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

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

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!

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189: Accelerate Promotion by Avoiding a Common Phase 2 Trap

189: Accelerate Promotion by Avoiding a Common Phase 2 Trap

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!

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

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

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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191: The Time Mindset – Beyond the Reach of Money

187: How to Win at Office Politics and Keep your Integrity

In this episode, I dive into the often dreaded topic of office politics and why they are crucial to your career growth as an engineering leader.

I share real-life examples, like my conversation with Matthew, a senior manager who felt stuck and frustrated by the politics in his company. But here’s the catch — it’s not the politics that hold you back, it’s your mindset toward them.
Together, we’ll explore how to shift your perspective, step into the political arena with integrity, and build influence, one person at a time. Plus, I give you practical tips, including how asking the right questions can change everything.

So press play and let’s chat… It’s time to turn office politics into your secret weapon for career success.

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186: The 8 Bad Moods that Block Happiness at Work with Matt O’Neill

186: The 8 Bad Moods that Block Happiness at Work with Matt O’Neill

In this episode, my guest Matt O’Neill teaches us that happiness is a choice, even when life gets tough.

Matt is is global leader in happiness education, teaching audiences how to live a life of ‘Conscious Happiness’ and now having impact over 100,000 people worldwide. His work includes the “Good Mood Revolution” book and podcast where he explains the importance of conquering negative thought patterns while embracing habits that lead to a happier life.

Matt’s teaching isn’t just theory, it’s tested in the real world too. Matt and his wife have 4 young children and they run two successful businesses with $8 Million in revenues and over 80 employees. Living by the happiness principles he teaches, his company is recognized as the #1 company to work for in South Carolina.

Matt’s unique approach to choosing good moods, even in the face of adversity, resonates deeply with each of us.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to unlock your potential for lasting happiness!

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