Episode Description: What happens when a construction leader decides that building people matters more than building projects? In this episode of the Engineer Your Success Podcast Heath Troyer—fourth-generation contractor, business owner, and national mental health advocate—opens up about the hidden crisis facing construction leaders today: managing projects has become easier than leading whole humans. Heath and James explore why so many leaders still operate from a “leave yourself in the parking lot” mentality, how self-awareness transforms leadership, and why building systems that build people starts with leaders being willing to do their own work first. This conversation doesn’t just challenge how we think about leadership in construction—it challenges how we show up as leaders in every area of life. If you’ve ever felt the weight of leading while carrying your own unspoken struggles, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Leadership in construction (and beyond) is shifting from “employee at work” to leading the “whole self”—but most leaders lack the tools to make this transition effectively Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership: leaders must run toward therapy, mental health resources, and personal growth first before they can truly support their teams Building systems that build people requires continuous check-ins to understand what motivates each person at their current life stage—not just what serves the company agenda Your worth isn’t measured by your accomplishments; high performers often run toward achievement while running from a foundational belief that they’re “not enough” Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Leadership challenges: managing projects vs. leading people08:25 Self-awareness as the foundation of leadership14:23 Community impact and giving back17:13 Heath’s personal journey and mental health advocacy25:23 What engineering your success really means29:12 Your worth is not measured by your works31:43 Coach in Your Corner and closing prayer About Heath Troyer: Heath Troyer is a fourth-generation construction leader, business owner, and national advocate for mental health in the trades. With over 25 years of experience in roles from carpenter to Senior Project Manager, Director of Field Operations, and Director of Corporate Safety, Heath now owns Troyer Construction Services, specializing in non-profit work including grant-funded home modifications and attainable housing for underserved communities through partnerships with organizations like Neighborhood Link. As a suicide survivor, Heath works nationally with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) and provides mental health support through YMCA childcare services. He speaks openly about leadership, self-awareness, and creating workplace cultures where people can bring their whole selves to work. His leadership philosophy is simple: we can build more than buildings—we can build people. Connect with Heath on Facebook at Heath Troyer or through Troyer Construction Services. Connect on LinkedIn: Heath Troyer Resources Mentioned: CIASP – Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention – https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com About the Host: Dr. James Bryant is an executive leadership coach who helps engineering leaders and technical professionals win at work and at home. Through his Engineer Your Success coaching program, he guides high-performing professionals to build careers and lives aligned with their deepest values—without burning out in the process. Connect with James at engineeryoursuccessnow.com. Join the Community Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success InsidersOne story. One insight. One action to help you lead with intention. engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant
Episode Overview (EP 225) Struggling to find real success while juggling work and a personal life? In this uplifting episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant speaks with Amrit Dhaliwal, a driven entrepreneur who mastered the art of ‘making it up as he goes’—and still built and sold multiple businesses across diverse industries. Hear how Amrit transformed setbacks into million-pound wins, redesigned home care in the UK, and learned the keys to integrating life, family, and fierce ambition. Perfect for business owners, engineering leaders, and anyone searching for success and fulfillment. He shares his evolution from deli owner to UK franchise leader, revealing actionable success strategies for entrepreneurs, business owners, and engineering leaders. Learn about work-life integration, building winning teams, leadership techniques, cash flow management, redefining home care, balancing priorities, and creating a meaningful business while living a fulfilled personal life. Engineer Your Success helps you thrive in every aspect. 🧭 What You’ll Learn Building businesses without waiting for perfect clarity Learning through action instead of overplanning Reframing challenges into actions, delegation, or deferral How open loops create unnecessary mental load Why not everything that feels heavy is a “problem” How intentional decision-making supports presence at home 🔩 Episode Highlights 00:00 – Episode context and opening reflections01:47 – From delis to home care: Amrit’s entrepreneurial path03:45 – Learning through action and early challenges08:35 – Work, family, and shifting priorities12:08 – Mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people18:19 – Communication lessons from marriage and leadership31:18 – Focus, decision-making, and closing the problem loop32:37 – Coach in Your Corner: Practical Episode Insights with Dr. James Bryant Guest: Amrit Dhaliwal is the founder and CEO of Walfinch, a national home care franchise disrupting the UK industry. Renowned for building and selling businesses from scratch, Amrit is passionate about leadership, systematizing success, and inspiring entrepreneurs to live with purpose. Host: Dr. James Bryant is an engineering leadership coach and entrepreneur dedicated to helping technical professionals win at work and at home. With real-world experience in business growth and executive mentorship, he delivers practical insights for intentional leadership and fulfillment. 🔗 Connect With Amrit LinkedIn: Amrit Dhaliwal Podcast: Walking with Walfinch Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@walfinchltd Instagram: @amritwolfinch Grab Amrit’s book: “Time to Thrive, the Home Care Revolution” on Amazon (all proceeds to the Care Workers charity UK) 🎧 Join the Community Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success InsidersOne story. One insight. One action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant 🌟 Engineer Your Success — Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about results—it’s about building a life shaped by your values.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders create systems that bring clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 224) Career paths in engineering are rarely linear—and the decisions that shape our work often ripple into our home lives in ways we don’t always anticipate. In this episode, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Eli May, an engineer who responded to an open call for podcast conversations shared in the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) forum. Eli brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective shaped by career transitions, adaptability, and seasons where work played very different roles. Rather than focusing on fast-track career advice, this conversation explores what it looks like to navigate change honestly—starting over when needed, building a strong foundation, and making career decisions that don’t happen in isolation from family life. If you’re an engineer or technical professional navigating transitions, questioning the “right” path, or rethinking how work fits into your life in this season, this episode will resonate. 🧭 What You’ll Learn Why non-linear career paths are more common than we admit How adaptability becomes a long-term advantage in engineering careers The pressure of fast-track thinking—and why it can be misleading How the role of work can shift across different stages of life Why career and time decisions shouldn’t be made in a vacuum The importance of involving family when priorities and work demands change 🔩 Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome and episode context01:45 – Eli’s background and early career journey04:30 – Navigating non-linear career transitions08:19 – Advice to a younger engineer09:16 – Career choices and personal motivation10:09 – Work, family, and shifting priorities12:45 – Family involvement in decision-making15:30 – Closing reflections 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Eli May 🎧 Join the Community Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success InsidersOne story. One insight. One action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant 🌟 Engineer Your Success — Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about results—it’s about building a life shaped by your values.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders create systems that bring clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 223) Failure is uncomfortable — but ignored failure is costly. In this episode of the Engineer Your Success Podcast, Dr. James Bryant revisits a powerful framework for turning setbacks into meaningful growth. Building on last week’s conversation about recognizing wins and success autopsies, this episode explores the other side of the equation: using failure as feedback. Rather than avoiding failure or beating yourself up over it, James walks through a practical, engineering-minded approach to learning from what didn’t work — so the experience doesn’t get wasted. Through real-world professional and personal examples, he introduces the concept of the Failure Resume and shows how leaders can extract insight, build better systems, and move forward with clarity. 🧭 What You’ll Learn When failure isn’t really failure — and what actually matters Why being right isn’t the same as being effective How to analyze setbacks without blame or shame The Failure Resume as a framework for learning How to apply root-cause thinking to leadership challenges Why lessons from work often strengthen life at home — and vice versa 🔩 Episode Highlights 00:00 — Introduction and Context 01:18 — Revisiting Past Lessons 02:30 — The Failure Resume Concept 02:45 — Personal Story: Leadership and Communication 06:32 — Analyzing Failures Objectively 07:37 — Using the Failure Resume 12:07 — Professional Example: Technical Presentation 13:44 — Personal Example: Time Management 16:03 — Conclusion and Homework 🔗 Resources & Next Steps 📄 Request Your Updated Year-in-Review TemplateEmail James at james@engineeryoursuccessnow.com 🎧 Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success InsidersOne story. One insight. One action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders 🎙️ Podcast HubAll episodes, player links, and highlights.🔗 sleekbio.com/eyspod
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 222) Before you set goals for the new year, there are three questions every leader must ask. Most engineering leaders jump straight into planning—only to base next year’s goals on whatever they didn’t accomplish this year. In this episode, Dr. James Bryant walks you through a simpler, kinder, and far more effective approach to your year-end review. Rather than focusing on the gaps, you’ll learn how to uncover the hidden wins that have been shaping your growth all year long. This re-air of Episode 169 (“Essential Steps to Unlocking Hidden Wins and Mastering Your Year in Review”) is the perfect reset as you prepare to win at work and at home in 2026. Whether this is your first formal review or one of many, this episode will help you slow down, reflect with compassion, and set goals from a place of clarity—not pressure. 🧭 What You’ll Learn Why most year-end reviews leave leaders discouraged instead of energized The three simple questions that reveal the progress you’ve been overlooking How to prepare your mindset and environment for an honest, grace-filled review Why celebrating “mini milestones” builds confidence and momentum How to perform a Success Autopsy to understand why something worked How to turn one-time wins into repeatable habits and systems Why reflection is one of the best investments you can make in yourself 🔩 Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why most leaders focus on what they didn’t accomplish01:30 – The three questions that create clarity for the new year04:00 – Preparing your mindset and space for a meaningful review07:00 – The power of celebrating “mini milestones”10:00 – How to run a simple success autopsy14:00 – Turning reflection into action for the year ahead 🔗 Resources & Next Steps 📄 Request Your Updated Year-in-Review TemplateEmail James at james@engineeryoursuccessnow.com 🎧 Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success InsidersOne story. One insight. One action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders 🎙️ Podcast HubAll episodes, player links, and highlights.🔗 sleekbio.com/eyspod
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 221) The construction and engineering industries are changing—but inclusion hasn’t always kept pace. In this episode, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Dr. Gretchen Gagel, founder of Women Thriving in Construction Global Institute and author of Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction. With over 40 years in the industry, Gretchen shares lessons from her leadership journey—spanning construction, consulting, and academia—and reveals what it really takes for women and their allies to lead and thrive in environments that haven’t always welcomed diversity. Together, they explore practical allyship, burnout and balance, dominant culture, and how to build workplaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. “If you’re not going to back yourself, no one else will.” — Dr. Gretchen Gagel Whether you’re in construction, engineering, or any technical field, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, inclusion, and sustainable success. 🧭 What You’ll Learn Why inclusion challenges persist across engineering and construction What “dominant culture” really means—and how empathy drives change Daily examples of allyship for men and leaders How women can overcome perfectionism and guilt to avoid burnout The power of asking for help and leading with authenticity How leadership growth carries into home life and personal wellbeing 🔩 Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome + Gretchen’s story and motivation for her book04:00 – Dominant culture, inclusion, and empathy in engineering and construction09:00 – Simple acts of allyship that change workplace culture11:00 – Burnout, balance, and redefining success15:00 – Asking for help and leading authentically19:00 – Creating the Women Thriving in Construction Global Institute22:00 – Encouragement for women whose careers have stalled24:00 – James on living intentionally and bringing your whole self to work 🔗 Connect with Dr. Gretchen Gagel🌐 gretchengagel.com🌐 womenthrivinginconstruction.org📘 Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction (Available on Amazon) 🎧 More Ways to Connect Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success InsidersOne story. One insight. One action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant 🌟 Engineer Your Success — Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about results—it’s about building a life shaped by your values.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders create systems that bring clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 220) If you’ve ever felt that the engineering profession is misunderstood, undervalued, or overlooked by the public — this episode is for you. Dr. James Bryant sits down with Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer, Assistant Vice President for Economic Inclusion at Kins, who has spent more than three decades helping engineers, architects, and builders be seen, valued, and understood. Lizzie brings a fresh, compelling perspective on how technical brilliance translates into societal impact — and why communication, inclusion, and storytelling are now essential leadership skills for every engineer. They explore the role engineers play in shaping daily life, the importance of broadening the industry’s talent pipeline, and how leaders can communicate the human impact behind their work. Lizzie also opens up about raising three boys while navigating demanding roles in the AEC industry — and what it really looks like to win at work and at home. Even if you’re not in infrastructure or construction, this episode will challenge how you think about engineering leadership, communication, and the future of talent in the profession. 