever be spoken by me, but I’m a changed woman after the week I spent navigating trails through the forest and along the coast.
Before one of the hikes, I read two simple lines from a book recommended to me by a dear friend, All About Love, by Bell Hooks.:
“To live fully, we need to let go of our fear of dying. That fear can only be addressed by the love of living.”
“As long as we feel shame, we can never believe ourselves worthy of love.”
I won’t pretend I have those ideas all figured out. But something about being outside—moving through the trees and climbing down rocky paths to a hidden beach—gave me enough space to reflect. Not in the dramatic, journal-until-you-cry kind of way. Just… breathing room.
I’m not here to unpack all my deepest thoughts, but I will say that stepping away from the pace of everyday life helped me notice a few things I don’t always give myself time to see. Mainly, how fear and shame sneak into the cracks—shaping how I show up in relationships, how I talk to myself, and how tightly I hold things together.
I noticed that in some moments, I manage more than I live. Whether it’s parenting, working, or just existing in the world—it’s easy to forget that love doesn’t have to be earned through hyper-vigilance or performance. Sometimes it’s as simple as standing still, feeling the breeze, and realizing: I am here. And that’s enough.
But I also want to be real. I’ve absolutely wanted to throw something (or someone) when told to “just take a breath” during a high-stress moment. Not everyone has the space to pause. There's privilege in being able to put your phone down, go for a walk, or take a break from work, and not everyone has that luxury. And even when we do, the pressure to “rest the right way” or “practice good self-care” can turn into another form of perfectionism. A softer trap, maybe—but still a trap.
I’m learning that being present doesn’t have to be poetic and definitely not perfect. It doesn’t have to be quiet or graceful. It can also be messy, irritating, and barely there. Sometimes it’s noticing one breath before everything speeds up again, looking up at the ceiling instead of the email or text that is sending you over the edge (I see you dating apps), or sitting in your car by yourself for five minutes with your favorite candy bar. Sometimes it’s not possible at all.
But if it is—even for five minutes—you deserve that time. Not to be better, or more productive, or to finally “get it right.” Just because you’re human, trying to exist on this planet.
Do what you can, when you can. And let that be enough, too.
Phicil-itating Change with Sheila Phicil
With years of experience in health care, most recentlyat Boston Medical Center (BMC), Sheila Phicil has recently switched gears, paving her own unique path to modernizing healthcare. As the former Director of Innovation for the Health Equity Accelerator at BMC, Phicil organized and interpreted patient data in order to seek ways to center patients and their unique needs.
Sheila holds a dual Master’s degree in Public Health and Financial Economics, is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).
As a “social change futurist” and former “intrapeneur,” Sheila brings her unique skills to existing data collection systems by addressing racial health disparities. Like an entrepreneur, an intrapreneur is a self-led member of a larger organization, such as BMC. Through trial and error, several hospitals nationwide have adopted the same initiatives that Phicil helped onboard. She has spent the last few months sharing her expertise and guidance with healthcare facilities across the nation.
Her hands-on, interpersonal connections with patients, caregivers, and medical professionals have led her to create a niche product of her own to advance healthcare on a global scale.
The Woman Behind the Innovation
As a Black woman of Haitian descent, Phicil shared how she’s witnessed the potential for science and technology to “provide the change needed for social change.” Scientific processes often help actualize the socioeconomic outcries we have experienced over countless years, quantifying them and bringing these experiences to life. With greater accessibility to education and opportunities, more people are getting a chance to enter the science field and ask meaningful questions that embody the facts of life.
Staying grounded amidst navigating and deciphering the minutiae of this patient data is vital. Sheila creates a balance between her work and her well-being by enjoying time in nature, soaking up the sun, and traveling. She also actively checks her perception and privilege to embrace deeper expansion and understanding of herself and the complex world around her. She is also sure to set boundaries between her work and personal life.
Life as a Social Change Futurist
Sheila’s multifaceted venture, Phicil-itate Change is an innovation studio that brings high-potential healthcare concepts and radically patient-centered solutions to life. Following their SEEDS Framework, the team supports fellow healthcare innovators, patients, and venture studios. The innovation studio is rooted in bringing real-life solutions to everyday people that will improve the medical experience on all fronts. With countless hours of dedication and expertise applied to the project, the team is building a platform to ensure a sustainable, actionable, and effective product for both patients and healthcare providers.
While collecting data in a broad sense can be helpful, Sheila’s program will help humanize the data and numbers collected in different forms and files in healthcare offices. Providing deeper insights into each patient will allow healthcare startups to offer resources that encourage advancement and wellness for each person. The team’s flagship product, the COMPASS Project, brings these features together in an AI-powered platform. The COMPASS Project paints a clear picture of the powerful potential when innovation meets human empathy and care.
