The Impactful Engineer Project - Mentorship, Career Growth, and Personal & Professional Excellence for Aspiring Engineers

Steve & Jake Maxey - The Impactful Engineers
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Spreading awareness, success, and accessibility to the world of engineering to aspiring and early career engineers.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 140 – Stop Waiting for Motivation and Do the Work Anyway

    Intro In this episode, Steve Maxey and Jake Maxey break down a hard truth most engineers avoid: the work that actually moves your career forward is often boring, repetitive, and unglamorous. This conversation isn’t about hype or inspiration; it’s about discipline, consistency, and learning to execute when motivation disappears. Not theory; practical, tactical advice from real careers and real business-building experience.   Key Topics Covered • Why boredom is a signal you’re doing the right work, not the wrong work • The danger of waiting for motivation before taking action • How distraction quietly kills momentum and career progress • Reframing mundane work as the price of the next level • Why high performers win by executing when others check out • The “do the work today” mindset vs. outcome obsession • How discipline compounds faster than talent • Parallels between fitness, career growth, and business execution • Using vision, not feelings, to stay consistent   Actionable Steps • Stop asking if you “feel like it” and ask what the work requires today • Define the next level of your career so the boring work has context • Measure success by daily execution, not short-term results • Remove easy distractions during deep work windows • Build pride in consistency, not bursts of motivation • Treat mundane tasks as a competitive advantage • Focus on finishing required work before chasing optimization • Remind yourself: no one regrets doing the work once it’s done • Use discipline as a skill you practice daily   Who This Episode Is For • Engineers feeling stuck, bored, or restless at work • Early-career engineers expecting motivation to show up first • High performers flirting with burnout or distraction • Individual contributors who want leadership-level impact • Anyone building something long-term and losing patience   Why It Matters Careers don’t stall because of lack of talent; they stall because people stop executing when the work gets dull. Energy, visibility, and trust are built by showing up consistently. If you can do the work when motivation fades, you separate yourself fast, and create opportunities others never earn.   Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts   Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth; just like the best careers do.

    18 min

  2. JAN 26

    Episode 139 – Seat Time Beats Talent (And Titles Mean Nothing Without It) with Josiah Fallaise from FDF Race Shop

    Intro In this episode, we sit down with Josiah Fallaise, professional driver and founder of FDF Race Shop, to break down what actually drives performance, confidence, and long-term career growth. This is not theory—practical, tactical advice grounded in real execution. We unpack why engineers stall, how over-optimization kills momentum, and why real-world reps matter more than credentials, titles, or perceived intelligence. Key Topics Covered • Why “raw talent” collapses without real seat time • The dangerous gap between theory and real-world execution • How perfectionism quietly kills engineering momentum • Why communication becomes the real career multiplier • The difference between consuming knowledge and creating value • How brand, visibility, and trust are replacing credentials • Why failure without correction is wasted effort • How incentives shape performance inside and outside companies • The hidden cost of avoiding discomfort and pressure Actionable Steps • Audit where you’re consuming instead of creating • Build something real—physically or digitally—this month • Stop optimizing ideas that haven’t proven value yet • Seek feedback from people you’d trade places with • Put reps into communication, not just technical skill • Shorten the gap between thinking and doing • Test limits intentionally to find your real thresholds • Track lessons learned after every failure • Prioritize hands-on experience over certifications Who This Episode Is For • Engineers feeling stuck despite being “high performers” • Early-career engineers unsure how to stand out • Burned-out engineers questioning their direction • Individual contributors who feel overlooked • Engineers considering leadership or entrepreneurship Why It Matters Careers don’t stall from lack of intelligence—they stall from lack of execution. Engineers who build, test, fail, and adjust gain clarity, confidence, and visibility. Seat time creates instincts. Instincts create results. Results create opportunity. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do. Follow Josiah and FDF Race Shop Want to see real execution, design-for-manufacturing insight, and behind-the-scenes building? Follow FDF Race Shop and Josiah across platforms: • Instagram (JosiahFallaise / FDFRaceShop) • YouTube (FDF RaceShop) • TikTok (JosiahFallaiseRacing / FDFRaceShop) • Facebook (FDF RaceShop) • Website: fdfraceshop.com

