Technical Leadership Talks

Can AI protect chickens from aerial predators? METM alumnus John Daughtridge set out to answer that question through his Capstone Project: SKYGUARD, an open-source AI-powered raptor detection system. In this episode, John shares the story behind the project, how the technology works, the challenges of building an AI solution from the ground up, and the real-world impact it could have for small-scale farmers. He also reflects on the lessons he learned during his METM Capstone and how the exper...

In this alumni spotlight, we sit down with Don Sweat, Operations Readiness Engineer at Shell and Master of Engineering Technical Management alumnus. Don reflects on what motivated him to pursue METM, how he balanced the demands of work, life, and graduate school, and the ways the program shaped his leadership style and approach to teamwork. He also shares valuable advice for professionals stepping into leadership roles and why he believes METM is a worthwhile investment for career growth. Tec...

In today's podcast episode, we are joined by Sara Sanders, METM Class of 2023. Sara reflects on her experience in Texas A&M's Master of Engineering Technical Management program — from navigating the demands of school alongside a full-time career, to growing alongside professionals from across industries, to developing the emotional intelligence that shapes how she leads today. Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by Texas A&M University's Master of Engineering Technical Manage...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sunshine Webster, director of Texas A&M’s Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM) program, to discuss where METM is today and where it’s headed. Dr. Webster shares her vision for the future of the program, how METM continues to evolve alongside industry and technology, and the skills today’s technical professionals need to lead in an increasingly complex world. Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by Texas A&M Univers...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ben Zoghi, founder of Texas A&M’s Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM) program, to explore how METM began and why it was created. Dr. Zoghi shares the industry needs that inspired the program, the leadership gaps he saw in traditional engineering education, and the vision behind METM’s focus on technical leadership, emotional intelligence, and real-world application. Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by Texas A&M Univ...