🧭 What You’ll Learn Why engineers struggle to communicate their value to the public How to translate technical work into human-centered impact Why inclusion initiatives strengthen the entire industry How engineering leaders can inspire the next generation The real reason engineers need stronger storytelling skills Practical ways to balance demanding work with family life How AI and climate change are reshaping engineering roles Why enthusiasm, clarity, and presence matter in leadership conversations 🔩 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome00:55 – Why Lizzie calls herself an “infrastructure groupie”03:55 – Childhood influences that sparked her love for engineering and architecture06:01 – Communication: why engineers struggle and how to bridge the gap08:19 – Inclusion, small-business access, and building a stronger talent pool11:29 – Helping engineers communicate their impact to society13:49 – Inspiring young people through programs like ACE Mentor & Salvadori20:39 – Winning at work and at home: Lizzie’s story of integrating family23:29 – Lizzie’s questions for Dr. Bryant: AI, climate change, and the future 💬 Guest Bio — Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer is the Assistant Vice President for Economic Inclusion at Kins, where she leads initiatives that expand access, opportunity, and participation for historically underrepresented groups in major infrastructure and construction projects. With over 30 years of experience in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries, Lizzie has held leadership roles in marketing, client development, PR, and inclusive business outreach for organizations including Turner Construction, DeBerry, and Tishman. Known for her passion for engineering and for elevating the voices behind the work, she has been recognized with honors such as Outstanding Woman of the Year, the Pillar Award, and multiple accolades within the New York and New Jersey AEC community. Lizzie is also a sought-after speaker for professional groups like WTS, where she teaches engineers how to communicate their value, tell their story, and build confidence. Her mission is simple: help engineers be seen — not just for what they build, but for the impact they create in people’s lives. 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-geary-archer 🎧 More Ways to Connect Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success Insiders — one story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbryant2/ 🌟 Engineer Your Success – Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about living a life that reflects your values and priorities.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders build systems that create clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. 👉 Visit: www.EngineerYourSuccessNow.com
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 219) If you’ve ever wondered how great leaders stay steady under pressure, develop other leaders, and build unity across field and office teams — this episode is for you. Dr. James Bryant sits down with Russ Spiegel, Vice President of Operations at Craftsman Electric and former U.S. Marine Corps Battalion Commander. Russ brings decades of leadership insights from the military and the construction/skilled trades industry — all anchored in one core belief: “The most important investment any leader can make is in their people.” They dive into emotional discipline, people development, mindset, and the practical habits that shape culture from the ground up. Russ also shares how growth at work impacts life at home, and why leaders must define their personal philosophy if they want to lead with clarity and purpose. Even if you’re not in construction or the military, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, culture, and what it really means to invest in people. 🧭 What You’ll Learn Why emotional discipline sets the tone for your entire team How to turn challenges into opportunities through mindset Practical ways to unify field and office teams Why presence and connection matter more than authority How defining your leadership philosophy guides decisions and fulfillment 🔩 Episode Timestamps 01:00 – Russ’s core belief: investing in your people03:00 – Accountability and discomfort in developing leaders05:30– Turning challenges into opportunities08:00 – Emotional discipline: staying steady as a leader11:00 – Bridging the gap between field and office teams14:00 – Connecting by walking around17:30– Refilling your cup and managing energy20:30 – How leadership growth carries into home life24:30 – Defining a personal leadership philosophy29:00 – Russ flips the script and interviews Dr. Bryant 🔗 Connect with Russ LinkedIn: Russ Spiegel 🎧 More Ways to Connect Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success InsidersOne story. One insight. One action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant 🌟 Engineer Your Success – Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about achieving results — it’s about building a life shaped by your values. Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders create systems that bring clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. 👉 Visit: www.EngineerYourSuccessNow.com
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 218)What happens when your drive to succeed at work starts costing you what matters most? In this episode, Dr. James Bryant shares the story behind three simple but powerful questions that changed his life — and how those questions became the foundation of the Engineer Your Success framework. Originally recorded with Mark Wright on the Beats Working Podcast, this transparent and inspiring conversation explores ambition, family, faith, and the cost of imbalance — and what it takes to create a life where work and home thrive together. 🧭 What You’ll Learn The three questions that reveal whether you’re truly winning at work and home How to recognize when career goals are out of alignment with personal values Why success without presence comes at too high a cost How Dr. Bryant rebuilt his life and leadership from a place of faith and purpose Practical ways to prioritize family, faith, and fulfillment without sacrificing results 🔩 Episode Timestamps00:00:00 Introduction: The Three Questions00:03:38 Growing Up in Inner City Philadelphia00:05:00 The Path to Civil Engineering00:07:18 Early Career and Work-Life Balance00:12:12 The Turning Point: Realizing Imbalance00:19:32 Making the Change: Prioritizing Family and Self-Care00:20:37 Coaching Others to Win at Work and Home00:22:21 The Turning Point: Choosing Family Over Career00:24:22 A Lesson in Priorities: Early Career Decisions00:27:56 The Power of Delegation in Business00:30:33 Balancing Work and Family: Practical Advice00:35:43 Faith and Business: A Personal Perspective00:38:09 Leadership Coaching – Ad Break00:38:40 Closing: The Select Few 🎧 More Ways to ConnectPrivate Podcast — Engineer Your Success Insiders: One story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant 🌟 Engineer Your Success – Dr. James BryantSuccess isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about living a life that reflects your values and priorities.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders build systems that create clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. 👉 Visit: www.EngineerYourSuccessNow.com
🎧 Episode Overview (EP 217) If you’ve ever reached a crossroads in your career and wondered whether to stay comfortable or take a leap — this episode is for you. Dr. James Bryant sits down with Babatunde (Tunde) Onadele Jr., Vice President of Operations at Core Builders, to talk about the leadership journey behind the title. From mentorship and preparation to ambition and faith, Babatunde shares the decisions that shaped his path from project engineer to executive leader. They discuss how to align drive with discipline, how mentorship multiplies opportunity, and why the hardest decisions often lead to the greatest rewards — both at work and at home. Even if you’re not in construction, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership growth, boundaries, and balance. 🧭 What You’ll Learn Why mentorship matters at every stage of leadership How to know when it’s time to take a career leap The connection between ambition, preparation, and readiness How to lead with faith and authenticity in professional spaces The family rule that helped Babatunde win at home Why self-awareness is key to sustainable success How great leaders create opportunities for others to grow 🔩 Episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 01:04 The Importance of Mentorship 02:20 Career Journey and Growth 04:05 Making Tough Career Decisions 06:51 Current Role and Responsibilities 09:15 Balancing Work and Home Life 19:09 Leadership and Faith 23:29 Mentorship and Ambition 31:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 💬 Guest Bio — Babatunde Onadele Jr. Babatunde (Tunde) Onadele Jr. is Vice President of Operations at CORE Builders, a South Bay multifamily general contractor. With over a decade of experience in construction leadership, he oversees project operations from design through completion, manages operational risk, and mentors emerging leaders across the industry. A graduate of San Jose State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Tunde is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within construction—particularly in senior and executive leadership. He serves on the Board of Directors for AGC California, chairs its DE&I Steering Committee, and was recognized as a 2023 Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. Tunde takes pride in helping others grow, building strong teams, and making a lasting impact in his community. 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babatunde-onadele-jr/ 🎧 More Ways to Connect Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success Insiders — one story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention. 🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant 🌟 Engineer Your Success – Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about living a life that reflects your values and priorities.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders build systems that create clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. 👉 Visit: www.EngineerYourSuccessNow.com
🎧 Episode Overview If you’re leading a growing construction or technical firm and you’ve ever wondered how to build a team that truly thrives together — this episode is for you. Dr. James Bryant sits down with Tim Ernst, a data-driven HR and organizational development leader with more than 25 years of experience helping companies scale without losing their soul. From reducing turnover by 60% to guiding a 5x headcount expansion, Tim knows what it takes to grow a company that people love to work for. They unpack what culture really means, how to measure its impact, and why great leadership starts with shared values and accountability — not slogans on a wall. Even if you’re not in construction, the lessons here on culture, clarity, and connection will help you lead stronger teams and build a business that thrives through its people. 🧭 What You’ll Learn The biggest myth about culture in construction — and why every organization can have a strong one How to define culture as the lived expression of your vision, mission, and values The core values that create durable, growth-minded teams: dependability, attitude, and professionalism How to grow your own talent and reduce turnover with intentional culture systems Why accountability and communication are essential to scaling a healthy organization How to measure ROI on culture using retention, engagement, and performance indicators What it really means to win at work and at home 🔩 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & framing the question: what if culture is your biggest growth lever?02:00 – Tim Ernst’s background and cross-industry HR experience05:00 – Core values that shape strong, people-centered companies09:00 – Shifting culture through transparency and trust13:00 – Scaling from 85 → 400 employees and reducing turnover by 60%17:00 – Measuring the ROI of culture and the power of accountability20:00 – How success at work fuels success at home 💬 Guest Bio — Tim Ernst Tim Ernst is an HR and organizational development leader with over 25 years of experience helping companies grow without losing their culture. He has worked across manufacturing, healthcare, and construction—implementing people-first systems that improve retention, engagement, and leadership alignment. 📧 TimothyErnst@msn.com🔗 LinkedIn – Tim Ernst 🎧 More Ways to Connect Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success Insiders — one story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention.🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspod LinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant 🌟 Engineer Your Success – Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about living a life that reflects your values and priorities.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders build systems that create clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home. 👉 Visit: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com
