engineering leadership Archives

203: Overcoming Digital Addiction in Today’s Digital Age with Jennie Ketcham Crooks

by Max Ahumada | Jan 13, 2025 | Podcast

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest issues in engineering and tech: digital addiction.

Digital screen use throttles our creativity and heightens our anxiety – a bad mix for engineering leadership today, and worse for the leaders of tomorrow.

Jennie Ketcham Crooks, an anxiety and OCD specialist from Seattle, explores in her research how pervasive smartphone and device use impacts us on both a career and cultural level.

She has been featured as a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and has recently appeared on a number of popular television shows from Headline News and The View, to Oprah.

As our digital overconsumption continues to be fed with the release of each shiny new gadget, it’s become increasingly challenging to put down our screens and interact meaningfully with the world and people around us. This constant barrage of digital engagement negatively affects both the quality of our relationships and our mental health.

Jenny and I discuss her new book, ‘Look Up: A 30 Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism’, which offers practical steps to eliminate the negative effects of digital overload.

So press play and let’s chat about reclaiming focus and enhancing well-being in our digital world!

199: Here’s Why Nobody Cares and Some People Win with Robert J. Hunt | The Accountability Guy

by Max Ahumada | Dec 16, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we tackle the “A-word” that is rarely spoken and often ignored because frankly, it’s just not that fun.

Accountability.

You’ll meet Robert Hunt, “The Accountability Guy” and the co-author of the book “Nobody Cares…until you do.”

Having the life you really want is like a journey up a mountain. Robert calls this the Accountability Mountain in his book, and if you want to become the best version of yourself, you need to climb this mountain.

For over a decade, Robert has been mentoring and coaching CEO peer groups and executives with a single secret sauce of success… Accountability.

He helps leaders like you remove the things that keep you from being your best.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to live the life you really want and hold you to it!

198: Another Reason Why We Need a Better Goal

by Max Ahumada | Dec 9, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the perplexing world of procrastination and the profound impact of not having a clear and compelling personal vision.

I share the story of Sam, a bright individual who, despite having the resources and time, struggles to advance his career due to a lack of clear goals. Through our conversation, it becomes evident that understanding what you truly want is crucial to overcoming stagnation and rediscovering your motivation.

We explore how defining your goals not only provides direction but also fuels your daily actions, making even challenging tasks feel worthwhile.

By the end of our talk, Sam finds new clarity, which ignites his passion and propels him towards meaningful action.

So press play and let’s chat about transforming your potential into actual success!

197: Broke Single Mom Turned Self-Made Latina Millionaire with Scarlette Joyce Rojas | Bestselling Author

by Max Ahumada | Dec 2, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet a broke single mom turned self-made Latina millionaire, Scarlette Joyce Rojas.

If you want to achieve financial freedom, overcome the subconscious beliefs that limit you, and discover the truth about how to use affirmations for personal growth… This conversation is a must-listen.

Scarlett has spoken on stages at JPMorgan, LPL Finance, and Invesco, along with being featured in news platforms such as New York Post, Bankrate, and AOL Finance leading to over 13 million online views inspired from her bestselling book, “31 Badass Money Mindset Affirmations.”

Today she shares her journey from a challenging childhood, to broke adulthood, to becoming a successful business owner. That success includes her health and happiness, on top of the millions $$$.

Scarlett’s story shows you the role of confidence and positive affirmations in attracting wealth, plus practical steps to transform your relationship with money.

So press play and let’s chat… your financial future depends on it!

195: How to Lead Meetings that Don’t Suck

by Max Ahumada | Nov 18, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I delve into a topic that resonates deeply with every engineering manager out there: meetings.

Often seen as a necessary evil, meetings can either be a productivity powerhouse or a profound time sink. Drawing from insights gathered from our blueprint program, I discuss how critical effective meetings are to an engineering manager’s career.

We explore how even a 5% improvement in meeting effectiveness can significantly amplify your impact over time.

So press play and let’s chat about mastering your meetings and magnifying your impact!

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!

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