Company of One with Dale Callahan

Dale Callahan
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You’re a high-achieving professional—maybe in tech, engineering, or leadership—but your career feels stalled. You’re paid well, but it’s not enough. You want more: more purpose, more income, more control over your life.Company of One is a podcast for professionals who want to grow their income, make strategic career moves, or even build something on the side. Hosted by Dr. Dale Callahan—engineer, entrepreneur, and director of a top-ranked graduate program—this show gives you real strategies to take ownership of your future.Whether you’re climbing the ladder or considering stepping off it to build your own thing, this is your place to get unstuck and take action.

  1. 3D AGO

    Running on Idle: Why Doing Everything Right Can Still Leave You Stuck #228

    Most people who feel stuck at work aren’t burned out. They’re still capable. Still producing. Still paid. They’re just running on idle. In this episode of the Company of One podcast, Dale Callahan names a quiet but common experience among people who did everything right but no longer feel challenged or pulled forward. This isn’t quiet quitting. It isn’t burnout. And it has nothing to do with age. It’s what happens when the engine still works, there’s gas in the tank, but the role or system no longer allows forward motion. What We Cover in This Episode Why capable people can feel stuck without being exhaustedWhat “running on idle” actually feels like in real lifeHow people outgrow roles long before they run out of energyWhat it means to be “retired in place”Why staying put isn’t a neutral decision over timeThe difference between confusion and internal conflictWhy advice and motivation often miss the real issueKey Takeaway Burnout is overheating. Running on idle is being fully functional with nowhere to go. The danger isn’t failure. It’s letting time pass while momentum quietly decays. About the Podcast The Company of One podcast is about ownership — not just owning a business, but owning your direction, your income, and your next move. No hype. No pressure. No generic career advice. Just clear thinking for people who want more control over where their work and life are heading. Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    25 min

  2. JAN 8

    You’re Not Stuck. You’re Just Overexposed to One Employer #227

    Most professionals who feel stuck in their careers aren’t actually trapped. They’re overexposed. When one employer controls your income, your time, and your perceived value, your options quietly disappear — even if things look stable on the surface. In this episode, we cover: What it really means to be overexposed at workWhy high performers fall into this trap without realizing itThe real cost of relying on a single paycheckHow to reduce risk and increase leverage without quitting your jobThis isn’t about fear. It’s about optionality. If you’ve ever felt uneasy depending on one role, one manager, or one company — this episode will help you think more clearly about control, leverage, and your next move. Question to reflect on: If your role disappeared in 60 days, how exposed would you be? 📩 I share grounded insights like this every week in my LinkedIn newsletter — focused on ownership, clarity, and taking control of your income. Subscribe on LinkedIn 📌 Want help applying this? Book a Strategy Session here:  Strategy — The Company of One Podcast with Dale Callahan Helping high earners stop depending on their employer and learn how to own their income. ✅ More help here: Podcast Blog Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    40 min

  3. JAN 1

    Nothing Changes Until You Decide to Take Control #226

    Most people think a new year creates change. It doesn’t. Decisions do. If you feel stuck, frustrated, or like last year quietly repeated itself, this episode explains why—and what actually breaks the cycle. January 1 brings motivation. But motivation fades fast. In this episode, I walk through the real reason high-performing professionals stay stuck—and why nothing changes until you decide to take control. This isn’t about goal setting or New Year’s resolutions. It’s about ownership. You’ll learn: Why time doesn’t create clarity The 3 ownership questions that reveal what’s really holding you back Why waiting feels responsible but costs you years How to reset your direction without quitting your job or blowing up your life If you’ve been hoping this year would be different, this conversation is your wake-up call. If this hit, drop DECIDE in the comments. Or share this with someone who feels stuck but won’t say it out loud. SEO / Discovery Section Topics covered: Career ownership Taking control of your income Why professionals feel stuck Company of One mindset Career clarity and decision making New Year career reset High performer burnout Ownership vs employee mindset Closing Line The year won’t change you. But a decision might. 🎧 Listen if you’re a professional who feels stuck, undervalued, or ready to operate at a higher level. blog: https://dalecallahan.com/nothing-changes-until-you-decide-to-take-control/ 🍎 Applepodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/company-of-one-with-dale-callahan/id616134940 🎙️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GT67YvIRTuS4Hva7Kj1K7?si=82d627555772413f 📩 I share grounded insights like this every week in my LinkedIn newsletter — focused on ownership, clarity, and taking control of your income. Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7398060875909144577 📌 Want help applying this? Book a Strategy Session here:  https://calendly.com/dalecallahan/strategy-session — The Company of One Podcast with Dale Callahan Helping high earners stop depending on their employer and learn how to own their income. ✅ More help here: https://dalecallahan.com/podcast-episodes/ Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    29 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    Why Hanging Around High Performers Feels Uncomfortable (And Why That’s the Point) #225

