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!
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!
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.
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.
Overcoming Burnout in Engineering & Tech | Strategies to Thrive in Your Career and Wellbeing
In this episode we delve into the world of engineering and software development, burnout, and mental wellbeing. In this interview, we're joined by Richard Donovan, a former software developer turned mindset coach and personal trainer - and he specializes in guiding developers and engineering to achieve optimal mental health and success through mastering their mindset.
If you're an engineer or software developer feeling the weight of burnout, this episode is a must-watch. Richard shares his insights from over 20 years in software development, including roles as a mid-level technician, lead manager, software architect, and now, a dedicated mindset coach. Discover the unique journey Richard took, transitioning from code to coaching, and how he recognized the significance of mindset in his own career.
Time Management Tips for Engineering Managers and Tech Leaders
Are you an engineering manager or technical leader struggling to advance in your role due to the constant overwhelm of tasks and responsibilities?
In this episode, we delve into the core reason why many engineering managers and technical leaders find it hard to scale up in your role and advance to the next level of your career - and in most cases, it’s the lack of effective time management.
Watch this episode to discover a new perspective on time that can transform how you approach your work. You’ll also learn how to break free from the perpetual busyness trap and allocate your time effectively - by categorizing tasks, focusing on the critical and urgent, and exploring delegation possibilities, you can regain control over your schedule and pave the way to professional growth.
How the Bad Leadership Cycle in Engineering is Burning Out Engineers and Stifling Innovation
Are you tired of the unspoken challenges in engineering leadership? There is a bad leadership cycle within the engineering industry and this cycle is creating huge issues throughout the industry because nobody's talking about it.
Join me in this episode as I explain what it is, how it's impacting your career, and what you can do about it. You'll learn what the Bad Leadership Cycle is in engineering and why it's a hidden dilemma plaguing the engineering industry as well as the domino effects of bad leadership and how it leads to burn out, innovation stagnation, and ultimately turnover.
Don't let the bad leadership cycle hold you back! Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable insights to transform your leadership skills and enhance your career.
Engineer Career Coach Shares Secrets on How to Apply Up and Get Promoted (Part 2 of 2)
Are you an engineer looking to move up to a position one level higher?
In this episode, Nader Mowlaee (Engineering Career Coach and Technical Recruiter) shares his best strategies for writing a resume, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, networking to create inroads, and interviewing strategies for when you are applying for a position that is one level up - such as going from individual contributor engineer to engineer manager, or, going from engineering manager to director of engineering.
Nader explains that the key to getting hired for a position one level up is to focus on the problems you can solve and the impact you can make for the company. He also emphasizes the importance of communicating your passion for the company and its products. And he shares specific strategies for how to do this!
If you're ready to take your engineering career to the next level, listen to this episode for Nader's expert advice on how to apply for a position one level up!
How to Apply Up for a Position One Level Higher in Engineering and Tech (Part 1 of 2)
Are you an engineer looking to move up to a position one level higher?
In this episode, Nader Mowlaee (Engineering Career Coach and Technical Recruiter) shares his best strategies for writing a resume, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, networking to create inroads, and interviewing strategies for when you are applying for a position that is one level up - such as going from individual contributor engineer to engineer manager, or, going from engineering manager to director of engineering.
Nader explains that the key to getting hired for a position one level up is to focus on the problems you can solve and the impact you can make for the company. He also emphasizes the importance of communicating your passion for the company and its products. And he shares specific strategies for how to do this!
If you're ready to take your engineering career to the next level, listen to this episode for Nader's expert advice on how to apply for a position one level up!
How to Deal with Difficult Employee as a New Manager | Advice for Engineering Leaders
Are you a new manager struggling to handle a challenging senior direct report?
In this episode, join Doug Howard as he shares a simple yet effective approach to change the dynamic and build rapport with difficult senior-level employees. Discover the reasons behind difficult behavior and learn how to understand their perspective. Learn how to navigate challenging situations with senior-level direct reports. Gain insights into their perspective and build effective communication channels. Doug shares his personal experience and provides practical techniques for successfully managing challenging relationships.
Don't miss this valuable episode for engineering leaders seeking to enhance their leadership skills.
How to Motivate an Underperforming Direct Report in 1 Conversation | Leadership Training
Are you an engineering manager facing the challenge of motivating a younger direct report to take ownership of their performance? In this episode, join Doug Howard PE as he shares a powerful conversation technique to help struggling employees turn their performance around. Discover how to handle underperforming team members without resorting to micromanagement and gain actionable steps to apply this approach in your leadership role.
Empower your team to exceed expectations by unlocking the potential of your direct reports and creating a positive work environment. Don't miss out on valuable insights for engineering managers looking to enhance their leadership skills.
How to Quantify ROI on Personal Growth and Professional Development
Are you struggling to make an investment in your personal growth because you can't quantify the Return on Investment? As you advance in engineering leadership positions, the skills become subjective and harder to quantify. Stop spinning your wheels! In this episode, Doug Howard explains why quantifying ROI is crucial and presents a step-by-step process to help you make the right decision for your engineering career.
Discover a simple framework for quantifying the ROI on intangible investments in your personal growth and professional development. Plus, get access to a FREE ROI Calculator that transforms subjective criteria into quantifiable metrics, giving you confidence in your decision.
How to Deal With a Toxic Boss Without Quitting | Do These 3 Things | Advice from Engineering Manager
Many engineers and engineering managers are stuck inside toxic work environments and working for bad managers. It’s a growing trend that’s creating many downstream problems because if you work for a bad boss in a toxic work environment for too long, it stunts your professional growth and destroys your confidence, mental health - and perhaps your career!
For most people quitting or finding a new job isn’t always a realistic or timely option, but if you can’t avoid the problem it will only get worse.
This video shows you 3 ways to take control over the situation - so that you can set clear boundaries with your bad manager, and use your bad boss to your advantage.
5 Keys to Navigating Difficult Conversations at Work | Leadership Training for Engineering Managers
Struggling with difficult conversations at work?
As an engineering manager or tech leader, it's essential to navigate conflicts, provide feedback, and discuss sensitive topics effectively - and this episode emphasizes the importance of:
Preparation, fact gathering, and setting clear goals
Choosing the right time and place
Framing difficult conversations positively
Considering the other person's perspective
Fostering solution-focused open dialogue
You’ll learn 5 powerful strategies (like 'giving them an out' to alleviate tension and create a supportive atmosphere) for mastering tough conversations with your team, colleagues, and even your boss - so that you can unlock the power of effective communication, become a more effective engineering manager, and tackle difficult conversations head-on to excel in your role as a leader!
Why Engineering Managers and Technical Leaders Struggle With Giving Negative Feedback | 10 Reasons
If you’re an engineering manager or technical leader, there’s a good chance you struggle with giving constructive criticism or negative feedback in a positive way. As an engineering manager myself, I understand the unique hurdles and complexities that come with providing constructive feedback to your team - and I also know how to help you overcome them!
The first step in building this critical skill is recognizing the 10 most common barriers that are holding you back from effectively providing your team with constructive feedback.
By understanding these obstacles and implementing practical strategies, engineering managers can overcome them, enhance their leadership abilities, and foster a supportive feedback culture within their teams.