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Welcome to The Engaging Executive News; where STEM pros and subject matter experts unlock the leadership skills holding them back from promotions.
Dive into our free advice on mastering influence, building relationships and honing emotional intelligence via the ENGAGE model. Start exploring now and transform your career today!
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A simple process for introverts who want more impact Being an introvert does not mean avoiding people. But it does mean social interactions need to feel purposeful, not chaotic. If you have ever found small...
You do not need to change who you are. But you can step into one of these three roles when needed: 1) The Connector: opens conversations and makes people feel safe2) The Questioner: asks with...
Your quiet strengths are powerful, but they can cost you if left unchecked Being introverted is not a weakness. It’s a strength. In fact, in technical fields, introverts often outperform. You’re thoughtful, detail-oriented, good with...
STEM professionals often assume that expertise is enough to earn influence. Deliver strong results, and recognition will come. But when it comes to leadership, people decide who to follow based on trust and connection, not...
Many STEM managers wait for authority before they try to shape outcomes. They believe influence comes from job titles, reporting lines, or official power. In reality, the best leaders I have worked with built influence...
STEM managers often get stuck because they present their work in the same way to everyone. The result is that executives switch off while technical peers nod along. Strong leaders know that communication must travel...
Many STEM professionals believe that leadership is a personality trait. You either have it, or you don’t. But in reality, leadership is a set of behaviours that anyone can practise. The most effective leaders I...
In science, tech, engineering and maths, we’re trained to solve complex technical problems. But step into management, and the challenges change. Suddenly it’s about people, not systems. That’s where the hidden skills gap shows up....
There’s a growing problem in organisations everywhere and it is not technology. It is the skills gap. Recent reports show that only a small fraction of leaders feel confident their teams have the right mix...
When most IT managers think about promotion, they focus on skills. Skills are essential. But here is what I’ve seen over two decades of coaching: once you reach mid-level management, your skills only take you...
There’s no escaping it: AI is transforming the workplace faster than most of us imagined. Analysts predict that AI will automate many junior and technical tasks. That means the traditional apprenticeship pathway, where you slowly...
Ask most IT managers what will get them promoted, and they will say: “Delivering great results.” But time and again, I see smart, capable professionals hit the technical ceiling because they believe in these myths...
You deliver results. You keep projects on track. Your technical expertise is second to none. So why are others, sometimes with less experience, getting promoted while you feel stuck? This is what I call the...
“Your reputation as a leader is built long before you get the title.” Senior leadership roles in civil engineering go to those who are visible, trusted, and known for more than just technical expertise. Your...
“The most respected civil engineers are remembered for the teams they build, not just the projects they deliver.” Moving into senior leadership means stepping beyond technical problem-solving and becoming someone who inspires, coaches, and unites...
“The best engineers don’t just solve problems; they help everyone understand why those problems matter.” Moving into senior roles means you need to translate technical complexity into clear, compelling messages that resonate with clients, executives,...
You’re smart. You’re reliable. You know the systems inside out. So why are other people, sometimes with less experience, being promoted ahead of you? This is a question I hear often in coaching sessions with...
“Your technical expertise is your foundation, but it’s not the only thing that will build your future.” Many civil engineers invest years honing their technical skills; designing, planning, and delivering complex infrastructure projects. Yet, as...
“Your technical skills are your foundation, but your personal brand and visibility are what build your path to the top.” The journey from accountant to CFO is not only about what you know and how...
“Great finance leaders are remembered not just for their numbers, but for the way they inspire and bring people with them.” Moving from accountant to CFO is not just about technical progression. It is about...