problem-solving Archives

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!

143: How to Quickly Operate and Succeed at Work with Dr. Robert Santer | Navigating an Engineering Organization

by Max Ahumada | Nov 30, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, skip ahead 40 years of experience and learn from someone else’s mistakes what it takes to succeed at work with Dr. Robert “Bob” Santer.

Bob knows that transitioning new engineers into professionals who can blend in and contribute to the technical organization is, at best, doubtful.

Worse still, you and I both know that even a decade later as engineering managers, we still have huge gaps in what it takes to succeed outside our technical acumen!

Bob has his PhD in Engineering from the University of Michigan, GO BLUE! He has over 40 years of domestic and international industry experience in the aerospace and automotive fields as an engineering management professional, including Boeing and the Ford Motor Company.

If you love to learn, and you want to succeed as an engineering leader, then you’ll love Bob’s rigorous organizational framework to operate from.

He delivers guidance using a dual approach of academic insight and decades of hands-on professional experience.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s amazing how fast you can go when you navigate with the right compass!

124: The Secret to Customer Experience that Engineers Need to Know with Annette Franz

by Max Ahumada | Aug 31, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, meet the woman who (literally) wrote the book on Customer Understanding, Annette Franz.

We talk about the importance of understanding your customer as an engineer, not only to design great products, but to build a great career.

She started her career at J.D. Power and Associates in 1992, and has spent the last 30 years as a customer experience leader for dozens of brand names you would recognize, and in her own consulting firm. Annette was named one of “The 100 Most Influential Tech Women on Twitter” by Business Insider.

Annette says people come before products. You are going to want to know why, and what to do about it.

She is author of two powerful books, Customer Understanding: Three Ways to Put the “Customer” in Customer Experience (and at the Heart of Your Business), and Built to Win: Designing a Customer-Centric Culture That Drives Value for Your Business.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to bridge the gap between product and VOC for YOU.

120: Easy Networking Strategy for Engineers – Memorize this Question

by Max Ahumada | Aug 14, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, we tackle a common challenge that engineers often encounter: networking.

While networking might seem daunting to some, fret not! We’ve got the perfect remedy.

We delve into a fundamental networking principle: leading with generosity. Discover the power of a single question that can help you embrace this principle.

This straightforward yet impactful icebreaker not only lets you extend a helping hand, but also aids the other person in defining their requirements. Tune in to explore how this strategy can revolutionize your networking encounters.

Hit that play button and let’s chat… because networking events can actually be enjoyable!

119: How to Succeed without Compromising Family Values with Aaron Hensler | Director of Technical Integration at Rivian | Husband & Father

by Max Ahumada | Aug 10, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, we journey from the island, to the city, to an offshore oil platform in pursuit of wisdom from the life of energy management expert, Ryan Roper.

If you know that leaving a legacy through your life, your work, and your family matters deeply to you, then this episode is going to hit home.

Ryan’s career in the energy sector began at birth, being from one of the oldest oil provinces in the world, and is a true global expert with nearly two decades of hands-on experience.

We dismantle the power of fear that holds engineering leaders back from their potential, and how to face the uncertainty of a future full of innovation. Whether it’s artificial intelligence and machine learning, transitioning toward net-zero and more sustainable energy solutions, or dozens of other areas, you need to be ready to face these challenges head on.

Ryan holds his Bachelors in Chemistry from Morehouse College, Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Masters in Business and Energy Management from Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, and studied Data Analytics at Harvard.

So press play and let’s chat… you may not take a helicopter to work, but it’s time to get a 3,000 foot view on your life and happiness!

118: Are You Really as Good at Solving Problems as You Think You Are? with Jamie Flinchbaugh | Top Author | Senior Executive Consultant

by Max Ahumada | Aug 3, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, we uncover hard truths about what holds engineering leaders back with Founder of JFlinch, Jamie Flinchbaugh.

You probably pride yourself on your problem solving skills as an engineer. But are you as good as you think you are?

Jamie has helped purpose-driven leaders craft effective, resilient organizations at over 300 companies including Harley-Davidson, Intel, Amazon, Crayola, Fidelity, Whirlpool, and many others you would recognize.

We will help you understand what it takes to level up your value at work, and be an influential leader using concepts from his latest book, “People Solve Problems, The Power of Every Person, Every Day, Every Problem.”

Discover what makes your organization Lean, and what doesn’t.

So press play and let’s chat… you’ve probably got a problem, and you’re the person!

Blog

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

143: How to Quickly Operate and Succeed at Work with Dr. Robert Santer | Navigating an Engineering Organization

124: The Secret to Customer Experience that Engineers Need to Know with Annette Franz

118: Are You Really as Good at Solving Problems as You Think You Are? with Jamie Flinchbaugh | Top Author | Senior Executive Consultant

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