🎧 Episode Overview If you’re leading a growing technical firm and you’ve ever wondered how to build a business that thrives beyond you — this episode is for you. Dr. James Bryant sits down with Matt Middendorp, a former banking executive turned ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) consultant, to explore how employee ownership can strengthen company culture, attract and retain top talent, and create long-term sustainability for engineering firms. Even if an ESOP isn’t on your radar, the leadership principles in this conversation — empowering people, aligning incentives, and protecting your culture — will help you engineer a business that runs on leadership, not dependency. 🧭 What You’ll Learn What an ESOP really is and how it differs from private equity or merger transitions When an engineering firm should consider employee ownership and what makes a company ESOP-ready The cultural and financial benefits — from higher productivity to stronger retention and engagement Common ESOP pitfalls and how to avoid them through proper education and leadership alignment How ownership thinking transforms teams into accountable, growth-minded leaders Matt’s personal story of selling his business and finding balance between professional success and family life 🔩 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction02:24 – Matt’s Background04:24 – ESOP Basics and Requirements06:39 – ESOP Challenges and Pitfalls08:21 – Real-World ESOP Examples13:21 – Impact on Company Culture18:14 – Getting Started with ESOP19:44 – Matt’s Personal Journey 💬 Guest Bio — Matt Middendorp Matt Middendorp is an ESOP consultant and former banking executive who helps companies engineer successful employee-owned transitions. With more than a decade of experience training financial leaders, Matt is passionate about helping business owners protect their legacy, empower their teams, and create sustainable success through employee ownership.🔗 Learn more: esopready.com 🎧 More Ways to Connect Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success Insiders — one story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention. www.eysnow.com/insiders LinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant Podcast Hub: https://sleekbio.com/eyspod 🌟 Engineer Your Success – Dr. James Bryant Success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about living a life that reflects your values and priorities. Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders build systems that create clarity, confidence, and the mindset needed so they can win at work and at home. 👉 Visit: www.eysnow.com
Episode Description What if building the business of your dreams quietly cost you everything that you care about? Jim Weldon built multiple 8-figure companies—self-funded, debt-free, and profitable from day one. But success came at a cost: he worked 340 days a year for seven years and nearly lost his marriage and connection with his kids. In this episode, Jim shares his journey from obsessed entrepreneur to present father and husband, the single agreement with his wife that changed everything, and his proven strategies for bootstrapping profitable companies without venture capital. In This Episode: How to bootstrap a company from $0 to $60M in three years Why 99% of companies won’t get VC funding (and what to do instead) The “Friday at 5pm” rule that saved his family Teaching vs. torturing: working successfully with your son Building AI-powered businesses in 2025 Guest Jim Weldon – Entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience building self-funded, profitable companies. Founder of Prospect Desk (prospectdesk.ai). Works alongside his son in business. Key Takeaways Keep your day job until your side business generates real cash If people won’t pay you to consult, you don’t know enough to build that company yet Get customers to prepay—it’s the real test of product-market fit You’ll spend 70% of time on business as an entrepreneur—engineer specific carve-out times for family Physical presence ≠ mental presence. It takes intentional work to truly be there. Best Quotes “What did it cost me? Nearly everything. Just being healthy, emotionally, physically, relationship wise was not healthy.” – Jim Weldon “You’re 99 times more likely NOT to raise money from an institutional investor. Why would that be your strategy?” – Jim Weldon “Do you wanna make this an experience where you teach him or torture him?” – Jim’s wife Connect with Jim Email: jim@prospectdesk.aiWebsite: prospectdesk.ai Resources Prospect Desk – AI-powered prospecting platform Charlie Munger’s mental models YPO & EO – Peer learning organizations About This Podcast Engineer Your Success helps engineering leaders and business owners win at work and at home. Hosted by Dr. James Bryant, PhD, PE. New episodes every Tuesday Join Engineer Your Success Insiders for exclusive coaching insights: engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders
What if the same engineering mindset that helps you solve complex problems at work could also help you build a thriving marriage at home? In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Gabriela Embon—chemical engineer turned relationship coach, keynote speaker, and host of the Life Engineering Podcast. Gabriela shares the four pillars of a legendary marriage—me, you, our, and us—and explains how intentional structure, communication, and rituals can transform relationships. Together, James and Gabriela explore why so many high achievers excel in their careers but struggle at home, and what it takes to align professional success with personal fulfillment. If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen both your leadership at work and your partnership at home, this episode will show you practical steps to start engineering not just your career, but also your love and legacy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why many professionals settle in relationships while striving at work How to apply engineering principles to love, intimacy, and communication The four pillars every marriage needs to thrive The role of rituals in keeping couples connected How to pursue both career success and a legendary relationship Resources & Links: Connect with Gabriela: GabrielaEmbon.com Download the prologue of her book Becoming a Power Couple: BecomingAPowerCouple.net Learn more about Engineer Your Success Insiders: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders
Engineering careers are never a straight line—and mentorship can make all the difference. This episode of Engineer Your Success, features insights from Dr. Srijib Mukherjee, Senior Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and professor at the University of Tennessee. We explore what it takes to grow as an engineer, lead authentically, and give back through mentorship. You’ll hear practical lessons and inspiring stories that span academia, utilities, consulting, and research, including: How to navigate early career challenges and stay authentic Why adaptability matters more than chasing money or titles What it means to “win at work and at home” at different life stages Practical advice for young professionals who want to grow as leaders An inspiring story of mentorship that helped a student become an engineer against the odds Connect with Dr. Mukherhee on LinkedIn Want more tools to help you win at work and at home? Visit EngineerYourSuccessNow.com. Join the Engineer Your Success Insiders private podcast: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders
Episode Summary: Innovation isn’t just about having a great idea — it’s about making that idea stick and turning it into bottom line impact. In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant talks with Stephen Hinch — executive consultant, former tech executive at Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies, and TeamLogic IT, and author of Winning Through Innovation. Steve shares lessons from a career credited with over a billion dollars in new revenue. From leading disruptive projects inside large corporations to running his own IT business, Steve explains what it takes to drive meaningful innovation while still keeping balance in life. You’ll Learn: The difference between incremental and disruptive innovation Why most managers can’t lead true disruptive innovation Best practices for staffing and launching innovation projects How failure can be a stepping stone to success Lessons from Steve’s journey: R&D → marketing → general manager → entrepreneur What it really means to win at work and at home Connect with Steve Hinch: Website: https://www.stephen-w-hinch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shinch/ Resources & Next Steps: Join the Engineer Your Success Insiders private podcast: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders Learn more at: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com
Episode Description Technology has transformed dramatically over the past 30 years — from dial-up connections and floppy disks to AI tools that can rewrite how we work. The lesson is clear: leaders who don’t stay current risk getting left behind. In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Nathan Whittacre, CEO of Stimulus Technologies and author of The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide. Since 1995, Nathan has been helping businesses adapt to every major tech wave. He shares stories from his early days sending emails through university mainframes, to guiding companies through today’s AI-driven workplace. Together, James and Nathan explore: Lessons learned from three decades of tech evolution — and how they apply today Why leaders must focus on ROI before adopting new technology How process-mapping prevents wasted effort and failed implementations The growing importance of cybersecurity and compliance for every business Practical ways engineering leaders can leverage AI as a tool, not just hype Whether you’re leading a small team or a whole organization, this conversation will help you see how technology can serve as an asset — if you stay intentional, strategic, and current. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 01:00 – Meet Nathan Whittacre– From founding Stimulus Technologies in high school to leading through today’s AI-powered workplace 04:00 – Lessons from 30 Years of Tech – How the industry evolved from Windows 95 to AI and what leaders can learn 06:00 – ROI Over Hype – Why leaders must set baselines and ask “why” before adopting new tech 09:30 – Process Mapping in Action – The “wasted reports” story and how to avoid automating the wrong work 12:30 – Writing The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide – Why leaders need trusted guides for technology decisions 18:00 – Cybersecurity & Compliance – The next big threats and how structure strengthens organizations 21:00 – Key Takeaway – Stay current with technology, or risk getting left behind Connect with Nathan Whittacre LinkedIn: Nathan Whittacre | Website: https://www.stimulustech.com/ Resources Engineer Your Success Insiders – A private podcast for leaders who want practical coaching in their corner. Join here.
