Dr Anushi Rajapaksa: The Scientist Who Turned Fear Into Innovation

Carmen Sederino sits down with Dr Anushi Rajapaksa, founder and CEO of Misti, whose journey from terrified child to breakthrough medical innovator will challenge everything you think about turning fear into impact. With a doctorate in mechanical and aerospace engineering and over 12 years leading research at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Dr Anushi is revolutionising respiratory drug delivery through smart inhaler technology. Born in rural Sri Lanka and raised by parents in conservative fields, she found her way to the stage anyway, discovering that the same courage needed for public speaking is the same courage needed to leave a secure career and build something the world has never seen. In this episode, she takes Carmen through her childhood in Sri Lanka, her needle phobia that became her greatest teacher, and how designing medical masks for anxious children taught her that comfort and joy are non-negotiable in medicine. You'll hear about the moment her son gave her the most brutal product feedback, the pivot from academia to raising millions, and why she tells every emerging scientist not to wait for permission. Whether you're building a speaking career, scaling a medical device, navigating the dark side of entrepreneurship, or turning your deepest fear into your mission, this one will light a fire. 🔑 In this episode: Growing up in rural Sri Lanka with a photographic memory inspired by Marie Curie The moment her sister was born and transformed a shell-shocked child into a stage presence Her journey from painfully shy to keynote speaker on global stages Discovering that her childhood needle phobia was actually her origin story Designing medical technology that puts children's comfort and joy first Her son testing prototypes and telling her honestly: this mask is too heavy, too ugly The full circle moment when the reason she started became part of her mission Her most powerful advice: don't wait for permission, just lead 🎓 Watch Carmen's free masterclass: https://illuminatedstory.com/mastercl... Connect with Dr Anushi Rajapaksa: 🌐 https://www.misti.com.au 💼   / dr-anushi-kulasiri-rajapaksa-92227447   📸   / dranushi   Connect with Carmen Sederino: 🌐 https://illuminatedstory.com 💼   / public-speaking-coach-presentation-skills   📸   / illuminatedstory   🎥   / @carmensederino   The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.