engineering Archives

172: Master Product Management Like a Marketing Pro with Amberdeep Aurora

by Max Ahumada | Jun 10, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet my good friend Amberdeep Aurora, an accomplished Product Management leader who knows how to speak geek… because he started where you did, engineering.

Amberdeep is fluent in the languages of Consumer, Business and Technology. Besides being a utility patent holder, one of his products has won recognition for being Popular Science Magazine’s 100 Greatest Innovations of 2021.

We cover the key difference between outcomes and outputs, the 3 key trade offs to a product’s success, and how to make better decisions.

You may or may not see Product Management on your career ladder, but if you want to be a STEM professional capable of success and influence outside the walls of your cubicle, this conversation is critical.

Currently a Group Product Manager at Whirlpool Corp, a Global $20B World’s Most Admired Company (ranked by Fortune, 14 years in a row), Amberdeep leads a team of product managers in improving the shopping experience across the company’s North American Portfolio of six Direct-to-Consumer eCommerce websites.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to stop talking about solutions and start listening to our customer’s problems!

170: Are You Feeling Bored or Burned Out Lately? with Erika Rothenberger

by Max Ahumada | May 31, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet a woman who gave up the idea of being bored and focused on changing into the leader she dreamed of becoming, Erika Rothenberger.

Discover her secret to growth when you feel like you have nothing else to give. As you’ll see, she makes most of us look flat out lazy.

She currently manages a full-time career as Director of Performance Systems for a big national utility
contractor, Henkels & McCoy. She started two female empowerment networking groups in her community, and serves on multiple charity boards.

Erika is a mom, a published author, traveling keynote speaker, wellness entrepreneur, real estate investor, and oh yeah…host of the “Grit, Grace, & Glitz” podcast!

So press play and let’s chat… because you have the resilience inside of you for glitz without burnout!

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!

159: Who Else Wants More Energy at Work?

by Max Ahumada | Mar 11, 2024 | Podcast

Are you ready to unlock your full potential by prioritizing health and fitness?

In this episode, I share a surprising revelation from my time at the gym that transformed my perspective on career success. From casual encounters with gym buddies to discovering they were top executives, I realized a common thread: the correlation between physical fitness and professional achievement.

I delve into why a strong body is crucial for a strong mind and how prioritizing health can elevate performance in all areas of life.

Join me as I challenge engineering leaders to become subject matter experts not only in their technical fields but also in sleep, movement, and nutrition. Discover simple yet powerful ways to optimize energy levels and unlock your full potential.

So press play and let’s chat about maximizing performance through holistic well-being.

152: Biggest Lie Blocking Happiness is Everywhere with Eric Nehrlich | Chief of Staff @ Google

by Max Ahumada | Jan 22, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, you’ll meet Eric Nehrlich. He used to be miserable.

An achiever who always exceeded expectations, he landed a dream job at Google. But a couple years later he was working 8am to midnight every day, including most weekends, drowning in emails and meetings.

Eric felt completely stuck, with no idea how his life was ever going to change.

Today, his work is meaningful and inspiring, and he is happy. Eric spends quality time with his family, while still having time for his own pursuits.

What changed?

He realized he had a choice.

Now an Executive Coach to top technology leaders at companies like X (Twitter), Amazon, and of course Google, Eric authored the book, “You Have a Choice: Beyond Hard Work to Meaningful Impact”, to help you realize the same thing.

So press play and let’s chat… if you want to be happy and successful in your career, the choice is yours.

145: Secret Guide to Communicating with Business Teams with Chris Fenning | Award-Winning Author of The First Minute

by Max Ahumada | Dec 7, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, former aerospace engineering leader Chris Fenning makes it easier for us to communicate at work.

His simple methods help experts like you talk to non-experts on cross functional teams like marketing and sales. We also discuss how engineering teams can improve communication to executives, and much more.

If you want to grow your career, this episode is mandatory learning. Your impact and promotability will be limited by your ability to influence outside engineering department walls. Communication is the key.

Chris’s consulting and practical approach is used in organizations ranging from Google to NATO, and because of their broad appeal for technical leadership, have appeared in the Harvard Business Review.

He is also the author of multiple award-winning books that have been translated into 15 languages, including my personal favorite, “The First Minute: How to start conversations that get results.”

So press play and let’s chat… about how to chat with anybody and get results!

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