

The Happy Engineer | Career Success for Engineering Leadership
Zach White
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!
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 25, 2021 • 54min
022: How Subtle Unconscious Bias Hurts Your Results with Dr. Farzana Chohan
Dr. Farzana Chohan, a globally recognized expert on leadership, discusses the impact of unconscious bias and challenges it creates. She shares her personal transformational story of overcoming bias. Topics include gender stereotypes, the importance of believing in potential, and the impact of gender equality on happiness.

19 snips
Nov 18, 2021 • 53min
021: Practice this Secret to Accelerate Emotional Intelligence and Career Growth with Jay Abbasi
Former Tesla leader turned career consultant, Jay Abbasi, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and finding fulfillment. The podcast explores the significance of self-observation, building relationships, overcoming self-criticism, and the importance of clarity and personal development for engineering leaders.

Nov 11, 2021 • 59min
020: Why Leaving a Legacy of Engineering Impact Makes a Difference with Tammy Bohen
Is your childhood the start of your failures, or the source of your fuel? Where do you find the greatest compound return on investment in personal development? How can you be part of the solution to gender bias in engineering? In this episode, we touch challenging topics and I know you will benefit from every word. Get ready to meet Tammy Bohen, the Chief Human Resources Officer at SVP Worldwide. Her heart for people, combined with her incredible results, have changed her family tree forever. If you want to leave a legacy as an engineer, tune in now. In her career, Tammy has helped shape best-in-class employee experiences, engagement and business performance in global leadership positions for several world-class organizations including KitchenAid, Whirlpool Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Lear Corporation, and now SVP Worldwide. But at the end of the day, she simply loves to travel and learn, changing lives along the way! So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to make a positive change in the OACO family tree. Rate, Review, and Follow “I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’ll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to: https://www.oasisofcourage.com

Nov 4, 2021 • 54min
019: FAANG Success - How to Get Into Big Tech with Meta Leader Mauricio Nunes
Want to join Facebook (Meta), Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google, or the other big tech giants? Is your life being driven by fear or purpose? Has anyone ever accused you of being a control freak? In this episode, you are in for a special treat as I speak to a friend and former client, Mauricio Nunes. I had the privilege of coaching Mauricio through a total transformation in his career and life, and he courageously shares his story with you in this conversation. He is a leader in technology, currently managing a team of software developers in a dream job at Facebook. Mauricio has also held leadership roles at Spotify, and Amazon. He shares his major breakthroughs and how to achieve results with you. A master at technical interviewing, Mauricio has a passion for mentoring others seeking to land their dream jobs in big tech. What is more inspiring than his career success is how Mauricio is truly happy, and living a life of purpose. So press play and let’s chat… with a Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint graduate, a true leader, and my good friend. Rate, Review, and Follow “I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’ll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to: https://www.oasisofcourage.com

Oct 28, 2021 • 50min
018: Go Behind the Scenes with Human Resources - Stereotypes and CTO's with Sam Tam
What is happening behind the closed doors of Human Resources? Do you know what it takes to become a CTO level leader? How do you deal with engineering stereotypes? In this episode, go behind the scenes with my good friend, Vice President & Global HR leader at Visa, Sam Tam. You will immediately feel his energy, experience, and passion to see leaders like you succeed. He is in the room for the highest level talent decisions and development planning for Fortune 200 organizations. Now you are too. Originally from Ghana, Sam spent his childhood years in Athens, Greece. He has lived and worked for leading companies in New York, Boston, Michigan, Italy, San Francisco, and Asia Pacific. He loves traveling, eating and more traveling! Discovering new cultures, exploring the unknown and being adventurous and spontaneous is what keeps him ticking. His passion for food is balanced with a love for being active and outdoors Sam is a true Lifestyle Engineer at heart. So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to accelerate your career with insights from the inside. Rate, Review, and Follow “I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’ll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to: https://www.oasisofcourage.com

