productivity Archives

183: These 5 Common Thieves Are Stealing Your Productivity

by Max Ahumada | Aug 26, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the five thieves of your productivity—those sneaky forces that derail your progress without you even realizing it.

From the lack of clear priorities to energy mismanagement, each thief subtly steals your efficiency, leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated.

I’ll walk you through each one, sharing practical insights on how to identify and combat these productivity killers.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not getting anywhere, this episode is for you.

So press play and let’s chat… about taking back control of your productivity!

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!

173: Now You Can Make Hard Career Decisions Seem Simple

by Max Ahumada | Jun 17, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I explore the critical importance of aligning your core values and vision before making significant career decisions.

Drawing from my experience working with an engineering leader named Ashley, who faced a pivotal career move, I illustrate how defining your values and vision ahead of time can transform decision-making from a stressful and uncertain ordeal into a confident and clear process.

You’ll learn why it’s essential to understand what truly matters and how to create a roadmap for your ideal life and career, emphasizing the importance of doing the inner work in advance to make informed, aligned decisions.

By the end of our discussion, you’ll have practical insights on how to prioritize your core values and articulate a compelling vision for your future.

So press play and let’s chat…about making career decisions that truly reflect who you are and where you want to go!

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.

157: Learn to Say More with Less Words | Executive Communication

by Max Ahumada | Feb 26, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I reflect on a recent coaching session with an engineering leader named David, who struggled to articulate his career challenges concisely.

I share how, despite his impressive background, David’s long-winded communication hindered his progress. From experiences like this, I’ve learned the critical importance of clear and concise communication in career advancement.

I delve into how engineers, like myself, often fall into the trap of verbosity, but mastering concise communication is essential for success. Whether it’s in emails or conversations, brevity saves time and fosters clarity. By adopting this habit, engineers can project authority, autonomy, and decisiveness, crucial qualities for effective leadership.

Join me as I discuss the power of concise communication and its transformative impact on career growth.

So press play and let’s chat about leveling up your communication game!

156: Why Some Engineers Should Definitely Start a Consulting Business with Jay Aigner

by Max Ahumada | Feb 19, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, you’ll get to meet Jay Aigner. He is a consulting evangelist.

You may relate with Jay, who had his first kid at age 19, in college, 1000 miles from home. He graduated, got a job in his dream industry and worked the 9-5 grind for years.

Eventually a new challenge presented itself … get his wife out of working as an overnight long-term pediatric nurse.

What is your challenge? Why is your current life no longer acceptable? Most importantly, what’s the solution?

For Jay, it was consulting.

Fast-forward a few years later, he grew JDAQA, his company, from a one man software testing consultancy based on his 9-5 experience to a 7-figure testing agency powerhouse with 60+ employees. Jay is a father of 5, amateur astrophotographer, student pilot, hockey player, and podcast host as well.

His unique 5 for 5 morning routine is his foundation for crushing results, and we cover that and more in this powerful conversation.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to get off the fence and get clear on your consulting business!

Blog