Episode 107: Learn the Game: Systems, Strategy, and the Equity You’re Missing
In this no-BS breakdown, Jake and Steve dive deep into what separates high performers from invisible ICs. It's not just about doing the work—it's about building value that compounds over time. From turning templates into leverage, to earning internal loyalty and external referrals, this episode shows you how to play the long game in engineering.
Not theory—practical, tactical advice from engineers who’ve been there.
Key Topics Covered:
• What it really means to “learn the game” in engineering
• How to align your work with business goals (or get labeled a low performer)
• Why SOPs and personal systems are a career cheat code
• The power of reusable tools and repeatable execution
• How follow-through separates leaders from everyone else
• Career equity vs resume padding: what clients and bosses actually remember
• Why project adversity can be more valuable than perfect execution
• Leveraging lessons learned while they’re fresh
• The hidden value of visibility and feedback loops
• Who your real “customer” is—and how to earn their loyalty
Actionable Steps:
• Start asking business questions beyond your task list
• Build SOPs for your most common project types
• Create and maintain a personal engineering Excel toolkit
• Standardize drawing notes and design details—stop reinventing
• Review and update lessons learned after every job
• Use calendar blocks for system-building and follow-through
• Capture client and PM feedback as career capital
• Convert successful one-offs into reusable templates
• Don’t skip final QA—train yourself to finish all the way
• Document adversity and outcomes, then share them
Who This Episode Is For:
• Engineers stuck in “heads down” mode
• High performers who get overlooked or misunderstood
• Technical leads trying to level up team execution
• New grads or EITs looking to gain an edge
• ICs who want to build influence without a formal title
Why It Matters:
You can do great work and still get passed over. The difference is visibility, alignment, and value that compounds. Build systems, get seen, and make every project work harder for your future. That’s equity—and it’s how careers are made.
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.
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