Oct 21, 2021 • 59min
017: How to Overcome Social Anxiety Permanently for Engineers with Mark Metry
Are you shy? Why do so many engineering leaders struggle with social anxiety? Did you know your biochemistry may be working against you when it comes to being social? In this episode, witness the power of complete transformation in our guest, Mark Metry. He went from social anxiety slave, to total freedom, being fully himself in front of huge audiences all over the world. Mark shares his incredible journey, and the science behind social anxiety that is rarely discussed. If you have ever felt uncomfortable in a social setting, you must listen to this! Now, Mark hosts the Social Anxiety Society podcast, and is the bestselling author of Screw Being Shy: Learn How to Manage Social Anxiety and Be Yourself in Front of Anyone! Mark has been featured in Forbes, TEDx, HuffPost, Mindvalley, Inc and has spoken alongside Olympian Athletes, New York Times Bestselling authors, and Fortune 500 CEO’s. Go with us on a journey of how to be yourself in front of anyone, not be shy with proven neuroscience, best mental health practices, and stories from the world's most successful people. So press play and let’s chat… and stop letting social anxiety limit your career. Rate, Review, and Follow “I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’ll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to: https://www.oasisofcourage.com

19 snips
Oct 14, 2021 • 54min
016: Get Promoted by Learning How to Think and Ask Questions Like Socrates with Marc Champagne
Guest Marc Champagne talks about his personal transformation through powerful questions and mental fitness. He discusses the importance of asking great questions for great answers and shares insights from his book 'Personal Socrates'. They explore the impact of deleting a crucial feature in an app, the power of incorporating practices into daily routines, and the relevance of the Socratic method in various settings. The host expresses gratitude, recommends the book for engineers, and discusses the power of asking questions for clear thinking and positive outcomes.

Oct 7, 2021 • 57min
015: Career Rocket Fuel with Former SpaceX Engineer - Now Engineering Leadership Recruiter - Brian Mejeur
Does hearing “it can’t be done” motivate you, or shut you down? What role does passion play in your mental health at work? How do you show the world (and LinkedIn) your career goals without rocking the boat at your current company? In this episode, launch into these questions and more with former SpaceX engineer, Brian Mejeur. His team pioneered the refurbishment process of rocket engines. After six years at SpaceX, he moved on as acting Head of US Drone Operations at a drone data tech startup. It’s time to geek out and accelerate your career with a propulsion engineer turned COO/CTO. Brian has wisdom for you from both sides of the coin. Big company, and small company. Engineer doing the job, and now a recruiter searching for the best engineers on the planet. He's the Founder of AdAstra Talent Acquisition with his wife and business partner, Seyka (a former guest on episode 10). Outside of work, Brian is a new father, world traveler, hiker, and loves adventure. So press play and let’s chat… and discover the deeper meaning of being a Lifestyle Engineer! Rate, Review, and Follow “I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’ll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to: https://www.oasisofcourage.com

Sep 30, 2021 • 50min
014: Management Tips for Dealing with Entitled Engineers and Millennials with Gina Covarrubias
Did you have “the knack” for engineering as a kid? Has work stress negatively affected your health? Are you an entitled engineer? How does all this relate? In this episode, we dig into real life and real challenges with engineering career coach, Gina Covarrubias. She has her master’s degree in engineering, but her doctorate in LIFE. You attract what you are, not what you want. Gina helps you explore who and what you really are today. She’s an amazing coach, but more importantly, she genuinely cares about you. Her inspiring personal story includes an unhappy engineering career that led to short term disability, a failed plan of recovery, and a surprise discovery of deep purpose along the way. I know you are going to love how you feel at the end of this conversation. You will also love how we turn a great feeling into inspired action for your career happiness. So press play and let’s chat… it's time for a visit to the engineering career mechanic! Rate, Review, and Follow “I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I’ll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to: https://www.oasisofcourage.com

Sep 23, 2021 • 50min
013: Misunderstood Productivity Secrets and How to Avoid Deadly Distractions with April Garcia
Get ready to increase your productivity with high performance productivity coach April Garcia. She discusses the biggest issues with productivity, including distraction and time hijackers. April emphasizes the need to find a balance between work and personal life and shares strategies for achieving career and life satisfaction. Discover mindset tactics and alternative ways to increase productivity and energy for career success.