E039: STEM Returners leading the talent comeback with Mark McBride-Wright and Natalie Desty

The SAFE Leader with Mark McBride-Wright

Natalie Desty, founder of STEM Returners, joins Mark McBride-Wright to share her inspiring journey of tackling inequality in engineering and creating pathways back into STEM for professionals after career breaks. From leaving a director-level role to launching what many thought was a risky idea, Natalie reveals how she turned personal challenges into a movement that has already helped hundreds of people restart their careers.

In this episode, Natalie and Mark explore the barriers that keep talent out of STEM, the life-changing impact of returner programs, and the importance of inclusive hiring for the future of engineering. With powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and transformation, this conversation shines a light on how STEM Returners is changing lives and redefining opportunity across the sector.