We hear the narrative about a ‘leaky pipeline’ in STEMM all the time. But women don’t quit, we pivot, so is it time for this phrase to be rethought altogether? Here Cassie Leonard, Founder of ELMM Coaching, shares a sneak peak of Beyond the Pipeline: A global conversation featuring inspiring Australian voices. Pick up your copy of the paperback or e-book here.
From the very beginning, our goal was to add depth to the conversation around why women choose to stay or leave STEMM careers. As we connected across 17 time zones to brainstorm, it became clear: the tired ‘leaky pipeline’ metaphor had to go.
Our diverse collective of authors and collaborators, with experiences spanning six continents, agreed that there is so much more to the story, our stories. We also discovered that no person’s journey in, around and through STEMM is quite like anyone else’s, but some common themes resonated broadly.
Three powerful voices in our book come from right here in Australia: A/Prof Jessica Borger, Dr Belinda A Di Bartolo and A/Prof Bridgette Semple.
Jessica’s chapters on advocacy and academia are both must-reads. She highlights systemic barriers and the role anyone can play in overcoming them, through instilling the power of networks to amplify voices to achieve cultural and organisational change. Her message is clear: advocacy matters, but it takes authenticity, listening, skill, intention and community to sustain it.
Belinda’s writing tackles two urgent and often silenced topics in STEMM – burnout and the need to redefine success. She invites readers to stop normalising the unsustainable, and speaks honestly about the grief and exhaustion that can accompany ambitious STEMM careers. With practical hope she encourages readers to reclaim power over their careers and create a version of success that aligns with their values – as we reimagine what these systems can become.
Bridgette’s contribution to our chapter on values and choice highlights the emotional complexity of decoupling our identity from our job titles. In STEMM, where so much status is tied to academic or institutional roles, she reminds us that changing direction or pivoting isn’t failure. Instead, proactive career changes represent growth and professional development, and can be a valuable choice that serves your own well-being.
All three women have charted their own paths in STEMM and were candid about both the challenges and rewards of sharing their stories. Their reflections and willingness to collaborate globally give this book heart and impact.
I invite you to explore their stories, along with dozens more, and to join the rallying cry to redesign the systems that have made it untenable for so many women in STEMM to thrive. Beyond the Pipeline launched internationally on 12 August 2025, and is available in paperback (Amazon, Bookshop.org) and in e-book formats.