engineering leaders Archives

The One Question That Changes an Engineering Career | Marc Champagne on Mental Fitness

by Max Ahumada | May 4, 2026 | Podcast

What questions are shaping your destiny? Do you even believe in destiny? How do you improve your mental fitness (is there a gym for that)?

In this episode, we do more than ask questions. We are going to explore questions themselves like the philosophers of old. Guest Marc Champagne has been living a personal transformation from powerful questions and mental fitness. He recently launched an exceptional new book, “Personal Socrates” you will love.

Questions lead and answers follow. So ask great questions if you want great answers!

Marc has been mastering the power of questions at a whole new level. He unpacks the mental fitness practices and questions being asked by some of the most influential and brightest thinkers in the world. He has over a decade of research behind him, but more importantly, his own life.

Despite practicing mental fitness for years, Marc hit rock bottom and learned the power of questions and personal introspection the hard way.

So press play and let’s chat… and start asking yourself, “how will this conversation change my life?”

191: The Time Mindset – Beyond the Reach of Money

by Max Ahumada | Oct 21, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into a powerful shift in mindset around time, sparked by an incredible lesson I learned from a high-level mastermind event.

We often say time is more valuable than money, but do we truly live by that? I reflect on how we, especially as engineering leaders, prioritize money and overlook time, and how that mindset might be costing us in the long run.

I also share three essential principles about time, compounding growth, and why time freedom always precedes financial freedom.

This episode is all about taking action now to build the life and career you dream of—before it’s too late.

So press play and let’s chat… about how time is your most valuable asset and how to make it work for you!

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

by Max Ahumada | Sep 23, 2024 | Podcast

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.

185: Facing Economic Uncertainty and Fear in Your Career

by Max Ahumada | Sep 9, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into a critical topic that’s affecting many engineering leaders today: facing uncertainty and fear.

Over the past few months, I’ve had countless conversations with professionals who are feeling the squeeze of an unpredictable economy, career challenges, and the pressure to succeed amidst growing doubts.

Whether it’s a looming layoff, a difficult job search, or navigating career pivots, the fear of the unknown is real. But here’s the truth: the greatest leaders are those who can create certainty in the face of uncertainty.

I’ll share actionable strategies to build confidence, shift your mindset, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

So press play and let’s chat…how do we find confidence when fear tries to take over?

184: Give Me 90 Days and I’ll Give You a Career Transformation with Bruno Yoshioka | Principal Manager at Microsoft

by Max Ahumada | Sep 2, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, you’ll see what career transformation looks like with Bruno Yoshioka, graduate of the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint, my intensive coaching program for engineering leaders.

Bruno is currently a Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft working on Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based endpoint management solution. He joined Microsoft out of college in 2014 after completing undergraduate degrees in computer science and music performance.

Throughout his 10+ years of working at Microsoft, he has experienced ups and downs from burnout to great success and elation, and found himself at one of those low points in late 2023.

That’s when he silenced the skeptic in his head, and joined a community of like-minded engineering leaders in coaching and training for career growth and lifestyle design.

He’ll share how he changed his mindset from fixed to growth, renewed his energy, created extreme clarity in his purpose and vision, and overall transformed the quality of his work life…

In just ninety days.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to get off the bleachers and into the arena of your life!

181: Laid Off? You Must Do This First When Looking for Work

by Max Ahumada | Aug 12, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I tackle the tough topic of layoffs and what to do if you find yourself suddenly out of a job.

I share some hard truths about how layoffs can happen to even the most talented engineers and how it’s not a reflection of your worth or abilities.

You’ll learn why it’s crucial to avoid falling into the trap of endless resume polishing and instead focus on engaging your network and having real conversations that open doors.

I also offer practical advice on how to stay sharp and avoid the mindset pitfalls that can keep you stuck.

So press play and let’s chat… Let’s turn setbacks into comebacks!

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