Episode Details

Episode Title: Kicking the Door Down with Vince Pizzoni: Mentoring, Engineering, Confidence and Breaking the Rules on Age

In this episode of Kicking the Door Down, I’m joined by the brilliant Vince Pizzoni for a conversation that is honest, energising and packed with wisdom.

Vince has had a remarkable career spanning engineering, leadership and mentoring, and in this episode we dive into everything from growing up in working-class families, early graft and ambition, through to imposter syndrome, women in STEM, ageism, confidence and what it really takes to build a career with purpose.

We talk about the importance of getting more women into STEM — but just as importantly, helping them stay there. We also discuss why young people need better guidance, why representation matters, and how one conversation can genuinely change the direction of someone’s life.

Vince shares his own journey from chemical engineering into a portfolio career focused on mentoring the next generation, and we explore the realities of leadership, visibility, resilience, and what it means to keep pushing forward at every stage of life.

This is a conversation about hard work, honesty, backing yourself before you feel fully ready, and why experience should never be written off.

In this episode we cover:

•  Vince’s route into engineering and leadership 
•  Why mentoring matters so much 
•  Women in STEM and the challenge of staying in the room 
•  Imposter syndrome, confidence and visibility 
•  Ageism in work and why experience still matters 
•  Leadership, communication and learning how to back yourself 
•  Why sport, discipline and resilience all connect 

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re ready, whether you belong, or whether your voice matters — this one’s for you.

Kicking The Door Down