In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant interviews Brian Wagner, a professional engineer with over 20 years of experience who draws fascinating parallels between baseball and engineering leadership. Brian discusses his new book "Rounding The Bases: Winning Communication and Leadership for Engineers" and shares insights on effective communication across different audiences.

• 00:00 - 01:00: Introduction and pre-roll clip about baseball and engineering
• 01:00 - 02:00: Brian introduces himself and his engineering background
• 02:00 - 05:00: The story behind Brian's baseball jersey and the book concept
• 05:00 - 08:00: Curtis Parch's story and lessons on adapting to your audience
• 08:00 - 10:00: How definitions of success evolve throughout your career
• 10:00 - 15:00: Brian's career journey from high school drafting to professional engineer
• 15:00 - 18:00: Discussion on engineering education vs. practical communication skills
• 18:00 - 21:00: Breaking down different types of people engineers interact with
• 21:00 - 22:00: Book information and how to connect with Brian

Brian Wagner

• Professional Engineer with 20+ years of experience in land development engineering
• Background in public safety and emergency management
• Author of "Rounding The Bases: Winning Communication and Leadership for Engineers"
• Website: brianwagner.co
• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

• How baseball terminology and engineering jargon create similar communication challenges
• The importance of adapting your communication style to different audiences
• Brian's unconventional career path from hand drafting to professional engineering
• The value of practical experience in developing effective communication skills
• How your definition of success evolves throughout your career
• Three types of people engineers typically interact with and how to communicate with each

• "You don't have to be the smartest person in the room, but if you have the ability to communicate and connect the dots, you become the most useful person in the room." - Brian Wagner
• "Technical expertise will get you in the door. It'll get you to that table. It'll bring you to the opportunity. But having strong communication and leadership skills is what sets you apart." - Brian Wagner
• "Engineers are great communicators when they're talking to other engineers... But when you are forced to talk to someone that has a different perspective, that's where the communication challenges come in." - Dr. James Bryant

1. Be willing to change and make adjustments to your communication style
2. Recognize that different stakeholders speak different "languages"
3. Avoid using technical jargon and acronyms when communicating with clients
4. View communication challenges as opportunities for growth
5. Success is defined differently at different stages of your career

• "Rounding The Bases: Winning Communication and Leadership for Engineers" by Brian Wagner
• Available on Amazon

• Visit engineeryoursuccessnow.com for more resources on leadership and communication
• Follow Engineer Your Success on social media
• Subscribe to our podcast for more episodes on engineering leadership
• James Bryant | SleekBio

Engineer Your Success helps technical professionals develop the leadership and communication skills needed to excel in their careers. We believe you don't have to choose between success and sanity - you can thrive in both your professional and personal life.

How do you stay motivated, ethical, and impactful in engineering—even when everything around you is changing? On this episode of the Engineer Your Success Podcast, Dr. James Bryant talks with Dr. Emily Grubert, a nationally respected researcher in infrastructure and energy systems at Notre Dame. They cover how engineers can adapt to shrinking grant funding, political resistance to climate policy, and a changing professional landscape—while staying true to their mission. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for building a future-ready engineering career, grounded in ethics, resilience, and real-world value.

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• How engineers can respond when funding disappears
• Building resilient infrastructure under uncertain policy
• Ethical responsibility in engineering design
• Community-first thinking and public consultation
• The role of universities and professors in shaping future engineers
• Career pivots that stay true to your mission
• Smart design strategies to reduce long-term risk
• What engineers can do right now to lead meaningful change

00:00 Energy Transition Challenges Amidst Rhetoric

05:21 Optimistic Environmental Progress Paths

07:44 Optimizing Infrastructure for Change

12:21 Prioritize Design for Green Buildings

13:55 Predictable Problems: Proactive Solutions

16:55 From Biology to Engineering

21:33 "Transportation Leadership Internship Program"

23:11 Civil Engineering: A Meaningful Profession

27:27 Redefining Ambition

28:51 Infrastructure & Safety Expertise Offered

👤 About Dr. Emily Grubert
Dr. Emily Grubert is Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Policy, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Earth Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. Her research focuses on justice-oriented deep decarbonization and decision-making frameworks for large-scale infrastructure systems. With experience at the U.S. Department of Energy and a Ph.D. from Stanford, she helps engineers build ethical, sustainable careers that adapt to changing societal needs.

📲 Connect with Emily Grubert

→ Email: egrubert@nd.edu

→ University Profile: https://keough.nd.edu/profile/emily-grubert/

👨‍🏫 Connect with the Host – Dr. James Bryant

James Bryant | SleekBio

A Father-Son Conversation on Success and Life: Preparing for College and Beyond In this special audio-only episode of the Engineer Your Success podcast, hosted by Dr. James Bryant, he sits down with his son, James Bryant III (JT), as he prepares to start his freshman year at Virginia Tech.

They discuss important topics such as building habits for college success, the difference between good and great people, calculated risks, and the essential values for leading a fulfilled life. With heartfelt fatherly pride and wisdom, Dr. Bryant shares his experiences, offering advice on mastering challenges and the importance of personal growth. Whether you're a parent or a young adult, this episode presents valuable insights for navigating life's transitions.

00:00 Introduction to a Special Episode

01:34 Father-Son Conversation Begins

02:12 JT's College Preparations and Habits

03:52 Dr. Bryant's Business Motivation

04:55 Advice to Younger Self

06:56 Calculated Risks and Faith

08:25 Legacy and Current Challenges

13:25 Books and Final Thoughts

16:39 Conclusion and Parting Words

Connect with Dr. Bryant

James Bryant | SleekBio

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant interviews Kevin Moore, Executive Vice President at Rimkus, about his extensive career in structural engineering and his evolution into executive leadership. Kevin shares how his upbringing and years in technical roles shaped his leadership philosophy — with a strong emphasis on authenticity, empathy, and elevating others.

The conversation covers:

• Moving from technical execution to people leadership

• The value of serving clients well

• Creating high-performing teams through transparency

• Balancing work ambition with personal life

• Preparing for the future of engineering, including technology and inclusion

Whether you're climbing the leadership ladder or helping others grow, Kevin’s insights offer a powerful roadmap for leading with integrity and impact.

00:00 – Introduction to Engineer Your Success

00:42 – Meet Kevin Moore: A Journey in Structural Engineering

02:35 – Transition to Executive Leadership

07:32 – The Importance of Authentic Leadership

15:38 – Managing a Large Team

18:01 – A Message to the Team Kevin Leads

21:13 – Leadership Advice for Aspiring Executives

21:23 – Advice for Aspiring Engineering Leaders

21:43 – The Importance of Confidence and Planning

23:45 – Interview Anecdote: Speaking the Right Language

30:32 – Balancing Work and Personal Life

33:29 – The Future of Engineering: Technology and Diversity

37:46 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Kevin

Kevin Moore is a nationally recognized structural engineer and executive leader with decades of experience in advanced analysis, design, and evaluation of buildings in high seismic regions. Over the course of his career, Kevin has evaluated more than 500 buildings and contributed to some of California’s largest and most complex structural steel projects, including the Sacramento Kings Arena, Loma Linda Hospital, and 200 Park.

A lifelong Californian, Kevin brings deep expertise in navigating some of the nation’s most stringent building code environments. His work spans new construction, existing building evaluations, and construction engineering support at scale.

In addition to his technical accomplishments, Kevin is a passionate advocate for the structural engineering profession. As a leader within the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC), he helped launch and fund two endowments focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry.

Currently serving as Executive Vice President at Rimkus, Kevin now leads a 400-person business unit — combining his engineering roots with a people-first leadership approach.

When he’s not leading teams or shaping the future of engineering, you’ll find him on the track racing his early 1990s BMW.

Contact Kevin: Email | kevin.moore@rimkus.com | Kevin Moore | LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Bryant

James Bryant | SleekBio

Join host Dr. James Bryant as he interviews Aaron Shavel, a seasoned civil engineer with a decade of experience in New York City's transit construction sector. Discover how Aaron navigated his path from field engineer to managing multimillion-dollar MTA projects, and explore his insights on leadership transitions, preventing burnout, and finding work-life balance in the demanding construction industry. Aaron shares valuable wisdom on team building and his "train your replacement" philosophy while discussing his current pivot toward infrastructure policy work.

• Career Evolution: From entry-level field engineer to project manager overseeing $150 million in transit projects
• Leadership Transformation: Managing the challenging transition from an 8-person team to leading 45 people
• Burnout Prevention: Practical strategies for maintaining balance in high-pressure construction environments
• Team Development: Implementing a "train your replacement" mentality that elevates everyone
• Infrastructure Innovation: Insights on design-build approaches and public-private partnerships
• Career Planning: The power of written manifestation for career development and pivoting

00:00 - Introduction and Aaron's background

03:00 - Career transition to infrastructure policy work

05:36 - The realities of working in general contracting

07:00 - Managing burnout and work-life balance

08:10 - Leadership transition challenges

10:46 - Effective leadership strategies and team building

13:26 - The "train your replacement" mentality

15:06 - Future career planning and reflection

18:28 - Role reversal Q&A with Dr. Bryant

21:09 - Final thoughts and closing remarks

Aaron Shavel is a New York City-based civil engineer specializing in rail and transit construction. With extensive experience managing complex projects for the MTA and Long Island Railroad, Aaron has recently joined the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure to help shape nationwide infrastructure policy.

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronshavel/

Engineer Your Success is the podcast for technical professionals who want to grow as leaders, build meaningful careers, and live fulfilled—at work and at home. Hosted by Dr. James Bryant, the show blends practical strategies and real-life stories to help you lead with intention, whether you're advancing in your role, managing a team, or growing a business. With insights drawn from industry, government, and national organizations, each episode equips you with tools to thrive professionally without losing sight of what matters most.

