Max Ahumada, Author at OACO

168: What Every Engineer Ought to Know About Middle Management with Jason Gallaugher | VP of Engineering

by Max Ahumada | May 13, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet former Vice President of Engineering at VidYard and Principal Founder of ThreeNorth Consulting, Jason Gallaugher.

If you want to succeed in middle management, you must understand how to get leverage. You must change your approach. You must block the imposter voice and unsustainable work that leads to burnout.

Jason has spent over 20 years in engineering and technology, where his journey has taken him across scrappy startups, large companies and rocket ships.

His curiosity and energy have pushed him into roles ranging from software developer, product manager, P/L leader, all the way up to technology executive.

And he understands that being a manager can be the hardest job of them all.

Now, Jason is primarily a coach and advisor to executive teams. His energy comes from his love of people + technology, and using his skills to help technology organizations become High Leverage..

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time for YOU to master middle management!

167: You Don’t Have to Be John Maxwell to Be a Great Leader

by Max Ahumada | May 6, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive deep into the practical aspects of leadership with a focus on behaviors over traits.

Everyone aspires to be a great leader, but what does that really entail beyond the buzzwords and theories?

I share a story from a recent conversation with Bill, a senior engineering manager, who’s striving to enhance his leadership skills, particularly around building trust and creating psychological safety within his team.

We discuss how easy it is to get caught up in the theoretical aspects of leadership, like the concepts found in leadership books, and overlook the necessity of actionable steps.

Throughout our discussion, I emphasize the importance of transforming leadership aspirations into specific, behavior-based actions that lead to real results.

Join me as we explore how to break down common leadership challenges into tangible actions that can immediately impact your team.

So press play and let’s chat about turning theory into action!

166: Get Rid of Toxic Work Culture Once and For All with Anese Cavanaugh | Award-Winning Author

by Max Ahumada | Apr 29, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I welcome back award-winning author and creator of the IEP Method™️, Anese Cavanaugh.

Check out Episode 023: Change Your Life by Mastering Your Energy for our previous powerful interview.

IEP is about your Intention, your Energy, and your Presence.

It is the foundation for creating a Positive Energy Workplace™️ and Anese is passionate about helping you discover one simple truth:

Culture transformation CAN begin with you, and while the work itself is easy and rewarding, it’s not common.

The question you must ask yourself… is it worth it?

I’ll tell you from my experience, YES.

So press play and let’s chat… if you practice IEP, you’ll get rid of toxic culture once and for all!

165: WARNING – Your Memory is Worse Than You Think

by Max Ahumada | Apr 22, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into how our memories can sometimes be our own worst enemies, especially when it comes to personal growth and development.

I recount a recent humbling experience playing the game “Memory” with my nephew which sparked a profound realization about the limitations of my own memory, particularly how it’s crammed with so much information that it often hinders more than it helps.

This reflection led me to explore broader implications in terms of career advancement and personal development. I discuss the concept of the “I know” mindset, which can prevent us from taking action because we convince ourselves that we already know enough.

I share insights on how embracing community, coaching, and open-mindedness—rather than relying solely on what we know—can significantly propel us forward.

So press play and let’s chat about breaking free from the barriers of our memory!

164: Create the Exact Job You Want with Jonathan Boyer | Principal Mechanical Engineer

by Max Ahumada | Apr 15, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet my old colleague and good friend, Jonathan Boyer.

He is a Principal Engineer at Stryker, a leading Medical Equipment Manufacturing company whose products impact more than 130 million healthcare patients annually.

Jonathan had the same problem most engineers face, and in fact, you might say it’s not a problem.

There were some parts of his job he loved to do, and some things he had to do… and the “have to” category was bigger than the “love to.”

He decided it was time to change that reality. Jonathan set an intention that his next role would be SOLELY based on his passions and what he loves to do.

That role didn’t exist at Stryker.

It does now, and we’ll show you how.

So press play and let’s chat… because it’s time to create the job of your dreams!

163: The Secret of Escaping Stagnation at Work

by Max Ahumada | Apr 8, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of stagnation in your career journey.

Drawing from a recent coaching session with an engineering manager, Alex, who’s feeling stuck in his current role, we explore how the fear of dissatisfaction can hold us back from reaching our full potential. Despite having a good life and career on the surface, he realizes he’s not truly fulfilled.

I share insights on how to break free from this cycle by daring to be dissatisfied and embracing the courage to pursue something greater.

Plus, I offer a practical tool, the Pain Pleasure Matrix, to help you refocus your energy towards your desired future.

Don’t let fear hold you back any longer—join me as we embark on a journey toward growth and fulfillment.

So press play and let’s chat about embracing the courage to pursue greatness!

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