
The Happy Engineer | Career Success for Engineering Leadership
The Happy Engineer helps engineering leaders reach the next level without suffering burnout - because success without fulfillment is failure. You will discover how to redefine work/life balance and lead with purpose, while accelerating your next promotion. Bring a growth mindset, engineers... It's time for personal development before technical development, emotional intelligence (EQ) before IQ, and coaching to crush your comfort zone!
If you find yourself asking questions like these, then this show is for you:
* How do I decide between a technical career path or management? Can I ever go back?
* How do I reignite passion and purpose in my engineering career (or just stop dreading Monday)?
* Why am I not getting promoted to Manager / Director / VP (and my peers are)?
* How can I increase my salary and total compensation faster?
* What should I do if I want to change discipline, industry, or even leave engineering?
* What does it take to move from engineering to entrepreneurship?
* WHY AM I SO UNHAPPY???
Your host, Zach White, knows how frustrating building your engineering career can be. As an engineer himself, he climbed the corporate ladder. He's seen (and survived) it all. He's felt stuck, been burned out from 80-hour weeks, suffered under a bad boss, and had his career plan thwarted multiple times by corporate reorgs.
You know the worst part? He lived below his full potential.
Ultimately Zach found incredible success in his career, but it was not without trials, failure, and a rock-bottom experience with burnout.
Each week, the former engineering leader, now turned CEO and sought-after Lifestyle Engineering Coach, will help you create an action plan to level up your career while designing a life you love.
Enjoy inspiring conversations with experts from all corners of industry and life. Learn how to overcome any career obstacle you face. Get off the road to burnout.
Build your career.
Balance your life.
BE HAPPY!
Latest episodes

Jul 6, 2023 • 55min
112: Your Biggest Industry Opportunity Today is Manufacturing with John Real | Project Engineering Leader
Feeling lost? Is manufacturing really the opportunity you’re looking for to grow your career? Do you have a clear vision for your future? Listen now to find your way! ============================ When you’re ready, here are three ways I can help you build your engineering career: 1. Grab my eBook … 49 tips you can apply immediately to stand out and move up, without any fancy degrees or certifications. 2. Join me at Happy Hour … my LIVE monthly workshop where we dig deep into career growth strategies and provide 1:1 open coaching for you at the end of the session. 3. Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …work with me and my team privately in our intensive coaching program, exclusively for engineering leaders. ============================ In this episode, you’ll hear how a decade of hard work in engineering left John Real successful on paper, but unhappy and unsatisfied with his life. And in 90 days he turned all of that around, without changing anything but himself. John is a Project Engineering Leader at GLM Hydro, where he manages process engineering, system installation and commissioning support, documentation control, purchasing, and equipment quality control for his organization. If you have ever wondered if manufacturing is a career path worth considering, or one worth staying in, then you don’t want to miss this conversation. If you have ever been unhappy with your career, or feeling stuck on where to take your career moving forward, then you don’t want to miss this conversation. So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to go from slow decay to fast impact! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS? “I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! I know it’s a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it’s a massive benefit for getting the attention of big name powerhouse guests on this show. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select “Write a Review.” Thank you so much. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jul 3, 2023 • 22min
111: Morning Victory - 5 Habits of Mediocrity Engineering Leaders Must Avoid
Want to optimize your mornings for success? Here are the 5 things you must avoid when starting your day. Listen now and stop doing them! ============================ When you’re ready, here are three ways I can help you build your engineering career: 1. Grab my eBook … 49 tips you can apply immediately to stand out and move up, without any fancy degrees or certifications. 2. Join me at Happy Hour … my LIVE monthly workshop where we dig deep into career growth strategies and provide 1:1 open coaching for you at the end of the session. 3. Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …work with me and my team privately in our intensive coaching program, exclusively for engineering leaders. ============================ In this episode, learn from a recent conversation with Mark, an engineering leader facing burnout. His turnaround began by taking control of his life from the moment his feet hit the floor. The fact is, you probably have habits that hinder your progress. From snooze buttons to social media, I'll show you how these 5 behaviors negatively impact your mindset and productivity. If you replace these bad habits with good ones, the results you can create in your career will compound over time. Don't underestimate the power of a mindful morning routine. There may be 1000 good options for what to do, but these 5 bad options you must avoid. So press play and let’s chat… It's time to start your day on the path to success! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WE GROW BY WORD OF MOUTH If you have received value from The Happy Engineer PodCast, would you help us pay it forward by SHARING this episode with another engineer? Hit the SHARE button, or copy the episode URL and paste it into a text message or social media post! Thank you for helping us grow the show. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