    1h 18m

  3. JAN 19

    Episode 138 – Engineers Who Ignore AI Will Be Managed by Those Who Don’t; with special guest, Shelly Thomas

    AI isn’t a future problem—it’s a present career filter. In this episode, we’re joined by Shelly Thomas, P.E., an engineer turned executive AI strategist who works directly with C-suite leaders on real-world AI adoption. This is not theory—practical, tactical advice for engineers who want more impact, more clarity, and real leadership leverage without burning out. Key Topics Covered • Why AI won’t replace engineers—but it will expose weak thinking and poor communication • The real reason high-performing engineers get overlooked for leadership roles • How executives actually evaluate clarity, judgment, and decision-making • Using AI to distill complex technical work into executive-ready communication • Why “letting your work speak for itself” is a career-limiting belief • Practical AI use cases engineers actually care about (not marketing fluff) • How systems thinking makes engineers uniquely positioned to win with AI • The danger of automating before understanding your workflows • How to avoid over-reliance on AI while still using it as a force multiplier Actionable Steps • Use AI to summarize your work in executive-level language before sharing updates • Prompt AI to act as your toughest critic and stress-test your ideas • Lead with intent: clearly state your goal, audience, and constraints in every prompt • Break complex tasks into smaller chunks instead of “AI-ing everything at once” • Use AI to practice executive communication before high-visibility meetings • Translate technical wins into business impact (cost, risk, time, people) • Ask AI to ask you questions to clarify your thinking before execution • Capture and reuse your learning—build a personal knowledge system with AI • Practice saying less, not more—clarity beats completeness Who This Episode Is For • Engineers feeling stuck despite strong technical performance • Early-career engineers who want leadership trajectories, not burnout • High-performing ICs struggling with visibility and influence • Engineers curious about AI but unsure how to apply it meaningfully • Technical professionals aiming for management, director, or executive roles Why It Matters The gap between engineers who advance and those who stall isn’t intelligence—it’s clarity, communication, and leverage. AI accelerates all three. Used well, it amplifies judgment and visibility. Ignored, it quietly shifts power to those who adapt faster. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    59 min

  4. JAN 12

    Episode 137 – You’re Already Building a Personal Brand… It Might Be Working Against You!

    Most engineers think personal brand is fluff—or something reserved for influencers and executives. That mindset is costing careers. In this episode, Steve Maxey and Jake Maxey break down what “personal brand” actually means for engineers, why you already have one whether you like it or not, and how unintentional behavior is quietly working against you. This isn’t theory—this is practical, tactical advice grounded in real engineering careers and real outcomes.  Episode 137 - Transcript Key Topics Covered • What personal brand really is: reputation plus awareness • Why “doing good work quietly” is no longer enough • How engineers accidentally build negative brands without realizing it • The difference between being technically competent and being known • Why consistency matters more than talent when it comes to reputation • How visibility attracts opportunities, mentors, and leverage • The danger of being everything to everyone—and nothing to anyone • Why complaining online damages your career more than you think • How engineers who lean into soft skills stand out faster Actionable Steps • Audit how coworkers, leaders, and peers would describe you today • Decide what you want to be known for—then act accordingly • Be consistent in how you communicate, respond, and show up • Start engaging intentionally on LinkedIn instead of lurking • Share insights, not complaints—digital history is permanent • Focus on one or two strengths instead of random messaging • Build awareness outside your immediate workplace • Reach out to people in your industry without an agenda • Treat reputation as a long-term asset, not a side effect Who This Episode Is For • Engineers feeling overlooked despite strong technical skills • Early-career engineers who want faster growth and visibility • Burned-out high performers stuck in execution mode • Engineers who avoid self-promotion and pay the price • Professionals who want more control over their career trajectory Why It Matters Your energy, visibility, and reputation compound over time—positively or negatively. The engineers who advance aren’t just capable; they’re clear, consistent, and known. If you don’t take ownership of your personal brand, others will define it for you—and not in your favor. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts

    32 min

  5. JAN 5

    Episode 136 – Why Being the Best Engineer Isn’t Advancing Your Career

    You can be a top-performing engineer and still be stuck—underpaid, overlooked, and frustrated. In this episode, Steve Maxey and Jake Maxey break down why technical excellence alone doesn’t move careers forward. This conversation was sparked by a real example: a highly competent engineer, ten years into his career, still earning well below market rate. Not because he isn’t good—but because he isn’t visible. This episode is not theory—practical, tactical advice for engineers who want clarity, leverage, and real career momentum.  Key Topics Covered • Why results don’t advocate for you on their own • The difference between being productive and being visible • How managers and leadership actually decide who advances • Why loyalty and “head-down work” can quietly cap your pay • The role of self-advocacy in raises, promotions, and opportunity • How misalignment with your organization reveals itself • What happens when leadership doesn’t know who you are • Why asking directly for compensation clarity matters • How career stagnation compounds over time Actionable Steps • Audit your compensation against market rates • Define a clear income target instead of vague “growth” goals • Ask your manager directly what it takes to reach that number • Document your impact in terms leadership cares about • Increase visibility through meetings, updates, and ownership • Schedule recurring check-ins to track progress—not hope • Study how promoted engineers behave, not just what they produce • Test whether your organization rewards advocacy or silence • Decide whether patience or change is the right next move Who This Episode Is For • Engineers who feel underpaid despite strong performance • High-performing ICs stuck without promotion traction • Engineers relying on effort instead of leverage • Loyal team members questioning whether it’s worth it • Anyone tired of guessing how advancement really works Why It Matters Careers don’t stall because of a lack of effort—they stall because of a lack of clarity and visibility. When your work speaks but you don’t, someone else gets the credit. This episode connects energy, action, and advocacy so your performance actually turns into opportunity instead of burnout. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    16 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Episode 135 – Unspoken Expectations Are Killing Your Projects and Your Career

    In this episode, Steve and Jake break down what ownership actually looks like in the real world—not theory, not slogans, but practical, tactical advice engineers can use immediately. They unpack why most project failures aren’t caused by bad intent or incompetence, but by assumed expectations, poor follow-up, and misplaced blame. If you want better outcomes without burning yourself out, this episode will challenge how you think about ownership, communication, and leadership. Key Topics Covered • Why ownership is about eliminating blame—not absorbing guilt  • How unspoken expectations quietly create resentment and rework  • The difference between micromanagement and proactive leadership  • Why “I already told them once” is a dangerous assumption  • How reminder systems dramatically increase project success rates  • Using data—not emotion—to diagnose failures and adjust execution  • Why engineers confuse independence with effectiveness  • How trust changes the way expectations are received  • When letting something fail is actually the right leadership move Actionable Steps • State expectations clearly before work starts—even when they seem obvious  • Follow up more than feels necessary; assume people are overloaded, not careless  • Replace blame with data: what failed, when, and why  • Build simple reminder systems to close execution gaps  • Frame expectations around winning and outcomes, not authority  • Adjust your communication style quickly when working with new teams  • Track one variable at a time when fixing broken processes  • Take responsibility for information flow, not just your task list  • Ask: “What would increase the odds of success by 10–30%?”—then do that Who This Episode Is For • Engineers frustrated by repeated project breakdowns  • High performers who feel like they carry more than their share  • Early-career engineers learning how leadership actually works  • ICs trying to increase impact without burning out  • Engineers stepping into informal or formal leadership roles Why It Matters Unclear expectations don’t just slow projects down—they quietly damage trust, drain energy, and stall careers. Engineers who master ownership without blame stand out fast. They deliver better results, build stronger teams, and create momentum instead of friction. Where to Listen Spotify  Apple Podcasts  Google Podcasts  Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    21 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Episode 134 – The Trap of Being the “Efficient Engineer”

