Two Episodes In: Building AgBio Dialogues

During the winter holiday break, I finally took a small but meaningful step toward a long-held goal: launching my YouTube channel,  AgBio Dialogues.

Through reflections and conversations with professionals in the ag-biotech field, this channel explores the human stories behind science, leadership, communication, team dynamics, cultural identity, and moments of change that shape us. I hope these conversations offer insight and encouragement for anyone navigating their work, leadership journey, or personal growth.

AgBio Dialogues is for those curious about how people approach science, lead others, and drive innovation, not just what they do but how they think.

So far, I’ve shared two episodes.

In the first episode, I discussed the channel's vision. I want to create a thoughtful place to reflect on science, leadership, communication, team dynamics, and cultural identity.

In the second episode, “Between Two Cultures.” I talked about what it looks like to adapt between Chinese and U.S. cultures as a first-generation professional. I share what I’ve learned about communication, relationships, and setting boundaries. This topic means a lot to me, and I’ve already heard from people who felt understood by it. That reminds me why this work is important.

I’m still learning to speak naturally to the camera. My kids told me I sound like I’m giving a presentation on stage instead of having a conversation, and they’re probably right. I'm figuring out how to organize my thoughts clearly and simply, relax in front of the camera, and be myself during recordings.

There have been plenty of awkward moments: needing several takes to get one sentence right, replaying clips to catch mistakes, and wondering whether what I’m saying actually makes sense.

But as I wrote in Mind Spark #16 - Practice in Public: Why Cringe Is the Price of Growth, feeling uncomfortable is part of growing. I have to go through these moments to learn, whether I’m talking to a big audience, recording, publishing, or just showing up as myself, even if it’s not perfect.

This channel is something I’m building, not only to contribute to others but also to stretch myself to grow in public and, hopefully, create a space where others feel invited to do the same.

If you’ve been following along, thank you for being part of this early chapter. More conversations are coming.

Warmly,

Shujian

#AgBioDialogues#Leadership#Science#CareerGrowth#PersonalGrowth