WHERE WE HELP ENGINEERS at all levels to achieve career success without suffering burnout.
WELCOME TO THE
HAPPY ENGINEER PODCAST
The Happy Engineer Podcast helps engineers at all levels to achieve career success without suffering burnout. Build your career, balance your life, and be happy!
Your host, Zach White, knows what it takes to be a successful engineer. Each week, the former engineering leader, now turned CEO and sought after Lifestyle Engineering Coach, will help you create an action plan to level up your career while designing a life you love.
Enjoy inspiring conversations with experts from all corners of industry and life, redefining work-life balance for a new world. Stop living below your potential, engineer! Learn how to overcome any career obstacle you face. Get off the road to burnout.
Crush comfort, create courage, and LET’S DO THIS!
BEHIND THE MIC
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Zach White is a widely regarded Coach known worldwide for changing the game in engineering career coaching. He has worked with engineers at all levels from dozens of top companies like Apple, Google, and General Motors to escape burnout and achieve breakthrough results. Zach is the founder and CEO of OACO, a fast growing company with unique and proven coaching programs exclusively for engineers. He also hosts The Happy Engineer Podcast, where listeners discover the steps to engineering success through expert interviews and Zach’s own transformational framework, the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint.
Zach understands the engineering journey first hand, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. With over a decade of experience and top performance in a $20B organization, he is now a sought after Coach by engineering leaders around the world.
As a growing entrepreneur, Zach is also a Partner at PermaVentures, a private equity investment group and startup studio based in Southwest Michigan.
READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR ENGINEERING CAREER?
GRAB YOUR HEADPHONES AND TUNE IN!
131: Secrets of Being a CEO Revealed with Deborah Coviello | The CEO Whisperer | Author | Podcast Host
In this episode, we meet the CEO Whisperer herself, Deborah Coviello.
If you have ever hoped to make it to the top, or you are already there, this is an important conversation.
She is the author of the top book, “CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track.” The journey begins where she tells the CEO’s Hero Journey through the unknown and how to guide them to Peace of Mind.
We talk about the transformation from firefighting to true leadership, how working harder and complexity can burn you out, and the reality that an obsession with results may not be what CEOs really want.
Deb is an advisor, host of “The Drop-In CEO” podcast with over 300 episodes, and Founder of Illumination Partners, a consulting firm for C-Suite Leaders of Today and Tomorrow to navigate challenges with confidence.
So press play and let’s chat… we are about to drop in and whisper the secrets to being a CEO!
130: Leading with Vulnerability Superpowers – the Future of Leadership with Jacob Morgan | International Best-Selling Author | Futurist
In this episode, we look into the future of leadership with international best-selling author, Jacob Morgan.
A professionally trained futurist, well known and respected for his previous books on the future of work, Jacob took on the challenging question, “What do leaders need most to face the challenges of the coming decade?”
That question, plus 100 CEO interviews and 14,000 employees surveyed, resulted in his fifth book, “Leading with Vulnerability.” We dive into his biggest breakthroughs today.
If you want to get ahead in your career, in a way that you feel proud of and everyone else feels honored to support your success… then tune in and listen up.
Jacob’s work has been endorsed by the CEOs of Mastercard, Best Buy, Unilever, The Ritz Carlton, Nestle, Cisco, Audi, and now you can add Zach White and Oasis of Courage to that list.
So press play and let’s chat… this conversation is not about being vulnerable, but leading with vulnerability.
129: How to Increase Confidence Interviewing and Get the Job You Want
In today’s episode, I dive deep into a topic that is crucial for career growth and success: confidence.
We all know that interviews play a crucial role in advancing our careers, whether it’s for promotions within our current organizations or when seeking opportunities in new companies. But here’s the truth – interviews are not solely about qualifications, they are about confidence.
In this episode, we explore the three mindsets of confidence that are essential for acing your interviews and landing that dream job. I share a real-life example of Charlie, one of our clients, as we uncover the challenges he faced and how we helped him turn his uncertainty into confidence.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to land your ideal engineering role!
128: You Work Too Hard to Miss Bigger Opportunity with Greg Martin | Lifetime at Work Podcast Host
n this episode, meet a man dedicated to helping engineers realize how great our jobs can be, Greg Martin.
10 years into his 2-year career plan, he experienced a burnout crisis and was forced to make a drastic change. His pivot into the restaurant business was thwarted by the pandemic, and life lessons learned the hard way continued.
Greg challenges every employee and business owner to not be afraid of wanting what you really want! Because you won’t know what’s possible for you until you run bolder experiments and test the limits of what your current situation will provide.
As an investment banker, angel investor, entrepreneur and regular host of the Lifetime at Work podcast, Greg is on a mission to explore the world of work, the ups and downs behind taking big risks and the payoffs that come with it.
So press play and let’s chat… because the payoffs can be huge if you’ll take action.
127: Supercharge Confidence and Engineer Esteem with Maria Papazoglou | Top Executive Coach in Greece
In this episode, we travel far and wide to topics from every corner of career development with Maria Papazoglou.
Maria is among the top executive coaches in Greece, and shares a taste of her Greek heritage and ancient wisdom with us on the show today.
You already know how important confidence and self-esteem is in your career, but what you don’t know is that there is more where that came from.
No matter what your starting point is today, Maria and I are going to show you how to take your esteem even deeper, and how to turn confidence into action for results in your career. Good news is, the rewards of becoming your best are limitless.
Maria adds to her Greek alphabet soup of certifications with training in the USA by Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Brendon Burchard. She is a certified NLP Master Practitioner.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to broaden your horizons, and deepen your awareness of esteem!
126: Two Actions to Help Reverse Rock Bottom
Let’s talk about hitting rock bottom and bouncing back, a journey many of us face in our lives.
In this episode, I share my personal journey of hitting rock bottom after experiencing grief and divorce. I recount the moment I found a divorce note at home and how it triggered a downward spiral in my life.
Despite my previous success as an engineer, I found myself in a state of despair, depression, and embarrassment. However, with the support of loved ones, I was able to turn my life around.