The Inspiration Behind the Work
“Why are they in that circumstance and I’m not?” echoed through Sheila’s young mind when she saw the sad commercials of starving children back in the early 1990s. As a true community beacon, Sheila spent much of her youth organizing and working with diverse groups of people to meet common goals. She’s always found inspiration and wisdom from the guidance and collaboration with teachers, colleagues, and patients alike. Since supporting her younger siblings and honoring the ways of her parents as a young girl, Sheila Phicil has grown into a nurturing and harmonizing force, driven to bring as many people along with her towards a brighter, healthier future.
She was particularly inspired by a 10-day mission trip to Haiti in her early college days. After visiting the island to disperse medical supplies, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, and crutches to locals in need, she discovered several discrepancies. Despite the organization’s kind-hearted efforts, speaking to the locals individually revealed unique challenges that these well-intended resources merely exacerbated.
A majority of the locals traveled across various terrains to get supplies. Before she left, a surprising number of items were returned. Her team members were hurt and confused, but being the only Haitian-Creole speaker present helped her communicate with the locals in greater depth. These deeper, personal conversations revealed that many of the locals couldn’t use the supplies in their daily lives, so continuing without them was easier. Rather than being ungrateful or ignorant of the use of the items, the team simply didn’t supply what the locals needed. This revelation sparked a deep awakening in Sheila that has since shaped her work to facilitate greater change.
With many active components to her work, Sheila is set to make big and lasting changes in the field of healthcare innovation. We look forward to seeing how Phicil-itate Change continues to grow and foster deeper trust in the healthcare system.
I once read that burnout doesn’t just happen overnight—it creeps in slowly, disguised as ambition and busyness. And whew, did that hit home.
Burnout is one of those things you don’t really notice until you’re in the thick of it. One day, you’re juggling tasks, meeting deadlines, and saying yes to every opportunity, and the next… you’re running on empty. The exhaustion isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and sometimes even existential. It’s not just about feeling tired. It’s about feeling disconnected from the very work, goals, and passions that once fueled you.
The Burnout Mask: When Overworking Feels Like Productivity
One of the hardest parts about burnout is that it doesn’t always look like exhaustion at first. Sometimes, it looks like overachievement.
You keep piling more on your plate, convinced you can handle it all.
You tell yourself, I just need to push through this busy season, even though every season is busy.
You take on more responsibilities, thinking the next milestone, the next project, the next success will make you feel better.
But instead of feeling accomplished, you feel resentful, drained, and constantly behind. You start questioning why you’re even doing this in the first place. The same drive that once made you successful starts to feel like a weight you can’t carry anymore.
What Burnout Actually Looks Like
It’s easy to say, “Ooh, I’m just tired, but burnout isn’t just about needing a nap or a vacation. It’s deeper than that.
For me, burnout looked like this:
Constant fatigue: No amount of sleep felt like enough.
What to do: Build intentional rest into your day. Take a nap, meditate, or even just step outside for some sunshine. A little fresh air and Vitamin D can work wonders.
Loss of motivation: Things I once enjoyed—whether it was work, hobbies, or even just socializing—started to feel like obligations instead of sources of joy.
What to do: Reconnect with why you started. Find joy in the little things that first inspired you.
Irritability or Frustration: The smallest setbacks felt like the end of the world.
What to do: Practice mindfulness techniques like journaling or deep breathing to help process emotions.
Detachment: I felt distant—not just from work, but from people around me.
What to do: Set time aside to reconnect —with your passions, people, and yourself.
Diminished productivity. I was working longer hours but getting less done.
What to do: Focus on one task at a time and celebrate small wins.
The Wake-Up Call: Rest Isn’t a Reward
For the longest time, I treated rest as something I had to earn. Like I had to “deserve” a break after I’d accomplished enough. But let me tell you—if you don’t prioritize rest, your body will force you to take it. And it won’t be in the form of a fun, relaxing vacation. It’ll be a crash and burn moment that makes everything feel unbearable.
I had to unlearn a lot of toxic productivity habits. The idea that taking breaks makes you lazy? Alie. The belief that if you’re not constantly “hustling,” you’re falling behind? A trap. The thought that burnout is just part of success? Not true.
How I Started Recovering from Burnout
Burnout recovery isn’t a quick fix. You can’t just take a weekend off and wake up refreshed. I ignored the signs at first, convincing myself it was just a “busy season.” But burnout doesn’t resolve itself—it demands attention.
It’s like that iconic line from The Devil Wears Prada: “I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.” But let’s be real—do you really?
Here’s what helped me:
Setting boundaries: Saying no to things that didn’t align with my priorities became an act of self-preservation. And here’s the best part—no is a complete sentence. You don’t need to explain yourself.
Making rest non-negotiable: I stopped treating sleep, downtime, and breaks as “optional.” I try to get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep a night!
Reevaluating my workload: I took a step back and asked: Am I prioritizing what matters, or just keeping myself busy? I had to let go of things that weren’t serving me.
Doing things just for fun: Not for money. Not for content. Not for productivity. Just because they made me happy, such as reading a book or talking with a friend!
Final Thoughts: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor
We live in a world that glorifies grind culture. But if constantly overworking was the key to success, wouldn’t we all be thriving?
If you’re feeling burnt out, this is your reminder that burnout isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal that something needs to change.
Your worth is not measured by how much you can get done in a day.
You don’t have to “earn” rest—it’s a basic human need.
Saying no isn’t selfish; it’s self-care.
So, if you’ve been running on empty, take this as your permission slip to step back, reassess, and prioritize yourself. Because at the end of the day, your well-being is the most important investment you can make.
Dr. Boltcreed's Marathon and the Passion in her Pursuits
Dr. Emily Boltcreed hails from England where she spent most of her younger years as an avid writer and poet. Three generations of men in her family are engineers. At the same time, her mother actively incorporated engineering fundamentals into her creative pursuits (such as textiles, quilling, papercrafts, and other skills that are often discredited for their association with women’s “busy work”). Her family motto was, “Don’t buy that, build/make it yourself!” Emily’s early exposure to the versatility of science etched a hopeful blueprint for the possibilities that lay before her.
In school, she gravitated toward her physics teacher who was such a force of nature to inspire Emily to pursue a Bachelor’s in Physics. Her studies eventually led her to focus on biomedical physics, such as medical and MRI images. From there, she found herself tiptoeing the fine line between biology and physics, a place where she could sift through and understand the building blocks of life itself.
She attended Northeastern, where she met our very own Lori Lennon. While at the university, she completed a co-op at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, which introduced her to the field of neuroscience. She also worked in a lab on campus that studied the peripheral nervous system. She found her fuel through connecting with and educating others meaningfully. Emily would spend free time outside of her studies teaching science, sex-ed, and embodying empowerment to young girls in public schools. She would also make time to write for the school science magazine and participate in multiple student body activities.
Eventually, she took a break from studying to be a public school teacher for two years. With Teach for America, she was sent to South Dakota during the height of the Standing Rock Movement. Emily witnessed the atrocities of racism and poor legislation that breeds poverty and distress within communities. Though she found joy in connecting with her students, she was torn by the shocking circumstances that they faced outside of the classroom. She knew she had to use her abilities and connections to contribute to the greater good.
Dr. Boltcreed at her hooding ceremony.
Emily has since returned to the classroom herself, continuing to get both her Master’s degree and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. Today, as a postdoctoral researcher, her main focus has been on developmental neuroscience in lab mice.
One aspect of her work aims to quantify how aggression appears in the brains of female mice throughout their estrus or menstrual cycles. Her team maps out the chemical interactions throughout the cycle, creating a better picture of reality from the female perspective. Though the team is focused on mice, many of us know these little creatures often pave the way for pivotal advancements in human nature.
Studying at Columbia’s NY State Psychiatric Institute in Manhattan has allowed Emily to be deeply immersed in a conglomerate of influential and high-powered global health institutions. While expanding on her innate passion for wellness through science, she is forging inspiring and lasting connections that nurture her scientific prowess. Emily gracefully combines the eloquence of her writing and the curiosity of her scientific mind to understand and illustrate the inner workings of life as we know it.
When she isn’t focused on changing the world one study at a time, Emily finds peace as a marathon runner! You can track her progress here, thanks to her tech-savvy husband. She also continues to write for several publications and mentor students through various programs in New York such as Big Brother, Big Sister, ReadAhead and the New York Academy of Science's Afterschool Science Mentoring Program. Quality time with her spouse, extended family, fellow scientists, and friends also offers refuge and nourishment. Emily is especially moved by the pivotal women scientists she’s encountered and befriended such as Abigail Koppes, Vikki Hazelwood, and Giulia Zanni, among many others. As she continues to define her beautifully kaleidoscopic life, Dr. Boltcreed makes sure to bring all of the communities she loves with her.
I was in a group meeting years ago where we did those typical personality tests that large gatherings usually entail. As we were broken into groups based on our main personality trait, two of the 10 women in the group, including me, were put in the empathy corner.
When others in the group were asked about how they felt about empathy as a leadership quality (this felt like a setup), a woman stated that empathy is a sign of weakness and isn’t ideal for a leader.
I hope at this point in the story, everyone is yelling, “Come on! That’s not true!”
Because it’s not true! Empathy is a superpower.
But to be fair, I understand why people might misunderstand empathy. To some, it might seem soft or unstructured—qualities that don’t align with the stereotypical image of a leader who is decisive, commanding, and unflinching. However, true leadership isn’t just about making quick decisions or barking orders. It’s about understanding people, building trust, and creating environments where teams can thrive. Empathy is the bridge to all of that.
Empathy allows leaders to listen more deeply. It helps them consider the perspectives and challenges of others, even when those perspectives differ from their own. This isn’t weakness—it’s a form of strength that leads to better decisions, more cohesive teams, and organizations where people feel seen and heard.
Let’s face it: people don’t follow titles. They follow people. And the leaders they choose to follow are often those who connect with them on a human level. Empathy enables that connection.
Empathy is what helps leaders recognize the unspoken struggles of a team member and offer support before it’s even asked for. It fosters innovation because when people feel safe and understood, they’re more likely to take creative risks. It’s also what ensures leaders don’t just solve problems but solve the right problems—the ones that matter most to the people they’re leading.
So, if someone ever questions whether empathy has a place in leadership, I encourage you to think of the leaders you’ve admired most. Chances are, their ability to listen, connect, and care was a big part of why you respected them. Empathy isn’t a liability—it’s the foundation of trust and understanding.
Empathy doesn’t make a leader weak. It makes them unstoppable.
Meet the Team: Sri Thumati
Sri Thumati is the photographer for all things Thinkubator Media! Hailing from Somerville, MA, she mostly takes headshots for TM clients. We chatted with her to learn more about the woman behind the lens.
What’s your favorite part about working with the Thinkubator Media team?
Lori and the team are so fabulous to work with because they honor creative freedom and respect my skills and knowledge.
Loving Sri's stance as she captures a powerful image of herself!
What are some of the values at Thinkubator Media that resonate with you?
Thinkubator Media’s vision of uplifting startups and highlighting innovative ideas resonates most with me.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy hiking and sometimes napping, preferably when I’m stuck under my cats.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I make the best cinnamon rolls ever!
What intention/s are you leading 2024 with?
To be the best version of myself, especially with my art and photography.
We look forward to sharing more of Sri’s photography and all things Thinkubator Media with you as we head toward a new year.
Join Our Thinkubator Media Live Course!
Thinkubator Media is spearheading a fundamental communications course to help innovators promote their companies and ideas. In small groups, the team works with entrepreneurs and startups to improve their pitching and media expertise. Founder and entrepreneur, Lori Lennon leads the course, working closely with clients to bolster their long-term success.
In our digital age, having and maintaining a healthy online presence is essential to the success of most brands. While Thinkubator Media has offered a virtual version of the course, we are now launching live, in-person sessions. The Thinkubator Media communications course offers clients a chance to access our unique expertise. The course makes it easier to understand and navigate the reality of pitching, high-stakes interviews, and media training for a well-rounded brand.
After receiving feedback, our previous clients shared how impactful the low-cost course has been. We also found a common desire to create in-person sessions, offering hands-on support from our team and our ambitious clientele.
While hiring a dedicated communications team can be costly, our course gives clients a strong foundation for media success. By the end of our time together, clients feel confident about mastering their online presence and overall presentation of their company’s efforts.
Clients consider questions like the ones below:
How can you grow and utilize your network to help tell your story?
How do you create a successful and genuine connection with folks who need to hear about you?
How do you adjust your message while navigating different audiences?
Together, Thinkubator Media’s team will help participants hone in their overall message, storytelling, public speaking, networking, and media management. After taking this deep dive, clients have left the course feeling inspired and ready to begin strengthening their brand’s foundation.
Ready to get started? Email us at team@thinkubatormedia.com for more information. We look forward to meeting you!
Dorrian Wilson, a modern-day leader in AI governance.
Burnout is one of those things you don’t really notice until you’re in the thick of it. One day, you’re juggling tasks, meeting deadlines, and saying yes to every opportunity, and the next… you’re running on empty. The exhaustion isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and sometimes even existential. It’s not just about feeling tired. It’s about feeling disconnected from the very work, goals, and passions that once fueled you.
w launching live, in-person sessions. The Thinkubator Media communications course offers clients a chance to access our unique expertise. The course makes it easier to understand and navigate the reality of pitching, high-stakes interviews, and media training for a well-rounded brand.