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