MEL #059 | From Student Researcher to National Nonprofit Founder through Taking Initiative and Turning Relationships into Impact with Paul Faronbi

In this episode, I speak with Paul Faronbi, Regional Senior R&D Process Engineer at Mars and founder of IncrediPaul, whose mission is to empower young professionals in STEM to become the most incredible versions of themselves.

Paul started out determined to become a doctor because he wanted to help people. Along the way, a conversation with his father and exposure to research shifted his path toward chemical engineering. Through research, internships, and industry experiences, he discovered a passion for consumer products and R&D work that connects engineering to real-world impact.

In our leadership segment,  Paul shared how he founded and scaled NALA STEM during a time of uncertainty in 2020. When the pandemic disrupted plans, he stepped into leadership by pivoting to virtual engagement and building a national network from existing relationships. This required initiative, adaptability, and leveraging long-term connections.

Paul’s advice for aspiring engineering leaders? He emphasized that leadership requires intentional development. He encouraged engineers to actively seek growth through podcasts, books, mentorship, and real-world practice. His core message is simple: if you want to be a leader, you must consistently act like one.

Explore the full episode summary, including guest bio, key takeaways, transcript, and recommended resources in the shownotes at www.drangeliqueadams.com/podcast.