• Website: engineeryoursuccessnow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjamesbryant_coach/
• LinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

Engineer Your Success: Building Liberia’s Future Through Infrastructure with Jackson Jala Yoko In this episode of 'Engineer Your Success,' host Dr. James Bryant welcomes Jackson Jala Yoko, a civil engineer with a remarkable journey from war-torn Liberia to successful infrastructure projects in the US, and back to his homeland. Jackson shares his childhood experiences during the Liberian civil war, his escape from becoming a child soldier, and his passion for education. After gaining extensive experience in the US, Jackson discusses his return to Liberia to establish his own company with the goal of empowering local Liberians and developing sustainable infrastructure. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, vision, and the drive to make a positive impact on one's home country.

00:00 Introduction: A Childhood Amidst Conflict

00:47 Welcome to Engineer Your Success

02:04 Guest Introduction: Jackson Jala Yoko

02:20 Educational Journey and Professional Achievements

05:30 Returning to Liberia: Vision and Challenges

14:06 Opportunities in Liberia and Africa

16:13 Role Reversal: Interviewing the Host

18:38 Conclusion: Building Something Great

Jackson Jallah Yoko is the founder of Ducor Engineers & Constructors and a civil engineer with 15+ years of experience across Liberia and the United States. Born in Monrovia during Liberia's civil conflict, he persevered to earn his Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Stella Maris Polytechnic and dual Master's degrees from the University of Texas.

His impressive portfolio includes managing multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects including the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Terminal F ($3.5B), Dallas Area Rapid Transit Cotton Belt Line ($1.2B), and numerous commercial developments as a Regional Project Manager overseeing $120M in projects across Texas and Louisiana.

After building his expertise abroad, Jackson returned to Liberia in 2024 to lead infrastructure development initiatives focused on building local capacity and creating sustainable solutions for his homeland through public-private partnerships.

Website URL

www.ducorengineers-constructors.com

LinkedIn Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-jallah-yoko-b4b8124b/

Engineer Your Success

Let's connect! Find Dr. James Bryant on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. I'd love to hear from you.

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

You have the strength of a hero within you. Check out my website, www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com, and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.

In this episode of the Engineer Your Success podcast, host Dr. James Bryant welcomes Jonathan Mead, the CEO of Mead Engineering. Jonathan shares his intriguing journey from working as an electrical drafter in his family business, to venturing into the financial world with Charles Schwab, and eventually returning to helm Mead Engineering. He discusses key decisions in his career, the motivation behind those decisions, and the challenges of navigating growth within the engineering space. Jonathan candidly opens up about the responsibility and accountability that come with leadership roles and shares a valuable lesson learned from a major mistake. He also emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight and empowering teams to manage challenges effectively. For those interested in how personal growth, family legacy, and business strategies intertwine in the engineering industry, this episode is a must-listen!

00:00 Introduction to Engineer Your Success

01:14 Early Career and Education 04:05 Journey at Charles Schwab

11:58 Return to Meat Engineering

15:51 Strategic Growth and Leadership

19:04 Navigating Challenges and Future Planning

24:29 Lessons from Mistakes

27:16 Preparing for the Next Level

31:06 Vision for the Future

38:19 Personal Journey and Motivation

43:14 Insights on Success

Arizona native Johnathan Meade, MBA, CEO of Phoenix-based Meade Engineering, carries extensive corporate finance, strategy development, digital product management and early set, hands-on industry experience under his father, Meade Engineering's original owner. Initially drawn to economics at Arizona State University, he redirected his educational path to business and finance. Johnathan then achieved his MBA at Pepperdine and began his journey through the corporate realm. Johnathan honed his financial expertise during a tenure at Charles Schwab, where he played a pivotal role in an internal team of consultants advising on Charles Schwab's strategic initiatives. His leadership and strategic prowess earned him recognition as an innovator within the company. In 2022, Johnathan Meade decided to return to his roots at Meade Engineering. Since then, he has assembled a team of highly-experienced professionals dedicated to crafting cutting-edge designs for electrical infrastructure. These innovations provide critical electricity solutions to mission-critical facilities nationwide, solidifying Johnathan's position as a leader in the field.

Guest Links: john@meadeengineering.com

• Website: www.meadeengineering.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnathanmeade/

Let's connect! Find Dr. James Bryant on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. I'd love to hear from you.

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

You have the strength of a hero within you. Check out my website, www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com, and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.

Are you leveraging your personal brand to its full potential? In this episode, Dr. James Bryant sits down with branding expert Ari Weinstein to explore how engineers and technical professionals can stand out in their industry. Discover how effective communication, storytelling, and a strong brand identity can propel your career.

Struggling with imposter syndrome? Learn actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt and confidently showcase your expertise.

TIMESTAMPS:

✅ [00:01:30] The key to standing out in a competitive job market

✅ [00:06:15] How to clearly communicate your expertise and build credibility

✅ [00:12:20] The power of networking: why it’s not just about who you know, but who knows you

✅ [00:18:40] Strategies for building an authentic online presence that attracts opportunities

✅ [00:22:00] Common personal branding mistakes—and how to avoid them

📘 Dive deeper into personal branding – Get Ari Weinstein's ebook: [personalbranding@work.com]
🔗 Connect with Ari Weinstein on LinkedIn: Ari M. Weinstein | LinkedIn

Ready to engineer your own success?

Let's connect! Find Dr. James Bryant on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbryant2/

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

You have the strength of a hero within you. Check out my website, www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com, and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.