    You can be busy, productive, and highly praised—and still stall your career. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down one of the most dangerous traps ambitious engineers fall into: prioritizing speed and execution over real learning. This conversation is about depth, focus, and long-term leverage—not theory, but practical, tactical advice you can apply immediately. If you want to grow into leadership, avoid burnout, and build skills that actually compound, this episode is required listening.  Key Topics Covered • Why being “the fastest engineer in the room” can quietly limit your ceiling • The difference between knowing the what/how and truly understanding the why • How engineers become execution machines—and why companies reward it (at your expense) • Aggressive patience: working hard without rushing past learning • How shallow repetition kills long-term leverage and career mobility • Using modern tools (including AI) to extract deeper lessons from daily work • Why consistent small wins matter more than occasional big projects • The hidden cost of distractions masquerading as “balance” • How focus—not talent—separates impactful engineers from overlooked ones Actionable Steps • Slow down just enough to extract lessons from every task you complete • Ask “why does this matter?” before moving on to the next assignment • Build a habit of documenting insights, not just deliverables • Use AI or senior engineers to peel back fundamentals in real time • Identify where your current work does not apply—and why • Reduce distractions that don’t serve your long-term goals • Optimize for skill transfer, not short-term praise • Track consistency of execution, not just outcomes • Choose depth in one area before chasing the next shiny task Who This Episode Is For • Early-career engineers who feel busy but unsure they’re growing • High-performing ICs who get praised but overlooked for bigger opportunities • Engineers on the edge of burnout from constant execution • Professionals who want leadership leverage, not just technical output • Anyone tired of feeling productive without feeling fulfilled Why It Matters Efficiency alone won’t build a meaningful career. Engineers who focus only on speed become replaceable, while engineers who understand systems, context, and impact become leaders. Depth creates visibility. Focus builds leverage. And learning the why is what allows you to carry value anywhere—across roles, companies, and industries. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    26 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    Episode 133 – Stop Chasing Promotions. Start Being Useful.

    Most engineers stall their careers not because they lack talent—but because they stay trapped inside the task in front of them. In this episode, Steve Maxey and Jake Maxey (Owner & Principal Engineer at NLS Engineering) break down why being useful is the real force multiplier in engineering careers. This is not theory—practical, tactical advice on how usefulness compounds faster than credentials, experience, or job titles, and why engineers who think beyond their scope earn more trust, better work, and faster growth. Key Topics Covered • What “being useful” actually means in real engineering work—not buzzwords • Why executing tasks alone keeps you invisible and replaceable • How usefulness outperforms raw technical expertise over time • The difference between completing work and compounding value • Why scope blindness quietly kills career momentum • How to use inversion thinking to instantly increase your impact • Serving beyond expectations—and without immediate reward • Why the most trusted engineers get the hardest, highest-visibility work • How usefulness creates leverage across teams, projects, and leadership Actionable Steps • Ask “what problem does this task solve?” before starting any assignment • Identify the pain point around the task, not just inside it • Offer to remove friction for teammates before being asked • Audit the work you’re doing for cost, risk, and downstream impact • Bring alternatives, not just execution • Learn why decisions were made—not just what was decided • Volunteer for ambiguity instead of avoiding it • Spend extra time where usefulness compounds, not where effort looks busy • Stop waiting for permission to think like an owner Who This Episode Is For • Engineers doing “good work” but not getting noticed • Early-career engineers who want to accelerate trust and responsibility • Burned-out engineers stuck in task execution mode • High-performing ICs who feel capped without authority • Engineers who want leadership impact without formal titles Why It Matters Promotions don’t come from doing more tasks—they come from increasing leverage. Usefulness connects energy, visibility, and execution into a compounding system. When you consistently make others more effective, you stop chasing opportunity—and opportunity starts finding you. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    25 min
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Spreading awareness, success, and accessibility to the world of engineering to aspiring and early career engineers.

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