Why Listen: To amplify the voice of THIS Modern Renaissance Women.
Melanie Smith recognizes the immense value in sharing the stories of women navigating multiple identities and professions. Through her podcast, “Modern Renaissance Women or MRW” she amplifies these voices, offering listeners a profound insight into their journeys. I was eager to learn about the insights she has gained and the trends she has observed so far.
Conversation Highlights
- Modern Renaissance Women Podcast: Melanie shared the origin and evolution of the Modern Renaissance Women podcast, highlighting its focus on amplifying the voices of diverse, interesting women. The podcast was inspired by Melanie’s personal journey and the realization of the value in sharing stories of women who navigate multiple identities and professions.
- Value of Generalists: Melanie and the speaker discussed the value of generalists in today’s society, emphasizing the importance of embracing multiple identities and the ability to adapt and pivot in one’s career. They highlighted the need for systemic change to better recognize and utilize the skills of generalists.
- Advice for Modern Renaissance Women: Melanie offered advice to women who might identify as modern Renaissance women, encouraging them to follow their passions, embrace their multiple identities, and not be deterred by challenges or naysayers. She emphasized the importance of pursuing what feels right and the potential for unexpected, fulfilling paths.
Melanie Smith started her career as a conceptual artist and painter. She later pursued interior design and STEAM education to ensure tangible and innovative outputs came to fruition using robust, credible research from both academic and industry settings. She has undertaken numerous creative commissions for high profile clients, with her predominant creative interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, gender stereotypes and creative rebellion.
She is the founder of Modern Renaissance WomanR, a podcast and brand amplifying the voices of talented, multidisciplinary women doing cutting edge and multiple things as well a self proclaimed “generator and builder”, turning wild complex ideas into reality.
Melanie led the inception and operation of the Design Age Institute in 2020 at the Royal College of Art, London. She joined the RCA from the Engineering Design Centre at the University of Cambridge and holds a BA (Hons) Fine Art from UCCA, PGCE Design & Technology and MEd both from the University of Cambridge. She also completed an MBA online certificate course at LSE in 2023.
LinkedIn: Melanie Smith
Website: outofthedarkness.com
Podcast: MRW