join me on my youtube channel!
I’m passionate about helping you build the social skills you need to elevate your life personally and professionally.
Each video is easy to follow with practical advice and actionable steps you can put into practice - no matter where your starting point is.
Don’t miss a video - Stay up to date on each video release by subscribing to my channel now.
I publish new YouTube videos each week on:
Understanding people
Building relationships
Negotiating and influencing
Handling fear of rejection and avoidance
Attracting people, winning them over
Initiating conversations
Sharpening your listening skills
And much more!
How to Nail Any Behavioral Interview in Tech | Leveraging AI Tools for Job Seekers
Struggling to ace the behavioral portion of your tech interview?
You're not alone! This critical part of the hiring process assesses your soft skills, teamwork abilities, and cultural fit. But fear not, engineers!
Join us as we welcome Dom Capone, tech career coach and co-founder of MockInterview.tech, a revolutionary AI platform designed to help you conquer behavioral interviews. As a former hiring manager himself, Dom shares his invaluable insights on:
Why the behavioral interview matters more than you think (It's not just about technical skills!)
The 7 key skills hiring managers look for (Adaptability, Collaboration, Customer Focus, Decision Making, Influence, Innovation, and Problem Solving)
How to craft compelling STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your strengths
Unleashing the power of Mock Interview's AI tool to practice and perfect your responses
Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting your career, this episode equips you with the tools and strategies to shine in your next behavioral interview.
Don't forget to subscribe for more actionable tips to advance your tech career!
Emotional Intelligence for Leaders: Mastering Self-Management
In today's dynamic business world, strong technical skills are just one piece of the puzzle. Leaders who truly excel need a well-developed emotional intelligence (EQ) to complement their IQ. But EQ covers a range of abilities, and one of the most critical is self-management.
This episode is your guide to becoming a self-managed leader - you'll learn:
The 5 Pillars of Self-Management: Transparency, Emotional Control, Optimism, Complexity, and Adaptability
Actionable Tips & Strategies to develop each pillar in your daily leadership practices
How Self-Management Benefits You and Your Team (increased confidence, smoother workflows, thriving work environment)
Real-World Examples to illustrate the power of self-management in action
Struggling with team conflicts, unexpected challenges, or maintaining a positive outlook?
Mastering self-management equips you to:
Navigate difficult situations with composure and focus.
Inspire optimism and enthusiasm in your team.
Remain unwavering in the face of adversity.
Foster a culture of open communication and collaboration.
This episode is a must-watch for leaders and managers who want to level up your leadership skills, build high-performing teams, and create a thriving work environment!
7 Traits of Highly Effective Leaders
Do you want to be a more impactful and inspiring leader?
Great leadership isn't about charisma or bossing people around. It's about a set of skills anyone can learn.
In this episode, leadership coach Doug Howard dives into the 7 habits that will unleash your inner leader, regardless of your personality type.
You'll discover:
How to be a proactive problem-solver and anticipate challenges ️
The importance of developing a visionary mindset to guide your team
Prioritization strategies to focus on what truly matters
Techniques to foster collaboration and build strong teams
The power of empathy and understanding your team members
How to become a synergy seeker and leverage the strengths of others
Why lifelong learning is essential for continuous leadership development
Plus, Doug shares actionable tips and resources to help you implement these habits and become a more effective leader.
If you're a manager, leader, or anyone who wants to level up their leadership skills, this episode is for you!
5 Key Differences Between Managers & Leaders
Tired of feeling stuck between managing tasks and inspiring your team?
Learn the 5 key differences between Managers and Leaders, and discover how to leverage both to become a high-impact leader!
This video will teach you:
The difference between Vision and Execution (Leader vs. Manager)
How to navigate Change and Stability
Prioritizing People over Process for employee development
The power of Feedback vs. Control for open communication ️
Leading People vs. Managing Work to empower your team
Don't just be a boss, become a Leader! Subscribe for more leadership & management tips!