I emphasize the importance of having courageous conversations and being fully known, seeking counseling or talking to a trusted friend.
Hit that play button and let’s take action together!
125: Impactful Engineering with Jake Maxey and Steve Maxey | Podcast Hosts | Engineers Making a Difference
In this episode, meet two engineers who really care about the next generation of engineers, Jake Maxey and Steve Maxey.
These brothers have overcome many challenges to reach the levels of success in engineering they enjoy today, and those setbacks were the perfect setup for their mission:
Impactful Engineering.
If you know that your work on earth is about more than new technology and making money, and you’re looking for inspiration in how you can make a difference right now, you are going to love Jake and Steve.
They are also launching a new show, Impactful Engineering Podcast, that I highly recommend you check out.
Their message is about more than generosity tomorrow, it will help you perform at your best today.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time for us to make an IMPACT!
124: The Secret to Customer Experience that Engineers Need to Know with Annette Franz
In this episode, meet the woman who (literally) wrote the book on Customer Understanding, Annette Franz.
We talk about the importance of understanding your customer as an engineer, not only to design great products, but to build a great career.
She started her career at J.D. Power and Associates in 1992, and has spent the last 30 years as a customer experience leader for dozens of brand names you would recognize, and in her own consulting firm. Annette was named one of “The 100 Most Influential Tech Women on Twitter” by Business Insider.
Annette says people come before products. You are going to want to know why, and what to do about it.
She is author of two powerful books, Customer Understanding: Three Ways to Put the “Customer” in Customer Experience (and at the Heart of Your Business), and Built to Win: Designing a Customer-Centric Culture That Drives Value for Your Business.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to bridge the gap between product and VOC for YOU.
123: Are You on the Road to Burnout? | The Unspoken Pandemic
Let’s talk about a topic that hits close to home: burnout.
In this episode, l share my own experience of hitting rock bottom in my career due to burnout and how I turned things around.
Join me as I draw insights from over 1,500 engineering leaders and discuss the various faces of burnout – from disengagement to the perils of overworking. I introduce the “burnout scale” and urge you to assess where you stand on it.
I’ll uncover how burnout is more than just physical exhaustion – it’s about energy deficits across all aspects of our lives.
Hit that play button and let’s tackle burnout together!
122: Engineering Hard Choices with Pete Hunt | The Face of Facebook’s React.js
In this episode, we meet a leader who has gone from engineer, to CEO, then back to engineer, and back to CEO again, Pete Hunt.
If you want to make an impact through technology, and can’t decide if Fortune 100 or Inc. 1000 is right for you, or you struggle to make hard choices in engineering your career… then you are going to love learning from Pete.
In his early career, Pete led Instagram’s web team, built Instagram’s business analytics products, and helped to open source Facebook’s React.js (you can find him speaking at conferences around the world on YouTube).
After that, he co-founded and served as CEO of Smyte, an anti-abuse provider that was acquired by Twitter. During these experiences he discovered the keys to building and leading a data engineering team, and making hard choices like selecting an app’s tech stack.
Now, Pete is the CEO of Elementl which builds Dagster, an open-source data orchestration tool.
So press play and let’s chat… if 2 billion users are benefitting from Pete’s hard choices, you can too.
121: Money Freedom is Not Simply More Money with Flint Jamison | Engineer to Investor | Founder of Vestus Capital
In this episode, we talk MONEY with a 20 year veteran of aerospace engineering who is now a full time investor and Founder of Vestus Capital, Flint Jamison.
Every engineering leader wants financial freedom, but how do you get there?
If your strategy is to follow the average advice, you’ll get average results. In the world we live in today, average results are just not good enough.
Flint and I discuss how burnout led him to ask new questions and innovate solutions for his financial future, and how you can do the same. The best part is that these strategies are not just about creating wealth, but changing your experience at work and avoiding burnout as well.
So press play and let’s chat… because money freedom is not simply about making more money!
120: Easy Networking Strategy for Engineers – Memorize this Question
In this episode, we tackle a common challenge that engineers often encounter: networking.
While networking might seem daunting to some, fret not! We’ve got the perfect remedy.
We delve into a fundamental networking principle: leading with generosity. Discover the power of a single question that can help you embrace this principle.
This straightforward yet impactful icebreaker not only lets you extend a helping hand, but also aids the other person in defining their requirements. Tune in to explore how this strategy can revolutionize your networking encounters.
Hit that play button and let’s chat… because networking events can actually be enjoyable!
119: How to Succeed without Compromising Family Values with Aaron Hensler | Director of Technical Integration at Rivian | Husband & Father
In this episode, we journey from the island, to the city, to an offshore oil platform in pursuit of wisdom from the life of energy management expert, Ryan Roper.
If you know that leaving a legacy through your life, your work, and your family matters deeply to you, then this episode is going to hit home.
Ryan’s career in the energy sector began at birth, being from one of the oldest oil provinces in the world, and is a true global expert with nearly two decades of hands-on experience.
We dismantle the power of fear that holds engineering leaders back from their potential, and how to face the uncertainty of a future full of innovation. Whether it’s artificial intelligence and machine learning, transitioning toward net-zero and more sustainable energy solutions, or dozens of other areas, you need to be ready to face these challenges head on.
Ryan holds his Bachelors in Chemistry from Morehouse College, Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Masters in Business and Energy Management from Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, and studied Data Analytics at Harvard.
So press play and let’s chat… you may not take a helicopter to work, but it’s time to get a 3,000 foot view on your life and happiness!
118: Are You Really as Good at Solving Problems as You Think You Are? with Jamie Flinchbaugh | Top Author | Senior Executive Consultant
In this episode, we uncover hard truths about what holds engineering leaders back with Founder of JFlinch, Jamie Flinchbaugh.
You probably pride yourself on your problem solving skills as an engineer. But are you as good as you think you are?
Jamie has helped purpose-driven leaders craft effective, resilient organizations at over 300 companies including Harley-Davidson, Intel, Amazon, Crayola, Fidelity, Whirlpool, and many others you would recognize.
