career development Archives

169: The 4 Keys to Selling Your Ideas to Upper Management

by Max Ahumada | May 20, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the crucial skills of selling ideas effectively within the engineering field, a skill often overlooked but immensely valuable for career advancement.

We often have brilliant ideas that could significantly benefit our companies, but without the right influence and sales tactics, these ideas can falter at the execution stage. I share insights from a recent coaching session where we addressed these challenges, focusing on increasing both the intrinsic and perceived value of your proposals to upper management.

Drawing from real-world examples and sales principles, I outline strategic approaches to enhance your persuasiveness and ensure your innovative ideas get the support they deserve.

So press play and let’s chat about transforming your technical skills into influential salesmanship!

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!

161: How Asking an Obvious Question Made Me $30K in One Day

by Max Ahumada | Mar 25, 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.

157: Learn to Say More with Less Words | Executive Communication

by Max Ahumada | Feb 26, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I reflect on a recent coaching session with an engineering leader named David, who struggled to articulate his career challenges concisely.

I share how, despite his impressive background, David’s long-winded communication hindered his progress. From experiences like this, I’ve learned the critical importance of clear and concise communication in career advancement.

I delve into how engineers, like myself, often fall into the trap of verbosity, but mastering concise communication is essential for success. Whether it’s in emails or conversations, brevity saves time and fosters clarity. By adopting this habit, engineers can project authority, autonomy, and decisiveness, crucial qualities for effective leadership.

Join me as I discuss the power of concise communication and its transformative impact on career growth.

So press play and let’s chat about leveling up your communication game!

155: Get Rid of Sleazy Networking Once and For All

by Max Ahumada | Feb 12, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the misconceptions and pitfalls surrounding networking in the professional world.

Join me as I unpack the flawed mindset behind traditional networking strategies and propose a paradigm shift towards authentic connection and giving without expectation.

Discover why leading with generosity and genuine intent can not only transform your networking experiences but also propel your career forward with fulfillment and purpose.

So press play and let’s chat about redefining networking for success without the sleaze.

153: How to Master the Calendar and Get More Done

by Max Ahumada | Jan 29, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we discuss a common struggle we engineers face: mastering our calendars.

Inspired by an email from a listener named Will, who felt overwhelmed and struggled to get things done, we explore the crucial skill of calendar management.

I share five actionable tips, from guarding your best hours to winning the morning, to help you take control of your time. These tips are just the tip of the iceberg – there are seven more waiting for you in the downloadable PDF scorecard.

Remember, you have all the time there is, and by implementing these strategies, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed to experiencing joy and flow.

So press play and let’s chat about reclaiming your calendar and mastering your time.

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