Dr. Bill Walker didn't have an easy start. Growing up with trauma and hardship, he defied the odds to become a biomedical entrepreneur and engineering professor. In this conversation, he shares how his early struggles shaped his career. He also explains why mental health matters in high-pressure fields like STEM and entrepreneurship and how mindfulness helped him thrive. This isn't just a story of resilience-it's a practical guide to turning life's toughest challenges into opportunities for reaching towards the sky like a Vandenberg launch.
00:00 Teaser: Choices in Life
00:38 Meet Dr. Bill Walker
01:02 From Academia to Entrepreneurship
03:08 Navigating Academia and Industry
06:34 The Value of a PhD
08:01 The Five Pillars of Education
13:46 Advisor vs. Mentor
19:04 Personal Journey and Mentorship
21:59 The Importance of Vulnerability
33:52 Closing Thoughts and Advice
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