Down the Rabbit Hole of Unconventional Expertise

My journey from fourth-generation hairstylist to Ph.D. scientist and AI-empowered entrepreneur

The Wonderland of My Professional Journey

"Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop." — Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

My story doesn't follow a conventional path. Like Alice stepping through the looking glass, I've traversed seemingly disparate worlds—from the artistic creativity of a family hair salon to the rigorous methodology of scientific research, and now to the innovative frontier of AI-enhanced consulting and creative direction.

What makes my journey unique is not just the diversity of experiences, but how I've woven them together into a cohesive expertise that bridges worlds that rarely connect. This unconventional path has given me a perspective few can offer—one that sees connections where others see only boundaries.

The Beauty Industry Foundations

Fourth-Generation Hairstylist

I was born into a legacy of beauty professionals. As a fourth-generation hairstylist, I learned the art of transformation and the science of hair chemistry from an early age. Working in my family's salon, fille Garrow's (established 1945), I developed an eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of how personal appearance connects to identity and confidence.

This foundation taught me the power of visual communication and the importance of translating technical knowledge into practical applications that improve people's lives.

Co-Founding fille Garrow's

Together with my mother, Alex Garrow, I co-founded the modern iteration of fille Garrow's, transforming our family legacy into a luxury hair restoration salon and content creation space for beauty professionals. This entrepreneurial experience taught me how to build systems, lead teams, and create environments where both technical excellence and creativity could flourish.

It was here that I first began to see how different disciplines could inform and enhance each other—how scientific understanding could improve artistic outcomes, and how creative approaches could solve technical challenges.

The Scientific Exploration

Bachelor's in Biochemistry

My curiosity about the fundamental processes that shape our world led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. This formal scientific education gave me the tools to understand complex systems and approach problems with analytical rigor.

Even as I delved into molecular structures and cellular processes, I maintained my connection to the beauty industry, beginning to see how these scientific principles manifested in the work I had been doing for years.

Master's in Chemistry

Deepening my scientific expertise, I earned a Master's degree in Chemistry, focusing on the molecular interactions that drive biological processes. This advanced training sharpened my research skills and expanded my ability to design experiments, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions from complex information.

During this time, I began to recognize how the scientific method could be applied beyond the laboratory—to business challenges, creative processes, and strategic planning.

Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences

My doctoral research at Old Dominion University focused on Bioelectrics, specifically investigating nanosecond pulse stimulation (NPS) for cancer treatment through "The Investigations of NPS Modulated Immunity and Immunometabolism." This work represented the pinnacle of my scientific training, requiring both technical expertise and innovative thinking.

My dissertation research taught me how to navigate uncertainty, pursue rigorous investigation, and communicate complex findings to diverse audiences—skills that would prove invaluable in my future entrepreneurial ventures.

The Entrepreneurial Adventure

Founding EQ Hacker LLC

Drawing on my unique combination of artistic, scientific, and business experience, I founded EQ Hacker LLC to help others navigate the intersection of these worlds. As Founder, Director, and CEO, I've built a company that offers services across writing, brand design, team building, public speaking, and strategic planning.

EQ Hacker represents my belief that emotional intelligence can be systematically developed and applied—that the seemingly soft skills of human connection can be approached with the same rigor as scientific research or business strategy.

Creating B. Rued, Ph.D.

The B. Rued, Ph.D. brand emerged as a platform to help unconventional professionals like myself—skilled communicators, creatives, and scientists who don't fit neatly into traditional career paths. Through this venture, I provide mentorship, consulting, and creative direction that bridges disciplinary boundaries.

This work has reinforced my conviction that the most innovative solutions often emerge at the intersection of different fields, perspectives, and methodologies—especially when enhanced by cutting-edge AI tools.

My AI Transformation

Embracing AI as a Force Multiplier

My journey with artificial intelligence began as an extension of my scientific curiosity and entrepreneurial drive. As AI tools evolved from theoretical concepts to practical applications, I recognized their potential to enhance human creativity and expertise rather than replace them.

I approached AI with the same interdisciplinary mindset that has defined my career—seeing it not as an isolated technology but as a powerful connector between scientific rigor, creative vision, and business strategy.

From Skeptic to Advocate

Like many with scientific training, I initially approached AI with healthy skepticism, questioning its limitations and ethical implications. Through hands-on experimentation and continuous learning, I transformed from a cautious observer to an informed advocate for responsible AI implementation.

This evolution taught me how to identify the most valuable applications of AI while maintaining a critical perspective on its appropriate use and limitations.

AI Journey

Developing AI Expertise

I invested significant time in developing practical AI expertise—learning how different AI tools work, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and discovering how to integrate them effectively into various workflows. This technical knowledge allows me to move beyond surface-level applications to strategic implementation.

My scientific background proved invaluable in this process, enabling me to understand the underlying principles of machine learning and natural language processing.

AI Journey

AI as a Bridge Between Worlds

Today, I see AI as the perfect complement to my interdisciplinary approach—a powerful tool for connecting scientific methodology, creative vision, and business strategy. AI helps me bridge these worlds more effectively, enhancing my ability to translate complex concepts, generate innovative solutions, and deliver exceptional results.

This integration of AI into my work represents the latest chapter in my ongoing journey of combining seemingly disparate fields into a cohesive expertise.

AI Journey

My Professional Philosophy

Purpose-Driven Impact

"I am very purpose driven and seek impact. I really do believe we should all strive to make the world a better place."

This core belief guides all my professional endeavors. Whether I'm consulting on a scientific project, providing creative direction, or mentoring unconventional professionals, I approach each engagement with a focus on creating meaningful, positive change.

I believe that expertise without purpose lacks direction, and purpose without expertise lacks effectiveness. By combining deep knowledge with clear intention, we can create solutions that truly matter.

Strategic Alignment for Maximum Wins

"Any time I create something, I like to consider how I could strategically line things up to make the most wins!"

This strategic mindset reflects my belief that the best solutions create value across multiple dimensions. By thoughtfully aligning different elements—scientific validity, creative appeal, business viability, and social impact—we can develop approaches that benefit all stakeholders.

This philosophy of strategic alignment is enhanced by my AI implementation, which helps identify patterns and connections that might otherwise be missed, creating even more opportunities for synergy and mutual benefit.

Areas of Expertise

Scientific Expertise

  • Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)
  • Bioelectrics
  • Chemistry (M.S.)
  • Biochemistry (B.S.)
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Research Methodology
  • Data Analysis

Creative Expertise

  • Hair Artistry & Restoration
  • Visual Communication
  • Brand Development
  • Content Creation
  • Storytelling
  • Public Speaking
  • Creative Direction

Business & AI Expertise

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Strategic Planning
  • Team Building
  • AI Implementation
  • Cross-Disciplinary Translation
  • Mentorship
  • Consulting

Ready to Explore Your Own Wonderland?

Let's connect and discover how my unique blend of scientific, creative, and AI expertise can help you navigate your professional journey.

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