Mastering Engineering Leadership

In this episode, I speak with Sarah Jordan, co-founder and CEO of Skuld,   a company focused on the new additive manufacturing evaporative casting and other manufacturing innovations.   Sarah’s path into engineering was inspired by her father, an engineer, which led her to pursue ceramics engineering before switching to metallurgy. Her career spans industrial manufacturing, quality systems, and en...

In this episode, I speak with J.R. Simmons, a flight director and civilian with the United States Air Force.  J.R.’s path to engineering was unconventional—starting as a janitor before pursuing computer science based on his father’s research. He bounced between roles in private defense contracting and eventually moved into a stable government position, where he advanced from hands-on computer scie...

In this episode, I speak with Shuchi, “SK” Khurana, CEO and President of Addiguru,  which focuses on real-time monitoring solutions for additive manufacturing. SK’s journey into engineering was inspired by his father, an engineer, and his passion for math and physics. Growing up in India, he pursued material science at a top engineering school before moving to the U.S. for graduate studies at Ohio...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Philip Stucky,  CEO of FC Renew, which is focused on research, development, and commercialization of extended-life hydrogen fuel cells and recovery of precious metals and critical materials for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. Philip shares his journey from a curious student to a leader in hydrogen fuel cell innovation. His passion for renewable energy was s...

Be honest: When you see a staff meeting on your calendar, do you get excited, or do you brace yourself for another round of mind-numbing status updates? Don't worry, I already know the answer. Too many staff meetings feel like time drains instead of leadership tools. But what if your meetings actually inspired your team, sharpened decision-making, and even helped develop future leaders? That&#...

In this episode, I speak with Alan Grissom, Civil Divison Leader at Cannon & Cannon. Alan shares his journey into engineering, discussing howhe chose civil engineering for its people-oriented nature. Alan reflects on his career growth, the importance of education, and the skills necessary for effective communication and leadership in engineering. In our leadership segment, Alan highlights his...

In this episode, I speak with Amy Kurr, a PhD candidate in Energy Science Engineering at the University of Tennessee, co-founder of CWRU Lift, a community for competitive weight lifters at Case Western Reserve University, and founder of Grad Society of Women Engineers at the University of Tennessee. Amy discusses her engineering journey and how, through initiative and persistence, she has been abl...

If you think that strong communication skills as an engineering leader means being good at speaking in front of an audience and being good at conveying complex technical concepts to non-technical people, you'd be right. And if you stop there, you're missing the bigger picture.  Often the most critical communication happens in hallway conversations, team and client discussions, and one-on-o...

In this episode, I speak with Nikki Maginn, Director of Program Management at DEMATIC and founder of Inside Out Engineering. Nikki shares her journey into engineering, highlighting her passion for physics and the influence of her family background. She had a pilot's license before she had a driver's license, and her grandmother was an actual Rosie the Riveter. She discusses the challenges...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jim Szybist.  Jim is the head of the Propulsion Science Section at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which is focused on developing decarbonized solutions for all parts of the transportation sector.  In our conversation, Jim shares his journey into engineering, from taking apart broken appliances in his mom's kitchen to pursuing graduate studies and his career de...

In this episode, I speak with Alyssa Hayes, Ph. D  candidate in nuclear engineering at the University of Tennessee and chair of the board of Computational Research Access NEtwork, also known as CRANE. In this conversation, Alyssa Hayes shares her journey into engineering, discussing her motivations, challenges, and the support she received along the way. She emphasizes the impact of positive teach...

In this episode, I speak with Buddy Heins, Vice President at Merit Construction. Merit Construction is a general contractor and construction manager headquartered in Knoxville, TN, and primarily focused on commercial, institutional, and industrial construction. Buddy shares his journey from pre-med to civil engineering and how his struggles with the rigors of the engineering curriculum taught him...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Joy Harris, Executive Officer of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.  Dr. Harris's journey into engineering started early. As a child, she was identified as being gifted at higher math and attended a boarding school for teens talented in math and science. Th...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Matthew Mench, Dean of the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee.   Dr. Mench shares how he went from building with Legos (and blowing them up with fireworks) to becoming the Dean through seizing opportunities that came his way and working hard to earn his way to the next opportunity. In our leadership segment, Matthew discusses the challeng...

Are you an engineer looking to go beyond your technical expertise to become an impactful leader? Join Dr. Angelique Adams each week as she features engineers in leadership roles. They discuss their career journeys, dissect real-life leadership challenges they've tackled, and share actionable advice on how to achieve success as a leader with an engineering background. Whether you’re a new engineer...