Best Great Traits Project Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 121 – Lead Without Authority: Set the Standard 20:03

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2d ago20:03

20:03

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—pr…

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Episode 120 – If You Think Communication Is a Waste of Time, You’re Wrong 15:11

9d ago15:11

15:11

Most engineers think their job is just to deliver the technical work. Drawings done, analysis complete, box checked. Wrong. The engineers who win long term are the ones who manage stakeholder expectations. That means clear updates, fast pivots, and taking ownership of communication—even when it feels uncomfortable or “not your job.” In this episode…

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Episode 119 – Your Biggest Career Killer? Emotional Outbursts and Slow Execution 25:57

16d ago25:57

25:57

Most engineers don’t fail because they lack technical skills. They fail because they blow up in the moment—or because they move too slow. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down how to control your emotions when feedback hits hard, why perception trumps reality, and how speed separates leaders from the rest. Not theory—practical, tactical …

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Episode 118 – Stop Talking, Start Solving: The Engineer’s Guide to Raising Issues 16:32

26d ago16:32

16:32

Negativity spreads faster than bad code reviews—and it can tank your career. Too many engineers air frustrations in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and end up damaging trust instead of fixing problems. In this episode, Jake and Steve Maxey break down the real playbook for raising issues without becoming “that person.” Not theory—practical, tact…

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Episode 117 – Action Over Anxiety: The Playbook for Early-Career Engineers 22:52

1M ago22:52

22:52

Stepping into your first engineering job? The anxiety is real—but it doesn’t have to own you. In this episode, Jake and Steve Maxey break down the exact playbook for engineers in their first year on the job. Not theory—practical, tactical advice to cut through the noise, avoid rookie burnout, and start stacking wins that actually build confidence. …

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Episode 116: Guest Brian Walch - The 3 Stages of Career Growth: What Engineers Need and Managers Overlook 59:10

1M ago59:10

59:10

Most engineers think career growth is about waiting for promotions or cranking out projects. It isn’t. In this episode, Brian Walch—leadership coach, consultant, and founder of Shift Focus Coaching and Consulting—breaks down the real framework for building a fulfilling career and the role managers play in making (or breaking) it. Not theory—practic…

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Episode 115 - Nice Won’t Make You Better — Truth Will 18:25

2M ago18:25

18:25

Most engineers want feedback—until it stings. Then they explain it away, blame the delivery, or wait for someone “better” to say it. That’s how careers stall. In this episode, I break down how to separate signal from noise, use even the roughest feedback to grow, and stop making your improvement someone else’s responsibility. Not theory—practical, …

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Episode 114 - Still Drowning? You're Addicted to Noise 24:47

2M ago24:47

24:47

Tired of feeling overloaded no matter how hard you work? This episode breaks it down. It’s not about adding more energy—it’s about deleting what doesn’t matter. Jake lays out a ruthless framework for increasing clarity, output, and agency by maximizing your signal-to-noise ratio. Not theory—practical, tactical advice for engineers buried in distrac…

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Episode 113 - We Finally Solved It (You're Welcome) 3:05

2M ago3:05

3:05

You'll definitely want to know what we have discovered in this episode. We're very excited to share this with you all.By Steve & Jake Maxey - The Impactful Engineers

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Episode 112: The Doors Will Come—Will You Have the Key or Just Regret? 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

You don’t know which doors you’ll need to open—until they’re locked in your face. And when that moment comes, it’s too damn late to wish you had started building your network. This episode isn’t about “networking.” It’s about regret-proofing your career. Jake and Steve break down the truth engineers don’t hear enough: the relationships you build to…

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Episode 111: How to Ruin a High-Performing Team 18:22

2M ago18:22

18:22

In this episode, Jake and Steve break down a real-world story of a promising project derailed by ego-driven leadership—and how it quietly destroyed the motivation of a high-performing engineering team. If you've ever worked under someone who needed to be the smartest in the room, this one will hit home. Not theory—practical, tactical advice. Key To…