We will help you understand what it takes to level up your value at work, and be an influential leader using concepts from his latest book, “People Solve Problems, The Power of Every Person, Every Day, Every Problem.”
Discover what makes your organization Lean, and what doesn’t.
So press play and let’s chat… you’ve probably got a problem, and you’re the person!
117: Leadership Dilemma – When Do You Fire an Employee?
In this episode, we tackle the sensitive topic of managing underperforming team members and making the tough decision to let someone go.
We dive into the balance of tough love versus extending grace, and how hard personal circumstances can impact an individual’s ability to perform.
We explore the question of whether empathy has been demonstrated in these situations, and share specific actions leaders must take to create A-player teams.
So press play and let’s chat… if you’re a leader or manager struggling with hiring and firing decisions, this episode is a must-listen.
116: How our Struggles Lead to Happiness with Ryan Roper | Global Leader in Energy Management | Keynote Speaker
In this episode, we journey from the island, to the city, to an offshore oil platform in pursuit of wisdom from the life of energy management expert, Ryan Roper.
If you know that leaving a legacy through your life, your work, and your family matters deeply to you, then this episode is going to hit home.
Ryan’s career in the energy sector began at birth, being from one of the oldest oil provinces in the world, and is a true global expert with nearly two decades of hands-on experience.
We dismantle the power of fear that holds engineering leaders back from their potential, and how to face the uncertainty of a future full of innovation. Whether it’s artificial intelligence and machine learning, transitioning toward net-zero and more sustainable energy solutions, or dozens of other areas, you need to be ready to face these challenges head on.
Ryan holds his Bachelors in Chemistry from Morehouse College, Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Masters in Business and Energy Management from Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, and studied Data Analytics at Harvard.
So press play and let’s chat… you may not take a helicopter to work, but it’s time to get a 3,000 foot view on your life and happiness!
115: Fail Early (Not Often) and Succeed Later with Mark Graban | Award-Winning Author | Lean Engineering Expert
In this episode, we take a deep look at “The Mistakes that Make Us” with the award-winning author of a new book by that title, Mark Graban.
If your company struggles with cultivating a culture of learning and innovation that keeps you and your peers engaged, then you will deeply appreciate what Mark has discovered through his research and practical discovery as a Lean expert and consultant.
We cover a crucial distinction between mistakes and failure, how you don’t actually fear failure, how engineers can be a part of creating the culture at work rather than being a victim of it.
Mark has over half a million followers on LinkedIn who rely on him to help them synthesize and practice methods including Lean management, continuous improvement, statistical methods, and people-centered leadership approaches.
Mark has published multiple breakthrough books, earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University, and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and M.B.A. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Leaders for Global Operations Program.
So press play and let’s chat… it might not be perfect but it’s our mistakes that make us!
114: Do You Need a Vacation? Go from Escape to Energy by Shifting the Vacation Paradigm
In this episode, I debunk the fallacy surrounding vacations as a remedy for work-related stress and dissatisfaction.
Summer is here and vacation plans are in the air. Join me as we explore a fresh mindset that encourages intentional time off for energy renewal, and a shift away from relying solely on vacations to address career burnout.
Discover practical strategies for achieving sustainable success and true rest that go beyond the traditional vacation narrative.
Get ready to redefine your approach to time off and unlock a new level of balance and fulfillment in your professional journey.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to rethink our vacation days!
113: Stop Being Nice and Start Leading Kind with Karyn Ross | Award-Winning Author and Leadership Expert
In this episode, we look at leadership through a new lens. Leadership expert and award-winning author Karyn Ross is on a mission to help us create a kinder and better world.
If power-hungry leaders who play the game of corporate politics have ever rubbed you the wrong way, or if you feel the pain of toxic leadership at work in any way, you will want to hear what Karyn has to say about kindness.
Karyn believes that kind leadership is the answer to our global leadership crisis.
Most engineering leaders also struggle with being kind to themselves. I’ll show you a simple exercise to neutralize that negative self-talk.
An artist, TEDx speaker, internationally recognized coach, Karyn is the owner of Karyn Ross Consulting and The New School for Kind Leaders. She is also the Founder and President of The Love and Kindness Project Foundation, a registered public charity and grass-roots movement, spreading kindness person to person around the world.
So press play and let’s chat… I may not always be nice, but I promise to be kind!
112: Your Biggest Industry Opportunity Today is Manufacturing with John Real | Project Engineering Leader
In this episode, you’ll hear how a decade of hard work in engineering left John Real successful on paper, but unhappy and unsatisfied with his life.
And in 90 days he turned all of that around, without changing anything but himself.
John is a Project Engineering Leader at GLM Hydro, where he manages process engineering, system installation and commissioning support, documentation control, purchasing, and equipment quality control for his organization.
If you have ever wondered if manufacturing is a career path worth considering, or one worth staying in, then you don’t want to miss this conversation.
If you have ever been unhappy with your career, or feeling stuck on where to take your career moving forward, then you don’t want to miss this conversation.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to go from slow decay to fast impact!
111: Morning Victory – 5 Habits of Mediocrity Engineering Leaders Must Avoid
In this episode, learn from a recent conversation with Mark, an engineering leader facing burnout. His turnaround began by taking control of his life from the moment his feet hit the floor.
The fact is, you probably have habits that hinder your progress.
From snooze buttons to social media, I’ll show you how these 5 behaviors negatively impact your mindset and productivity. If you replace these bad habits with good ones, the results you can create in your career will compound over time.
Don’t underestimate the power of a mindful morning routine. There may be 1000 good options for what to do, but these 5 bad options you must avoid.
So press play and let’s chat… It’s time to start your day on the path to success!
110: Start Anything You Believe Deeply with @CauseHacker Jim Carter iii | CEO & Founder | AI Specialist
In this episode, we tackle the hot topic of work that aligns with your purpose, versus a job that only pays your bills, with my good friend Jim Carter III.
If you have ever questioned your career path and wondered if the mission and meaning behind your company is truly aligned with your own values, then don’t miss this conversation.
