Engineering our Future: Helping Engineers Succeed In Career and Life Podcast Por Helping you leverage your unique skills for career success arte de portada

Engineering our Future: Helping Engineers Succeed In Career and Life

Engineering our Future: Helping Engineers Succeed In Career and Life

De: Helping you leverage your unique skills for career success
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Luis Duque from Engineering our Future provides meaningful and educational conversations with some of the best and brightest engineers and professionals worldwide so you can stay ahead of the curve in your career. Learn what the best engineers are working on, creating, and teaching so you can develop the skills needed to maintain your role as a critical member of society. Since 2018, Luis has been volunteering, working, and creating content inspiring and empowers thousands of people. His career experience is broad for his relatively few years out of school

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Episodios
  • Top Skills to Become an Engineering Project Manager

    Top Skills to Become an Engineering Project Manager
    Jul 23 2025
    In this episode, I interview Anthony Fasano, founder of the Engineering Management Institute (EMI), about essential skills for engineers transitioning into project management. Drawing from Anthony's extensive training experience, we explore communication, delegation, planning, conflict resolution, and leadership. The discussion provides practical strategies for young professionals to build confidence and excel in project management while highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and servant leadership.Guest* Anthony Fasano: Civil engineer, licensed PE, and founder of EMI. He hosts multiple podcasts, runs leadership programs, and authored Beyond PM Training. Anthony specializes in helping engineers develop non-technical skills for career advancement.Key Topics & Timestamps* 0:00 Introduction and Anthony's background. Overview of EMI's initiatives, including podcasts (Civil Engineering Podcast, AEC Leadership), YouTube channels for FE/PE exam prep, and custom training programs for leadership and project management.* 2:40 Essential skills for aspiring project managers: Communication with diverse stakeholders, understanding work styles/personalities, and delegation as the "CEO" of projects (focusing on scope, schedule, budget, and team coordination).* 5:29 Delegation challenges for engineers: Overcoming the urge to handle tasks personally, recognizing delegation as team development, and enjoying benefits like freed time for business development or mentoring.* 9:29 Effective project management strategies: Focus on upfront planning (project management plans, kickoff meetings), scope/schedule/budget breakdown, managing changes/scope creep, and identifying the critical path to handle delays.* 13:53 Handling difficult conversations: Building confidence over time, understanding others' needs, maintaining calm to de-escalate, and considering long-term relationships.* 17:51 Real-world conflict resolution examples: Maintaining professionalism for ongoing relationships and approaching issues collaboratively.* 20:15 Developing authentic leadership: Embracing servant leadership, prioritizing team success, conducting regular check-ins, mentoring, and creating an approachable environment despite billable hour pressures.* 22:40 Final advice: Develop public speaking skills to build confidence and communication abilities—crucial for effective meetings and presentations as a project manager.Resources Mentioned* Engineering Management Institute (EMI): engineeringmanagementinstitute.org – Access free podcasts, YouTube channels, and resources.* Podcasts: Civil Engineering Podcast, AEC Leadership, AEC Project Management.* YouTube Channels: Pass the FE Exam, Pass the PE Exam.* Book: Beyond PM Training: How to Build a Scalable AEC Project Management Ecosystem by Anthony Fasano – Available Here.* Newsletter: Sign up at luisfelipeduque.com/newsletter for episode recaps, action items, and career insights.* Contact: luisfelipeduque.com/contact for questions or suggestions.Action Items for Listeners* Assess your communication style: Identify your work style (analytical vs. expressive) and practice adapting to others—start by observing team interactions.* Practice delegation: List tasks you can offload (aim for 30%) and invest time teaching a team member; focus on the developmental benefits.* Enhance project planning: For your next project, create a detailed management plan covering scope, schedule, budget, and change processes; conduct both internal and external kickoff meetings.* Build conflict resolution skills: During difficult discussions, stay calm, understand the other party's goals, and propose win-win solutions—consider role-playing to practice.* Invest in public speaking: Join Toastmasters or practice presentations to boost confidence; challenge yourself to lead one meeting this month. Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    25 m
  • Engineering Career Paths: Beyond Technical Roles

    Engineering Career Paths: Beyond Technical Roles
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of the Engineering our Future Podcast, Nicolai and I pull back the curtain on something they don't teach you in engineering school - just how wildly diverse your career path can become! Remember when we all thought we'd spend our lives buried in calculations? That narrow view quickly changes once you're in the field. We explore everything from the technical specialist route to project management, sales, operations, and even unexpected paths like what I'm doing now - podcasting and entrepreneurship.Nicolai shares some fascinating stories about engineers who made complete career 180s (including one that had me thinking "why didn't I try that?"), proving that it's never too late to pivot if something sparks your interest. We dig into which skills actually open doors - both technical foundations and those crucial "soft skills" that engineering programs barely mention. If you've ever felt stuck in your career or wondered what other options exist beyond your current role, this conversation might just be the permission slip you need to explore new territory. Press play to discover how your engineering degree could take you places you never imagined!Timestamps:* 00:00:00 - Welcome* 00:01:27 - Exploring common career paths: Technical roles, project management, sales, operations, and more in engineering.* 00:03:23 - Personal gravitations and early career insights: Luis on shifting toward project management.* 00:05:43 - Beyond traditional paths: Opportunities in teaching, government, business ownership, content creation, and leveraging engineering skills creatively.* 00:06:05 - Strategies for career progression: The importance of early focus, observing mentors, and navigating the challenging 7-12 year transition.* 00:08:03 - Stories of career pivots: Examples of switching from operations to project management later in one’s career.* 00:10:07 - Trying different paths: The value of internships, curiosity, and exposure without full responsibility.* 00:13:26 - Building T-shaped knowledge: Depth in your specialty with breadth across disciplines, inspired by the book ‘Range.’* 00:16:15 - The role of experts vs. generalists: Balancing specialized technical skills with wider project awareness.* 00:18:30 - Key skills for success: Communication, time management, humility, curiosity, and planning ahead.* 00:21:18 - Embracing lifelong learning and flexibility: Committing to daily discoveries and adapting to new interests.* 00:23:50 - Closing thoughts and resourcesKey Lessons Learned:* Challenge early misconceptions: Many enter engineering thinking it’s all calculations, but paths like project management offer client interaction and team leadership—reflect on what excites you beyond the technical.* Embrace pivots at any stage: Careers aren’t linear; observe mentors and gain exposure early to identify passions, as seen in stories of mid-career shifts from operations to client-focused roles.* Develop T-shaped knowledge: Build deep expertise in your niche (e.g., bridge design) while gaining broad awareness of related fields like hydraulics or construction to communicate effectively and contribute holistically.* Prioritize curiosity and humility: Ask questions in meetings, seek mentorship, and be a sponge—learning without full responsibility accelerates growth and helps spot opportunities.* Commit to lifelong learning: The real education begins after graduation; focus on skills like communication, time management, and adaptability to navigate transitions and stay fulfilled.* Plan with flexibility: In your first 5-7 years, solidify technical foundations, then zoom out to see how projects interconnect—humility in curiosity can lead to unexpected, rewarding directions.Resources Mentioned:* Book: ‘Range’ by David Epstein – Explores why generalists thrive in a specialized world, perfect for understanding the value of broad skills in engineering.* Newsletter – Subscribe at luisfelipeduque.com/newsletter for episode insights, action items, and career reflections.* Contact and Connect – Have questions or suggestions? Reach out at luisfelipeduque.com/contact to continue the conversation.* Music Credit – Thanks to Jack Winders for the episode’s music.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Engineering our Future Podcast for more on engineering careers and growth. Let’s continue engineering our future! Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    25 m
  • Silent Signals: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication as a Young Engineer

    Silent Signals: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication as a Young Engineer
    Jun 20 2025
    OverviewNicolai and I dive deep into the subtle art of non-verbal communication in this episode of Engineering Our Future. Beyond words, we explore how body language, tone, and virtual presence shape how we’re perceived at work. Whether you’re in a boardroom or on a Zoom call, these practical tips will help you project respect, confidence, and engagement. Tune in to elevate your professional communication game!Key TakeawaysBody Language as a Silent Speaker:Eye contact and attentive posture signal respect and focus.Avoid distractions like phones or slouching to maintain credibility.Leaning in during conversations shows interest and builds rapport.Tone - The Unseen Influencer:Your tone can amplify or undermine your message—master the balance.A smile or relaxed demeanor enhances positivity, while a harsh tone can derail relationships.Misunderstandings often stem from tone, not intent—clarify when needed.Virtual Communication Mastery:Keep your camera on for respect and engagement, except in quick huddles.Look at the camera lens to simulate eye contact, using tools like centered webcams.Ditch multitasking (e.g., phone scrolling, email checks) to stay present and avoid negative perceptions.Respect Drives Connection:Non-verbal cues are about honoring the person you’re communicating with.Small adjustments (posture, camera use) can transform how others feel about your engagement.Timestamps[00:00]* Welcome*[00:32]* Topic Introduction*We set the stage for non-verbal communication beyond spoken words.[01:25]* Body Language Basics*Eye contact, posture, and avoiding casual habits like feet on the table.[02:57]* Phone Down Rule*Inspired by Simon Sinek, we discuss keeping phones out of sight for full presence.[04:30]* The Role of a Smile*Balancing friendliness with professionalism in meetings and calls.[05:53]* Tone Tales*Real-life examples of tone missteps at home and work.[07:05]* Perception Impact*How recipients interpret tone based on their context.[08:42]* Real-World Example*A harsh-toned boss and its effect on business relationships.[10:13]* Leaning In*Using body language to show interest and respect in meetings.[10:58]* Virtual Communication Tips*Camera placement and focus tricks for virtual engagement.[12:44]* Camera On Debate*Pros and cons of camera use, emphasizing respect in key meetings.[15:36]* Multitasking Traps*Avoiding distractions like email pops or phone scrolling during calls.[18:14]* Summary: Communication as Respect*Nicolai’s key insight on presence as a sign of respect.[19:32]* Closing Thoughts*Luis reflects on engaging communication for engineers.[20:41]* Outro & Newsletter Plug*Wrap-up with resources and connection details.https://youtu.be/RoNUmgQyNTA?si=2DmGZwLbDaeTV7mtResources MentionedSimon Sinek’s WorkExplore his insights on presence and communication.ASCE MeetingsPerfect for practicing non-verbal skills in a professional setting.Listener ChallengeThis week, pick one non-verbal tip to practice:Keep your phone out of sight during a meeting.Smile while greeting on a call or in person.Look at the camera lens during your next virtual meeting. Share your experience and results in the comments or on social media with #EngineeringOurFuture. Let’s build a community of better communicators!Stay ConnectedNewsletter:Subscribe for weekly insights, action items, and episode deep dives at luisfelipeduque.com/newsletter.Contact Us:Got questions or topic ideas? Reach out at luisfelipeduque.com/contact.Rate & Review:Help us grow on Apple Podcasts—leave a review, to support new engineers joining the conversation! Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    22 m
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