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Episode 110: From Friction to Force Multiplier — Traits of Impactful Engineers 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

In this episode, Jake and Steve break down the core traits that separate engineers who accelerate teams from those who quietly stall progress. This is a raw, practical conversation about how ego shows up in engineering—and how to replace it with real influence, clear communication, and team-building behaviors that actually get noticed. Not theory—p…

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Episode 109: Guest David Hall - If You Think More Than You Speak, You’re Not Broken—You’re Dangerous 55:50

3M ago55:50

55:50

This one’s for every engineer who’s ever been told to “speak up more” without being given a blueprint. David Hall—author of Minding Your Time and host of The Quiet and Strong Podcast—joins us to dismantle the noise around introversion in the workplace. He’s not here with theory. This is tactical, field-tested insight for deep thinkers who want to l…

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Episode 108: Guest Mark Smith - Fired, Hired, and Thriving — Real Lessons from the Early Career Shitshow 52:59

3M ago52:59

52:59

Episode 108: Guest Mark Smith - Fired, Hired, and Thriving — Real Lessons from the Early Career Shitshow Your first engineering job might suck. It might burn you out, betray your expectations, or end with you getting fired. That’s not a failure—it’s training. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Smith, founder of Bothwell Engineering, to unpack t…

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How to Embrace the 'In-Between' Space After Shedding an Old Identity | Laura Gassner Otting 28:10

3M ago28:10

28:10

Have you ever felt like the very identity that defined you was becoming a straightjacket? That the career path, role, or persona you'd so carefully crafted suddenly felt constraining rather than purposeful? If so, you've likely experienced the disorienting - yet potentially catalyzing - transition I'm exploring with my guest today. I’m joined by La…

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Episode 107: Learn the Game: Systems, Strategy, and the Equity You’re Missing 24:37

3M ago24:37

24:37

Episode 107: Learn the Game: Systems, Strategy, and the Equity You’re Missing In this no-BS breakdown, Jake and Steve dive deep into what separates high performers from invisible ICs. It's not just about doing the work—it's about building value that compounds over time. From turning templates into leverage, to earning internal loyalty and external …

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How to Prioritize Fun and Still Get Brilliant Work Done | Bree Groff 1:03:07

3M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Have you ever found yourself dreading Monday, counting down the hours until Friday? And wondering, when did work get so devoid of joy and fun? When did we start sacrificing playfulness and authentic connection at the altar of professionalism? And is that really giving anyone, including your employer, what they want and need? Today, we're cracking o…

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Episode 106: Guest Aaron Moncur - If You’re Not Building Energy, You’re Dying at Your Desk 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

Episode 106: Guest Aaron Moncur - If You’re Not Building Energy, You’re Dying at Your Desk Guest: Aaron Moncur, Founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering In this episode of The Impactful Engineer Podcast, Jake and Steve sit down with Aaron Moncur—founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering and host of The Being an Engineer podcast—to talk about the car…

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How to Cultivate Sustainable Ambition in Life and Work | Kathy Oneto 23:02

4M ago23:02

23:02

Have you ever felt like your ambition was unsustainable? That drive to achieve and succeed was slowly draining you, leaving you unfulfilled despite your accomplishments? What if there was a way to align your ambitions with your deepest motivations and capacity for a lifetime of thriving? Today, we're turning our attention to the concept of sustaina…

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Episode 105 - You’re Good at Your Job. Here’s Why That’s Not Enough 32:54

4M ago32:54

32:54

Episode 105: You’re Good at Your Job. Here’s Why That’s Not Enough In this episode of The Impactful Engineer Podcast, Jake and Steve go deep on the real career tactics that separate average engineers from top performers. No guests. No fluff. Just two seasoned professionals pulling back the curtain on what actually moves the needle—especially early …

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How to Burn Bright Without Burning Out | Daisy Auger-Domínguez 38:35

