“I’m a scientist.” It’s a simple statement, but for Crystal Morrison, it represents a lifelong passion for discovery, experimentation, and problem-solving. From her early days of conducting bold (and sometimes disastrous) experiments, like burning the varnish off her family’s kitchen table—to earning a Ph.D. in chemistry and working at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Morrison’s career has been a testament to the power of curiosity and innovation.
But along her journey, she encountered a critical realization: scientific expertise alone isn’t enough. To truly make an impact, leaders in science, engineering, and technology must develop the skills to inspire, motivate, and engage people.
The Turning Point
Early in her career, Morrison experienced what she describes as a “crisis of confidence.”
Overwhelmed by the demands of leading a team of brilliant scientists and engineers, she found herself in a parking lot, on the phone with her mother, tearfully repeating, “I can’t do this. I’m a scientist. I don’t know the first thing about leading people.”
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her mission to bridge the gap between technical expertise and leadership. Through years of professional experience, running companies, and public speaking, she has dedicated herself to developing strong leaders in STEM fields.
The Three Pillars of Leadership
Morrison believes that building stronger leaders in STEM begins with mastering three critical aspects of leadership:
Engagement: Technical challenges can’t be solved in isolation. Effective leaders eliminate barriers, foster open communication, and encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. Oppenheimer’s weekly technical meetings at Los Alamos were a masterclass in engagement, creating a space where scientists could share knowledge and accelerate progress.
People: Leadership starts with assembling the right team. Technical expertise is essential, but so are interpersonal and collaborative skills. Morrison highlights J. Robert Oppenheimer, the technical director of the Manhattan Project, as a prime example of this principle. Oppenheimer’s ability to select and empower scientists with strong communication and teamwork skills was a key factor in the project’s success.
Purpose: STEM professionals need a clear understanding of the big picture and how their work contributes to it. During World War II, Oppenheimer inspired his team by framing their mission not only as a contribution to the war effort but as an opportunity to make history and achieve groundbreaking scientific advancements. Leaders must provide this sense of purpose to drive engagement and innovation.
Success Beyond Technical Skills
Morrison emphasizes that technical competence is only one part of the equation for success in STEM fields. “It’s not about your degrees, patents, or publications,” she says. “Those things are important, but they’re not enough. The key to success is positive, empowering leadership.”
By cultivating leadership skills, STEM professionals can unlock their full potential and drive transformative change in their organizations and beyond.
The Wrap
Her message is clear: the challenges of our time — climate change, energy security, food and water shortages — demand not just technical solutions but strong, visionary leadership.
“We can’t afford to squander great ideas and technology because we lack leadership,” she says. “I’m not willing to ignore the toxic cultures and leadership failures that hold us back. I’m on a mission to change that. Will you join me?”
