The AEC Leadership Podcast

Anthony Fasano, PE and Jeff Perry, MBA
  • 4.7 (90)
  • CAREERS
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The AEC Leadership Podcast

The Engineering Career Coach (TECC) Podcast provides career advice to engineers of all ages and experience levels. Our host for the show, Anthony Fasano, PE and Jeff Perry, MBA interviews engineers ranging from recent engineering graduates to professionals from top engineering organizations on different engineering career goals and challenges. Each show includes a live coaching session with an engineer on real career challenges, and an engineer career-changing tip. Topics covered include but are not limited to job search, goal setting, finding a mentor, communication skills, public speaking, networking, organizational skills, productivity, leadership and more.

  1. 14 HR. AGO

    How to Refactor Your Mindset for Better Performance

    In this episode, I talk with Dagna Bieda, coach, author, and speaker, about how AEC professionals can refactor their mindset to boost productivity, overcome imposter syndrome and burnout, and unlock their full potential with actionable insights from her book, “Brain Refactor.” ***The video version of  this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Refactor Your Mindset for Better Performance: To refractor your mindset means reprogramming unproductive thought patterns, much like fixing a design flaw in a project. For AEC professionals, this shift enables you to approach challenges more effectively by applying your existing problem-solving skills to yourself, improving both your performance and adaptability at work. Imposter syndrome causes self-doubt and hesitation, while burnout drains energy and decision-making ability. These obstacles reduce productivity by affecting confidence, focus, and motivation, making it harder for you to achieve your best outcomes as AEC professionals. You can overcome these challenges by treating your mindset like a system, identifying and fixing unproductive mental patterns. By shifting your thinking, you can view obstacles as opportunities for growth and become more resilient and productive in your daily work. You can identify unproductive mental patterns by paying attention to recurring setbacks, such as missed opportunities or ongoing self-doubt. Feedback from peers, managers, or personal reflection on unmet goals can help you spot these “bugs” in your thinking and take steps to address them. Difficult relationships at work often lead to stress and miscommunication, both of which reduce productivity. By shifting their mindset to view these challenges as feedback rather than frustrations, AEC professionals can improve communication, resolve conflicts more quickly, and enhance team performance. Practical strategies to refactor your mindset include maintaining mental energy by resting and recharging, using feedback as a learning tool, and regularly "debugging" outdated beliefs that hold you back. By treating your brain like a well-maintained tool, you can enhance your ability to solve problems and achieve success. To maintain long-term productivity, you should prioritize your mental well-being, regularly recharging and updating your thinking patterns. Viewing your well-being as an investment in your career helps you to stay sharp, overcome evolving challenges, and sustain high performance. As AEC professionals, you should stay open to feedback, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and continuously refactor your mindset. By doing so, you can overcome obstacles, enhance problem-solving skills, and thrive in your career with sustained productivity and success. About Dagna Bieda Dagna is an engineer turned coach for engineers and ambitious professionals in tech. She's also a speaker and an author of the recently released book, "Brain Refactor: Optimize Your Internal Code to Thrive in Tech & Engineering and Get More Success, Fulfillment, Money, Opportunities, Impact, and Growth". With 10-plus years of coding experience and coaching since 2019, she’s the tough love, “been in your shoes” kind of coach. Her clients' backgrounds include a spectrum ranging from ICs to CTOs, from small startups to FAANG+ companies, from two to 20-plus years of experience, and from self-taught devs through career-changing bootcamp grads to college grads and Ph.D.’s. She helps her clients reach their potential and exciting career opportunities by refactoring their brains. Books Mentioned in This Session: Brain Refactor Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include: TheMindfulDev.com

    24 min

  2. OCT 1

    How to Navigate Difficult Conversations as an AEC Leader

    In this episode, I talk to Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP, HR coordinator at Menard USA, about how AEC leaders in fast-paced industries can navigate difficult conversations, strengthen their teams, and balance policies with empathy for better leadership and team growth. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Navigate Difficult Conversations as an AEC Leader: Internships provide invaluable opportunities for young professionals to explore different fields, build relationships, and gain experience. HR professionals play a key role in helping managers approach difficult conversations with empathy, turning them into opportunities for employee development and growth. Building strong relationships between managers and team members can help prevent many common workplace issues and improve communication. Leaders who invest time and energy into these relationships will find it easier to address challenges with empathy while promoting a culture of growth and accountability. Balancing company policies with personalized, empathetic communication is key for effective leadership. Leaders should create flexible policies that allow for human-centered approaches while maintaining compliance, ensuring team members feel supported, even when tough decisions need to be made. HR policies are essential, but if they become too rigid, they can hinder genuine engagement with employees. It's important for firms to create flexible policies that allow leaders to adapt to different situations and connect with their people, ensuring a supportive and competitive work environment. Building strong relationships with team members is crucial for effective leadership. When managers invest time and effort into cultivating these connections, it helps address issues more smoothly and can prevent challenges from escalating. Even if companies don't offer formal training programs, there are plenty of external resources available, like books, online videos, and groups like Toastmasters, that can help develop communication and leadership skills. It's important for professionals to take initiative in improving these skills, as they play a crucial role in long-term career success. Great leaders don’t avoid difficult conversations — they lean into them, using these moments as opportunities to strengthen relationships and enhance team growth. By approaching challenging situations with a proactive and positive mindset, leaders can turn obstacles into valuable learning experiences. About Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP, is the human resources coordinator at MENARD USA. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in human resources management and services from Columbia Southern University and has a background in business, management, marketing, and related support services from Duquesne university. Madi specializes in HR coordination, bringing her expertise in human resources to support organizational growth and employee development. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include: Menard USA Kentucky University Great Lakes Behavioral Research Institute Gallup Toastmasters International Connect with Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP, on LinkedIn We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how you navigate difficult conversations as an AEC leader. Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below. If you enjoyed this post, please consider downloading our free list of 33 Productivity Routines of Top Engineering Executives. Click the button below to download. Download the Productivity Routines

    26 min

  3. SEP 17

    Skyrocket Your Team With Clear Values and Career Goals

    In this episode, I explore how clear values, meaningful work, and guiding others lead to personal and team growth. I also highlight the importance of understanding your team’s goals to build a motivated and energized workforce. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode about how to Skyrocket Your Team With Clear Values and Career Goals: Clearly communicating meaningful organizational values is essential. Leaders should make sure their team's values are clear, straightforward, and consistently shared to create a strong sense of purpose. Leaders should take the time to understand the personal and professional goals of their team members. By doing so, they can build stronger connections and offer more effective support. Leaders should consistently communicate growth opportunities within the organization. Offering clear guidance and a defined path for advancement helps team members progress in their careers with confidence. We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how you skyrocket your team with clear values and career goals. Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below. If you enjoyed this post, please consider downloading our free list of 33 Productivity Routines of Top Engineering Executives. Click the button below to download. Download the Productivity Routines To your success, Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE Engineering Management Institute Author of Engineer Your Own Success

    12 min

  4. SEP 3

    How to Shift From Engineer to Leader Successfully

    In this episode, I talk with Tina Heath, P.E., LEED-AP, senior technical client manager at T&M Associates, about the challenges and triumphs of shifting from an engineer to leader. We dive into key strategies for navigating this transition, including how to move from controlling tasks to supporting and understanding your team. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Shift From Engineer to Leader Successfully: Navigating the transition from a technical role to a managerial position can be challenging, as it requires shifting from task control to understanding and supporting team members. Managers should focus on viewing situations from their team's perspective to effectively lead and support them. Encouraging team members to ask questions and learn from mistakes creates a supportive environment, leading to greater efficiency and growth. By empowering employees to improve, managers contribute to the overall success and expansion of the company, benefiting everyone involved. Encouraging team members to voice their thoughts on potential challenges and deadlines cultivates their critical thinking and sense of ownership. This approach not only ensures clear communication but also brings fresh ideas to the table, benefiting the entire team. Regularly updating the team on project changes and maintaining open communication ensures they are aligned with the project's direction. This continuous feedback loop prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone informed and prepared for adjustments. Managers should actively listen and maintain neutral expressions during feedback to encourage open communication from their team. By creating a non-judgmental environment, they promote honest dialogue, allowing issues to be addressed early and preventing costly mistakes later in the project. Managers should pay attention to both what employees excel at and where they struggle, engaging in conversations to understand their needs and interests. By identifying areas for growth and providing necessary support or training, managers can create win-win situations that benefit both the employee and the company. When an employee's career goals align with the company's needs, managers should advocate for opportunities that benefit both parties. If there's a mismatch, it's important to recognize that not every employee's aspiration will fit within the company's scope, and that's OK. Managers should recognize that issues or "elephants in the room" can vary in significance depending on each person's perspective. It's essential to address these concerns promptly, considering their origin and impact, to maintain a supportive and effective work environment. Having a strong technical foundation is essential for managers, as it enables them to guide their team effectively and recognize when additional training or communication is needed. Balancing technical knowledge with people skills is key to successful leadership and project management. More in This Episode… About Tina Heath, P.E., LEED-AP Tina Heath, P.E., LEED, is a senior technical client manager at T&M Associates with a BS in chemical engineering and chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an analytical and meticulous compliance leader with expertise in EHS regulations, project management, incident investigations, root cause analysis, policy development, and vendor/government relations. Tina excels in SCAQMD RECLAIM and Title V air permits, hazardous material and waste management, water permits, storage tank regulations, safety and environmental policy development, and site audits. She is skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and implementing best practice methodologies to drive results and create...

    35 min

  5. MAY 21

    TECC 329: Strategies for Successful Performance Management in Engineering

    In this episode, we talk with Robyn Clark, CEO of WinningWise, about succession planning, performance management, and leadership development in engineering. We explore their significance for organizations, focusing on aligning goals and enhancing employee satisfaction. Robyn also highlights the shift toward developmental performance management and its impact on engagement and retention. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Strategies for Successful Performance Management in Engineering: Businesses have historically avoided discussing the importance of people in operations, prioritizing technical and financial matters. However, they are now realizing that success relies on effective people strategies for mutual growth and prosperity. Successful collaboration between individuals and organizations requires mutual alignment of needs and goals. By understanding and meeting each other's expectations in a supportive environment, both parties can achieve shared success and facilitate continuous growth. Organizations are focusing on improving the employee experience with meaningful work, supportive relationships, future opportunities, and work-life balance. Shifting performance management toward development rather than evaluation supports employee growth and satisfaction. Companies often conduct talent reviews where decisions about employees' careers are made without their presence. To improve outcomes, individuals should have ongoing conversations with their leaders about their ambitions and development within performance management. Career pathing is crucial for organizations to clarify opportunities and align individual interests with technical or leadership paths. However, simply defining these paths isn't enough because development efforts are needed to prepare individuals for progression and maximize their potential contributions. Many companies focus on competencies for growth, but achieving goals and skills are outcomes, not development. True development means making personal changes to improve specific competencies like strategic thinking through confidence, planning, or building better relationships. Company culture is critical as it shapes the environment where individuals work and interact. To cultivate an intentional culture, organizations should clearly define values, expectations, and desired daily experiences to guide behaviors and outcomes effectively. Defining acceptable behaviors and decision-making styles is crucial for shaping organizational culture. Leaders must align values with desired experiences, empower decision-making, and encourage collaboration to create a cohesive and productive environment. To drive effective performance management, leaders should have open, honest conversations about goals and feedback with their team. Strong communication skills can transform performance management into a collaborative, empowering process that promotes growth. Improving feedback skills varies by person. Some may need confidence to speak boldly, while others benefit from increased self-awareness or building supportive relationships. Developing these skills is key to effective communication and collaboration. More in This Episode… In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Robyn talks about reflecting on personal needs and goals to identify what is important for individual development. About the Guest, Robyn Clark Robyn Clark is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in talent management and business leadership. As the founder and CEO of WinningWise since March 2014, she has demonstrated her expertise in steering the company toward success. Prior to founding WinningWise, Robyn served as the Managing Director of Talent Solut...