In this episode, you'll also learn:
How to identify the Leader vs. Manager mindset
When to switch between leadership and management styles
How to avoid the middle-management trap
Examples of how Leaders and Managers handle situations differently
E55 - How Managers Can Effectively Lead a Shrinking Workforce with Huge Generational Gaps | 7 Skills
Are you an engineering manager or tech leader who’s feeling overwhelmed and struggling to navigate the challenges of today's shrinking workforce, tight budgets, freeze hiring, and multigenerational teams?
In this episode we're going to be tackling 3 major issues that are fundamentally transforming the landscape for managers and leaders - and then we’re going to take a look at the 7 critical skills that manager need to navigate through these challenges and effectively build and lead teams in today’s environment!
Explore essential skills like self-awareness, vital for authentic leadership and fostering collaborative work environments. Gain practical tips and tools for developing self-awareness, effective delegation strategies to empower teams and increase resilience, techniques for navigating difficult conversations, delivering constructive feedback for growth, coaching and mentoring methodologies, mastering interviewing skills for finding the right team fit, and honing excellent communication skills to mitigate misunderstandings. Uncover the nuances of each skill and adapt your leadership approach to meet the demands of diverse teams and evolving workplace challenges.
Managers Aren’t Equipped to Handle These 3 Growing Problems | Toxic Work Environments
Are you struggling to find qualified talent in today's competitive market? Or are you facing a hiring freeze and being asked to do more with less? If so, you're not alone.
This episode explores the four biggest challenges facing engineering and tech leaders today:
- Shrinking Workforce: The tech industry is growing rapidly, but the pool of qualified talent is shrinking. This is making it harder than ever to find and retain top performers.
- Hiring Freezes: With economic uncertainty looming, many companies are implementing hiring freezes. This means that engineering and tech leaders are being asked to do more with less resources.
- Generational Gaps: There are now four generations in the workforce, each with its own unique communication styles, work preferences, and expectations. This can create challenges for managers who need to find ways to effectively communicate and motivate their teams.
- Lack of Leadership Training: Most managers are promoted into their positions based on their technical skills, not their leadership skills. This can lead to a lack of training and experience in areas such as team building, conflict resolution, and performance management.
In this article, we'll discuss the causes of these challenges and provide practical tips for overcoming them.
We'll also cover:
- How this impacts team performance, employee engagement, and workplace culture.
- Real-life examples of how these challenges can manifest in the workplace.
- Resources to help you learn more about each of these challenges.
How to Avoid the 4 Biggest Mistakes Every New Engineering Manager + Tech Leader Makes!
Are you struggling to make the transition from engineer to manager?
Master the transition to an engineering or tech management role with expert strategies.
Learn to avoid common managerial pitfalls, including mindset shifts, time management, effective communication, and tackling the knowledge gap - so that your transition from engineer to engineering manager (or tech leader) is smooth and effective.
In this episode, you’ll gain actionable tips for empowering teams, setting clear goals, and fostering a collaborative culture. You’ll also learn to discover delegation techniques, boundary setting, and prioritization for enhanced productivity. Don't overlook the importance of regular one-on-one sessions, seeking mentorship, investing in learning resources, and embracing feedback for continuous growth.
Prevent burnout with sustainable leadership approaches. Dive into effective ways to overcome burnout in engineering and tech. Whether you're a new manager or an experienced leader, this guide provides essential insights for successful leadership in the engineering and tech landscape.
Mastering Presentation Skills for Engineers and Tech Professionals | Tips from Communication Expert
Are you an engineer or tech professional struggling to create compelling presentations that captivate your audience?
Join us for an insightful interview with Christopher Chin - a Presentation Coach, Course Instructor, and Keynote Speaker who teaches engineers, tech professionals, and introverted leaders how to communicate and present with executive confidence.
