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. 2D AGO

    Episode 128 – Stop Chasing Salary: Build Skills That Print It

    In this episode, Steve and Jake rip apart the mindset that’s holding most early-career engineers back — obsessing over salary before mastering their craft. Too many engineers chase numbers instead of value. The truth? Your first few years aren’t about the paycheck — they’re about stacking skills, earning leverage, and becoming undeniable. This isn’t theory. It’s practical, tactical advice from two engineers who’ve lived it — the grind, the plateaus, and the breakthroughs that turn potential into power. Key Topics Covered • Why focusing on salary too early kills long-term growth • The “input vs. output” trap most engineers never escape • How to build real leverage through deep, specialized skills • The brutal truth about corporate pay equity and outlier performance • Why “living like a college student” longer is the smartest investment • How to identify companies that actually reward high performers • Why high performers get boxed in — and how to break out • The real difference between top 5% engineers and everyone else • What companies owe you (and what they don’t) • How to reframe your career from compensation-driven to mastery-driven Actionable Steps • Stop comparing your salary to others — focus on improving your skills 10% every month. • Use your early career years to learn, experiment, and fail cheaply. • Seek mentors and reverse-engineer the habits of people earning what you want. • Track your inputs — hours, projects, learning — not just outcomes. • Live below your means to buy freedom and time to grow. • Take ownership of your career story and communicate your impact in business terms. • Identify and move toward companies that reward merit, not tenure. • Build a side project or specialization that sharpens your technical edge. • Say yes to opportunities that expand your range, even if they don’t pay more right away. • Reframe every career goal around who you must become to achieve it. Who This Episode Is For • Engineers frustrated with “pay stagnation” early in their careers • New grads trying to negotiate their first offer • Mid-level engineers who feel overlooked despite strong results • High achievers tired of corporate ceilings and comparison traps • Anyone ready to trade entitlement for ownership Why It Matters You don’t get paid for time — you get paid for value. And value comes from skill, reputation, and impact built over time. The engineers who focus on learning faster, thinking deeper, and executing harder will always outrun the ones chasing titles and raises. The money is a by-product. The growth is the goal. 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.

    30 min

  2. NOV 3

    Episode 127 – What You Do After “No” Defines Your Career

    Every engineer hits a wall. You pitch an idea, chase a promotion, or submit a proposal; then you get a “no.” Most people stop there. But high-impact engineers don’t see rejection as the end. They see it as data. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down how to turn a “no” into fuel for growth, how to ask the right follow-up questions, and how to use resistance as the ultimate feedback loop. Not theory; practical, tactical advice from two engineers who’ve heard “no” more times than they can count and used it to build careers, teams, and businesses. Key Topics Covered • The mindset shift from rejection to information gathering • Why “no” is rarely permanent—and how to find the real reason behind it • How to request feedback without sounding defensive or desperate • The trap of filling in the blanks with your own assumptions • Turning client losses, failed proposals, or denied promotions into strategy • How to reframe rejection as part of your input process, not your identity • Building resilience and emotional recovery speed after setbacks • The “ask, learn, adjust” cycle every successful engineer uses • What great managers actually mean when they say “not right now” • Why mastering this one skill separates future leaders from stalled contributors Actionable Steps • When you hear “no,” pause; then ask for a short debrief call or conversation. • Frame your question around learning, not winning: “Can you help me understand what drove the decision?” • Separate emotion from information. Collect data, not drama. • Identify if the rejection was based on timing, scope, or performance. • Document what you learn to build a playbook for your next attempt. • Follow up professionally and show them you’re coachable and persistent. • For career growth, ask: “What would make me the obvious choice next time?” • Treat every rejection as a calibration point, not a verdict. • Practice recovery speed and get back to baseline faster after a hit. • Use “nos” as reps in your leadership gym; they’re how you get stronger. Who This Episode Is For • Engineers who’ve been passed over for promotions or raises • High performers tired of vague feedback or unclear expectations • Early-career engineers learning how to advocate for themselves • Technical contributors struggling with communication and influence • Anyone who wants to build real career momentum instead of waiting for permission Why It Matters How you handle rejection defines your growth curve. Engineers who take “no” at face value plateau early. Engineers who seek context, ask sharper questions, and extract insight build unstoppable momentum. This episode will challenge how you think, react, and lead the next time someone shuts a door in your face; and show you how to open a better one yourself. 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