    36 min

  6. MAY 7

    TECC 328: How to Choose the Right College for Aspiring Engineers

    In this episode, I speak with Pamela Ellis, MBA, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Compass Education Strategies, LLC, about how to choose right college for aspiring engineers. We cover admissions and scholarships, and she outlines key considerations including academic offerings, social fit, financial aspects, career objectives, and cultural environment. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Choose the Right College for Aspiring Engineers: Aspiring engineering students should consider key factors like academic interests, social opportunities, financial affordability, vocational goals, and cultural support when selecting a college. Evaluating these aspects helps ensure they thrive in their chosen engineering program and campus environment. For students, especially those interested in engineering, strategic standardized test preparation is key. Taking practice exams for both the ACT and SAT helps identify the best test for focused preparation and maximizing score advantage in college admissions. To increase scholarship opportunities, students should target colleges that align with their interests. Colleges are more likely to offer scholarships to students who are a good fit for their programs and demonstrate strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement. Applying for need-based aid like FAFSA is also recommended, as colleges may consider various factors beyond income when awarding scholarships. When exploring colleges, students should look beyond brand names and locations. They should visit campuses to gather firsthand information about departments, curriculum, and faculty, and ask questions to ensure a good fit for their academic and career goals. When researching colleges, students should visit departments of interest to meet current students and explore community connections. If unable to visit, reaching out to admissions or department staff for student contacts can provide valuable insights into the college experience. Before diving into college choices, students and parents should ask themselves why higher education is important to them. This foundational question will guide decisions about coursework and college selection, ensuring a purposeful and intentional approach to the college search process. More in This Episode… In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Pamela talks about the exploration of different areas within engineering through summer programs. About the Guest, Pamela Ellis, MBA, Ph.D. Pamela Ellis, MBA, Ph.D. — The Education Doctor® — partners with busy parents to help their teen find a college that feels like home without over-paying. She founded Compass College Advisory in 2010 and has served over 1,000 families. Ninety-five percent of their students have been admitted to their top-choice colleges, and the average scholarship is $75,000. Dr. Pamela is a highly sought-after speaker and author of the best-selling book, “What to Know Before They Go: College Edition.” Dr. Pamela graduated from Stanford University and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and she earned a doctorate from the Stanford University School of Education. About the Host, Jeff Perry, MBA Jeff Perry is a leadership/career coach for engineers, building mindsets, leadership, and career intentions to unlock hidden potential and remove self-imposed roadblocks for career and life. For years, he has had the pleasure of supporting engineers and software pros, from new grads to director level. Having been on the front lines in the technical world, he has been able to map out the necessary skills for becoming a quality leader in the field. You can connect with Jeff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcperry/ or visit his website,

    28 min

  7. APR 23

    TECC 327: Engineering Leadership: Empowering Strategies for Success and Growth

    In this episode, we talk to Margie Oleson, Ed.D., change consultant at Oleson Consulting LLC and OCM Lead at Lockheed Martin, about unique challenges faced by CEOs and C-suite executives. She also shares some great advice for navigating turbulent times in companies, building effective engineering leadership teams, fostering cohesion, and ensuring long-term improvements. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Engineering Leadership and Empowering Strategies for Success and Growth: Leaders in large organizations grapple with team dynamics and habits. Managing teams isn't like handling machines — it's about understanding human behavior and cultivating effective habits. Quick fixes won't work; leaders must commit to long-term changes based on neuroscience and human behavior to build resilient, high-performing teams that can adapt to future challenges. Effective leaders understand they can't directly control their team's mindset but can establish the right structure and openness to encourage positive attitudes. Self-awareness, clarity, and open communication build trust and naturally develop over time, enabling leaders to address underlying issues and transform struggling employees into high performers. Creating an open and transparent work environment isn't just a luxury — it's strategic. It sets you apart from competitors, improves client service, and attracts and retains top talent. When leaders encourage openness and provide ongoing clarity on expectations and performance, employees feel empowered to excel, making for the best performance management system possible. Success in any team starts with clear goals and alignment. Leaders ensure everyone understands their role in achieving these goals. Open communication minimizes gossip and promotes cohesion. Effective meetings and metrics track progress, reducing crisis management and enabling innovation. This creates a happier, more productive work environment prepared for future challenges. Imagine a leader evolving with structured systems over time, sharpening skills for adaptability, especially in scenarios like mergers. By over-communicating goals and maintaining clarity, leaders prevent silos and promote inclusive cultures. Effective leadership engineers high performance through deliberate habits, driving meaningful change. To enhance team performance, prioritize a few key metrics that drive outcomes and behaviors. Avoid overwhelming dashboards with too many metrics. Choose around five to 10 critical metrics reflecting important outcomes and team processes. Use metrics to evaluate specific behaviors like meeting effectiveness, supporting skill development, and teamwork. Regularly refine metrics to ensure alignment and embed high performance into daily operations, achieving goals systematically over time. Leadership is learned, not innate. Focus on clear communication and over-communicate when needed. Increase self-awareness by understanding company goals and team roles. Engage in activities like therapy or meditation to develop emotional intelligence for effective leadership. More in This Episode… In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Margie talks about what you can do to practice effective meeting management. About the Guest, Margie Oleson, Ed.D. Margie Oleson is an executive coach and leadership/team development expert with a doctorate in Organization Development. She delivers her coaching with practical strategies and actions for leaders and their leadership teams to build the right foundation for teamwork and productivity. Clients have included companies in most industries, such as aeronautics, agriculture, financial services, fintech, healthcare, higher education, insurance, manufacturing, medical devices,

