Beyond the PhD: Leadership, Start-ups and Finding Your Own Path

Do you have a question? Ask it here... How do you turn years of research into something that genuinely changes the world? And what does nobody tell you about making the leap from academia into a startup? In this episode of The Human Stories Behind the Robots, John sits down with Dr Matthew Nancekievill, CEO and Co-founder of Ice Nine Robotics, to explore the realities of building a robotics company from academic research. Matthew shares how a PhD unexpectedly changed the direction of his career, why he chose to commercialise research instead of leaving it on the shelf, and what it's really like leading a growing robotics company operating in highly regulated industries. Rather than focusing on overnight success, this conversation explores something much more valuable: how confidence develops, why mentors matter, how to make decisions under uncertainty, and why running a successful startup doesn't have to mean sacrificing your life. Together they discuss everything from networking and leadership to work-life balance, cash flow, burnout, LinkedIn, adaptability and building a company that reflects your own values, not somebody else's definition of success. Whether you're an early career researcher, considering entrepreneurship, or simply curious about the people behind robotics innovation, this episode is packed with honest reflections and practical advice. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Matthew decided to leave academia and build Ice Nine Robotics. How mentors helped shape his confidence and decision-making. The reality of balancing technical expertise with business leadership. Why networking is really about building genuine relationships. The myths surrounding startup culture and "hustle". How to build a business around your own personality and values. Why adaptability and perseverance matter more than having the perfect plan. Practical advice for researchers thinking about commercialisation. The purpose of this podcast is to inspire students and early-career researchers, building our academic robotics community by sharing the human stories behind the robots. Email: ​​uk-ras@manchester.ac.uk for questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by the UK-RAS network, you can follow us on X and Linkedin or visit our website to find out more www.https://uk-ras.org.uk/ Produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd and award-winning producer. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; The UK-RAS network does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice.