The People Stack Podcast
Jen Bunk
We explore the intersection of Tech Leadership & Dream careers. We do this by creating inspiring podcasts - including interviews with amazing individuals in the tech leadership space.
Dr. Jen Bunk earned her Ph.D. in I/O Psychology (a.k.a. The Science of Work). She is a retired Associate Professor and an accomplished speaker & researcher. As the CEO of the People Stack, she’s used her decades of experience to coach hundreds of tech leaders to create their dream careers - and the dream lives that go with them.
Rob Allen (Jen’s husband) is a 20+ year software industry veteran who moved from IC to Leadership in 2010, where the focus has always been on helping the technical folks who worked for him live their best lives. In 2019, he broadened that to the tech community as a whole by joining Jen full-time at The People Stack as her Co-CEO.
Dr. Jen Bunk earned her Ph.D. in I/O Psychology (a.k.a. The Science of Work). She is a retired Associate Professor and an accomplished speaker & researcher. As the CEO of the People Stack, she’s used her decades of experience to coach hundreds of tech leaders to create their dream careers - and the dream lives that go with them.
Rob Allen (Jen’s husband) is a 20+ year software industry veteran who moved from IC to Leadership in 2010, where the focus has always been on helping the technical folks who worked for him live their best lives. In 2019, he broadened that to the tech community as a whole by joining Jen full-time at The People Stack as her Co-CEO.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 13, 2020 • 23min
Episode 91: Do you really need an MBA to be a successful technical leader?
One of the beliefs that we hear all the time at The People Stack goes something like:
“I want to become a VP. So I need to get my MBA first.”
Is this REALLY true? Is it worth it to spend valuable time and money to get those letters after your name?
Don’t miss this episode!
Jan 8, 2020 • 20min
Episode 90: Taking Ownership of Your Tech Career: What it REALLY Means
When I say “take ownership of your career,” most people get what I mean.
At least, they get it intellectually. They get it at a surface level.
But what does it REALLY mean to take ownership of your career - both from the 30,000-foot-strategic view and the day-to-day tactics?
What are you NOT doing that could make the difference between mediocre, acceptable career advancement and outstandingly awesome levels of impact, joy, and freedom?
Jan 6, 2020 • 26min
Episode 89: Are you looking for permission to upgrade your tech career?
I’ve talked with hundreds of tech leaders about what’s next in your careers.
And most of you know - at least generally - what you want.
What’s secretly holding your back? You’re looking for permission to take the next step.
Find out how to overcome this hurdle and others that are stopping you from building your dream career.
Do not miss this episode!
Jan 1, 2020 • 19min
Episode 88: How much longer are you going to use the “hope it’ll get better” strategy to build your tech career?
Here’s the truth: Hope is a terrible strategy.
The problem is, when it comes to career upgrading, so many tech managers are in the dark about what to do instead.
Want to ditch “I hope it’ll get better” with proven strategies that’ll help you reach higher heights in your career!
Check out this episode!
Dec 30, 2019 • 24min
Episode 87: Will your tech career fix itself? Next month? Next year?
As a committed tech professional, you put a lot of care into planning for your projects at work. You never assume that bugs are going to fix themselves. You get your team together and fix it!
But…
When it comes to your careers, a lot of your are just hoping it’ll fix itself.
Here’s how to notice when this pops up and how to plan for your career more methodically!
Do not miss this episode!
Dec 25, 2019 • 21min
Episode 86: Do you REALLY want to create change in your tech career? Then you HAVE to do what feels uncomfortable.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again - and expecting different results.
And yet...so many of us keeping doing the same things because they’re familiar. They’re comfortable. And we wonder why change isn’t happening.
If you’re feeling stuck in your tech career, the same rule applies. If you want to STAY stuck, keep doing the same thing.
If you truly want change, you have to step outside of your comfort zone.
What does this mean, exactly?
Do not miss this episode!
Dec 23, 2019 • 23min
Episode 85: “I’m doing okay. I’m comfortable.” Why is this is the WORST place to be career-wise?
We talk with a lot of clients who are “doing okay” in their tech careers.
They say things like, “I’m not desperate.” “I’m coping.” “I’m managing.” “Things could be better but they’re not terrible.”
“I’m tolerating my work life.” “I’m comfortable
Believe it or not, this “comfortable” place is a WORSE place to be than when things are completely and utterly falling apart.
Why? Find out in this episode!
Dec 18, 2019 • 21min
Episode 84: Why even the most over-analytic, analysis-paralysis-prone humans can and MUST be decisive to upgrade their tech careers
Would you consider yourself systematic? Methodical? Careful?
What about over-analytical? Prone to analysis paralysis?
If so, no worries. These are qualities that make you great at tech.
But, if you don’t learn how to tap into your decisiveness - which is the OPPOSITE of what you tend to do - you’re on the path towards tech career failure.
Ready to embrace your inner decision-making genius and upgrade your tech career in the process?
Dec 16, 2019 • 29min
Episode 83: “I need to think about it” and other lies you’re telling yourself about your tech career
If there’s a phrase we hear more than any other when we’re coaching our clients it’s…
“I need to think about it.”
I understand this need. Trust me, I do. But the truth it’s, when it comes to career decisions, it’s a lie.
Want to learn why this lie is going to cost you time, money, and energy?
Want to learn how to get past “I need to think about” and finally make a decision about your career?
Watch this episode!
Dec 11, 2019 • 19min
Episode 82: How to show up as a confident tech leader (without being cocky or self-deprecating)
What’s the difference between cocky, confident, and self-deprecating?
And how do you show up as a confident tech leader who adds value and gets recognized for the value - without coming off as extremely full-of-yourself OR extremely down-on-yourself?
Check out this episode!
