Technical Leadership Talks

In this alumni spotlight, we sit down with Don Sweat, Operations Readiness Engineer at Shell and Master of Engineering Technical Management alumnus. Don reflects on what motivated him to pursue METM, how he balanced the demands of work, life, and graduate school, and the ways the program shaped his leadership style and approach to teamwork. He also shares valuable advice for professionals stepping...

In today's podcast episode, we are joined by Sara Sanders, METM Class of 2023. Sara reflects on her experience in Texas A&M's Master of Engineering Technical Management program — from navigating the demands of school alongside a full-time career, to growing alongside professionals from across industries, to developing the emotional intelligence that shapes how she leads today. Techni...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sunshine Webster, director of Texas A&M’s Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM) program , to discuss where METM is today and where it’s headed.  Dr. Webster shares her vision for the future of the program, how METM continues to evolve alongside industry and technology, and the skills today’s technical professionals need to lead in an increasing...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ben Zoghi, founder of Texas A&M’s Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM) program, to explore how METM began and why it was created. Dr. Zoghi shares the industry needs that inspired the program, the leadership gaps he saw in traditional engineering education, and the vision behind METM’s focus on technical leadership, emotional intelligence, and...

In today’s episode, we are featuring Austin Gary, a Senior Project Manager at STRUCTURAL. We discuss how leaders can strengthen workplace culture while navigating the differing management styles of multiple generations.  Listeners will learn practical strategies for bridging these gaps, improving communication, and leading unified, high-trust teams. Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by...

In this episode, we sit down with Teena Redhorse, Founder and CEO of Redhorse Engineering . Teena shares her journey of launching her own company—from the courage it took to take the leap, to the challenges, rewards, and leadership lessons she’s gained along the way. Visit Redhorse Engineering's website at this link .  Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by Texas A&M University&a...

In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Jimenez—combat veteran, engineer, and founder and coach at EQ-Discovery. Chris shares his personal journey from military service to engineering and entrepreneurship, revealing how emotional intelligence has been a guiding force along the way. Through his story, we explore how EQ can help us navigate life’s toughest challenges, strengthen leadership, an...

In today’s episode, we are featuring Rafael Patron, the Plant Senior Director at Tenaris. The audio you will hear is from Texas A&M’s Master of Engineering Technical Management’s Executive Leadership Speaker Series. At this series, Rafael spoke to METM students about his leadership journey and provided insights and advice to help guide students as they navigate their current and future leaders...

In today’s episode, we are talking to Julianne Sanscartier. She currently works as an Engineer 3 at Los Alamos National Laboratory and graduated with her Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM) degree in 2024. Today, we discuss moving into management at a young age, her leadership style, and the skills she took away from the METM program. Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by T...

In this episode, we are featuring Branden Ramsey. Branden works at Axiom Space as the Senior Director of Digital Transformation. Today, Branden discusses how to lead successful enterprise-wide technology rollouts. He delves into how to overcome the challenges of these rollouts, as well as the tools and tactics that lead to successful ones.  Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by Texas A&a...

In this Alumni Spotlight episode, we speak with Tyler Esters, Plant Manager at Closure Systems International and a 2024 graduate of the METM program. Tyler shares his experience returning to school as a working professional and father, how he balances family life and work with school, and the skills he gained through the METM program. Listen to hear what it looks like to grow as a leader while man...

In this episode, we speak to Denise Sherrod, Chief of Automation at Occidental Petroleum. Denise shares the story behind her Capstone Project, which she completed during her time in the Master of Engineering Technical Management program. Tune in to hear how she approached the project, what made it successful, and how it continues to influence her leadership and work in the energy industry today. T...

In today’s episode, we are featuring Dr. Noush Bayat. Dr. Bayat works with clients for Executive Leadership Coaching and Consulting, including being one of the Personal Leadership Coaches for Texas A&M’s METM program. In this episode, Dr. Bayat discusses the neuroscience and importance of creating psychological safety in a workplace environment.  Technical Leadership Talks is brought to you by...

In today's episode, we feature Tobin Williams, former Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Stellantis. This exclusive audio was recorded during Texas A&M's Master of Engineering Technical Management's (METM) Executive Leadership Speaker Series, where Tobin spoke to METM students, faculty, and guests. He reflects on his leadership journey that has taken him to several coun...

In today's episode, we sit down with John Hughes, President & EQ-I Executive Coach at EI Assessments. John has extensive experience in EQ assessments and coaching for leadership and executive development across various industries. Recently, John worked with 112 Lincoln Lab Group Leaders, Assistant Group Leaders, and professional staff, conducting personalized debriefing and coaching sessi...

In today's episode, we are spotlighting an alumnus of Texas A&M University's Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a degree that prepares engineering and technology professionals to become the leaders of the future.  We dive into Martin’s experience in the METM program and explore how the skills he gained—like prioritizing self-care, fostering team trust, and developing...

In this episode, Ryan Holt, Manufacturing Engineering & Facilities Manager at Dover Precision Components, dives into the powerful role empathy plays in building positive professional relationships.  Ryan shares how fostering empathy can strengthen workplace culture, drive team engagement, and help leaders advance their agendas effectively. As a faculty support and alumnus of the Master of Engi...

In today's episode, Ahmed Mahmoud, retired CIO of Global Manufacturing and GPSC at General Motors, sits down to interview Kip Gary. With his career leading him to becoming the current CEO of the Brock Group, Kip discusses his experienced insight on how leaders can rise to their full potential.  Kip shares practical advice, personal stories, and key strategies for navigating leadership challen...

In today's episode, METM's founding director, Dr. Ben Zoghi, sits down with Dr. Elsa Murano, the Director of the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture & Development.  Dr. Murano shares her incredible leadership journey. From being appointed the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to being named the first woman presiden...

In today's episode, Matthew Edghill, the Director of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Enterprise, explores the journey from being an individual engineering team contributor to stepping into leadership roles.  Matt shares his personal experience of climbing the ranks at Lockheed Martin, offering valuable insights for those navigating similar transitions. He delves into the challenges of moving from...

In today's episode, we are spotlighting an alumni of Texas A&M University's Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a degree that prepares engineering and technology professionals to become the leaders of the future.  Carlos Perez is a Navy combat veteran and currently works as an Offshore Maintenance Supervisor for Shell. Today, he speaks about the importance of body lang...

Considering switching careers? Dr. Melissa Flagg is familiar with that choice. Beginning her career as a pharmacist, she's also worked in security at the State Dept., in philanthropy at the MacArthur Foundation, as well as many other career fields and places.  Not only has Dr. Flagg found success on her nonlinear career path, but she has used the diverse skills, life experiences, and lessons...

In today's episode, we are spotlighting an alumna of Texas A&M University's Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a degree that prepares engineering and technology professionals to become the leaders of the future.  Today, Kat Pressler speaks about her leadership journey, her experience earning her METM degree, and how she has brought the skills she learned from METM int...

As a manager, the responsibility of having difficult conversations is necessary, yet a skill most of us struggle to properly develop. In this episode, we speak with Sunshine Webster, the Senior Manager of Talent Development at Q2, about how to coach effectively through these interactions. Listen as Sunshine gives practical strategies to transform difficult conversations into constructive dialogues...

Over the past year, the landscape of AI innovation has surged dramatically into the public consciousness, permeating nearly every professional domain. Yet, amidst this rapid expansion, a crucial question arises: what are the legal boundaries of AI application?  Tune in to today's episode as lawyer Mike Speed delves into the current legal state of AI as of March 2024. With a focus on patent, c...