In this second part of the interview, we delve deep into the art of creating impactful slide presentations. Discover why engineers often struggle with presentation skills and learn two essential strategies to enhance your ability to inspire action through your presentations. Christopher also shares valuable insights on simplifying complex data, choosing the right visuals, and creating clear, concise messages that resonate with your audience.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your presentation skills and make a lasting impact in your professional life!
How Introverted Leaders can Become More Confident with Communication and Presentations
Discover the secrets to confident and effective communication for engineering managers and tech leaders in this engaging interview with Christopher Chin - a Presentation Coach, Course Instructor, and Keynote Speaker who teaches engineers, tech professionals, and introverted leaders how to communicate and present with executive confidence
You’ll learn how introverted leaders can harness the power of authenticity to make a significant impact, how to overcome the biggest communication challenges, and why empathy is the cornerstone of successful communication.
You’ll also gain powerful (and practical) tips for enhancing your communication and presentation style, understanding your audience, and finding your authentic voice. Unlock the skills you need to thrive in the tech industry and master the art of persuasive communication. Don't miss this valuable insight into becoming a more influential and impactful engineering leader and tech professional.
Mastering Leadership Adaptability - The Key to Climbing the Career Ladder
In this episode, we delve into the crucial world of leadership adaptability and how it can significantly impact your journey up the career ladder. Join us for an insightful conversation with Susan Bond, a former COO turned leadership coach and founder of Constellary, as she shares her wealth of experience and knowledge in helping leaders navigate the complexities of human and organizational systems.
Discover why adaptability is the linchpin of leadership success, and how it goes beyond just being flexible in your approach. We explore the nuances of complex versus complicated problems, and why understanding the right problem is essential for effective leadership. Susan also highlights the importance of building strong relationships with diverse teams and why empathy is at the core of it.
Are you ready to unlock the power of adaptability and rise through the ranks of leadership?
Bridging the Gap with Gen Z | 9 Keys to Effective Leadership
Struggling to connect with the younger generation in your team?
It can be a challenging task, especially given the huge perspective gap between Gen Z and every preceding generation - which is why the key to effectively leading and motivating Gen Z is all about understanding their unique perspective, finding common ground, and adapting your leadership style accordingly.
In this episode, we explore the common struggles managers face with Gen Z, emphasizing the importance of understanding and bridging the generation gap - along with 9 specific ways for you to find common ground for leading, motivating, and influencing the younger generations.
10 Books Every Leader Must Read
Whether you’re an individual contributor, emerging leader, middle manager, or established executive - if you’re ready to enhance your leadership skills and take your career to the next level, you need to read these carefully selected transformative books - because each of them touches a specific area that will unlock your leadership potential.
How to Influence Upward, Downward, and Cross-Functionally at Work
In this episode, you’ll learn the AEC Framework - a powerful strategy to influence anyone—upward, downward, or cross-functionally in your organization. You’ll also learn how to make others feel genuinely appreciated, demonstrate empathy, and convert them to align with your goals effortlessly.
This episode also provides a step-by-step roadmap for building trust and rapport, ensuring your message resonates with your colleagues, managers, and teams. Discover the art of starting small to gain momentum, and watch as your influence soars.
If you're ready to increase your impact, advance your career, and become a master influencer, this episode is a must-watch. Don't miss out on these proven techniques that will transform your ability to lead and succeed in any professional setting.
How I Moved from Manager to Director Without Even Asking for the Promotion
Discover the insider secrets to advancing from a managerial role to a director-level position and achieving a significant salary increase without even asking. In this episode, Doug Howard shares his personal journey and the strategic steps he took to build a strong relationship with key decision-makers.
You’ll also gain insights on how you can influence upwards, downwards, and cross-functionally to create a bigger impact in your career by mastering the art of influence. If you're looking to break free from the middle management maze, this episode provides the roadmap you’re looking for.
