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From Science Journalist to STEM Media Entrepreneur: unleash your big vision with Heather Catchpole STEM entrepreneurship journey - Refraction Media Transforming STEM Storytelling

Ep. 1
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🎙️ From Science Journalist to STEM Media Entrepreneur: How Heather Catchpole Co-Founded Refraction Media to Transform STEM Storytelling

After a decade in science journalism, Heather Catchpole co-founded Refraction Media—now publishing 2 million magazines globally—proving there’s a scalable, sustainable business in making STEM visible, visual, and inspiring ( and recognized by Barack Obama for their impact).


🔍 What You’ll Learn:

  • How to directly transfer your work experience into your own business
  • How to be unapologetically ambitious ( and pull it off)
  • Why knowing your audience inside out is the secret sauce to scaling sustainably
  • Overcome the detractors
  • How strategic partnerships (like Google) can take your startup global in under two years
  • How to choose your growth model to fit the life you want



🧠 About the Guest:

Heather Catchpole is the co-founder of Refraction Media, an award-winning science media company creating high-impact STEM content for students, governments, and global tech companies. With a background in geoscience, a Master’s in science communication, and experience at CSIRO, ABC, and the Powerhouse Museum, Heather has built a powerhouse brand now delivering 2 million magazines a year and supporting 75,000 digital users per month.


📌 Episode Highlights:

00:00 Geoscience beginnings and discovering the joy of storytelling

04:00 Why she left the lab for a Master’s in Science Communication

07:00 ABC, CSIRO, and editing national journals as a freelance science writer

10:00 Career pivots, parenthood, and wearing “multiple hats” in media

12:00 How to tell science stories in ways that make people care

14:00 Founding Refraction Media: the story behind the name and mission

16:00 From virtual nuclear reactors to national school programs

18:00 Co-founding with Karen Taylor-Brown over a pub lunch

20:00 Bootstrapping, business modelling, and cash flow basics

22:00 The Google connection—and getting listed by Barack Obama

24:00 Why diverse teams matter in tech and science content

26:00 Growing fast vs. growing sustainably—and making the right choice

30:00 Hiring, managing, and why co-founding with the right person matters

33:00 Staying profitable, going global, and the power of reputation

35:00 Strategic mindset, managing risk, and trusting your gut

40:00 Burnout and resilience: how to recognize and manage both

44:00 Kids, guilt, and building a professional identity alongside parenthood

46:00 On privilege, imposter syndrome, and redefining success as a woman in STEMM

49:00 Gender gaps in STEM and how inclusive storytelling changes outcomes

51:00 Final reflections: team science, happy businesses, and brave leaps


🔗 Resources Mentioned:


🤔 Reflection Time:

  • What’s your version of a “pub lunch idea”—a business that combines what you know with what the world needs?
  • Are you clear on your audience? Could knowing them better be the key to growth or reinvention?
  • What kind of business do you want to lead—a startup for scale or a sustainable niche you can love long-term?



ďťżWant to craft a career story that opens doors?

I help STEMM professionals speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose and show up as thought leaders —so the right opportunities find you.

📬 Let’s connect: angeliquegreco.com.au | LinkedIn 


 

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