Jim is a programmer turned passionate founder, public speaker, Fortune 15 consultant & AI strategist. With the experience of growing multiple 7 figure businesses in tech & content, he specializes in advising brands, experts & Social Impact organizations on maximizing growth using content & technology.
His passion for purpose has him known as the @CauseHacker.
Focusing on AI, tech expertise & business growth, Jim mentors scaling entrepreneurs through his Fast Foundations Mastermind & empowers entrepreneurs to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence in their daily lives & businesses.
Proud #girldad, lover of coffee, and dad joke aficionado, Jim will guide, challenge & unblock the biggest challenges you have in a simple & actionable form.
So press play and let’s chat…it’s time to start living ON purpose!
109: You’re Not Alone – Powerful Community Leads to Healing and Growth with Bekah Weigel | Founder of VirtualCoffee.io
In this episode, you will meet an oil & gas mechanical engineer, turned million dollar side-hustle entrepreneur, turned high-performance coach, author, podcast host, and a new friend of mine, Tony Whatley.
We talk about what it means to become a better driver in the race of our careers.
Tony shares a critical insight about our priority, and challenges us to escape scarcity in our mindset and actions.
You will have a choice coming out of this episode, a choice of which hard thing you will do.
After leading $100MM+ international projects as an engineer, selling his side-hustle business for millions of dollars at age 34, and publishing an Amazon #1 best-selling book, Side Hustle Millionaire… Tony has more than a little wisdom to help you.
So press play and let’s chat… and let’s all stay 365 Driven!
108: Create Peace and Compound Progress with True Priority
In this episode, discover the secrets to effective prioritization and how that can multiply peace and progress in your engineering career.
I’m going to dive into two major problems hindering prioritization: lack of clarity, and surrendering to others’ priorities.
We will implement practical solutions for you right now, including my “two by two” tactic for daily wins, and the art of saying “no” strategically.
By taking control of your priority and embracing courage, you can and will unlock your full potential for success.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to crush comfort and create a life of purposeful prioritization!
107: 1000% Advantage to Reach Your Dreams with Manuj Aggarwal | Founder of TetraNoodle Technologies
In this episode, we explore an inspiring journey from the factory floor to the forefront of AI technology with my guest, Manuj Aggarwal.
Manuj navigated a life filled with obstacles, beginning with his $2/day factory job in rural India.
Learn about his decision to invest a year’s salary in a computer course, discovering his immediate love for technology, and how it ignited a passion that would change his life forever.
He now holds 4 patents in AI, and created over $500 million in value for clients like Microsoft, IBM, Pearson Education, and more. His work has impacted over 10 million lives, and has been mentioned by leaders including President Obama and Bill Gates.
So press play and let’s chat… and hear a testament to the power of resilience, an unyielding spirit of curiosity, and the future of AI.
106: Experience Money Freedom and Million Dollar Side Hustles with Tony Whatley | Founder of 365 Driven and Best-Selling Author
In this episode, you will meet an oil & gas mechanical engineer, turned million dollar side-hustle entrepreneur, turned high-performance coach, author, podcast host, and a new friend of mine, Tony Whatley.
We talk about what it means to become a better driver in the race of our careers.
Tony shares a critical insight about our priority, and challenges us to escape scarcity in our mindset and actions.
You will have a choice coming out of this episode, a choice of which hard thing you will do.
After leading $100MM+ international projects as an engineer, selling his side-hustle business for millions of dollars at age 34, and publishing an Amazon #1 best-selling book, Side Hustle Millionaire… Tony has more than a little wisdom to help you.
So press play and let’s chat… and let’s all stay 365 Driven!
105: How to Reduce Stress and Improve Daily
In this episode, I’m going to share with you the single mindset shift that has helped me prevent burnout permanently for myself and hundreds of engineering leaders around the world.
And the best part is that this one is EASY to take action on.
Maybe you have had a lot of success lately, and don’t feel stressed or burned out.
Congrats, that’s good news! But here’s something to remember…
Success does not mean you have no problems.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to reduce stress and improve our lives every single day!
104: True Esteem – from Deep Insecurity to Unshakable Confidence with Teresa Quinlan | EQ Emotional Intelligence Expert Coach
In this episode, the amazing Teresa Quinlan shares the depth of wisdom that only 25+ years of experience as an executive coach and emotional intelligence thought leader can bring.
We uncover the link between self-worth and our attributes, and why that link is derailing your career success.
She put a spotlight on the truth that our own CHOICE of what to believe is the cause of our self-esteem fragility. This one insight will change the way you see your life experiences and results forever.
Teresa and I cover proactive and reactive practices that will help you create unshakable confidence, and strengthen your mindset in any area of your life.
As a professional coach, leadership specialist, master facilitator, and speaker, Teresa is building Emotionally Intelligent Organizations through Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Employee Programs, and Speaking.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to cross the threshold of IQ and expand your universe with EQ!
103: Increase Velocity to Land Your Dream Career with Gina Riley | Talent Expert and Career Coach
In this episode, we answer the hard questions about how to increase velocity in your career with talent expert and career coach, Gina Riley.
You will learn why your previous role is blocking you from landing your next one, and how to prevent the cycle of loss from being a barrier.
We cover the three keys to executive presence, including one that I’ve never explored before on the podcast!
And most importantly, Gina will explain why you should NOT start with your resume when you want to reach the next level..
Gina is an authority in career transition. She’s the creator of the Career Velocity™ System – a comprehensive solution that helps leaders and executives map out a transition strategy that is proven. It has helped leaders to transition to their next role in 6 months or less, 85% of the time.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to hit the gas pedal and get results, because success loves speed!
102: Stop Being a Lazy Career Workaholic
In this special 100th episode, I bring you the 10 most powerful moments of the podcast since it began.
The most downloaded episodes.
The most commented and shared tips.
The most impactful action steps.
The most powerful stories.
And my personal favorite moments that I’ll never forget.
So press play and let’s chat… because this is the ultimate buffet of wisdom if you want to be a Happy Engineer!
