In this episode, Jake and Steve break down the core traits that separate engineers who accelerate teams from those who quietly stall progress. This is a raw, practical conversation about how ego shows up in engineering—and how to replace it with real influence, clear communication, and team-building behaviors that actually get noticed.
Not theory—practical, tactical advice from engineers who’ve been there.
Key topics covered:
• The real meaning of agency and urgency—and why they belong together
• How ownership and accountability build trust fast
• Why curiosity and humility unlock next-level influence
• How ego-driven behavior quietly destroys team capacity
• The biggest career-limiting behavior you may not realize you're doing
• Delivering clarity under pressure—even when it's not your fault
• Why engineers need to manage upward as well as across
• Recovering from mistakes in a way that builds your reputation
• Communication strategies that work with execs and field teams alike
• What it really takes to become the engineer people trust
Actionable takeaways:
• Follow up within 24 hours—no exceptions
• Ask people how they want to receive updates
• Don’t wait to be told—take initiative within your lane
• Own the outcome, even when someone else drops the ball
• Convert mistakes into visible lessons learned
• Deliver updates in three clear sentences, not a ramble
• Track your open loops and close them like it matters (because it does)
• Stay curious and ask why, not just what
• Give credit, take feedback, and actually apply it
• Show urgency with your response time and your decision-making
This episode is for engineers who are tired of being overlooked, want to lead without waiting for permission, and are ready to build real trust and career equity through action—not noise.
Where to listen:
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.