2026-W41 Julie Newman: Engineering, Twins, and Systems for a Growing Family
Christine sits down with Julie Newman, chief engineer for satellites at Impulse Space and mother of three, preparing to welcome a second set of twins. They talk about building an engineering career alongside a growing family, preparing for maternity leave, and the ways parenting can change how you approach work.Julie discusses her book, Pull, Don’t Push, and why well-intentioned messages about STEM can discourage the girls they’re meant to inspire. The conversation ranges from AI tools and the value of interdisciplinary skills to the practical systems that keep a large household running, including color coding for twins.They also get into book marketing, reading nonfiction without feeling obliged to finish every page, and bringing accurate engineering into children’s books. Plus: public speaking as a career skill, advice for women starting out in engineering, and why a turbopump might become a “turtle pump” when toddlers encounter rocket science.Show notesGuest & hostJulie Newman, engineer, author, and STEM advocateChristine Corbett Moran, host of RE:Productivity, engineer, authorBooks discussedPull, Don’t Push: Why STEM Messaging to Girls Isn’t Working and What to Do Instead by Julie Newman. Julie explains how outreach can replace discouraging narratives with messages that connect engineering to what girls care about.Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein. Julie connects the book to her experience building valuable skills across disciplines.Rocket Science for Kids: An-Easy-to-Understand Guide by Russell Newman, illustrated by Laura Fearn. Technically accurate rocket science with watercolor animals, including the family’s “turtle pump” anecdote.Engineering & careerJulie’s path through SpaceX, NASA JPL, Boeing, Outpost, and Impulse SpaceWhy skills at the intersection of disciplines can be especially valuablePublic speaking, outreach, and writing as engineering career skillsMaternity leave, career transitions, and advice for women entering engineeringParenting & household systemsPreparing for a second set of twins and five children under fiveColor coding and the logistics of a growing familyApplying engineering skills to household organizationHow parenthood changes priorities and approaches to workAI, reading & creative projectsUsing AI to manage email, refresh a website, and experiment with marketingLearning from side projects and bringing those skills back to workAudiobooks, nonfiction, and permission to skip unhelpful chaptersMaking science engaging and accurate for young children
