Tammy Lisi of Formulate Robotics: What It Takes to Lead in STEM
In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, we feature Tammy Lisi of Formulate Robotics — a chemist-turned-entrepreneur who is reshaping the way products are manufactured. Tammy’s path spans from laboratory research to robotics, proving that innovation and impact can start anywhere — even in rural Iowa.
Her story is especially inspiring for women in STEM, founders in science-based industries, and anyone navigating growth while staying true to their values.
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🔬 From Chemistry to Robotics: Tammy Lisi’s Career Journey
Tammy Lisi’s career started in the lab at Mallinckrodt Veterinary where she learned formulation and method development. Later, she joined the University of Iowa to conduct neurophysiology research and publish work on pain science.
After more than a decade in academia, Tammy decided to step away. She spent time restoring a rural horse farm and reflecting on her next chapter — a shift that led her to launch Unicorn Chemist, her consulting lab.
That’s when she met Osmaan Shah, a robotics engineer and coder. Together, they built Formulate Robotics, a company that blends chemistry, automation, and cloud technology to simplify contract manufacturing for product-based brands.
Want more stories like this? Listen to our episode on product innovation in small towns.
🤖 Why Formulate Robotics Exists: A Smarter Manufacturing Model
Formulate Robotics was founded to address a common pain point: traditional manufacturers were too slow, too expensive, or lacked flexibility for emerging brands. Tammy and her team created a robotics-powered production system that allows for faster, more consistent manufacturing — with fewer headaches for founders.
Today, they support products in personal care, animal health, and pharmaceuticals, all from their Iowa-based facility.
Their story proves that with the right combination of tech, science, and strategy, startups can scale smarter — not just bigger.
Learn more about robotic automation in manufacturing from Forbes.
👩🔬 Women in STEM and Manufacturing: Tammy’s Real-World Lessons
Being the only woman on a science team is something Tammy got used to early in her career. She often faced dismissal, exclusion, and microaggressions in both academic and industrial environments. One engineer even told her to “call the real chemist.”
But she didn’t back down. She doubled down — by building credibility, owning her knowledge, and eventually leading teams.
Key Quote:
“When you can find someone who’s done what I’ve done, they can be the expert — but today, I am.”
This segment of the episode is a powerful reminder of what it takes to lead — especially as a woman in STEM.
💼 Financial Mistakes and Smart Fixes: Lessons from Tammy Lisi Formulate Robotics
Every founder makes mistakes. Tammy’s biggest one? Hiring too early — and hiring someone who wasn’t the right fit.
She explains how she brought on a chemist with a “quality assurance mindset” instead of a “research and innovation mindset.” That mismatch led to operational bottlenecks and lost clients in her consulting business. Eventually, she transitioned to working with freelance chemists who run their own labs, which offered more flexibility and expertise.
Key Quote:
“Hiring too early — and hiring the wrong person — cost me years.”
Related content: How to hire the right talent at the right time
🧠 Navigating Self-Doubt and Growth as a Science-Based Founder
Tammy openly shares that even today, she still second-guesses herself at times. Recently, a moment of doubt caused delays in client testing — reminding her that confidence needs to be continuously nurtured.
Her takeaway? You don’t have to feel ready all the time. You just have to keep showing up.
Key Quote:
“Every day, work with purpose, positivity, and confidence — that’s what it takes.”
📍 Rural Iowa as a Launchpad for Innovation
While most people picture innovation happening in Silicon Valley, Tammy is proof that rural America has massive untapped potential. Her facility, built on her own property, is now home to high-tech automation and formulation development.
This Iowa-based business isn’t just functioning — it’s thriving. Tammy believes that wide-open space, lower costs, and fewer distractions actually foster deeper innovation.
Learn more about rural entrepreneurship via the U.S. Small Business Administration.
🎙️ What It Takes: Tammy Lisi’s Final Words
We ask every guest the same question — what does it really take to be a business owner?
Tammy’s answer was clear:
“You have to work every day with purpose, confidence, and positivity. When you do, you feel less overwhelmed — and more in control of your goals.”
🔗 Listen Now
🎧 Episode Title: More Than Molecules: Tammy Lisi on Women, Robotics, and Revolutionizing Manufacturing
🎙️ Podcast: Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes
🏷️ Tags & Categories
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Tammy Lisi Formulate Robotics
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Women in STEM
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Startup Leadership
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Manufacturing Innovation
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Business Lessons
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Rural Entrepreneurs
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Robotics in Small Business
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Founder Journey
✅ Final Thoughts
Tammy Lisi of Formulate Robotics shows us that innovation doesn’t require a big city, a big budget, or a traditional background. Her path — from chemistry labs to robotics systems — is proof that persistence, curiosity, and purpose can build something extraordinary.
Whether you’re navigating early-stage business decisions or just figuring out what your next move looks like, this episode gives you both strategy and inspiration.