101: Million Dollar Insights You Least Expect with Vamsi Polimetla | Founder & CEO of Make More Leaders
In this episode, meet Founder and CEO of Make More Leaders, Vamsi Polimetla. He coaches ambitious executives to achieve their lifelong goals.
Today we talk about miracles, million dollar insights, and the true nature of wealth in your life.
You’ve heard coaches talk about “becoming the best version of yourself” if you hang out on Instagram at all. Well Vamsi was recently in India with THE COACH who started the popular movement toward BECOMING.
Discover a new twist on the old metaphor of fitting more rocks in the jar of your life.
And more importantly, learn how slowing down is going to help you get what you want most.
Vamsi has successfully coached executives from companies like Salesforce, Amazon, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Blue Cross, J. Walter Thompson, Deloitte, Verizon and the list goes on.
So press play and let’s chat… because you’re next on the road to become your absolute best!
100: Top 10 Tips Every Engineer Needs to Know | Episode 100 Celebration with Zach White
In this special 100th episode, I bring you the 10 most powerful moments of the podcast since it began.
The most downloaded episodes.
The most commented and shared tips.
The most impactful action steps.
The most powerful stories.
And my personal favorite moments that I’ll never forget.
So press play and let’s chat… because this is the ultimate buffet of wisdom if you want to be a Happy Engineer!
099: The 4 Mandatory Mindsets of Peak Performance with Dr. Ruth Gotian | #1 Emerging Thinker in Management Worldwide by Thinkers 50
In this episode, meet Dr. Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer at Weill Cornell Medicine. TEDx Speaker | Author | Coach
She has studied the most successful people of our generation for decades, including Nobel laureates, astronauts, and Olympic champions, in order to understand what they do when the world isn’t watching.
What did they do that ultimately put them in an elite class?
The answer is built on 4 key mindsets that are mandatory if you want to reach your own peak performance. Once you have these, the skills and strategies come easily. We cover all 4 in this conversation.
In 2021, Ruth was recognized by Thinkers50 (the Oscars of Management Thinking), as the world’s #1 emerging management thinker. In 2022, she was ranked one of the Top 20 Mentors in the world. Her powerful insights appear regularly in publications such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Psychology Today.
So press play and let’s chat… because Dr. Ruth Gotian is about to hand you the key to your success factor!
098: Create Belonging and Inclusion with Genesis Amaris Kemp | Author and DEI Advocate
In this episode, meet the host of GEMS Podcast, Genesis Amaris Kemp. She is a Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging enthusiast who is known as a Firecracker and a force to be reckoned with.
Genesis is a woman of color who said, “Enough is enough,” and is now bolder than ever. During her career in the oil and gas industry, she remained silent. Now she is stepping outside of her comfort zone by speaking up and authored her challenging book, “Chocolate Drop in Corporate America: From The Pit To The Palace.”
Today you will learn from the experiences of a minority and how you can apply these lessons to create a culture at work of greater belonging.
And, I will challenge you to overcome 3 things that keep you confined to your comfort zone.
Genesis has been featured on four dozen-plus podcasts and multiple magazine publications and has released over 750 episodes of her show GEMS… including episode 744 where I was honored to be a guest and share the Blueprint to Happiness we talk about here on the Happy Engineer Podcast.
So press play and let’s chat…because changing the culture of your workplace will lead to greater happiness!
097: Why Happy People are More Productive with Thanh Pham | CEO at Asian Efficiency
In this episode, we go through the 3 keys to transformation. We show you how to go from hating your life, to happiness every day!
Discover how to be the leader of your own career and create the results you want.
Experience this powerful shift with our guest and my good friend, Dr. Benjamin Ritter. He is founder of Live for Yourself Consulting, bringing a revolutionary mindset in creating the life of your dreams.
Ben is a leadership and career coach, Talent Development Executive, values geek, international speaker, online instructor of the course Be the Leader of Your Own Career and Create a Career You Love.
He also hosts two podcasts, “The Executive” and “The Live for Yourself Revolution.”
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to live life on your own terms and love it every step of the way!
096: From Hate to Happiness with Dr. Benjamin Ritter | 3 Keys to Engineering Career Fulfillment
In this episode, we go through the 3 keys to transformation. We show you how to go from hating your life, to happiness every day!
Discover how to be the leader of your own career and create the results you want.
Experience this powerful shift with our guest and my good friend, Dr. Benjamin Ritter. He is founder of Live for Yourself Consulting, bringing a revolutionary mindset in creating the life of your dreams.
Ben is a leadership and career coach, Talent Development Executive, values geek, international speaker, online instructor of the course Be the Leader of Your Own Career and Create a Career You Love.
He also hosts two podcasts, “The Executive” and “The Live for Yourself Revolution.”
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to live life on your own terms and love it every step of the way!
095: Hello, My Name is Awesome! with Alexandra Watkins | Chief Executive Boss Lady
In this episode, meet the world’s leading authority on brand names with buzz.
Since 2005, Alexandra Watkins and her naming firm, Eat My Words, have created love-at-first sight brand names for countless companies from Amazon to Xerox.
You are going to learn the most important qualities of successful product and brand names. Perhaps even more important, you’ll learn the top mistakes engineers make when naming their new business, new products, or new anything!
Don’t wait until you are ready to start a new company to learn this stuff. It’s powerful now and will save you from heartache when the time comes.
Alexandra’s breakthrough creativity book, “Hello, My Name is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick,” was named a Top 10 Marketing Book by Inc. Magazine and has earned high praise from engineers and product leaders around the world.
So press play and let’s chat… because The Happy Engineer gets put to the test against brand names considered the best!
094: From Hyper-Stressed Panic Attacks to the World’s Happiest Software Engineer with Erik Andersen
In this episode, we talk about WINNING. My guest is JM Ryerson, host of the Let’s Go Win podcast and creator of the Let’s Go Win process.
That process has allowed JM to successfully build and exit two companies, creating the financial freedom and personal success that most engineering leaders dream about.
We talk about the importance of timing, the power of perspective, and the two questions JM asks himself every day to make sure he consistently performs at his best in business results AND emotional experience.
JM knows you want to be happy, and will share with you how he does it.
He is now coaching high-performing leaders to grow their impact and income. His Show Up As You system helps utilize your role as a leader to ignite the ambition and confidence your team needs to hit next-level success.
So press play and let’s chat… and Let’s Go Win!
093: How to Become a Top 1% Communicator in Your Industry with Brenden Kumarasamy | Founder of MasterTalk
In this episode, we talk about WINNING. My guest is JM Ryerson, host of the Let’s Go Win podcast and creator of the Let’s Go Win process.
That process has allowed JM to successfully build and exit two companies, creating the financial freedom and personal success that most engineering leaders dream about.
We talk about the importance of timing, the power of perspective, and the two questions JM asks himself every day to make sure he consistently performs at his best in business results AND emotional experience.
JM knows you want to be happy, and will share with you how he does it.
He is now coaching high-performing leaders to grow their impact and income. His Show Up As You system helps utilize your role as a leader to ignite the ambition and confidence your team needs to hit next-level success.
So press play and let’s chat… and Let’s Go Win!
092: Unleash Your Awesome with Daria Williamson | Author | Career Strengths Expert & Leadership Coach
In this episode, we prove that working hard doesn’t have to feel like hard work with strengths expert and leadership coach, Daria Williamson.
For the last decade, Daria has been coaching leaders to peak performance through practical advice and activities designed to help people go from burnout, boredom and stress to power and motivation.
Today we will help you understand the importance of working in your zone of genius, and how to increase the amount of time you invest in genius.
If you want to accelerate your career growth, this conversation is for you.
Daria shows how everyone has the capacity to leverage their strengths and neutralize their weaknesses to move forward.
She has recently published her book ‘Unleash Your Awesome’, which in tandem with her well-known ‘Strengths Deck’ is a powerful resource I encourage you to check out. Click the Full Show Notes link above for the details.
So press play and let’s chat… there’s a new strengths game in town and it’s AWESOME!
091: ABC’s with CTO of Cast AI – Leon Kuperman | Artificial Intelligence | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Cloud Computing
In this episode, we get deep into topics that every engineer in software and technology cares about… and every engineer outside software and technology needs to care about.
Meet Leon Kuperman, the Co-Founder and CTO of CAST AI. Formerly Vice President of Security Products OCI at Oracle, Leon has 20+ years of experience in product management, software design and development, all the way through to production deployment.
We discuss the major implications of artificial intelligence in our careers, and the best ways to prepare yourself now.
Gain key lessons in what it takes to succeed in business from a leader who has held executive leadership roles in big tech, as well as entrepreneurial startups.
And enjoy an unexpected story of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and its application to your personal growth at work.
Leon is a true expert and authority on cloud computing, web application security and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), e-commerce, and web application architecture.
So press play and let’s chat… the ramifications of a new AI future await!
090: Let’s Go Win with JM Ryerson | How Timing, Authenticity, and Perspective Create Careers that Make You Happy and Wealthy
In this episode, we talk about WINNING. My guest is JM Ryerson, host of the Let’s Go Win podcast and creator of the Let’s Go Win process.
That process has allowed JM to successfully build and exit two companies, creating the financial freedom and personal success that most engineering leaders dream about.
We talk about the importance of timing, the power of perspective, and the two questions JM asks himself every day to make sure he consistently performs at his best in business results AND emotional experience.
JM knows you want to be happy, and will share with you how he does it.
He is now coaching high-performing leaders to grow their impact and income. His Show Up As You system helps utilize your role as a leader to ignite the ambition and confidence your team needs to hit next-level success.
So press play and let’s chat… and Let’s Go Win!
089: Q&A #5 with Zach White | 6 LinkedIn Profile Improvements to Stand Out | My Opinion on Layoffs in Tech and How to Respond
In this episode, you asked me how to optimize your LinkedIn profile (and stand out from the crowd of talent), and what I think about recent layoffs (including how to respond if you were impacted).
Thank you to Parul, Software Engineering Manager, and the dozens of leaders on LinkedIn who have asked my opinion on layoffs, for sending me your questions!
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to get some answers.
088: Jim Cathcart | Top 5 Most Award-Winning Speaker in the World | the Pathway to Maximum Potential for True Professionals
In this episode, we go deeper into the HAPPY side of The Happy Engineer than ever before.
You will gain deep insights into how you can move from any emotion into authentic happiness.
And my guest will show you why that shift creates an experience of effortless success.
Meet my friend Robert Mack, an Ivy League-Educated, Positive Psychology Expert, Celebrity Happiness Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Television Host & Producer.
His work has been endorsed by Oprah, Vanessa Williams, Lisa Nichols, and many others including me (your host, Zach White)! You are going to love this man.
Robert coaches individuals from all walks of life – including professional athletes, popular entertainers, senior executives, and everyday people alike – and consults with organizations of all kinds, such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twilio, Microsoft, SalesForce, Deloitte Consulting, Capital One, and many others.
So press play and let’s chat… for a blend of ivy-league science and timeless, transcendental wisdom!
087: The 4 Must-Have Traits for Engineers to Build a Business from $0 to $1 MILLION in 3 Years (or Less) with Nicky Billou | CEO
In this episode, meet host of the #1 podcast in the world on thought leadership and international best-selling author of the book, “Finish Line Thinking: How to Think and Win Like a Champion”, Nicky Billou.
Nicky has interviewed over 300 of the world’s top thought leaders. He helps entrepreneurs to apply this timeless wisdom and scale their businesses by 7-9 figures through his own coaching company, eCircle Academy.
You are going to learn the 4 traits you need to build a successful $1 million dollar business in 3 years or less.
And the great news is that these same 4 traits will guarantee you a successful career as well.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to make the difference you were born to make!
086: How to Create Authentic Personal Happiness and Effortless Professional Success with Robert Mack | Celebrity Happiness Coach
In this episode, we go deeper into the HAPPY side of The Happy Engineer than ever before.
