productivity Archives

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!

153: How to Master the Calendar and Get More Done

by Max Ahumada | Jan 29, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we discuss a common struggle we engineers face: mastering our calendars.

Inspired by an email from a listener named Will, who felt overwhelmed and struggled to get things done, we explore the crucial skill of calendar management.

I share five actionable tips, from guarding your best hours to winning the morning, to help you take control of your time. These tips are just the tip of the iceberg – there are seven more waiting for you in the downloadable PDF scorecard.

Remember, you have all the time there is, and by implementing these strategies, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed to experiencing joy and flow.

So press play and let’s chat about reclaiming your calendar and mastering your time.

108: Create Peace and Compound Progress with True Priority

by Zach White | Jun 19, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, discover the secrets to effective prioritization and how that can multiply peace and progress in your engineering career.

I’m going to dive into two major problems hindering prioritization: lack of clarity, and surrendering to others’ priorities.

We will implement practical solutions for you right now, including my “two by two” tactic for daily wins, and the art of saying “no” strategically.

By taking control of your priority and embracing courage, you can and will unlock your full potential for success.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to crush comfort and create a life of purposeful prioritization!

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