  3. OCT 27

    Episode 126 – Confidence Wins. Ego Kills. With Chris Stasiuk

    Ego can make you feel powerful—but it’s killing your impact. In this episode, Jake and Steve sit down with Chris Stasiuk, a former electrical engineer turned leadership coach, to unpack the real difference between confidence and ego. This is not theory—it’s practical, tactical advice for engineers who want to influence others, communicate clearly, and become the kind of leader people actually want to follow. Key Topics Covered • The critical difference between confidence and ego—and how to use one without falling into the other. • The story of an engineer whose explosive meetings turned into team-building moments through self-awareness and feedback. • How blind spots sabotage even the smartest engineers. • The communication trap that keeps great ideas stuck in cubicles. • Why perception—not intention—defines your leadership effectiveness. • The surprising power of curiosity and humility in technical environments. • Using feedback and coaching to uncover your behavioral blind spots. • Emotional regulation under pressure—and why “walking away” is a strength, not a weakness. • How ego erodes team trust, buy-in, and creativity. • Tactical frameworks to transform how you listen, lead, and earn influence. Actionable Steps • Ask a trusted peer for feedback on how you communicate—then listen without defending yourself. • Before your next meeting, decide which “version” of yourself needs to show up: the confident leader or the curious learner. • Replace “Why are you doing it that way?” with “Can you walk me through your process?” • When you feel triggered, have a pre-set script—step back, breathe, and revisit when emotions cool. • Read Surrounded by Idiots or take a DISC/CliftonStrengths assessment to identify your communication style. • Treat communication like a design problem: analyze inputs, feedback loops, and outcomes. • Practice humility daily—assume the other person knows something you don’t. • Use curiosity to build “social capital” before you need to draw on it. • Lead meetings with questions that invite ownership, not compliance. • Hire or partner with someone who complements your blind spots instead of mirroring them. Who This Episode Is For • Engineers who think “technical skill should speak for itself.” • Managers struggling with team friction or low engagement. • Early-career engineers frustrated they’re being overlooked. • High performers tired of being misunderstood or “hard to work with.” • Anyone ready to trade arrogance for real influence. Why It Matters Technical excellence might get you noticed—but communication, humility, and emotional control make you unforgettable. Confidence earns trust. Ego destroys it. The engineers who learn to balance both are the ones who lead teams, inspire change, and build careers that last. Connect with Chris Stasiuk Visit chrisstasiuk.com to learn more about his one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and leadership resources. You can also connect with Chris on LinkedIn for insights on engineering leadership, communication, and career growth. 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.

    1h 4m

  4. OCT 20

    Episode 125 – Multitasking Is a Myth. Master Task Switching Instead

    Intro: Engineers pride themselves on “handling it all.” But let’s be real—you’re not multitasking. You’re bleeding time and energy through poor task switching. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down why context switching wrecks your focus, how to stop draining your energy every time your attention shifts, and the systems that top performers use to stay sharp and deliver under pressure. Not theory—practical, tactical advice you can use today to regain control of your time and output. Key Topics Covered: • The truth: No one actually multitasks—they just switch faster (or worse). • Why poor task switching is killing your productivity and focus. • The hidden “reset tax” that costs you hours each week. • How cognitive load compounds across multiple projects. • Tactical time blocking to reduce switch frequency. • Setting communication rules to protect your deep work blocks. • Using environment resets to maintain focus and clarity. • Why meetings, emails, and “quick questions” destroy flow. • The difference between urgency and priority in managing tasks. • How to plan your energy like a project resource—because it is. Actionable Steps: • Create a “loose ends” list for each project before switching tasks. • Close loops—document next steps before moving to the next thing. • Block 2 uninterrupted hours daily for focused work—protect it. • Use 3–5 minute buffers between meetings to reset and refocus. • Schedule check-ins and communications at fixed times daily. • Keep project packets with current status, notes, and next actions. • Prioritize heavy cognitive tasks early in your energy curve. • Limit open projects—fewer tabs, higher output. • Track how long it takes you to “re-enter flow” after interruptions. • End each day with a 10-minute project recap and tomorrow’s plan. Who This Episode Is For: • Engineers constantly interrupted by meetings and messages. • High performers stuck in reactive mode instead of strategic execution. • New engineers struggling to juggle multiple projects. • Leaders trying to build systems, not chaos. • Anyone who feels drained by constant context shifts. Why It Matters: Mastering task switching is the secret to sustained performance and leadership readiness. You can’t lead if you’re always catching up. Energy, focus, and discipline compound—so when you protect them, your visibility, reliability, and results skyrocket. The engineers who master this don’t just get more done—they move up faster because their work speaks for itself. 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.