You will gain deep insights into how you can move from any emotion into authentic happiness.
And my guest will show you why that shift creates an experience of effortless success.
Meet my friend Robert Mack, an Ivy League-Educated, Positive Psychology Expert, Celebrity Happiness Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Television Host & Producer.
His work has been endorsed by Oprah, Vanessa Williams, Lisa Nichols, and many others including me (your host, Zach White)! You are going to love this man.
Robert coaches individuals from all walks of life – including professional athletes, popular entertainers, senior executives, and everyday people alike – and consults with organizations of all kinds, such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twilio, Microsoft, SalesForce, Deloitte Consulting, Capital One, and many others.
So press play and let’s chat… for a blend of ivy-league science and timeless, transcendental wisdom!
085: Career Success Toolkit – Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You with Mark Herschberg | CTO | Author | MIT Instructor
In this episode, we cover the essential skills for success that no one taught you.
Meet Mark Herschberg, a software engineering and cryptography expert, author, career builder, entrepreneur, and instructor for MIT’s “career success accelerator.”
The truth is that your engineering degree was not designed with success at work in mind. Colleges and universities have tried to address the problem, but the root causes go too deep. And frankly, it’s not their job to help you succeed at work. That’s YOUR job.
You must develop these skills, and even more importantly PRACTICE them, if you want to accelerate your career!
We cover the best way to do that in this conversation. If you’ll implement what Mark and I share, you’ll see change and growth faster than you can imagine.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to optimize your career & life for what really matters!
084: My Top 3 Books on Habits & Biggest Insights for Personal Change with Zach White | World’s Best Lifestyle Engineer
In this episode, meet Lion Goodman, a leader whose near-death experience kick-started five decades of research into the nature of consciousness, developmental psychology, spirituality and healing.
At the age of 26, Lion was shot in the head four times.
He survived.
He has since created the Clear Beliefs Method of trauma-informed therapeutic coaching, which he has taught to more than 500 coaches, healers and therapists around the world.
This powerful practice can eliminate a client’s limiting or negative belief from their subconscious mind, heal a childhood wound, or resolve a trauma from the past in a single session.
You will take away more than a great story from this conversation.
This is an actionable understanding of beliefs and the mind which can change your life forever if you’ll do the work.
So press play and let’s chat… because OH MY GOODNESS he got shot four times!
083: How 4 Bullets to the Head (& Surviving) Led to 5 Decades of Consciousness Research (& Thriving) with Lion Goodman | Transformational Coach
In this episode, meet Lion Goodman, a leader whose near-death experience kick-started five decades of research into the nature of consciousness, developmental psychology, spirituality and healing.
At the age of 26, Lion was shot in the head four times.
He survived.
He has since created the Clear Beliefs Method of trauma-informed therapeutic coaching, which he has taught to more than 500 coaches, healers and therapists around the world.
This powerful practice can eliminate a client’s limiting or negative belief from their subconscious mind, heal a childhood wound, or resolve a trauma from the past in a single session.
You will take away more than a great story from this conversation.
This is an actionable understanding of beliefs and the mind which can change your life forever if you’ll do the work.
So press play and let’s chat… because OH MY GOODNESS he got shot four times!
082: Avoid $1 Million Dollar Management Mistakes! Entrepreneurial Tips for Careers with Dan Cumberland | 3x SaaS Founder
In this episode, we chat with 3x SaaS (Software as a Service) company Founder, Product Strategist with the Venture Studio NineTwoThree, and host of a top 1% podcast, Dan Cumberland.
We cover what every engineering leader who wants to start their own company needs to hear. The cool part is that these ideas will help employees in your leadership just as much as entrepreneurs!
When do you know it’s time to start? How do you accelerate success and avoid huge mistakes? Am I really an entrepreneur? How do I balance business with life outside the company?
Dan and I answer these questions and more.
His work has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Fast Company, and many more. You will see why when you meet him. I loved this conversation!
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to save yourself $1 million dollars in self management mistakes!
081: The 6 Essential Core Values of Leadership with David Valentine | Marketing Madman and $$ Billion Dollar Leader
In this episode, you are going to meet a serial entrepreneur, investor, and marketing madman David Valentine. Dave owns 7 businesses which have generated over a billion dollars collectively for over 1000 clients including major brands and fortune 100 companies like Target, Time Magazine and American Express.
When his doctor asked him at the age of 29 “Are you prepared for your heart attack?” He realized he needed to learn how to scale businesses without the stress killing him.
Dave now runs his companies from the mountains next to a river and 3 waterfalls. What he has learned is a powerful set of core values that shape everything about how he leads and builds his company.
You will want to write these 6 values down, and an incredible insight I’ve never heard about values before.
So press play and let’s chat… you’re about to discover how to scale your career with one great impression!
080: Powerful 22-minute 2022 Reflection Exercise & Big News for The Happy Engineer Podcast in 2023 with Zach White
You ask the questions, and host Zach White answers! Enjoy the fourth edition of our fan-favorite Q&A series.
In this episode, you asked me about what to do when you have a micromanaging boss (who kills your motivation), and how to provide bigger value to the company (when your boss has no projects for you to tackle right now).
Thank you to Hadi, a Principal Engineer in Aerospace, and Sean, a Systems Engineer in Automotive, for sending me your questions!
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to get some answers.
079: Career Burnout Recovery and Prevention Secrets with Michael Levitt – Chief Burnout Officer
Have you experienced BURNOUT? Are you there now? Why are more engineers than ever before feeling burned out?
In this episode, you will meet the Chief Burnout Officer himself, Michael Levitt. Previously a leading healthcare executive managing $2 billion dollar budgets, he is now a global thought leader on workplace culture.
Michael experienced a massive burnout of his own in 2009, where over a period of 369 days, the following happened:
– A heart attack that should’ve killed him.
– Lost his job during the economic recession.
– Had his car repossessed.
– And had his home foreclosed.
