Max Ahumada, Author at OACO

193: Here’s a Quick Way to Jumpstart a Stagnant Engineering Career

by Max Ahumada | Nov 4, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I recount a pivotal moment in my career journey as a lead engineer at Whirlpool Corporation, where I sought to elevate my performance rating.

Through a simple yet profound question to my boss, I unearthed the key to exceptional results: cross-functional impact.

By collaborating with colleagues and leveraging technology, I devised a solution that streamlined communication between departments, ultimately earning me a top performance rating and a significant bonus—all within eight hours of work.

This narrative underscores the power of asking the right questions and embracing innovative approaches to stand out in one’s career.

Join me as I delve into the transformative impact of asking obvious yet potent questions and how it can propel you towards unparalleled success.

So press play and let’s chat about unlocking extraordinary results through the art of questioning.

192: The Secrets of Boosting Sustainable Productivity with Mark Struczewski | Mister Productivity

by Max Ahumada | Nov 1, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet Mister Productivity himself, Mark Struczewski.

If you want to finish the year strong and maximize your chances of promotion and top performance reviews, pay attention.

Mark is a Houston-based coach and host of The Mister Productivity™ Podcast. He brings over 1,300 episodes and 13 years of experience in productivity training to help leaders conquer overwhelm.

Drawing from simple examples like his daily running routine, he offers practical strategies to overcome distractions and achieve clarity in your life.

I also share one of my breakthroughs when it comes to productivity, the Productivity Impact Principle, only available here on the audio podcast in my solo debrief.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to move faster toward what you want to achieve with your life!

191: The Time Mindset – Beyond the Reach of Money

by Max Ahumada | Oct 21, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into a powerful shift in mindset around time, sparked by an incredible lesson I learned from a high-level mastermind event.

We often say time is more valuable than money, but do we truly live by that? I reflect on how we, especially as engineering leaders, prioritize money and overlook time, and how that mindset might be costing us in the long run.

I also share three essential principles about time, compounding growth, and why time freedom always precedes financial freedom.

This episode is all about taking action now to build the life and career you dream of—before it’s too late.

So press play and let’s chat… about how time is your most valuable asset and how to make it work for you!

190: Receive the Best Performance Review of Your Engineering Career with Curtis Mitchell

by Max Ahumada | Oct 14, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, get the one key that unlocked the best performance review of Curtis Mitchell’s career.

It’s not what you think it is, either.

Curtis Mitchell is a graduate of The Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint™️ coaching program for engineering managers. He has over 15 years of experience in data science and software engineering roles.

He was told his performance was below average, and unacceptable, by his leaders at various Silicon Valley startups.

When he finally landed a role at NASA’s Ames Research Center, a dream job for the 12-year old inside, he knew he had to turn that around.

That’s when he hired a coach, changed his mindset, took new actions… and received the best performance review of his career.

Curtis is currently working on AI and privacy engineering programs with the United States Census Bureau as an emerging technology fellow, and now lives in San Francisco, California.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to unlock your future growth with one simple strategy!

189: Accelerate Promotion by Avoiding a Common Phase 2 Trap

by Max Ahumada | Oct 7, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the challenges of performance reviews and how to shift your approach to accelerate your next promotion.

I share a story about Daniel, an engineering leader who felt stuck in his career, frustrated by seeing his peers get promoted while he remained in the same role. The key insight? It’s not about constantly asking what gaps you need to close—it’s about demonstrating that you’re already performing at the next level.

By shifting the conversation with leadership from “what’s missing” to “what more can I contribute at the next level,” Daniel unlocked new growth in his career. I’ll walk you through how to make this same shift.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to elevate your promotion strategy!

188: Sabbatical Secrets – How to Take an Intentional Career Break with Laura Nguyen

by Max Ahumada | Sep 30, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we look at the underestimated value of taking strategic career breaks with Laura Nguyen, author of “Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off.”

Laura is an experienced marketing executive with an extensive background in data-driven marketing, digital marketing and communications for Fortune 500 companies. She is also a certified executive coach, helping mid-career, high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced.

Her book shares practical steps to plan and execute a fulfilling and career-enriching break, and how structured time off can lead to significant gains in productivity and personal well-being.

The challenge of maintaining career momentum and drive amidst chronic overwork and lack of work-life balance is a serious issue for many mid- and senior-level professionals. Career breaks are increasingly recognized as essential for long-term career success and personal happiness, yet many don’t pursue them for fear of professional repercussions.

So press play and let’s chat… Laura’s insights will offer strategies and practical advice for intentional career pauses that enhance both personal and professional growth!

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