8 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 1h 1min
110: Start Anything You Believe Deeply with @CauseHacker Jim Carter iii | CEO & Founder | AI Specialist
Start anything, really? Is purpose-driven work for a cause you care about really that important? What actually creates happiness in your career and life? Listen now for these answers and more! ============================ > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! ============================ In this episode, we tackle the hot topic of work that aligns with your purpose, versus a job that only pays your bills, with my good friend Jim Carter III. If you have ever questioned your career path and wondered if the mission and meaning behind your company is truly aligned with your own values, then don’t miss this conversation. Jim is a programmer turned passionate founder, public speaker, Fortune 15 consultant & AI strategist. With the experience of growing multiple 7 figure businesses in tech & content, he specializes in advising brands, experts & Social Impact organizations on maximizing growth using content & technology. His passion for purpose has him known as the @CauseHacker. Focusing on AI, tech expertise & business growth, Jim mentors scaling entrepreneurs through his Fast Foundations Mastermind & empowers entrepreneurs to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence in their daily lives & businesses. Proud #girldad, lover of coffee, and dad joke aficionado, Jim will guide, challenge & unblock the biggest challenges you have in a simple & actionable form. So press play and let’s chat…it’s time to start living ON purpose! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > HAPPY HOUR! Free Online Workshop Join your friends at Happy Hour with host of The Happy Engineer Podcast, Zach White, for engineering leadership training, 1:1 career coaching, and FREE bonuses! ** Click the link above and register now for this no-cost LIVE workshop every month, see you there! > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS? “I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! I know it’s a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it’s a massive benefit for getting the attention of big name powerhouse guests on this show. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select “Write a Review.” Thank you so much. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jun 22, 2023 • 59min
109: You're Not Alone - Powerful Community Leads to Healing and Growth with Bekah Weigel | Founder of VirtualCoffee.io
What do panic attacks, crying yourself to sleep at night, and emergency surgery have in common? And what does any of this have to do with engineering leadership? Listen now for these answers and more! ============================ > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! ============================ In this episode, you’ll meet a former college English teacher who went through trauma, found her way to coding bootcamp, and grew from coding for therapy to coding for passion. The amazing Bekah Hawrot Weigel shares her story of grief, loss, trauma, and finding her path into technology leadership in the most unlikely way imaginable. You are going to discover the power of community, the link between language we speak and language we code, and be encouraged knowing you are not alone in any situation unless you choose to be. Bekah is the Developer Experience Lead at OpenSauced, the global community of open source developers making an impact around the world. In April 2020, Bekah started a unique online developer community, Virtual Coffee. It started as weekly coffee chats, and has grown into a community of developers at all stages who support each other, have weekly events, challenges, and more. So press play and let’s chat… you’re invited to join the community of Happy Engineers! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > HAPPY HOUR! Free Online Workshop Join your friends at Happy Hour with host of The Happy Engineer Podcast, Zach White, for engineering leadership training, 1:1 career coaching, and FREE bonuses! ** Click the link above and register now for this no-cost LIVE workshop every month, see you there! > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS? “I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! I know it’s a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it’s a massive benefit for getting the attention of big name powerhouse guests on this show. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select “Write a Review.” Thank you so much. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jun 19, 2023 • 26min
108: Create Peace and Compound Progress with True Priority
