Tammy Lisi, affectionately known as The Unicorn Chemist, joins Jamie Seeker to share her unconventional journey from chemistry intern to neurophysiology researcher to co-founding Formulate Robotics, a tech-powered contract manufacturing company operating out of rural Iowa. In this deeply authentic episode, Tammy opens up about breaking into male-dominated STEM fields, the emotional weight of fundraising, lessons learned from hiring missteps, and the quiet tenacity it takes to lead in science, business, and innovation.

Tammy’s story is a reminder that innovation doesn't only happen in big cities or corporate labs — and it’s proof that your background doesn’t box you in; it equips you to lead.

📝 Episode Notes

🔬 From Molecules to Machines

• Tammy started her career in veterinary chemistry and moved into neurophysiology research at the University of Iowa, where she worked for over a decade and published peer-reviewed articles.
• After leaving academia, she renovated a horse property, reassessed her path, and eventually launched a consulting lab, Unicorn Chemist.

🤝 The Power of Partnership

• Co-founded Formulate and later Formulate Robotics with Osmaan Shah, combining her science background with his expertise in robotics and coding.
• The company developed an automated manufacturing platform to solve pain points for brands in personal care and pharma.

💼 Business & Financial Lessons

• Tammy shares a candid story about hiring too early and hiring the wrong fit — a quality chemist rather than a creative R&D thinker — which hurt the business for years.
• Eventually pivoted to working with experienced freelance chemists instead of a traditional in-house team.

👩‍🔬 Women in STEM

• Often the only woman in a room full of men — even early in her career on a 14-person science team.
• Faced moments of exclusion and being underestimated, like being told to “call the real chemist.”
• Tammy emphasizes that becoming the recognized expert in your space shifts the power dynamic.

🧠 Inner Doubt and Resilience

• Admits to still second-guessing herself, even decades into her career.
• Encourages young women to work hard, stay humble, and trust their ability to grow into confidence.

📍Rural Innovation

• Operates her robotics lab from rural Iowa, proving that cutting-edge science and scalable solutions can be built anywhere.

💬 Memorable Quotes

“I got my internship at Mallinckrodt by helping someone. That’s been my philosophy: help other people, and eventually it comes back around.”

“I was the only female on a group of 14 men. You kind of become the little sister. And you learn to push through.”

“An engineer once told me, ‘Why don’t you call the real chemist?’ And I said, ‘When you can find someone who’s done what I’ve done, they can be the expert — but today, I am.’”

“Hiring too early — before I was ready financially, and before I found the right fit — cost me years.”

“Your background doesn’t have to box you in. It can be your biggest asset.”

“Every day, work with purpose, confidence, and positivity — and the less overwhelmed you’ll be.”

🔚 Final Takeaway

Tammy’s journey proves that scientific innovation, financial wisdom, and inner strength can all live in the same entrepreneur. Her ability to bridge chemistry with tech, theory with application, and quiet perseverance with leadership shows us what it really takes to build something extraordinary.