    39 min

  5. OCT 13

    Episode 124 – Don’t Be a Paper Engineer with Brooke MacFee

    In this episode, manufacturing engineer Brooke MacFee joins Jake and Steve to share hard-earned lessons from her path across biomedical, aerospace, and small-scale manufacturing. From taking jobs out of necessity to leading teams before she felt ready, Brooke’s story hits every early-career engineer who’s still finding their footing. This conversation cuts through theory—it’s practical, tactical advice on how to become the kind of engineer people trust, respect, and remember. Key Topics Covered • How to stop underestimating yourself and build real confidence through action  • Why “hands-on” engineers earn more respect than those who just model or analyze  • The real reason you shouldn’t hide behind your resume  • The power of authenticity—how Brooke’s “powerlifting” line landed her a job offer  • What “paper engineers” get wrong about credibility and growth  • The value of saying “I don’t know” in interviews—and what to say next  • Lessons learned from bad management and early-career missteps  • How to navigate bias and authority as a young or female engineer  • Turning early mistakes into long-term career assets  • Why every job—good or bad—teaches you something you’ll need later Actionable Steps • Ask questions early and often—especially when you don’t know the answer  • Always get hands-on; build something, fix something, learn from doing  • Add personal details to your resume that show who you really are  • When you’re new, sit with technicians and operators—learn their world  • Don’t overcompensate with authority; lead with curiosity and competence  • Practice humility in interviews—your thinking process matters more than perfection  • Visit every facility before accepting an offer—see the culture with your own eyes  • Apply the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize what actually moves your career  • Eliminate distractions that don’t serve your growth or goals  • Focus on solving more problems than you create—every single day Who This Episode Is For • Engineers early in their careers who feel overlooked or unsure where they fit  • Those afraid to interview or explore new roles while still employed  • Technical pros who want to lead without losing credibility  • Engineers ready to stop playing it safe and start owning their path  • Anyone who’s ever been told they’re “too quiet,” “too new,” or “too different” Why It Matters Being impactful isn’t about titles or talk—it’s about results. The engineers who grow fastest aren’t the loudest or the smartest. They’re the ones who stay real, stay curious, and keep their hands dirty. Confidence isn’t built by pretending—it’s built by doing. Connect with Brooke 💼 LinkedIn – Brooke MacFee 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.

    1h 2m

  6. OCT 6

    Episode 123 – Your Goals Don’t Matter... Your Inputs Do

    Most engineers chase outcomes—titles, numbers, recognition. But outcomes are a lagging indicator of your inputs. In this episode, Jake and Steve break down how to flip your focus from results to repetition, from motivation to momentum, and from willpower to discipline. This isn’t theory—it’s practical, tactical advice for engineers who want to build consistency, find purpose in the process, and eliminate burnout by taking control of their environment. Key Topics Covered: • Why chasing outcomes keeps you stuck in frustration loops. • The mindset shift from “goals” to “inputs” that changes everything. • How pursuit—not purpose—is the sustainable path forward. • Why environment design beats willpower every time. • The compounding effect of daily discipline on career and life. • Why focusing on what you control eliminates anxiety and burnout. • How to audit your environment to make success automatic. • The hidden trap of tying identity to short-term results. • How to use friction and focus as engineering tools for behavior change. • The difference between being intentional and being obsessive. Actionable Steps: • Identify one pursuit and commit to it daily without outcome pressure. • Write five “non-negotiable” inputs that define your productive day. • Design your environment for when you’re weak—not when you’re strong. • Replace “motivation rituals” with discipline habits that scale. • Audit your workspace, friend group, and habits for friction points. • Track consistency, not results—inputs are your scorecard. • When willpower fades, rely on systems that make execution default. • Build momentum through compounding small wins, not big goals. • Redefine purpose as a pursuit that evolves with your season of life. • Surround yourself with people who reinforce your direction, not your comfort. Who This Episode Is For: • Engineers tired of setting goals and never feeling fulfilled. • Overachievers battling burnout from chasing the next milestone. • ICs who want control, clarity, and consistency in their careers. • Engineers who want to build habits that last when motivation dies. • Anyone trying to find balance between ambition and peace. Why It Matters: Because purpose isn’t found—it’s built. And it’s built through pursuit, discipline, and ownership of your environment. When you stop chasing results and start mastering your inputs, you remove friction, regain control, and create a system that compounds energy, confidence, and visibility. This is how high-performing engineers lead without burnout—by engineering their behavior the same way they engineer products: with intention. 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.