4M ago38:35

38:35

Ever felt the crushing weight of burnout slowly snuffing out your spark? That bone-deep exhaustion that leaves you questioning if this is really the path for you? Imagine a world where you can thrive without feeling endlessly drained, where purpose and joy intertwine in beautiful harmony. Today, we're embarking on a profound exploration of burnout …

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Episode 104 - Your Habits are the Ceiling on Your Career 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

Episode 104: Your Habits Are the Ceiling on Your Career In this episode of The Impactful Engineer Podcast, Jake and Steve revisit one of the most important drivers of long-term success: your habits. Whether you’re trying to move up in your role, communicate more confidently, or just feel better every day—this conversation digs into how your lifesty…

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Episode 103 - They Don't Need a Hero, They Need a Reply 29:16

4M ago29:16

29:16

Episode 103: Your Habits Are the Ceiling on Your Career In this episode of The Impactful Engineer Podcast, Jake and Steve dive deep into the daily habits that separate high-performing engineers from the rest. Technical skill might get your foot in the door, but it’s your personal systems—your sleep, your diet, your routines, your communication styl…

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How to Playfully "Date" Potential Careers and Callings | Charlie Gilkey 33:37

4M ago33:37

33:37

Have you ever felt stuck pursuing a path that didn't truly resonate with you? A career, creative endeavor or major life change that you committed to fully, told the world it’s what you were doing, and who you were now…only to realize it wasn't what you really wanted? Today, we're going to explore a more forgiving approach - one that allows you to e…

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How to Optimize Your Brain and Transform the Way You Work | Dr. Mithu Storoni 1:02:19

4M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Are you tired of feeling drained and unfocused at work? Do you wish you could harness your brain’s full creative potential without sacrificing productivity? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Mithu Storoni, a neuroscience researcher and ophthalmic surgeon, reveals revolutionary insights from her book Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to …

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Episode 102 - If You Say This at Work, You’re Being Replaced Already 31:45

4M ago31:45

31:45

***************************************************************************************** Let's dive in! The Impactful Engineering Project's purpose is to bring awareness, access, success, and mentorship to all new and aspiring engineers. But it doesn't stop there. What we talk about on this podcast applies to seasoned engineers as well. The commun…

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How to Develop the 7 Traits of Emotional Fitness | Dr. Emily Anhalt 36:05

4M ago36:05

36:05

Ever felt like your emotions were running the show? One moment you're mindfully present, the next hijacked by anxiety over the future or paralyzed by regrets of the past. If this resonates, you're not alone. But what if there was a way to cultivate profound emotional fitness - the ability to embrace the full range of your feelings while navigating …

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Episode 101 - Communication Frameworks For Engineers - Guest Salvatore Manzi 1:00:30

5M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

You do not want to miss this episode with our guest Salvatore Manzi. Expert coach, expert communicator. Hugely valuable insight into the world of communicating your expertise to others in a way that sets you apart and helps you in your career more than any other skill. I guarantee you will walk away with something useful to apply to your every day …

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How to Stay Creatively Relevant in the Age of AI | Mitch Joel 31:41

5M ago31:41

31:41

My guest today is Mitch Joel, a marketing visionary who has been at the forefront of exploring how generative AI can enhance rather than replace human creativity. When brands like Google, Starbucks, and GE want to leverage technology to connect with consumers, they call Mitch. He's the Co-Founder of ThinkersOne, and his books like "Six Pixels of Se…

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Episode 100 - Engineer Origins, Go Make Yourself An Awesome Story 32:57

5M ago32:57

32:57

...Let me ask you this. Going through university, did you ever think, "I shouldn't have picked this"? Since it wasn't your natural state to be building Legos, taking things apart, and figuring out how they work, did that thought ever cross your mind? Absolutely. I had my eye on the prize: get the degree and start working in the field. College is an…

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From Chief Technology Officer to Solopreneur 34:33

