Meet our Industry Person of the Week, Bamidele Farinre is a Chartered Biomedical Scientist and founder of the LinkedIn hub BAMS Space: No Ceiling, a space.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Bamidele: My journey into the field of Biomedical Science has been anything but straightforward—it’s a story of resilience, audacity, and an unwavering commitment to pursuing my passion. Initially, my dream was to study pharmacy and become a pharmacist. But the universe had other plans. I failed my first year of A-levels, and my lecturer bluntly told me that I didn’t have what it takes to study science. That moment could have defined me, but instead, it ignited a fire within me.
I retook my A-levels, and though the journey through college was equally challenging, I pressed on. Despite my best efforts, I didn’t achieve the results I needed for pharmacy, which forced me to rethink my career path. Determined not to give up, I went through clearing and enrolled in an HND in Applied Biology course. That decision turned out to be pivotal—it laid the foundation for me to later complete an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences.
Even after graduating, the road ahead wasn’t smooth. It took two years before I secured a medical laboratory assistant role and eventually a trainee biomedical scientist position. From there, it was onward and upward. I went on to complete my MSc in Clinical Microbiology, specialized in Virology, and earned my Chartered Scientist status.
This journey has been a testament to hard work, resilience, and self-belief. Each setback was a stepping stone to something greater, and every challenge was an opportunity to grow. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan—but with perseverance and audacity, you can chart your own path to success.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Bamidele: What I love most about my job is knowing that every test result I produce has the potential to make a real difference in someone’s life. My work isn’t just about numbers on a report—it’s about providing accurate and timely results that help doctors diagnose and manage patients’ conditions effectively. The quality of the service I provide directly impacts patient outcomes, and I take immense pride in serving with empathy, knowing that behind every sample is a person, a family, and often a life at stake.
As Biomedical Scientists, we often refer to ourselves as the “hidden heroes of pathology” because, while we may not interact directly with patients, we are the powerhouse of healthcare. We’re the ones working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every test is accurate, every result is delivered on time, and every detail is accounted for. Our slogan, “Biomedical Science at the Heart of Healthcare,” couldn’t be more fitting—we are the backbone of diagnosis and treatment.
What I am most proud of is being part of a profession that saves lives every single day. There is something deeply fulfilling about knowing that the work I do helps improve patient outcomes, provides clarity to families, and supports healthcare professionals in making life-saving decisions. It’s not always easy, but it’s a privilege to know that my efforts contribute to a larger purpose—delivering care and hope to those who need it most. My passion for quality, precision, and service drives me, and it’s what makes this job so much more than a career.
Beyond this, I am deeply passionate about developing others. In my roles as a STEM mentor, role model, and STEM ambassador, I dedicate my time to inspiring the next generation of scientists. Whether it’s encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers, mentoring future leaders, or being a visible example of resilience and success, I strive to empower others to believe in their potential.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Bamidele: My advice to anyone considering a career in biomedical science, STEM or just starting out in the field is to never let someone else’s doubts define your journey. I say this from personal experience—I was once told I didn’t have the head for science. After failing my first year of A-levels, it was easy to believe those words, but I decided they wouldn’t be the final say on my life. I retook my exams, reimagined my career path, and eventually found my way into biomedical science. That wasn’t the end of the challenges, but it was the beginning of proving to myself that resilience, determination, and hard work can transform any story.
If you’re considering this line of work, I want you to know it’s not just a career—it’s a mission to save lives, solve problems, and make a real difference in healthcare and STEM as a whole. You will face challenges, but those challenges will shape you. As a Black female senior leader in STEM, I’ve had to navigate spaces where I wasn’t always seen, heard, or represented, but I turned those obstacles into opportunities to advocate for myself and others. My journey has shown me that representation matters, and I strive to be the role model I didn’t have when I was younger.
To those new to the field, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentorship, and embrace every learning opportunity. Be curious and keep moving forward, even when the road feels tough. Your unique experiences, perspective, and voice are needed in this field. There is no ceiling to what you can achieve—only the limits you place on yourself. So, take your seat at the table, and if one isn’t available, create one. Remember, you belong here, and your contributions can help shape the future of healthcare.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Bamidele: A recent project that has deeply touched my heart is my book, The Mentor’s Journey: From Learning to Leading. This book was born out of my own lived experiences—my challenges, hurdles, victories, and triumphs. It is a reflection of the journey I’ve walked, from being a young girl growing up in Nigeria to becoming a Black female leader in STEM in the UK.
When I moved to the UK and began my career, I often found myself feeling isolated. There was no visible role model to emulate. It was a path, filled with unanswered questions. I had to figure things out for myself, learning through trial and error, building resilience as I navigated my unique journey. It was during these early years that I made a promise to myself: if I ever made it to the other side of this journey, I would become the change I wanted to see.
That promise was the seed that eventually grew into my book. It’s not just a guide; it’s a lifeline for those who feel unseen, unheard, and unsupported. It’s a message to the young girl who, like me, is trying to navigate a career where she feels like she doesn’t belong. It’s a testament to the power of mentorship, representation, and the belief that we can create the change we want to see.
In addition to my book, I also mentor students as an Agile Project Manager, helping them through their training and guiding them as they find their footing in their careers. Mentorship is deeply personal to me—it’s my way of ensuring that no one else has to walk this path alone. Every time I see someone I’ve mentored succeed, it reminds me why I do this work. It’s about breaking barriers, lifting others, and creating a ripple effect that will inspire the next generation of leaders.
For me, this project is more than a book or a role—it’s my legacy. It’s proof that even when the odds seem stacked against you, your story can become a source of light for someone else. It’s a reminder that the hurdles we face are not the end, but the beginning of something greater.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Bamidele: If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that life is not black and white—it’s a spectrum of experiences, emotions, and opportunities. It’s about being intentional, staying the course even when the road seems unsteady, and finding your tribe along the way. None of us can do it alone. A strong support system is essential. Allies, sponsors, mentors, and cheerleaders are the ones who lift you when you stumble, remind you of your worth, and champion you even when you doubt yourself.
For me, being intentional about my mental health and well-being has been a cornerstone of my resilience, especially during the times when I’ve wondered, “What’s the point?” Those trying moments, when it felt easier to give up, taught me the value of self-care and surrounding myself with the right people. It’s okay to pause, to rest, to regroup—but what matters is that you keep showing up. And I’ve chosen to keep showing up—not just for myself, but for others.
I’ve found purpose in using my platforms to advocate for those who feel unseen, unheard, and underrepresented. Whether it’s through my book, my mentoring roles, or my work in STEM, I’m committed to ensuring that no one walks this journey alone. We rise by lifting others, and I believe in creating spaces where people feel valued, empowered, and capable of achieving greatness.
Life may not always be predictable or easy, but it’s in those moments of challenge and uncertainty that we find our strength. With intention, a support system, and a determination to stay the course, we can create ripples of change and leave a legacy of hope and inspiration for others. That’s what keeps me moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
Connect with Bamidele on social media LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok: Bamidele Farinre, and X @bamiprecious
THANK YOU, BAMIDELE! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
