More Than Molecules: Tammy Lisi on Women, Robotics, and Revolutionizing Manufacturing
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More Than Molecules: Tammy Lisi on Women, Robotics, and Revolutionizing Manufacturing
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Tammy Lisi, affectionately known as The Unicorn Chemist, joins Jamie Seeker to share her unconventional journey from chemistry intern to neurophysiology researcher to co-founding Formulate Robotics, a tech-powered contract manufacturing company operating out of rural Iowa. In this deeply authentic episode, Tammy opens up about breaking into male-dominated STEM fields, the emotional weight of fundraising, lessons learned from hiring missteps, and the quiet tenacity it takes to lead in science, business, and innovation.
Tammy’s story is a reminder that innovation doesn't only happen in big cities or corporate labs — and it’s proof that your background doesn’t box you in; it equips you to lead.
📝 Episode Notes🔬 From Molecules to Machines
- Tammy started her career in veterinary chemistry and moved into neurophysiology research at the University of Iowa, where she worked for over a decade and published peer-reviewed articles.
- After leaving academia, she renovated a horse property, reassessed her path, and eventually launched a consulting lab, Unicorn Chemist.
🤝 The Power of Partnership
- Co-founded Formulate and later Formulate Robotics with Osmaan Shah, combining her science background with his expertise in robotics and coding.
- The company developed an automated manufacturing platform to solve pain points for brands in personal care and pharma.
💼 Business & Financial Lessons
- Tammy shares a candid story about hiring too early and hiring the wrong fit — a quality chemist rather than a creative R&D thinker — which hurt the business for years.
- Eventually pivoted to working with experienced freelance chemists instead of a traditional in-house team.
👩🔬 Women in STEM
- Often the only woman in a room full of men — even early in her career on a 14-person science team.
- Faced moments of exclusion and being underestimated, like being told to “call the real chemist.”
- Tammy emphasizes that becoming the recognized expert in your space shifts the power dynamic.
🧠 Inner Doubt and Resilience
- Admits to still second-guessing herself, even decades into her career.
- Encourages young women to work hard, stay humble, and trust their ability to grow into confidence.
📍Rural Innovation
- Operates her robotics lab from rural Iowa, proving that cutting-edge science and scalable solutions can be built anywhere.
💬 Memorable Quotes“I got my internship at Mallinckrodt by helping someone. That’s been my philosophy: help other people, and eventually it comes back around.”“I was the only female on a group of 14 men. You kind of become the little sister. And you learn to push through.”“An engineer once told me, ‘Why don’t you call the real chemist?’ And I said, ‘When you can find someone who’s done what I’ve done, they can be the expert — but today, I am.’”“Hiring too early — before I was ready financially, and before I found the right fit — cost me years.”“Your background doesn’t have to box you in. It can be your biggest asset.”“Every day, work with purpose, confidence, and positivity — and the less overwhelmed you’ll be.”🔚 Final Takeaway
Tammy’s journey proves that scientific innovation, financial wisdom,...