5M ago34:33

34:33

Today’s Career Transformation Story features a trailblazer's journey from the apex of the corporate tech world to embracing the path of the solopreneur coach. It's a tale of reclaiming autonomy and giving voice to one's innermost callings. My guest today is Christian Röpke, who spent over a decade rising through AI leadership roles like Head of AI …

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Episode 99 - Conversations For Outcomes, Not "Hard Discussions" 24:53

5M ago24:53

24:53

...Three weeks? Perfect. I had three and a half. I actually had about two months, because we still had to order the material and wait for delivery. I easily could have said, because I’m a high achiever and didn’t want to upset anyone on the call, "No problem, we’ll get it done next week." But that’s exactly the trap. Avoiding the hard conversation …

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The 2-year Experiment That’s Quietly Changing My Life | The 2×20 Project™ Update 1:47:19

5M ago1:47:19

1:47:19

Learn more about working with Jonathan to craft your 2×20 Project™. A few months ago, I introduced my personal 2×20 Project™ – taking two years to intentionally design my ideal life for the next twenty. If you missed that powerful first discussion, you’ll want to start there. Now, I’m back with an unfiltered update. What if you could take two years…

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Episode 98 - What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way 18:00

5M ago18:00

18:00

...There's this quote that I have been kind of living with this week because I really liked it. And of course it's from Marcus Aurelius, the stoic—you know, that it just is what it is. I love the way they think. But it says: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” And what that means, of course, is that t…

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How to Turn Life’s Big Decisions into Tiny Experiments | Anne-Laure 59:51

5M ago59:51

59:51

What if you could transform uncertainty from a source of anxiety into fuel for discovery? That’s the invitation former Google executive turned neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff extends in this illuminating conversation about living life as a series of tiny experiments. Drawing from her own journey – from prestigious tech career to startup founder …

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Episode 97 - How To Receive Critical Feedback 9:15

5M ago9:15

9:15

Even as high performers, we do get critical feedback. Sometimes this feedback can really dig into our egos. And if we aren't careful, it can push us to an emotional response that is going to hurt more than help our situation. Today, I want to quickly cover the do's and don'ts of getting critical feedback. First, let's talk about the don'ts. Don’t r…

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How to Transform Yourself From Job Seeker to Job Shopper | Madeline Mann 32:30

6M ago32:30

32:30

Have you ever felt like the traditional job search process just isn't working for you? That sending out resume after resume into a black hole, praying for any response, is a soul-crushing cycle of rejection and disappointment? If so, you’re not alone. What if there was a way to rethink the job hunt? That’s where we're heading in today’s Sparked Hot…

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From Design Consultant to Culture Strategist 38:42

6M ago38:42

38:42

In today’s Career Transformation Story, we're diving deep into one woman's incredible career transition from elite design consultant to launching her own business helping impact-driven organizations tackle their biggest challenges. My guest today is Kat Thackray, founder of a cutting-edge consultancy, People Equals Purpose, focused on transforming …

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Episode 96 - Interview With Bug Meehan - Engineering Growth: From CAD to Clarity 57:18

6M ago57:18

57:18

...Exactly. And even in emails now, I’ll start off with one bolded sentence that’s basically, “Here’s what this whole thing is about,” and then the rest is detail. Because I don’t expect everybody to read the whole thing. But I want to make sure they get the point... ...It's respect and it's clarity. It shows that you’ve thought through what you’re…

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How to Craft Your “Life Strategy” | Seth Godin 1:03:07

6M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Turns out strategy isn’t just for business, it’s for life. And that’s what we’re diving into with an old friend today, Seth Godin. Seth is an author, entrepreneur, and teacher who has spent decades helping people find clarity and take purposeful action. In his latest book This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans, Seth challenges us to abandon outdated s…

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Episode 95 - How To Become Valuable Quickly - Interview With Edwin Montas - ACE Alumni, Gilbane Building Co 49:31

