Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle women under-representation in STEM. This weekly Newsletter showcases how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.
In this edition, the spotlight is on Dr. Sophie Jablonski, a scientist, energy expert, and entrepreneur who blends technical expertise with psychology to empower individuals in their personal and professional growth. With over 20 years of experience in energy and infrastructure, she has worked on major global projects, from the World Bank to the European Investment Bank, before transitioning into coaching, leadership development, and financial empowerment.
Sophie holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from Imperial College London in energy and environmental engineering. Currently, she is furthering her expertise by pursuing an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology at the University of East London.
As the Founder of Dr Sophie Coaching, she helps individuals navigate change, develop confidence, and unlock their full potential through psychological education, leadership training, and financial well-being strategies. She is also the co-creator of the Flourish Financially Programme, an initiative that supports individuals, especially women, in achieving financial health and resilience by transforming their mindset toward money.
In this interview, Sophie shares her journey from engineering to coaching, the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, and her mission to bridge the gap between science, coaching, and personal transformation. Whether you’re in STEM, considering a career shift, or looking for inspiration, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!
What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally/academically?
My journey has been shaped by science—not just as a field of study, but as a way of thinking and approaching the world. It began with a strong family influence — my father and grandfather, both engineers, inspired me to pursue engineering. Initially drawn to aeronautics, I later discovered my passion for environmental engineering.
After completing my studies at CentraleSupélec, I explored renewable energy, eventually moving to the UK to pursue an MPhil at the University of Cambridge and a PhD at Imperial College London. My career took me to the World Bank and later the European Investment Bank, where I worked as a Senior Energy Specialist for over a decade.
Through this journey, I realised that while technical expertise is essential, human connection and emotional well-being are just as critical. This inspired me to transition into coaching, where I now combine my scientific background with positive psychology to support individuals in thriving through life’s transitions.
What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or anyone who inspired you? If so, who?
My decision to pursue STEM was shaped by a combination of personal interest and strong encouragement from my family and educational environment. Growing up in a family of engineers and scientists, the path towards a technical career felt both natural and prestigious — almost inevitable. From a young age, I was fascinated by science, particularly physics and mathematics, and I genuinely enjoyed exploring how the world worked. But in truth, I didn’t seriously consider alternative career paths at the time — pursuing engineering was simply what “made sense.”
Looking back, I can see that I had other interests too. I loved writing, teaching, and was naturally drawn to creative expression — I even enjoyed selling items at local fairs, showcasing a certain entrepreneurial spirit that I didn’t recognise at the time. Yet these interests remained more like hobbies, while engineering felt like the clear and expected choice — a stable, respected path that aligned with the environment I grew up in.
Interestingly, my deeper passion for environmental protection and sustainable development emerged later, during my teenage years. At 16, I discovered the concept of sustainable development — a new and exciting field at the time — and it resonated deeply with me. This is what ultimately inspired me to specialise in energy and environmental engineering. While my early steps into STEM were guided by family influence and cultural expectations, my real motivation flourished when I saw how science and engineering could contribute to solving environmental challenges.
What’s your most important professional/academic achievement?
I believe my most important achievements are those that required sustained effort, resilience, and self-direction — the moments when I consciously chose to invest time and energy in something meaningful, even when the easier path seemed tempting. For me, these achievements are not just milestones but also the disciplined, daily choices I made to stay aligned with my goals — moments when I had to stay the course through persistence and focus.
Two achievements stand out in particular, not just because of their outcomes, but because they reflect the mindset and resilience it took and which I developed along the way.
Completing My PhD: Completing my PhD at Imperial College London was a deeply personal and professional achievement. The PhD journey is often portrayed as an academic challenge, but for me, it was equally about mindset — embracing uncertainty, overcoming self-doubt, and learning to persist even when progress felt slow or unclear. There were moments when I doubted whether I would finish, yet I learned to cultivate discipline, curiosity, and resilience. I realised that scientific progress — like personal growth — thrives not on easy answers but on our willingness to navigate complexity and persevere.