    39 min

  8. APR 9

    TECC 326: Balancing Technical Skills and Interpersonal Growth for Engineering Success

    In this episode, we talk to Josh Valman, CEO of RPDK, Innovation Board Advisor to the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Investment Committee Board Member at the British Design Fund, about the gap between education and real-world engineering. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience, interpersonal growth, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly changing engineering industry. ***The video version of  this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Balancing Technical Skills and Interpersonal Growth for Engineering Success: The hands-on, problem-solving approach to learning robotics and engineering differs significantly from what schools typically teach students. While traditional education often focuses on theoretical knowledge and memorization, practical learning involves actively solving real-world problems, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and problem-solving skills over rote learning. To support engineers in developing technical expertise along with interpersonal growth and the ability to navigate people-related issues, providing real-world work experience, incorporating simulated client interactions, and inviting industry professionals to teach are essential steps. These approaches expose engineers to practical challenges and workplace dynamics, helping them build necessary soft skills alongside technical knowledge. Josh faced a significant challenge when evaluating a new turbine fan design for electricity generation. It wasn't just about technical issues but also about market acceptance. This experience emphasized the importance of considering market dynamics alongside technical aspects in engineering projects. To stay current in the industry from school to real-world work amidst changing technology and supply chains, engineers and students should prioritize continuous learning and practical engagement. They can do this by asking questions, collaborating with mentors and peers, and working on personal projects related to their field. Leveraging online resources, attending workshops, and staying connected with professional networks also help in keeping up with emerging trends and dynamics in the industry. In an engineer's career journey, mentors are essential for providing valuable guidance and real-world insights. They offer practical advice, share experiences, and help navigate industry challenges not covered in academic settings. By leveraging mentorship, engineers can accelerate their professional growth, make informed decisions, and excel in their careers through continuous learning and interpersonal growth. In navigating specific areas of growth, different types of mentors prove highly useful. Technical experts offer guidance in problem-solving and technical skills, while managerial leaders excel in navigating business dynamics and career advancement strategies. Seeking mentorship from individuals in these categories provides a well-rounded perspective and helps develop a comprehensive skill set for success. As engineers advance in their careers, it's important to keep an eye on new developments and changes in the field. Technology and consumer preferences are evolving rapidly, leading to trends like shorter product lifecycles and a focus on sustainability. Engineers should stay informed about these shifts to remain competitive and adapt to the changing landscape of engineering. More in This Episode… In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Josh talks about the importance of having projects and hobbies related to engineering for continuous learning and skill development. About the Guest, Josh Valman Josh Valman is a pioneering figure in the field of engineering and innovation, currently serving as the CEO of RPDK.

    27 min
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4.7
out of 5
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About

The Engineering Career Coach (TECC) Podcast provides career advice to engineers of all ages and experience levels. Our host for the show, Anthony Fasano, PE and Jeff Perry, MBA interviews engineers ranging from recent engineering graduates to professionals from top engineering organizations on different engineering career goals and challenges. Each show includes a live coaching session with an engineer on real career challenges, and an engineer career-changing tip. Topics covered include but are not limited to job search, goal setting, finding a mentor, communication skills, public speaking, networking, organizational skills, productivity, leadership and more.

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