Episode 106: Guest Aaron Moncur - If You’re Not Building Energy, You’re Dying at Your Desk

Guest: Aaron Moncur, Founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering

In this episode of The Impactful Engineer Podcast, Jake and Steve sit down with Aaron Moncur—founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering and host of The Being an Engineer podcast—to talk about the career factor too many engineers ignore: energy.

Not caffeine. Not motivation. The kind of energy that keeps you clear-headed, confident, and ready to lead. The kind that fuels your career—or quietly kills it.

Aaron shares how getting laid off launched his business, what he learned about designing roles that energize instead of drain, and how engineers can stay sharp without burning out.

This one’s for the builders who feel stuck. For the quiet grinders wondering why it still doesn’t feel right. For the engineers who know they’ve got more in the tank but can’t seem to access it.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to Aaron’s career
• The task-by-task audit that changed how he worked
• How to identify what’s draining you—and fix it
• When your job is “fine” but feels soul-crushing
• Tactical ways to recharge without checking out
• How journaling and AI can supercharge self-awareness
• A 3-part model for finding your high-energy, high-impact zone
• Why productivity systems matter more than hours worked
• Creating a role inside your company—or creating your own
• Why fun side projects may hold your next move
  
  

Actionable Steps:

• List what gives and drains energy—then track it
• Rate weekly tasks by energy and impact
• Add a short weekly reflection to spot patterns
• Try Aaron’s AI journaling trick to review your mindset
• Start one habit that adds energy to your day
• Propose a project that aligns with your strengths
• Turn repeated tasks into systems that save energy
• Get a mentor or coach to check your blind spots
• Celebrate energizing wins—even the quiet ones
• Shift from “doing the work” to designing how you work

Who This Episode Is For:

• Engineers quietly burning out but still performing
• High performers feeling oddly drained
• New grads trying to find traction
• Anyone who wants to build energy instead of lose it
  
  

Why It Matters:

Energy is your fuel. If you don’t manage it, your performance, motivation, and growth will stall—no matter how smart you are. This episode shows how to track, protect, and multiply it—so you can do work that actually sustains you.

Where to Listen:

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts.

If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.