career growth Archives

177: Why Recruiters Do Not Find Jobs for People | Career Transition Coaching

by Max Ahumada | Jul 15, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I tackle a common misconception in the career journey: the difference between a recruiter and a coach.

Many engineering leaders and managers come to our coaching organization, Oasis of Courage, seeking help without realizing they might need coaching instead of recruiting. I dive into the key differences between these two roles, explaining why recruiters find people for jobs, while coaches help you become the best candidate for your desired role.

I also discuss the importance of having a comprehensive job search strategy that includes but isn’t limited to recruiters.

You’ll hear real-life examples of how coaching can accelerate your career transition, boost your confidence, and help you avoid the pitfalls of desperation.

So press play and let’s chat about making your next career move with the right support system!

175: Do You Make These 3 Mistakes in Mentorship?

by Max Ahumada | Jul 1, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I share my journey of leveraging mentorship to pivot from engineering to business leadership. I discuss the critical importance of having world-class mentors and how their guidance opened doors I never thought possible.

You’ll learn about the three biggest mistakes mentees make: not having world-class mentors, not meeting with them regularly, and not asking for what you really want.

Through my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned, I provide practical advice on avoiding these pitfalls and maximizing the benefits of mentorship.

So press play and let’s chat about how to elevate your career through powerful mentorship!

171: See How Easily You Can Increase Confidence at Work

by Max Ahumada | Jun 3, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I explore the surprising link between failure and confidence, sharing insights from a recent coaching session with top-performing engineering managers.

We discuss how our greatest growth often comes from setbacks and how shifting our mindset from fearing failure to embracing learning can unlock true confidence.

Hear a powerful story from my client Becca, who transformed her confidence by breaking the confidence-competence loop.

Join me as we reframe success and failure, focusing instead on continuous growth and learning.

So press play and let’s chat about transforming your confidence through growth!

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!

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!

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