leadership Archives

192: The Secrets of Boosting Sustainable Productivity with Mark Struczewski | Mister Productivity

by Max Ahumada | Nov 1, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet Mister Productivity himself, Mark Struczewski.

If you want to finish the year strong and maximize your chances of promotion and top performance reviews, pay attention.

Mark is a Houston-based coach and host of The Mister Productivity™ Podcast. He brings over 1,300 episodes and 13 years of experience in productivity training to help leaders conquer overwhelm.

Drawing from simple examples like his daily running routine, he offers practical strategies to overcome distractions and achieve clarity in your life.

I also share one of my breakthroughs when it comes to productivity, the Productivity Impact Principle, only available here on the audio podcast in my solo debrief.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to move faster toward what you want to achieve with your 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!

182: Take a Plunge Over the Growth Edge with Christopher Belcastro | Chief Technology Officer

by Max Ahumada | Aug 19, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Christopher Belcastro, a high performing and focused CTO with global leadership experience managing large, diverse engineering projects & teams.

Christopher is one of us. He has over a dozen years of product development experience in power electronics for mission critical power protection applications.

If you want to be known for your ability to transform organizational performance, driving revenue and operating results for your company, then stick around because that’s what Christopher is known for.

But it didn’t come easy. After being told by HR when he was a new engineering manager that, “people don’t like working for you,” he had to make major adjustments or go down in flames.

Spoiler alert, he’s a successful CTO now, and he shares those lessons learned with you today.

A coach at heart, Christopher loves to give back to the global engineering community.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to take the plunge over your growth edge!

179: Beware the Lazy Engineer’s Way to Promotion

by Max Ahumada | Jul 29, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the common trap many engineering managers fall into when they pursue career growth the lazy way: by working harder and longer hours.

We explore Rahul’s journey, a dedicated engineering manager who achieved success through hard work only to find himself overwhelmed and burned out. Through Rahul’s story, I highlight the importance of shifting from an individual contributor mindset to a leadership mindset, focusing on strategic delegation, and prioritizing tasks that matter most.

This episode is all about understanding the pitfalls of the “work harder” mentality and embracing a smarter, more sustainable approach to career advancement.

So press play and let’s chat about how to level up without burning out!

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!

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!

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