support Archives

184: Give Me 90 Days and I’ll Give You a Career Transformation with Bruno Yoshioka | Principal Manager at Microsoft

by Max Ahumada | Sep 2, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, you’ll see what career transformation looks like with Bruno Yoshioka, graduate of the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint, my intensive coaching program for engineering leaders.

Bruno is currently a Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft working on Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based endpoint management solution. He joined Microsoft out of college in 2014 after completing undergraduate degrees in computer science and music performance.

Throughout his 10+ years of working at Microsoft, he has experienced ups and downs from burnout to great success and elation, and found himself at one of those low points in late 2023.

That’s when he silenced the skeptic in his head, and joined a community of like-minded engineering leaders in coaching and training for career growth and lifestyle design.

He’ll share how he changed his mindset from fixed to growth, renewed his energy, created extreme clarity in his purpose and vision, and overall transformed the quality of his work life…

In just ninety days.

So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to get off the bleachers and into the arena of your life!

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!

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!

165: WARNING – Your Memory is Worse Than You Think

by Max Ahumada | Apr 22, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into how our memories can sometimes be our own worst enemies, especially when it comes to personal growth and development.

I recount a recent humbling experience playing the game “Memory” with my nephew which sparked a profound realization about the limitations of my own memory, particularly how it’s crammed with so much information that it often hinders more than it helps.

This reflection led me to explore broader implications in terms of career advancement and personal development. I discuss the concept of the “I know” mindset, which can prevent us from taking action because we convince ourselves that we already know enough.

I share insights on how embracing community, coaching, and open-mindedness—rather than relying solely on what we know—can significantly propel us forward.

So press play and let’s chat about breaking free from the barriers of our memory!

149: Promotion Playbook Yearly Rhythm | My Signature System to Align and Accelerate Results in 2024

by Max Ahumada | Jan 1, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, we kick off the year 2024 addressing our yearly playbook rhythm, the signature system guiding our clients to achieve audacious goals in their careers and lives. I’m thrilled to share the exact process, breaking down principles and ideas into actionable steps for you to implement. To accompany this conversation, there’s a downloadable PDF workbook, providing in-depth insights and tactics.

This is not a passive listen; it’s a call to intentional action and goal setting. The promotion playbook becomes vital for engineering leaders seeking results, promotions, and a fulfilling lifestyle.

I introduce the three essential plays: deciding goals, reconnecting them to purpose, and executing the ultimate results cycle. This system, when executed consistently, transforms accumulated knowledge into kinetic energy, fostering quicker achievement of big goals.

So press play and let’s make 2024 your most successful year yet!

142: Special Thanks and Special Announcement You Don’t Want to Miss

by Max Ahumada | Nov 23, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, meet the VP of Engineering at Freeosk, Megan Ford.

Now a female engineering executive, her career path was a winding road and ups, downs and lots of challenges. But she held on to a core belief that you must keep an open mind, ask lots of questions, and be willing to make decisions.

Megan shares how self doubt can be really loud when facing a big transition, and you suddenly feel like you have to learn everything all over again. You might also be surprised to hear that Megan, a top performer, was let go.

That was something she never expected to face in her career. But it happens and it is 1000% ok.

We dig into the reality of career building: Not every job, role, boss, is going to be a good fit. Reflect and move on.

And if you’re a woman in engineering, this conversation will be doubly encouraging.

Megan loves the outdoors as everything is better outside, and coffee, because everything is better with coffee also.

So press play and let’s chat… the path for your career growth begins now!

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