DO IT, SEE WHAT HAPPENS: MIMI’S APPROACH
From a strict childhood and selling produce off a pickup truck to biotech, Pilates, and trying stand-up, Mimi’s rule is simple: do it and see what happens. Her candid conversation with Siobhan is full of big laughs, hard-earned perspective, and reminders to make room for fun.
Summary
What happens when you stop waiting to feel ready and just give something a go? Mimi joins Siobhan in the pond for a funny, candid conversation about curiosity, confidence, and finding room for fun in a life full of responsibilities.
The youngest of five, Mimi shares stories of growing up with strict parents, helping sell her family’s produce in California’s Central Valley, and learning to walk up and talk to just about anyone. Those early sales lessons followed her into a career in biotech, and eventually into launching her own consulting business.
But this conversation takes plenty of detours. There’s stand-up comedy after a layoff, challenging Pilates classes, earning an MBA while pregnant, and the very unglamorous realities of growing a human. Siobhan opens up about living with chronic pain, finding moments of relief, and why performing behind a bar feels different from stepping onto a comedy stage.
Together, they explore how family expectations shape us, why being kind doesn’t always mean being polite, and what it takes to let go of looking like you have everything together. Expect blunt honesty, questionable jokes, and a reminder that you’re allowed to try something simply because it sounds fun.
Mimi
Mimi is a biotech professional with nearly three decades of experience spanning laboratory work, sales, and business development, and the founder of Tech Bio Advisory consulting. A mother of two, Pilates instructor, and stand-up performer, she brings curiosity, blunt humor, and a willingness to jump in and figure things out along the way.
Resources & Mentions
Tech Bio Advisory (TBA) — Mimi’s new biotech consulting company. https://techbioadvisory.com/
Alameda County Fair — One of Mimi’s early stand-up performance settings. Alameda County Fair
The Fireside Lounge, Alameda — A local venue where Mimi performed comedy. thefiresidelounge.com
Archimedes Banya, San Francisco — Discussed during the conversation about sauna, cold plunges, and Siobhan’s personal experiences finding relief from chronic pain. banyasf.com
San Francisco Muni & Clipper — Featured in Siobhan’s first Muni ride story. clippercard.com
Motherhood, Therapy & Not Losing Yourself with Carissa — A previous Ducking Realitea conversation about pregnancy, motherhood, and mental health.
Autobiographies & Biographies — Mimi and Siobhan discuss their love of real-life stories; no specific titles are named.
💡 Key Takeaways
Curiosity can be a compass: Mimi’s willingness to try things has led her into unexpected experiences, including stand-up comedy.
Resourcefulness starts early: Growing up on a family farm helped Mimi develop practical sales skills and confidence talking to people.
There’s no single path to a career: Mimi moved from lab work into sales and business development, earning an MBA along the way.
Make room for joy and movement: The conversation explores Pilates, planking, walking, and finding routines that feel meaningful.
Spend your energy intentionally: Siobhan and Mimi reflect on being kind, being honest, and not letting every opinion take up space.