Jayshree Seth: Thought Leadership, Science Advocacy, and Innovation at 3M

Jayshree Seth

In a recent episode of The Badass Women in Business Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. With over 80 patents to her name and a career that spans decades, Jayshree’s impact on innovation and advocacy for diversity in STEM is undeniable. During the episode, we discussed her unique path, the role of thought leadership, and how she is shaping the future of science through her work at 3M.

From Scientist to Advocate

Jayshree joined 3M in 1993 after completing her MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University. Since then, she has grown into one of the company’s top innovators, holding numerous patents and pioneering solutions that blend science with societal impact. In 2018, she was appointed 3M’s first-ever Chief Science Advocate, a role she describes as a calling to promote science as a driver of innovation and societal progress. But for Jayshree, advocating for science goes hand-in-hand with advocating for diversity in STEM fields. She emphasizes that diverse perspectives are crucial to driving meaningful and scalable innovations.

Jayshree's leadership extends beyond the lab. She’s a member of the prestigious Carlton Society, 3M’s Science and Innovation “Hall of Fame,” and she was the fourth woman and the first female engineer to be inducted. Her accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including the Society of Women Engineers' (SWE) highest Achievement Award in 2020 and a Gold Stevie® Award in the 2021 Female Thought Leaders of the Year category.

The Importance of Thought Leadership

One of the core themes of our discussion with Jayshree was the concept of thought leadership. For her, thought leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about expanding perspectives and leading with intention. She believes that all leaders should be thought leaders, using their platforms to influence positive change, inspire action, and address societal issues.

Jayshree’s frameworks for thought leadership, such as her “SPARK” model—Scan, Scope, Study, Perspective, Advocate, Reinforce, Kindle—provide actionable steps for individuals looking to make a broader impact in their industries. This model encapsulates her belief that leadership should not only be about expertise but about continually seeking to grow, inspire, and innovate.

Her work in thought leadership also extends to collaborations with esteemed scholars like Professor Amy Edmondson and Professor Rita McGrath, where she bridges the gap between corporate innovation and academic research. These collaborations have resulted in several influential articles and frameworks that address key challenges in leadership, communication, and innovation.

Shifting Perceptions of Science

Jayshree’s role as Chief Science Advocate has given her a front-row seat to how public perceptions of science have shifted over time. When she began her advocacy journey, 3M conducted global surveys to assess public attitudes toward science, and the results were eye-opening. A significant portion of the population believed their lives wouldn’t change if science didn’t exist, a notion that shocked Jayshree and fueled her passion to make science more visible and appreciated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, science had its moment in the spotlight, and Jayshree notes that trust in science increased significantly. However, she stresses that the work is far from over. Public expectations have grown, particularly in relation to sustainability and the role science must play in solving global challenges. This is why Jayshree continues to advocate for diversity in STEM, pushing for more inclusion to ensure the best ideas come from a broad range of voices and experiences.

Advocacy and Belonging in STEM

A key focus of Jayshree’s advocacy is fostering a sense of belonging in STEM for underrepresented groups. She recently collaborated on a Nature study that explored how purpose reflection benefits the motivation and well-being of minoritized students in STEM. In the podcast, she shared the story of how this research began with a cold call to an academic researcher, highlighting the power of collaboration between corporate professionals and academics to drive meaningful change.

Her books, The Heart of Science: Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints & Imprints and The Heart of Science: Engineering Fine Print, reflect her commitment to making STEM more accessible and inclusive. All proceeds from these books go toward a scholarship for underrepresented minority women in STEM, furthering her mission to create opportunities for the next generation of innovators.

Jayshree’s Unique Perspective on Innovation

Jayshree brings a fresh perspective to the conversation around innovation. For her, innovation is about creating ideas that have an impact. It's not just about inventing new products, but about solving problems in ways that create meaningful change. Whether it's through her work at 3M or her broader advocacy efforts, Jayshree continues to push the boundaries of how science can serve society.

Her ability to connect the dots between technical innovation, thought leadership, and diversity makes her a unique figure in the industry. As she puts it, “Innovation needs science. Science demands diversity. And diversity requires equity.” This philosophy guides much of her work as she continues to advocate for a more inclusive and impactful future in STEM.

Closing Thoughts

Jayshree Seth’s journey is a powerful reminder that thought leadership is about more than just expertise—it’s about using your platform to advocate for change, inspire others, and create a lasting impact. Whether she’s championing diversity in STEM or innovating solutions that improve lives, Jayshree’s commitment to science and leadership is reshaping the future of innovation.

Tune into the Badass Women in Business Podcast episode to hear more from Jayshree Seth on her incredible career, thought leadership frameworks, and how she’s driving meaningful change through science and innovation. You can also check out her books and TEDx Talk to dive deeper into her work and her vision for the future of STEM.

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