Talk about a year of worst-case scenarios! Yet Michael sees this as a positive, because it gave him a second chance to rebuild from scratch, and learn how to prevent burnout permanently.
He’s going to bring that wisdom and actionable insights for daily life to build your career without suffering burnout.
So press play and let’s chat… so you can avoid your own year of worst-case scenarios!
078: From Half-Dressed in a Ditch to Senior Partner & Board Member in 3 Years with Tommy Breedlove – Legendary CEO
Want to be a legend? How strong are you?
Not just your physical muscles. Your heart muscles? Your mind muscles? Your soul muscles?
In this episode, meet a man who knows how important it is to do the work and strengthen your whole person, the Legendary CEO, Tommy Breedlove.
While living a “Wolf of Wall Street” life, Tommy woke up flat on his back, lying in a ditch half-dressed, unsure how he got there, feeling alone… and decided it was time to change his life.
Just 3 years later he had doubled his (already extremely high) income, made Senior Partner, and was elected to the Board of Directors at age 39 when everyone else was in their 60’s.
More importantly, his marriage went from life-support to rock-solid, and his life went from loud uncertainty to quiet confidence.
Tommy is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Book, “Legendary” and the founder of the Legendary Life Movement.… A movement that empowers driven people to be Pros in Leadership, Business, Mindset, & their Relationships.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to stop chasing the ghost of “more” & “when” and lean-in to the Legendary leader and human you were born to be!
077: Can You Do the Impossible? How to Overcome Any Disadvantage with Jessica Cox – the World’s 1st Armless Pilot
You ask the questions, and host Zach White answers! Enjoy the fourth edition of our fan-favorite Q&A series.
In this episode, you asked me about what to do when you have a micromanaging boss (who kills your motivation), and how to provide bigger value to the company (when your boss has no projects for you to tackle right now).
Thank you to Hadi, a Principal Engineer in Aerospace, and Sean, a Systems Engineer in Automotive, for sending me your questions!
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to get some answers.
076: Q&A #4 with Zach White | Dealing with a Micromanager Boss who Kills Your Motivation | How to Add More Value in Your Role Right Now
You ask the questions, and host Zach White answers! Enjoy the fourth edition of our fan-favorite Q&A series.
In this episode, you asked me about what to do when you have a micromanaging boss (who kills your motivation), and how to provide bigger value to the company (when your boss has no projects for you to tackle right now).
Thank you to Hadi, a Principal Engineer in Aerospace, and Sean, a Systems Engineer in Automotive, for sending me your questions!
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to get some answers.
075: Stop Getting Stuck in Your Head by Integrating Science and Spirit with Dr. Daniel Harner
Do you struggle with analysis-paralysis? Overthinking?
Engineering leaders thrive on intelligence… But what do you do when you are stuck in your head?
In this episode, you will see what extreme intelligence combined with extraordinary heartfelt emotion looks like in my good friend, Dr. Daniel Harner.
Some people call Dr. Harner a psycho-spiritual mentor, therapist, healer, spiritual guide, wizard, Carl Jung 2.0, researcher and explorer. The truth is, Daniel is a blend of all of that.
Originally from Austria, he transplanted himself to Sedona, Arizona at the age of 24 in order to deeply immerse himself in the study and practice of psychotherapy and psycho-spiritual transformation and healing, alongside some of the world’s most esteemed psychotherapists, spiritual teachers, researchers, and healers.
Daniel holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He is the smartest person in the room, but he’s not stuck in his head.
So press play and let’s chat… as we discover how to integrate ourselves fully, both in science and spirit!
074: Proof that Anything is Possible in Engineering Your Career and Life with Pete Wilson
What does it really look like to “go green” in your industry?
How is sustainability changing the landscape of the work you do every day? More importantly, how are the trends going to change what that looks like over the next decade?
In this episode, discover how leadership in energy and environmental design goes beyond the four walls of construction and civil engineering with CEO of Green Building Education Services, Charlie Cichetti.
Charlie is one of the world’s leading experts in green buildings and sustainability, and has supported over 150,000 leaders in advancing their credentials and practice in the industry.
We cover important trends in healthy buildings after the pandemic and everyone needs to know if you work in an office building, and have a debate around the merit of certifications and credentials as the pathway to career advancement.
And don’t miss the challenge for you in the episode debrief.
So press play and let’s chat… because every engineering leader needs to look at what green will mean for your career!
073: How to Go Green and Advance Your Career Credentials in Sustainability & LEED with Charlie Cichetti
What does it really look like to “go green” in your industry?
How is sustainability changing the landscape of the work you do every day? More importantly, how are the trends going to change what that looks like over the next decade?
In this episode, discover how leadership in energy and environmental design goes beyond the four walls of construction and civil engineering with CEO of Green Building Education Services, Charlie Cichetti.
Charlie is one of the world’s leading experts in green buildings and sustainability, and has supported over 150,000 leaders in advancing their credentials and practice in the industry.
We cover important trends in healthy buildings after the pandemic and everyone needs to know if you work in an office building, and have a debate around the merit of certifications and credentials as the pathway to career advancement.
And don’t miss the challenge for you in the episode debrief.
So press play and let’s chat… because every engineering leader needs to look at what green will mean for your career!
072: Make Winning a Lifestyle and Stop Settling for a Runner-Up Mindset with James Reid
You’ve heard about the Great Resignation, but what are the long term impacts of this shift in the workplace?
How is this impacting your company, or your own career path?
Why are leading experts saying this is quickly becoming the Great Regret?
In this episode, I’m honored to welcome back an incredible coach, CEO, and dear friend, Kon Apostolopoulos. We answer these questions and more based on thousands of hours spent coaching and consulting with industry leaders during the Great Resignation.
Every engineering leader from IC to VP needs to hear this conversation.
Coach Kon is a speaker, author, and sought-after expert in performance and change management that has delivered hundreds of workshops and events for leaders in North America and Europe. His work helping leaders navigate a crisis during the global pandemic has set him apart as a leading voice in how to build high performance teams during challenging times.
So press play and let’s chat… so you don’t look back on your career decisions with regret!