Launching My Own Business: The decision to launch my coaching practice, Dr Sophie Coaching, was another defining achievement — one that required stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing risk. Transitioning from a secure career at the European Investment Bank to entrepreneurship demanded courage, self-belief, and a profound shift in mindset. Having grown up in a family of engineers and scientists, entrepreneurship felt unfamiliar — even daunting. For a long time, I believed that stability came from following structured career paths. However, my coaching journey revealed that true success often requires confronting our limiting beliefs — notably those about money, self-worth, and success. Building my business challenged me to redefine what financial security meant and to trust that I could create value through my unique combination of expertise in science, coaching, and psychology. The process was as much about inner transformation as it was about building a professional practice — learning to balance ambition with well-being, and embracing the discomfort of uncertainty as a path to growth.
The Common Thread: A Science-Based Mindset
Both of these achievements — my PhD and my entrepreneurial journey — were made possible because I leaned into science as a mindset. Whether conducting research or navigating the unknowns of business, I relied on structured thinking, experimentation, and evidence-based strategies. I learned that growth is rarely linear; it’s about learning from failure, recalibrating, and staying committed to long-term goals. Achievements aren’t always about immediate results — they are often the result of consistent effort, discipline, and a willingness to stay curious in the face of uncertainty.
Did you face any challenge throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome it?
Yes, navigating the male-dominated field of energy and infrastructure was challenging at times. Early in my career, I was told to be “more assertive,” yet I struggled to see how projecting false confidence would improve my impact. Instead, I leaned into my scientific mindset—focusing on preparation, data, and strategic thinking. By consistently bringing well-researched insights to the table, I gained credibility in my own way.
Another significant challenge came later in my career, when I faced emotional exhaustion and a sense of disconnect despite my outward success. Applying positive psychology principles helped me navigate this period, combining self-reflection with evidence-based practices to rebuild my well-being and rediscover my purpose.
I also want to mention how during my time at the World Bank, I was deeply inspired by a female mentor who exemplified calm confidence and collaborative leadership. She showed me that technical expertise paired with emotional intelligence is a powerful combination in support of transformational leadership—one that can influence decisions, shape innovation in project delivery & team management, and drive meaningful change. Her example continues to inspire me in my work today.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?
We need to change the narrative around STEM—moving beyond the idea that science is only for those who excel in (or like) maths or physics. Science is a mindset—a way of exploring the world, embracing curiosity, and solving problems. By showing girls that STEM careers can be creative, impactful, and deeply connected to social and environmental change, we can inspire more young women to enter the field.
Mentorship is also key. Women need to see female role models who blend technical expertise with empathy, leadership, and emotional intelligence. These examples help break down outdated stereotypes and show that there’s no one “right” way to succeed in STEM.
What advice would you give to anyone looking into a career in STEM (or those who do not consider it)?
Embrace science as a mindset. STEM isn’t just about memorising equations—it’s about curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Even if you feel uncertain about pursuing a STEM career, know that the skills you develop—whether in data analysis, structured thinking, or systems design—will empower you in countless ways. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and challenge what you think you know. Science thrives on those who dare to explore new ideas.
Finally, seek out mentors, communities, and networks where you can connect with others who are on a similar journey. The more we share our stories and support one another, the stronger we become.
Dr. Sophie’s journey demonstrates that STEM is more than just technical knowledge, it’s a way of thinking, problem-solving, and adapting to change. Whether in engineering, business, or personal growth, she continues to apply the same analytical mindset that guided her early career, proving that science can be a foundation for transformation in various fields.
Her story also conveys an important message: success in STEM isn’t solely about expertise, it’s about confidence, adaptability, and embracing challenges. By redefining what a career in STEM looks like, we open doors for more women to envision themselves in this space, not just as scientists or engineers but as innovators, leaders, and changemakers.
To all aspiring STEM professionals: your path doesn’t have to be conventional to be impactful. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and remember, science is a mindset that can take you anywhere.