Breaking the Bad Leadership Cycle in Engineering and Tech
Discover the key strategies to break free from the pervasive bad leadership cycle in the engineering and tech industries. This insightful article sheds light on the challenges faced by engineers and tech professionals when transitioning into leadership roles, often without the necessary leadership training.
Explore the consequences of this cycle, from poor communication and high turnover to burnout and stifled innovation. Learn how to develop the critical leadership skills required to excel in these roles, bridging the gap between technical excellence and effective leadership.
Whether you're an aspiring engineering manager or a seasoned tech leader, this article offers actionable advice and practical solutions to help you navigate the complexities of leadership in the engineering and tech fields. Join the mission to transform these industries and enhance your career by unlocking the secrets to breaking the bad leadership cycle.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies. Read the article now and take the first step towards becoming the influential and effective leader you aspire to be. Subscribe for more industry-specific knowledge and stay ahead in your engineering or tech career.
How Women in STEM Can Navigate the Gender Gap to Advance Your Career | TEDx Speaker Prashha Dutra
Prashha Dutra is a Confidence Coach, TEDx speaker, and a Forbes Coaches Council Member - and she’s on a mission to help STEM women believe in their brilliance by taking small actions that yield massive results.
In this interview, Prashha shares her best insights on what's actually causing the gender gap challenges for women in STEM, what companies should be doing to repair the broken system, and actionable advice for women who are struggling to advance in their careers.
With over 15 years of being an Engineer and spending time in Corporate leadership roles, Prasha brings expertise, step by step growth techniques, and a fresh perspective to the table for her community & coaching clients, spanning from finding clarity in their careers, to finding time for their families and dreams, and getting connected with relatable role models. All this while creating a deep belief in their own brilliance.
How to Transition from Individual Contributor to Senior Engineer or Leadership Role | Varun Negandhi
Are you an engineer who is looking to advance your career? You may be wondering how to transition from an individual contributor role to a senior engineer or leadership role.
In this episode, Doug and Varun discuss the different paths that engineers can take to advance your career and increase your income - along with the pros and cons of becoming a senior engineer vs engineering manager, and how to decide which path is right for you. They also share specific strategies that engineers can use to increase their chances of successfully transitioning to a senior engineer or leadership role.
If you're an engineer who is looking to advance your career, watch this episode to learn more about the different paths that you can take and the strategies that you can use to increase your chances of success.
7 Reasons Engineering Managers and Tech Leaders Get Stuck in Their Career Without Advancing
Are you an engineering manager or tech leader who feels stuck in middle management?
In this episode, you’ll learn the most common reasons why engineering managers and tech leaders stay stuck in their roles without scaling up in your role or growing in your career. You’ll also learn practical tips for overcoming these challenges and advancing to the next level in your career.
Some of the key areas discussed in this episode are time management, overwhelm, conflict resolution, managing upward, influencing cross-functional teams, communication, unclear goals, poor delegation, lack of accountability, soft skills, and fear of failure.
Effective Delegation Strategies for Engineering Managers | 5 Step Framework
Are you facing challenges with delegation in your role as an engineering manager or tech leader?
In this episode, you’ll learn a dynamic five-step framework that will revolutionize the way you delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team - so that you can overcome common delegation challenges, multiply your time, and increase your impact on your team, as well as throughout your organization.
You’ll also learn how to reshape your mindset, handpick the right team members, establish crystal-clear expectations, offer robust support, and cultivate unwavering trust. Unlock the potential of your leadership and empower your team's success by incorporating these strategic techniques.
The Top Delegation Challenges Engineering Managers and Tech Leaders Face (and How to Overcome Them)
Are you an engineering manager or tech leader who’s striving to scale up in your role and career advancement?
Discover the ultimate secret that's been holding you back from reaching the next level: effective delegation.
In this episode, leadership coach Doug Howard dives deep into why mastering the art of delegation is the key to skyrocketing your impact and creating more time in your day.