    Why Hanging Around High Performers Feels Uncomfortable (And Why That’s the Point) Company of One Podcast Why does being around high performers feel uncomfortable? You’re capable. You work hard. You’ve done things right. Yet the moment you’re in a room with people operating at a higher level, something shifts. You get quieter. You feel behind. You start questioning yourself. That discomfort isn’t intimidation — it’s a signal. In this episode of the Company of One Podcast, I explain why hanging around high performers often feels uncomfortable and why that feeling is actually necessary if you want to grow, take ownership, and gain more control over your income and direction. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why comfortable environments keep smart professionals stuckThe real reason high-performing rooms feel intimidatingWhat high performers actually focus on (and what they don’t)How discomfort points directly to growth, ownership, and income controlWhy waiting until you “feel ready” keeps you exactly where you areThis isn’t motivation or hustle talk. It’s about understanding the environments that shape your thinking and your future. 🎧 Listen if you’re a professional who feels stuck, undervalued, or ready to operate at a higher level. 📩 I share grounded insights like this every week in my LinkedIn newsletter — focused on ownership, clarity, and taking control of your income. Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7398060875909144577 Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    26 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    What To Do When Someone Takes Credit for Your Work #224

    Most high earners try to fix micromanagement by working harder, proving themselves, or pushing back. That doesn’t work. In this episode, I break down a simple strategy that turns a micromanager into an ally — using people skills that owners use every day. You’ll learn: • Why micromanagement is actually a trust issue • How to ask for advice the right way (without giving up control) • The fastest shortcut to trust — finding real common ground • How to turn micromanagement into a leadership skill • Why quitting doesn’t solve the problem • How to build confidence and take control of your career This isn’t fluffy workplace advice. This is the practical identity shift that helps high earners move up, earn more, and stay in control. Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    56 min

  6. 12/04/2025

    How to Deal With a Micromanager #223

    Your boss isn’t hovering because of your work. They’re hovering because of a trust gap. Most high earners try to fix micromanagement by working harder, proving themselves, or pushing back. That doesn’t work. In this episode, I break down a simple strategy that turns a micromanager into an ally — using people skills that owners use every day. You’ll learn: • Why micromanagement is actually a trust issue • How to ask for advice the right way (without giving up control) • The fastest shortcut to trust — finding real common ground • How to turn micromanagement into a leadership skill • Why quitting doesn’t solve the problem • How to build confidence and take control of your career This isn’t fluffy workplace advice. This is the practical identity shift that helps high earners move up, earn more, and stay in control. Free Resource: The Idea Engine https://dalecallahan.com/op/idea-engine/?utm_source=youtube ✅ More help here: https://dalecallahan.com/podcast-episodes/ 👉 Blog/podcast here:  https://dalecallahan.com/how-to-deal-with-a-micromanager-without-losing-your-mind-or-your-career/ #companyofone      #entrepreneurmindset       #startbeforeyoureready       #businessclarity      #sidehustle     #dalecallahan #micromanagement #trustissues #boss Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    12 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    How Andrew Jumped From $80K to $125K (The Shift Most People Never Make) #222

    Andrew didn’t go back to school. He didn’t get another certification. He didn’t job-hop for months. Yet he still jumped from $80K to $125K in one move. Most people think the answer to career growth is skills, degrees, or waiting on HR. They’re wrong. In this video, I break down the simple identity shift Andrew made that gave him leverage instantly — and how you can use the same approach to take control of your career and income. In this episode:  (FIX TIMELINE OR REMOVE IT) 00:00 – The $80K → $125K story 01:10 – Why most people stay stuck 03:30 – The “owner vs. employee” shift 06:15 – How Andrew showed up differently 10:00 – The simple framework you can use this week 13:40 – What to do if you want help shaping your value and story If you want help figuring out your version of this — the way you show up in conversations — send me a message. I help people do this every day. Subscribe for more: • Weekly episodes on taking control of your income • Real stories from real people • Practical steps you can use immediately Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    28 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    The Mindset Shift That Changed My Career: Becoming a ‘Company of One #221

    Why do smart, talented professionals stay stuck for years? This episode explains why, and the belief that keeps people waiting on permission they don’t need. In this episode: The true origin of the Company of One Why professionals feel stuck The shift that changes careers fast The first step to owning your income How to take control this week Free Resource: The Idea Engine - Dale Callahan, Ph.D. Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy Session Director of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn. Weekly Newsletter Subscribe on LinkedIn

    26 min
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5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

You’re a high-achieving professional—maybe in tech, engineering, or leadership—but your career feels stalled. You’re paid well, but it’s not enough. You want more: more purpose, more income, more control over your life.Company of One is a podcast for professionals who want to grow their income, make strategic career moves, or even build something on the side. Hosted by Dr. Dale Callahan—engineer, entrepreneur, and director of a top-ranked graduate program—this show gives you real strategies to take ownership of your future.Whether you’re climbing the ladder or considering stepping off it to build your own thing, this is your place to get unstuck and take action.

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