6M ago49:31

49:31

...Someone once told me: "You need to be valuable. If you're not valuable, you're not going anywhere." That stuck with me. So I told myself I wanted to be cross-trained. If there’s no work in one area, I should have the skills for another. I told my supervisors, “I’m doing project engineering, but I want to learn superintendent work. And when I did…

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How to Separate Passion from Pressure 38:40

6M ago38:40

38:40

Can social conditioning, past experiences, and external pressure affect the way we explore figuring out our Sparketype? Or, for that matter, any metric we might look to, as a way to help figure out what drives us? And how do we turn down the volume on social conditioning and perceived expectations, determine what our “truest truths” really are, and…

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Episode 94 - How To Create Less "Meetings That Could Have Been Emails" 35:42

6M ago35:42

35:42

...So it was basically the person doing a loop around the office. Meeting time, meeting time, meeting time, meeting time, you, you. And then we'd all get in the thing. It's like, holy shit, okay. And then we would show up in the meeting room, big old table. We're all around it. And then the person would proceed to tell us, why don’t you guys have d…

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From FinTech Exec to Sexologist & Author 32:45

7M ago32:45

32:45

In today’s Career Transformation Story, we meet Lea Holzfurtner, a clinical sexologist, author, and reality TV host based in Berlin. Lea spent seven years ascending the ranks in financial services and martech companies, earning an MBA along the way. Yet, a lifelong fascination with the intricacies of human sexuality refused to be ignored. Through y…

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Episode 93 - How You Actually Find Fulfillment At Work 27:28

7M ago27:28

27:28

... So I said, what is the most Googled search: how to find career success? You know, because that's kind of what we like to talk about. And so what do most people search about when they're looking for that? So it says according to available information: "The most common Google search related to finding career success is likely how to find a fulfil…

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How to Rediscover Purpose Beyond Ambition | Jenn Romolini 42:49

7M ago42:49

42:49

Ambition is such a loaded word. It’s often associated with a relentless drive to succeed, trampling over others as you scrap your way to the top, ignoring your wellbeing, relationships, and any sense of groundedness, meaning, peace or joy along the way. It’s what helps you achieve success, we’re told. But, what it that was not only wrong, but it al…

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Episode 92 - There’s a Bigger Picture to Everything—Do You Ever Challenge Your Perspective? 26:26

7M ago26:26

26:26

...but today? Not normal. I put together a list of quotes from people we listen to, respect, or at least keep an eye on. We’re gonna break them down, figure out what they mean for high performers—not saying we are, but, you know... Yeah, they’re going to be good. All right, let’s start by lifting people up with this one... *************************…

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How to Seek out Aligned & Anti-Burnout Roles 30:37

7M ago30:37

30:37

Coaches & Leaders: Tap a Game-Changing Credential - The Certified Sparketype® Advisor Training. Differentiate yourself as a certified professional with a powerful command of the Sparketype® body of knowledge, professional-level tools, processes, engagement formats, and strategies, while equipping yourself to guide individuals, groups and teams thro…

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Episode 91 - Exceeding Expectations: Do You Even Know What That Means? 34:19

7M ago34:19

34:19

....Most people think, “Yeah, I’m an awesome engineer. I get all my stuff done on time. I make the margins I’m supposed to. All the deliverables are complete, etc., etc.” Yeah, five people in my 360 review out of 30 said I had exceptional skills in something. Stuff like that. Exactly. And they’re like, “You know what? I’m awesome. I’m exceeding exp…

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From Engineer to Culture Consultant & Founder 30:20

7M ago30:20

30:20

In today’s Career Transformation Story, we uncover a profound journey of reclaiming one's creative spark and finding fulfillment through empowering others. It's a tale that takes us from the technical realms of aerospace engineering to the "social engineering" of company culture. My guest today is Adam Kolozetti, co-founder of Enta Solutions - a co…