B-Enterprising Blog: Growing my DNA business after my PhD

Dr Sam Decombel is the co-founder and CEO of FitnessGenes Ltd, a DNA testing
company and world leader in the analysis of genetic and environmental data as applied to fitness and nutrition.

Sam features in the latest Career Talk podcast hosted by Nicola Gittins and shares her story working as an entrepreneur.

After completing a PhD (Gene Flow in Rice) from the University of Birmingham in 2007, and with several years experience working as a Technology Transfer Manager, Sam embarked on a mission to start DNA artwork company, PlayDNA.

Listen to the podcast:

Sam experienced great success with PlayDNA and featured in Forbes magazine, Lab Times and BBC radio and she even ventured into the BBC Dragon's Den itself. Sam was able to use the associate publicity to raise the profile of her next start-up FitnessGenes Ltd.

In this episode, Nicola Gittins chats to Sam about her journey including the personal and serendipitous events that first inspired her route as an entrepreneur. Sam provides an expert view on starting and managing a business as well as the benefits you can have working with a mentor.

In 2018, she received the Alumna of the Year award from the University of Birmingham to recognise both her entrepreneurial successes, and the positive role she is playing in tackling discrimination and giving back to the community by supporting the development of young people through training and mentoring, something she is passionate about.

Hear the latest Career Talk podcast episode (available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts):