#199 - Think Like an Engineer, Talk Like an Executive, and Go Beyond Your Limits - Pramoda Vyasarao
Tech Lead Journal
Embracing Self-Expression Over Self-Promotion in Public Speaking
This chapter explores the common struggles engineers encounter with public speaking and self-promotion. It encourages a shift in perspective to view presentations as a means of self-expression, allowing individuals to share their unique ideas without the fear of judgment.
“As an engineer, you don’t have to drop your technical skills, but you need to communicate like an executive. The more you communicate this way, you will have more opportunities and more impact on your job.”
Pramoda Vyasarao is an engineering leader turned coach with two decades of experience at Oracle and Meta, and the author of “Beyond Your Limits”. In this episode, Pramoda shares his insights on the importance of communication for engineers, as well as his inspiring journey of achieving 52 lofty goals in over 20 years and going beyond his limits.
Having joined Toastmasters in 2003 to improve his public speaking, Pramoda believes engineers should focus on developing their communication skills to advance their careers and become better leaders. He discusses his TALL framework for effective communication: talking with structure, asking insightful questions, listening deeply, and leadership development.
Our conversation also delves into key topics from Pramoda’s book, “Beyond Your Limits”. Pramoda discusses the importance of setting goals and finding life’s meaning, sharing his own inspiring journey in his goal-oriented life. He explains the power of thoughts, how our thoughts can influence our feelings and actions significantly, and the three common saboteurs to achieving our goals: time, purpose, and belief.
Tune in to learn practical advice on improving your communication and leadership skills, as well as how to achieve your big goals and realize your true potential.
Listen out for:
- Career Turning Points - [00:02:13]
- Going Through Layoff - [00:03:42]
- Joining Toastmasters - [00:05:25]
- Tips for Being a Great Speaker - [00:07:34]
- Think Like an Engineer, Talk Like an Executive - [00:09:17]
- Your Communication Gives You More Opportunities - [00:11:45]
- Written Communication Skills - [00:13:41]
- TALL Framework for Communication and Leadership - [00:15:24]
- T = Talking with Structures - [00:19:08]
- L = Listening Deeply - [00:21:59]
- ABC Framework for Leadership - [00:25:19]
- Why Writing “Beyond Your Limits” Book - [00:33:31]
- The Power of Thoughts - [00:37:39]
- Top 3 Saboteurs of Goal Achievement - [00:41:12]
- 7 Step Framework for Goal Achievement - [00:47:56]
- Creating Milestones & Habits - [00:51:01]
- Pramoda’s Biggest Goal Achievement - [00:54:28]
- 3 Tech Lead Wisdom - [00:57:13]
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Pramoda Vyasarao’s Bio
Pramoda Vyasarao, the founder of Changesmith Coaching LLC, has a rich background in computer science and boasts over two decades of experience with tech giants like Oracle and Meta. Beginning his career as an engineer and eventually transitioning into a management role, he recognized the importance of structured leadership development. This realization spurred his journey into leadership coaching. With 17 years of coaching experience, Pramoda has significantly impacted thousands of individuals across 11 countries. He specializes in fostering personal growth for senior leaders through one-on-one coaching and cohort-based courses that focus on communication, leadership, and storytelling. Pramoda is the author of the bestselling book “Beyond Your Limits.”
Follow Pramoda:
- LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/pramodavyasarao
- Digital Courses – changesmith.me/courses
- Live Courses – maven.com/changesmith
- 📚 Beyond Your Limits – amazon.com/Beyond-Your-Limits-Achieving-Happiness/dp/B0D5ZDX3P5
- 🎧 Beyond Your Limits Audiobook – open.spotify.com/show/4tHbhirBUklc2Zehq5f9NN
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