Is your top priority clear? Do you feel like you own the decisions around your priority? Have you mastered the art of saying “No” at work? Listen now for help with these answers! ============================ > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! ============================ In this episode, discover the secrets to effective prioritization and how that can multiply peace and progress in your engineering career. I’m going to dive into two major problems hindering prioritization: lack of clarity, and surrendering to others' priorities. We will implement practical solutions for you right now, including my "two by two" tactic for daily wins, and the art of saying "no" strategically. By taking control of your priority and embracing courage, you can and will unlock your full potential for success. So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to crush comfort and create a life of purposeful prioritization! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WE GROW BY WORD OF MOUTH If you have received value from The Happy Engineer PodCast, would you help us pay it forward by SHARING this episode with another engineer? Hit the SHARE button, or copy the episode URL and paste it into a text message or social media post! Thank you for helping us grow the show. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jun 15, 2023 • 56min
107: 1000% Advantage to Reach Your Dreams with Manuj Aggarwal | Founder of TetraNoodle Technologies
If artificial intelligence (AI) has 1000% the transformational power of the internet, what does that mean for your career? Where should you begin to explore AI? Listen now for these answers and more! ============================ > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! ============================ In this episode, we explore an inspiring journey from the factory floor to the forefront of AI technology with my guest, Manuj Aggarwal. Manuj navigated a life filled with obstacles, beginning with his $2/day factory job in rural India. Learn about his decision to invest a year's salary in a computer course, discovering his immediate love for technology, and how it ignited a passion that would change his life forever. He now holds 4 patents in AI, and created over $500 million in value for clients like Microsoft, IBM, Pearson Education, and more. His work has impacted over 10 million lives, and has been mentioned by leaders including President Obama and Bill Gates. So press play and let’s chat… and hear a testament to the power of resilience, an unyielding spirit of curiosity, and the future of AI. ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > HAPPY HOUR! Free Online Workshop Join your friends at Happy Hour with host of The Happy Engineer Podcast, Zach White, for engineering leadership training, 1:1 career coaching, and FREE bonuses! ** Click the link above and register now for this no-cost LIVE workshop every month, see you there! > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS? “I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! I know it’s a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it’s a massive benefit for getting the attention of big name powerhouse guests on this show. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select “Write a Review.” Thank you so much. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

4 snips
Jun 8, 2023 • 60min
106: Experience Money Freedom and Million Dollar Side Hustles with Tony Whatley | Founder of 365 Driven and Best-Selling Author
Would you like to have a side-hustle that makes you millions of dollars? Does more freedom in time and money sound like a dream? How can you get there? Listen now for these answers and more! ============================ > HAPPY HOUR! Free Online Workshop Join your friends at Happy Hour with host of The Happy Engineer Podcast, Zach White, for engineering leadership training, 1:1 career coaching, and FREE bonuses! ** Click the link above and register now for this no-cost LIVE workshop every month, see you there! ============================ In this episode, you will meet an oil & gas mechanical engineer, turned million dollar side-hustle entrepreneur, turned high-performance coach, author, podcast host, and a new friend of mine, Tony Whatley. We talk about what it means to become a better driver in the race of our careers. Tony shares a critical insight about our priority, and challenges us to escape scarcity in our mindset and actions. You will have a choice coming out of this episode, a choice of which hard thing you will do. After leading $100MM+ international projects as an engineer, selling his side-hustle business for millions of dollars at age 34, and publishing an Amazon #1 best-selling book, Side Hustle Millionaire… Tony has more than a little wisdom to help you. So press play and let’s chat… and let’s all stay 365 Driven! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS? “I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! I know it’s a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it’s a massive benefit for getting the attention of big name powerhouse guests on this show. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select “Write a Review.” Thank you so much. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jun 5, 2023 • 22min
105: How to Reduce Stress and Improve Daily
Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Does stress prevent you from being at your best every day? What causes engineering leaders to experience burnout? Listen now for the surprising truth! ============================ > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! ============================ In this episode, I’m going to share with you the single mindset shift that has helped me prevent burnout permanently for myself and hundreds of engineering leaders around the world. And the best part is that this one is EASY to take action on. Maybe you have had a lot of success lately, and don’t feel stressed or burned out. Congrats, that’s good news! But here’s something to remember… Success does not mean you have no problems. So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to reduce stress and improve our lives every single day! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WE GROW BY WORD OF MOUTH If you have received value from The Happy Engineer PodCast, would you help us pay it forward by SHARING this episode with another engineer? Hit the SHARE button, or copy the episode URL and paste it into a text message or social media post! Thank you for helping us grow the show. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jun 1, 2023 • 1h 1min
104: True Esteem - from Deep Insecurity to Unshakable Confidence with Teresa Quinlan | EQ Emotional Intelligence Expert Coach
How do you eliminate self-doubt? Why is our self-worth linked to attributes like intelligence? What does this have to do with career success? Listen now for these answers and more! ============================ > HAPPY HOUR! Free Online Workshop Join your friends at Happy Hour with host of The Happy Engineer Podcast, Zach White, for engineering leadership training, 1:1 career coaching, and FREE bonuses! ** Click the link above and register now for this no-cost LIVE workshop every month, see you there! ============================ In this episode, the amazing Teresa Quinlan shares the depth of wisdom that only 25+ years of experience as an executive coach and emotional intelligence thought leader can bring. We uncover the link between self-worth and our attributes, and why that link is derailing your career success. She put a spotlight on the truth that our own CHOICE of what to believe is the cause of our self-esteem fragility. This one insight will change the way you see your life experiences and results forever. Teresa and I cover proactive and reactive practices that will help you create unshakable confidence, and strengthen your mindset in any area of your life. As a professional coach, leadership specialist, master facilitator, and speaker, Teresa is building Emotionally Intelligent Organizations through Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Employee Programs, and Speaking. So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to cross the threshold of IQ and expand your universe with EQ! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS? “I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! I know it’s a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it’s a massive benefit for getting the attention of big name powerhouse guests on this show. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select “Write a Review.” Thank you so much. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube

25 snips
May 25, 2023 • 58min
103: Increase Velocity to Land Your Dream Career with Gina Riley | Talent Expert and Career Coach
Should you start with your resume? What is the secret to faster career transition and promotion? How can you improve your executive presence? Listen now for these answers and more! ============================ > HAPPY HOUR! Free Online Workshop Join your friends at Happy Hour with host of The Happy Engineer Podcast, Zach White, for engineering leadership training, 1:1 career coaching, and FREE bonuses! ** Click the link above and register now for this no-cost LIVE workshop every month, see you there! ============================ In this episode, we answer the hard questions about how to increase velocity in your career with talent expert and career coach, Gina Riley. You will learn why your previous role is blocking you from landing your next one, and how to prevent the cycle of loss from being a barrier. We cover the three keys to executive presence, including one that I’ve never explored before on the podcast! And most importantly, Gina will explain why you should NOT start with your resume when you want to reach the next level.. Gina is an authority in career transition. She’s the creator of the Career Velocity™ System – a comprehensive solution that helps leaders and executives map out a transition strategy that is proven. It has helped leaders to transition to their next role in 6 months or less, 85% of the time. So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to hit the gas pedal and get results, because success loves speed! ============================ HAPPY ENGINEER COMMUNITY LINKS: > Apply for the Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint …Our intensive coaching program exclusively for engineering leaders looking to build your career, balance your life, and BE HAPPY! > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More > Join our Facebook Group! Get access to bonus content and live coaching as growth-minded leaders build careers together. ============================ WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS? “I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! I know it’s a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it’s a massive benefit for getting the attention of big name powerhouse guests on this show. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select “Write a Review.” Thank you so much. ============================ Connect with your host, Zach White: LinkedIn (primary) Instagram Facebook YouTube