    32 min

  7. SEP 29

    Episode 122 – Decision Volume Beats Decision Perfection

    Most engineers hold themselves back by waiting too long to act. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down how speed of decision-making drives value in your career and projects. Not theory—practical, tactical advice you can use right now. Key Topics Covered • Why projects bleed money from slow decisions, not big mistakes • How to spot critical path items and move them forward early • Why fear of being wrong keeps engineers stuck • The hidden cost of long email chains vs. quick calls • How urgency creates leverage with clients and leadership • Detaching your ego from being “right” to accelerate progress • Using bad ideas as stepping stones to great ones • Why volume of decisions creates more data, faster learning, better outcomes • The power of short communication loops to speed up clarity • How to handle pushback when others resist fast action Actionable Steps • Map project tasks and mark which ones have long lead times • Pick one critical path item this week and move it forward without waiting for perfect data • Replace one long email with a direct phone call or desk visit • Use emails only as records of decisions already made • Throw out ideas quickly, even if rough, to spark faster collaboration • Ask experienced colleagues about timelines and milestones to front-load preparation • Plan contingencies in advance to reduce hesitation later • When you get pushback, analyze whether it’s about the process or about their comfort level • Walk while thinking—use movement to clarify conversations before they happen • Track how much faster results come when you cut waiting loops Who This Episode Is For • Engineers stuck in analysis paralysis, afraid to be wrong • Burned-out contributors buried under endless emails and “busy” tasks • Early-career engineers trying to prove their value quickly • ICs overlooked for leadership because they hesitate instead of act • Anyone tired of watching projects stall from indecision Why It Matters Leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about moving the work forward, faster, and learning as you go. The more decisions you make, the more opportunities you create—for yourself, your team, and your career. Speed creates visibility, impact, and trust. 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.

    27 min

  8. SEP 22

    Episode 121 – Lead Without Authority: Set the Standard

    Your communication (or lack of it) defines your reputation. Miss updates, ghost clients, or wait for someone else to ask, and you’ve already lost trust. In this episode, Jake and Steve break down why communication is the real differentiator in engineering—and how you can lead without authority by setting standards others can’t ignore. Not theory—practical, tactical advice. Key Topics Covered • Why silence creates anxiety and destroys trust even when the work is 95% done • How “over-communication” beats under-communication every time • The hidden cost of vague updates and missed cadences • How engineers unknowingly drive clients and teammates crazy • What 75+ architects revealed about their biggest pain points with engineers • Turning communication into a competitive advantage in your career • The difference between being dependable vs. being reactive • How to set clear standards for updates and hold others accountable • Using communication as leverage to show leadership without the title • The mindset shift: updates aren’t optional—they’re part of the job Actionable Steps • Set explicit expectations for how and when you’ll update clients and teammates • Err on the side of over-communicating—let them tell you to dial it back • Use short, factual updates instead of silence when things slip • Track commitments visibly so progress is never a guessing game • Chase answers fast instead of sitting in uncertainty • Reset the standard every time it’s missed—don’t let it slide • Treat missed updates as process breakdowns, not personal attacks • Run real-time lessons learned instead of waiting weeks for meetings • Remove emotion—act quickly, calmly, factually when communication breaks • Reinforce value by solving problems and reducing client anxiety Who This Episode Is For • Engineers frustrated with clients or teammates going dark • High performers who want to stand out without a formal title • Burned-out engineers tired of confusion, rework, and last-minute fire drills • Early-career ICs who want to prove they can lead by action, not rank • Anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m doing the work—why don’t they see it?” Why It Matters Technical skill gets you in the door. Communication keeps you in the room. The fastest way to show leadership, reduce stress, and gain visibility is by setting the standard others follow. When you eliminate uncertainty, you create clarity, trust, and 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.

    20 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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