The Power of Pivoting with Nida Ansari

In this episode of See Yourself IN, host Casey Harrison sits down with Nida Ansari, Chief Innovation Officer at 16 Tech Innovation District. Nida shares her unique journey, transitioning from a chemistry background to a career focused on fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs. She discusses the challenges of navigating unexpected career changes, the importance of adaptability, and the power of leveraging personal strengths. Nida provides an inside look at 16 Tech, highlighting its diverse offerings, including coworking spaces, makerspaces, and community events. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the role of 16 Tech in supporting underrepresented founders, and the impact of hard tech and advanced manufacturing in Indiana.

In February 2025, Nida received the Resilience Award during TechPoint's Mira Awards gala.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Flexibility is Key: Career paths are rarely linear. Be open to unexpected opportunities and adapt your plans as needed, using your strengths as a guide.

2. Community Fuels Innovation: Coworking spaces provide more than just a place to work. They foster a sense of community, offer access to resources, and encourage collaboration, which are vital for entrepreneurial success.

3. Hard Tech is Cool: Advanced manufacturing offers exciting and rewarding career paths. Explore the world of hard tech and consider its potential for innovation and impact.

4. Inclusion Drives Progress: Intentionally supporting underrepresented founders and communities leads to a more vibrant and equitable innovation ecosystem.

5. Find Your Adventure: Explore the resources available at 16 Tech, from makerspaces and coworking options to community events, and discover how you can get involved.

For more resources on advanced industries, jobs, companies, and opportunities in Indiana, visit www.cicpindiana.com/syi.