Every engineer hits a wall. You pitch an idea, chase a promotion, or submit a proposal; then you get a “no.” Most people stop there. But high-impact engineers don’t see rejection as the end. They see it as data. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down how to turn a “no” into fuel for growth, how to ask the right follow-up questions, and how to use resistance as the ultimate feedback loop.

Not theory; practical, tactical advice from two engineers who’ve heard “no” more times than they can count and used it to build careers, teams, and businesses.

Key Topics Covered
• The mindset shift from rejection to information gathering
• Why “no” is rarely permanent—and how to find the real reason behind it
• How to request feedback without sounding defensive or desperate
• The trap of filling in the blanks with your own assumptions
• Turning client losses, failed proposals, or denied promotions into strategy
• How to reframe rejection as part of your input process, not your identity
• Building resilience and emotional recovery speed after setbacks
• The “ask, learn, adjust” cycle every successful engineer uses
• What great managers actually mean when they say “not right now”
• Why mastering this one skill separates future leaders from stalled contributors

Actionable Steps
• When you hear “no,” pause; then ask for a short debrief call or conversation.
• Frame your question around learning, not winning: “Can you help me understand what drove the decision?”
• Separate emotion from information. Collect data, not drama.
• Identify if the rejection was based on timing, scope, or performance.
• Document what you learn to build a playbook for your next attempt.
• Follow up professionally and show them you’re coachable and persistent.
• For career growth, ask: “What would make me the obvious choice next time?”
• Treat every rejection as a calibration point, not a verdict.
• Practice recovery speed and get back to baseline faster after a hit.
• Use “nos” as reps in your leadership gym; they’re how you get stronger.

Who This Episode Is For
• Engineers who’ve been passed over for promotions or raises
• High performers tired of vague feedback or unclear expectations
• Early-career engineers learning how to advocate for themselves
• Technical contributors struggling with communication and influence
• Anyone who wants to build real career momentum instead of waiting for permission

Why It Matters
How you handle rejection defines your growth curve. Engineers who take “no” at face value plateau early. Engineers who seek context, ask sharper questions, and extract insight build unstoppable momentum. This episode will challenge how you think, react, and lead the next time someone shuts a door in your face; and show you how to open a better one yourself.

Where to Listen
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts

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Ego can make you feel powerful—but it’s killing your impact. In this episode, Jake and Steve sit down with Chris Stasiuk, a former electrical engineer turned leadership coach, to unpack the real difference between confidence and ego. This is not theory—it’s practical, tactical advice for engineers who want to influence others, communicate clearly, and become the kind of leader people actually want to follow.

Key Topics Covered

• The critical difference between confidence and ego—and how to use one without falling into the other.
• The story of an engineer whose explosive meetings turned into team-building moments through self-awareness and feedback.
• How blind spots sabotage even the smartest engineers.
• The communication trap that keeps great ideas stuck in cubicles.
• Why perception—not intention—defines your leadership effectiveness.
• The surprising power of curiosity and humility in technical environments.
• Using feedback and coaching to uncover your behavioral blind spots.
• Emotional regulation under pressure—and why “walking away” is a strength, not a weakness.
• How ego erodes team trust, buy-in, and creativity.
• Tactical frameworks to transform how you listen, lead, and earn influence.

Actionable Steps

• Ask a trusted peer for feedback on how you communicate—then listen without defending yourself.
• Before your next meeting, decide which “version” of yourself needs to show up: the confident leader or the curious learner.
• Replace “Why are you doing it that way?” with “Can you walk me through your process?”
• When you feel triggered, have a pre-set script—step back, breathe, and revisit when emotions cool.
• Read Surrounded by Idiots or take a DISC/CliftonStrengths assessment to identify your communication style.
• Treat communication like a design problem: analyze inputs, feedback loops, and outcomes.
• Practice humility daily—assume the other person knows something you don’t.
• Use curiosity to build “social capital” before you need to draw on it.
• Lead meetings with questions that invite ownership, not compliance.
• Hire or partner with someone who complements your blind spots instead of mirroring them.

Who This Episode Is For

• Engineers who think “technical skill should speak for itself.”
• Managers struggling with team friction or low engagement.
• Early-career engineers frustrated they’re being overlooked.
• High performers tired of being misunderstood or “hard to work with.”
• Anyone ready to trade arrogance for real influence.

Why It Matters

Technical excellence might get you noticed—but communication, humility, and emotional control make you unforgettable. Confidence earns trust. Ego destroys it. The engineers who learn to balance both are the ones who lead teams, inspire change, and build careers that last.

Connect with Chris Stasiuk

Visit chrisstasiuk.com to learn more about his one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and leadership resources.

You can also connect with Chris on LinkedIn for insights on engineering leadership, communication, and career growth.

Where to Listen

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

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

Intro:
Engineers pride themselves on “handling it all.” But let’s be real—you’re not multitasking. You’re bleeding time and energy through poor task switching. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down why context switching wrecks your focus, how to stop draining your energy every time your attention shifts, and the systems that top performers use to stay sharp and deliver under pressure.
Not theory—practical, tactical advice you can use today to regain control of your time and output.

Key Topics Covered:
• The truth: No one actually multitasks—they just switch faster (or worse).
• Why poor task switching is killing your productivity and focus.
• The hidden “reset tax” that costs you hours each week.
• How cognitive load compounds across multiple projects.
• Tactical time blocking to reduce switch frequency.
• Setting communication rules to protect your deep work blocks.
• Using environment resets to maintain focus and clarity.
• Why meetings, emails, and “quick questions” destroy flow.
• The difference between urgency and priority in managing tasks.
• How to plan your energy like a project resource—because it is.

Actionable Steps:
• Create a “loose ends” list for each project before switching tasks.
• Close loops—document next steps before moving to the next thing.
• Block 2 uninterrupted hours daily for focused work—protect it.
• Use 3–5 minute buffers between meetings to reset and refocus.
• Schedule check-ins and communications at fixed times daily.
• Keep project packets with current status, notes, and next actions.
• Prioritize heavy cognitive tasks early in your energy curve.
• Limit open projects—fewer tabs, higher output.
• Track how long it takes you to “re-enter flow” after interruptions.
• End each day with a 10-minute project recap and tomorrow’s plan.

Who This Episode Is For:
• Engineers constantly interrupted by meetings and messages.
• High performers stuck in reactive mode instead of strategic execution.
• New engineers struggling to juggle multiple projects.
• Leaders trying to build systems, not chaos.
• Anyone who feels drained by constant context shifts.

Why It Matters:
Mastering task switching is the secret to sustained performance and leadership readiness. You can’t lead if you’re always catching up. Energy, focus, and discipline compound—so when you protect them, your visibility, reliability, and results skyrocket. The engineers who master this don’t just get more done—they move up faster because their work speaks for itself.

Where to Listen:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts.

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