The Happy Engineer Podcast

146: Practical Optimism Leads to A+ Careers with Ken Schmitt | CEO at TurningPoint Executive Search | Author

Does optimism help you or hurt you in an engineering career? What question should you never ask when networking? Where are the best jobs found right now?

In this episode, Founder and CEO at Turning Point Executive Search and “The Practical Optimist” author, Ken Schmitt, is here to help you land your next level of success at work.

For 26 years Ken has been searching for the best talent on the planet, and realized the importance of balance between practical realism and joyful optimism. He knows how A-players land A+ opportunities.

If you want to play at the top of your game, you’ll want to know how Ken uses an external ecosystem to maintain balance, and the one question to never ask when networking.

Ken also shares where 80% of the best opportunities are found today.

Now he supports professionals in channeling both the logical and the visionary pieces of successful leadership. In addition to moderating domestic and global leadership panels, he is the Founder of the Sales & Marketing Leadership Alliance where he spent 11 years interviewing CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs about the best way to make an impact in the modern business world.

So press play and let’s chat… I’m optimistic about this episode changing your career!

Join us in a live workshop for deeper training, career coaching 1:1, and an amazing community!  HAPPY HOUR Workshop Live with Zach!

 

The Happy Engineer Podcast

WATCH EPISODE 146: How Practical Optimism Leads to A+ Careers (ft. Ken Schmitt)

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LISTEN TO EPISODE 146: Practical Optimism Leads to A+ Careers with Ken Schmitt | CEO at TurningPoint Executive Search | Author

Previous Episode 145: Secret Guide to Communicating with Business Teams with Chris Fenning | Award-Winning Author of The First Minute

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Secret Guide to Communicating with Business Teams

In this episode of The Happy Engineer Podcast, Ken Schmitt and I dive deep into the crucial qualities of tacticians and strategists in the hiring process. We explored the impact of company culture and self-awareness on career paths, emphasizing the need for proactive career development.

Here are three top insights:

1. Understanding the difference between a tactician and a strategist during the hiring process is crucial. Learning how individuals describe their actions and experiences can provide valuable insight.

2. Emotional intelligence (EQ) becomes increasingly important as one advances in their career. Technical skills are essential early on, but the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across different departments is essential.

3. Building and maintaining a strong network is key for career progression. Nurture relationships, network consistently, and seek opportunities to connect with professionals in your industry.

To go deeper and build an action plan around these points and why all this matters, click the podcast link below and listen to the entire conversation.

 

ABOUT KEN SCHMITT

With 26 years of recruiting experience, Ken Schmitt, a San Diego native, launched TurningPoint Executive Search in 2007, now employing 7 professionals in a 100% remote work environment. A former Enterprise Rent a Car leader with 5+ years of experience, Ken worked in San Diego and Orange County, managing teams from 5-15 professionals. He published “The Practical Optimist” in 2023, a book chronicling his entrepreneurial journey. TurningPoint, recognized among San Diego’s Top 150 Fastest Growing Private Companies, focuses on high-touch talent placement in diverse business structures.

Ken is also the Founder and CEO of the Sales & Marketing Leadership Alliance (SMLA) since 2011, committed to providing professional development and networking opportunities. As an avid social media user, Ken maintains one of Southern California’s largest LinkedIn networks. He serves on the executive boards of San Diego Sports Innovators (SDSI) and Talentor Global, mentors for Junior Achievement, and earned his BSBA in Economics from the University of San Diego. Ken resides in Carlsbad, CA, with his wife Juliet, raising two accomplished sons.

 

FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:

Please note the full transcript is 90-95% accuracy. Reference the podcast audio to confirm exact quotations.

[00:00:00] Zach White: All right. Happy engineer. Welcome back Ken super pumped to see you again. We just hung out last week on your incredible podcast, are the practical optimist. and welcome to the happy engineer. So glad that you’re here, man. Thanks for making time

[00:00:12] Ken Schmitt:. No, likewise. Thanks so much for inviting me in. I’m looking forward to our conversation as always.

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