Learn how to shift from control to empowerment so your business — and your team — can grow without burning you out. Description Micromanagement may feel like the fastest way to get results, but it’s actually the biggest bottleneck in your business. In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Cary Prejean — a CPA and strategic business advisor with 40 years of experience — to explore why entrepreneurs often sabotage their own growth and how to break free. You’ll discover: Why the skills that launch a business often stall it later How to spot when you’ve become the bottleneck The difference between specifying outcomes vs. micromanaging details Why empowering employees to design processes leads to real ownership How trust, curiosity, and vulnerability build stronger leaders and healthier teams Practical ways to use KPIs and dashboards to stay in control without hovering If you’re tired of feeling like everything depends on you, this conversation will show you how to create systems, empower your team, and scale your business — without losing your sanity. 🔑 Key Takeaways Micromanagement is a bottleneck, not a strategy. Entrepreneurial traits that spark growth don’t always translate into leadership. Empower your team to design processes — they’ll own the results. Focus on specifying outcomes, not every detail. Trust and vulnerability are leadership strengths, not weaknesses. What gets measured improves: use KPIs and dashboards wisely. 🕒 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & EYS Insiders Ad 01:00 – Why entrepreneurial skills can hurt you as a manager 04:00 – When entrepreneurs become the bottleneck 07:00 – Micromanagement in action: the fence & muffin stories 10:00 – How to empower your team to own processes 12:30 – Seeing the bigger picture with KPIs and dashboards 14:30 – Cary’s biggest leadership lesson: learning to listen 16:00 – Practical steps to move from “my way” to empowering leadership 20:00 – Dr. James Bryant on the secret to his success: partnership with God 🔗 Resources & Links Connect with Cary Prejean: Strategic Business Advisors | LinkedIn Get free PDF downloads of Cary’s first two books on his website Learn more about Engineer Your Success coaching and resources: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com 🎧 Join Engineer Your Success Insiders: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders
Turning setbacks into purpose: An aerospace leader’s journey from high-stakes disappointment to a values-driven life mission. Episode Overview What happens when you dedicate five years to competing against SpaceX and Blue Origin for NASA’s human landing system—and lose, twice? In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with aerospace executive and author Andy Crocker to explore how career setbacks can become catalysts for deeper purpose. Andy shares the story of leading a team of 300 people through one of NASA’s most competitive projects, the devastation of not being selected, and the surprising pivot that led him to write The Unconditional—a book he originally intended as life lessons for his kids. Together, James and Andy unpack the five unconditional values—love, gratitude, integrity, accountability, and endeavor—that help technical professionals and leaders thrive at work without losing what matters most at home. Key Takeaways Resilience after loss: Why even the best teams can fall short and how to recalibrate without losing yourself. Leading with transparency: How Andy guided his 300-person team through uncertainty by communicating openly. Purpose beyond projects: The NASA setback became the spark for defining a bigger life mission. Five unconditional values: Love, gratitude, integrity, accountability, and endeavor—and how they apply to leadership. Practical leadership growth: Teaching accountability, modeling values, and helping your team own outcomes. Resources & Links 📘 Get Andy’s Book: andycrockerbooks.com 🔗 Connect with Andy: LinkedIn, Instagram @AndyCrockerBooks 🌐 Engineer Your Success Coaching & Resources: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com 🎧 Engineer Your Success Insiders (Private Podcast): www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders 🔧 About Engineer Your Success Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home. Through executive coaching, business consulting, and strategic content solutions, Dr. James Bryant helps you: Lead with clarity and communicate with impact Build aligned systems that support your values Avoid burnout while achieving professional success Transform from technical expert to influential leader 🔗 Learn more at www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com📲 Follow Dr. James Bryant | sleek.bio/jbryant
AI in the workplace is advancing faster than most of us can keep up with—but there’s one thing it will never replace: human connection and leadership. In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Kenneth Correa, a marketing strategist and emerging tech expert from Brazil. Kenneth has spent over 15 years tracking technologies from blockchain and the metaverse to today’s AI agents. He’s also the author of Cognitive Organizations, a book written entirely with the help of AI agents. Through real-world stories, Kenneth explores the future of work, AI and leadership, and how to use AI productivity tools without losing what matters most—empathy, trust, and human connection at work. From training 7,000 factory workers safely in the metaverse to a failed experiment where a Swiss bank replaced managers with an AI “boss,” you’ll hear both the promise and the pitfalls of AI. If you’re wondering how to leverage AI to free up your time, boost productivity, and strengthen—not replace—the relationships that drive success at work, this conversation is for you. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why AI hype cycles repeat—and how to tell what’s valuable vs. noise A practical case study: how VR training reduced workplace accidents in a major factory project Why replacing managers with an AI boss backfired—and what it teaches us about leadership and empathy How Kenneth uses AI agents in his business to create time for what matters most Three simple steps to start using AI without losing your humanity 📌 Resources & Links Connect with Kenneth Correa on LinkedIn Learn more about Kenneth’s book: Cognitive Organizations Join Engineer Your Success Insiders — a private podcast with weekly coaching insights: www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders 🔧 About Engineer Your Success Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home. Hosted by Dr. James Bryant, PhD, PE, this podcast gives you practical strategies to strengthen your leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence—so you can build stronger teams, make better decisions, and design a life that works on your terms. Learn more at www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com