Intro
In this episode, we sit down with Josiah Fallaise, professional driver and founder of FDF Race Shop, to break down what actually drives performance, confidence, and long-term career growth. This is not theory—practical, tactical advice grounded in real execution. We unpack why engineers stall, how over-optimization kills momentum, and why real-world reps matter more than credentials, titles, or perceived intelligence.

Key Topics Covered
• Why “raw talent” collapses without real seat time
• The dangerous gap between theory and real-world execution
• How perfectionism quietly kills engineering momentum
• Why communication becomes the real career multiplier
• The difference between consuming knowledge and creating value
• How brand, visibility, and trust are replacing credentials
• Why failure without correction is wasted effort
• How incentives shape performance inside and outside companies
• The hidden cost of avoiding discomfort and pressure

Actionable Steps
• Audit where you’re consuming instead of creating
• Build something real—physically or digitally—this month
• Stop optimizing ideas that haven’t proven value yet
• Seek feedback from people you’d trade places with
• Put reps into communication, not just technical skill
• Shorten the gap between thinking and doing
• Test limits intentionally to find your real thresholds
• Track lessons learned after every failure
• Prioritize hands-on experience over certifications

Who This Episode Is For
• Engineers feeling stuck despite being “high performers”
• Early-career engineers unsure how to stand out
• Burned-out engineers questioning their direction
• Individual contributors who feel overlooked
• Engineers considering leadership or entrepreneurship

Why It Matters
Careers don’t stall from lack of intelligence—they stall from lack of execution. Engineers who build, test, fail, and adjust gain clarity, confidence, and visibility. Seat time creates instincts. Instincts create results. Results create opportunity.

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.

Follow Josiah and FDF Race Shop
Want to see real execution, design-for-manufacturing insight, and behind-the-scenes building? Follow FDF Race Shop and Josiah across platforms:
• Instagram (JosiahFallaise / FDFRaceShop)
• YouTube (FDF RaceShop)
• TikTok (JosiahFallaiseRacing / FDFRaceShop)
• Facebook (FDF RaceShop)
• Website: fdfraceshop.com

AI isn’t a future problem—it’s a present career filter. In this episode, we’re joined by Shelly Thomas, P.E., an engineer turned executive AI strategist who works directly with C-suite leaders on real-world AI adoption. This is not theory—practical, tactical advice for engineers who want more impact, more clarity, and real leadership leverage without burning out.

Key Topics Covered
• Why AI won’t replace engineers—but it will expose weak thinking and poor communication
• The real reason high-performing engineers get overlooked for leadership roles
• How executives actually evaluate clarity, judgment, and decision-making
• Using AI to distill complex technical work into executive-ready communication
• Why “letting your work speak for itself” is a career-limiting belief
• Practical AI use cases engineers actually care about (not marketing fluff)
• How systems thinking makes engineers uniquely positioned to win with AI
• The danger of automating before understanding your workflows
• How to avoid over-reliance on AI while still using it as a force multiplier

Actionable Steps
• Use AI to summarize your work in executive-level language before sharing updates
• Prompt AI to act as your toughest critic and stress-test your ideas
• Lead with intent: clearly state your goal, audience, and constraints in every prompt
• Break complex tasks into smaller chunks instead of “AI-ing everything at once”
• Use AI to practice executive communication before high-visibility meetings
• Translate technical wins into business impact (cost, risk, time, people)
• Ask AI to ask you questions to clarify your thinking before execution
• Capture and reuse your learning—build a personal knowledge system with AI
• Practice saying less, not more—clarity beats completeness

Who This Episode Is For
• Engineers feeling stuck despite strong technical performance
• Early-career engineers who want leadership trajectories, not burnout
• High-performing ICs struggling with visibility and influence
• Engineers curious about AI but unsure how to apply it meaningfully
• Technical professionals aiming for management, director, or executive roles

Why It Matters
The gap between engineers who advance and those who stall isn’t intelligence—it’s clarity, communication, and leverage. AI accelerates all three. Used well, it amplifies judgment and visibility. Ignored, it quietly shifts power to those who adapt faster.

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.

Most engineers think personal brand is fluff—or something reserved for influencers and executives. That mindset is costing careers. In this episode, Steve Maxey and Jake Maxey break down what “personal brand” actually means for engineers, why you already have one whether you like it or not, and how unintentional behavior is quietly working against you. This isn’t theory—this is practical, tactical advice grounded in real engineering careers and real outcomes.

Episode 137 - Transcript

Key Topics Covered
• What personal brand really is: reputation plus awareness
• Why “doing good work quietly” is no longer enough
• How engineers accidentally build negative brands without realizing it
• The difference between being technically competent and being known
• Why consistency matters more than talent when it comes to reputation
• How visibility attracts opportunities, mentors, and leverage
• The danger of being everything to everyone—and nothing to anyone
• Why complaining online damages your career more than you think
• How engineers who lean into soft skills stand out faster

Actionable Steps
• Audit how coworkers, leaders, and peers would describe you today
• Decide what you want to be known for—then act accordingly
• Be consistent in how you communicate, respond, and show up
• Start engaging intentionally on LinkedIn instead of lurking
• Share insights, not complaints—digital history is permanent
• Focus on one or two strengths instead of random messaging
• Build awareness outside your immediate workplace
• Reach out to people in your industry without an agenda
• Treat reputation as a long-term asset, not a side effect

Who This Episode Is For
• Engineers feeling overlooked despite strong technical skills
• Early-career engineers who want faster growth and visibility
• Burned-out high performers stuck in execution mode
• Engineers who avoid self-promotion and pay the price
• Professionals who want more control over their career trajectory

Why It Matters
Your energy, visibility, and reputation compound over time—positively or negatively. The engineers who advance aren’t just capable; they’re clear, consistent, and known. If you don’t take ownership of your personal brand, others will define it for you—and not in your favor.

Where to Listen
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts