Portfolio Careers in STEM: How to Build Income Streams Without Burning Out with Dr. Chole Lim

Do you ever feel your 9-to-5 can’t contain everything you’re capable of—and that putting all your energy into one income stream is a risky bet in today’s world?

🔍 What You’ll Learn If you’re a STEM professional feeling stuck, craving flexibility, or worried about job security, this episode is for you. Here’s what you’ll take away: ✅ Why one career path isn’t your only option—and how a portfolio career gives you more security and fulfillment. ✅ Practical ways to turn side passions into income streams, even if you’re starting small. ✅ The mindset shift to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them, so you can build a career on your terms. Hit play now—because your next big career move might not be a job, but a portfolio.

🧠 About the Guest Dr. Chloe Lim is a scientist-turned-entrepreneur, founder of Twisty Science and Giggly Wiggly Balloons, author of the children’s book What Makes You Unique, and host of the Cloud Voices in STEM podcast. She’s passionate about STEM education, creativity, and mentoring women to design careers that truly fit their lives.

📌 Episode Highlights 00:00 Do you really want to bet everything on one job? 02:10 From epigenetics research to balloon twisting (yes, really!) 06:45 The trigger that pushed Chloe out of academia 10:55 Transitioning into government work, why it matters and the transferable skills 17:20 Starting businesses without burning out: Chloe’s approach 23:00 Lessons from an accelerator: is investment right for you? 29:00 Pricing, profit, and building financial sustainability 38:30 The mindset shift: from “How can I?” to “Who can help?” 45:20 How to keep multiple careers aligned under one personal brand 52:00 Coaching, visibility, and why women in STEM need to own their narrative 01:02:00 Chloe’s advice: stop waiting, start creating

🔗 Resources Mentioned Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy Be the One (Book on personal responsibility) Library for All – Free children’s books

🤔 Reflection Time What’s the one thing you’ve wanted to try but keep putting off because it feels “too risky”? If your current role disappeared tomorrow, what would you want to do next? What’s one small “yes” you could say today that might open a new door?

Want 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

⭐️ Help More People Reinvent Their Careers If you enjoyed this episode, please: ✅ Leave a quick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 🙏 ♻️ Share it with a friend who's questioning their path in STEM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.