Best Mep Engineering Podcasts (2025)

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The Right and Wrong Use Cases for AI in Supply Chain Recruiting w/ Friddy Hoegener

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1d ago

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As artificial intelligence creeps into so many facets of our personal and professional lives, it's easy to lose sight of when it's actually working in our favor. In this conversation, Co-Founder and President of SCOPE Recruiting, Friddy Hoegener, discusses the use of AI specifically in the context of recruiting for supply chain and manufacturing ro…

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Episode 125 – Multitasking Is a Myth. Master Task Switching Instead 38:45

3d ago38:45

38:45

Intro: Engineers pride themselves on “handling it all.” But let’s be real—you’re not multitasking. You’re bleeding time and energy through poor task switching. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down why context switching wrecks your focus, how to stop draining your energy every time your attention shifts, and the systems that top performers use…

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Paul Kiesche: Build a Manufacturer Brand That Boosts Sales and Hiring 25:31

8d ago25:31

25:31

In this episode, we speak with Paul Kiesche from Aviate Creative about real world lessons on branding, AI, and resilience. Specifically, how a focused manufacturer brand boosts sales and hiring, how to show up in Google and ChatGPT, and why AI is a tool not a replacement. He also covers losing six clients in two days, the power of niching, and simp…

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Growing a Profitable Manufacturing Business Without Outside Investors w/ Kyle Ewing

9d ago

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How do you take a boring product in a declining industry and build a powerhouse business around it, all while refusing outside funding? In this conversation, Chairman and CEO of TerraSlate, Kyle Ewing talks through the gritty and sometimes unconventional principles behind his business model – from demanding prepayments, to mastering cold calls, to …

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Episode 124 – Don’t Be a Paper Engineer with Brooke MacFee 1:01:37

10d ago1:01:37

1:01:37

In this episode, manufacturing engineer Brooke MacFee joins Jake and Steve to share hard-earned lessons from her path across biomedical, aerospace, and small-scale manufacturing. From taking jobs out of necessity to leading teams before she felt ready, Brooke’s story hits every early-career engineer who’s still finding their footing. This conversat…

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Nearshoring Manufacturing from Asia to Mexico: Risks, Rewards, and Realities w/ Matt Hannula

16d ago

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Episode 123 – Your Goals Don’t Matter... Your Inputs Do 31:30

17d ago31:30

31:30

Most engineers chase outcomes—titles, numbers, recognition. But outcomes are a lagging indicator of your inputs. In this episode, Jake and Steve break down how to flip your focus from results to repetition, from motivation to momentum, and from willpower to discipline. This isn’t theory—it’s practical, tactical advice for engineers who want to buil…

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From Blueprints to Automation: Revolutionizing Work Instructions w/ Fil Aronshtein

23d ago

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Imagine assembling a complex product with only scattered notes and fading tribal knowledge to guide you. In this conversation, we're talking about manufacturing work instructions. Despite their importance in passing expertise from veterans to new hires, most work instructions are outdated, manual, and hard to keep current – often putting entire pro…

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Episode 122 – Decision Volume Beats Decision Perfection 27:13

24d ago27:13

27:13

Most engineers hold themselves back by waiting too long to act. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down how speed of decision-making drives value in your career and projects. Not theory—practical, tactical advice you can use right now. Key Topics Covered • Why projects bleed money from slow decisions, not big mistakes • How to spot critica…

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The Industrial Robotics Race: Why the US Is Falling Behind China w/ Rishabh Agarwal

30d ago

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A widening gap exists between industrial robot deployment in the US and China, even as American manufacturers grapple with rising labor costs and persistent worker shortages. So why does the adoption of domestic manufacturing automation adoption lag behind – especially among small and medium-sized businesses? And what are the real barriers holding …

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Don Fuchs: Keep Shoveling and Outlast the Competition 19:40

1M ago19:40

19:40

In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, Ryan Cote talks with Don Fuchs, CEO of Harris Thermal Transfer Products. Don shares his unique career journey from law and legal tech entrepreneurship to leading a 140-year-old family-owned manufacturing company.By Ryan Cote

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Episode 121 – Lead Without Authority: Set the Standard 20:03

1M ago20:03

20:03

Your communication (or lack of it) defines your reputation. Miss updates, ghost clients, or wait for someone else to ask, and you’ve already lost trust. In this episode, Jake and Steve break down why communication is the real differentiator in engineering—and how you can lead without authority by setting standards others can’t ignore. Not theory—pr…

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Objectives, Hypotheses, Learnings: Smarter Problem Solving for Complex Manufacturing w/ Radhika Dutt

1M ago

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Today's guest, entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader Radhika Dutt, will challenge a core business belief that many of us have probably held for years – that traditional goal-setting frameworks like OKRs, KPIs, or SMART goals, are the surest path to performance and progress. In fact, she'll argue that focusing so intently on numbers and targets …

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Episode 120 – If You Think Communication Is a Waste of Time, You’re Wrong 15:11

1M ago15:11

15:11

Most engineers think their job is just to deliver the technical work. Drawings done, analysis complete, box checked. Wrong. The engineers who win long term are the ones who manage stakeholder expectations. That means clear updates, fast pivots, and taking ownership of communication—even when it feels uncomfortable or “not your job.” In this episode…

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AI Agents and Humans: The Future of Factory Teams w/ Karan Talati

1M ago

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Imagine a factory floor where specialized AI agents tackle real manufacturing roles – from inventory planning to quality inspection, each with their own set of tasks and responsibilities. Today, CEO and Co-Founder of First Resonance, Karan Talati, will dig into the practical side of agentic AI: how these intelligent systems are moving beyond theory…

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Episode 119 – Your Biggest Career Killer? Emotional Outbursts and Slow Execution 25:57

1M ago25:57

25:57

Most engineers don’t fail because they lack technical skills. They fail because they blow up in the moment—or because they move too slow. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down how to control your emotions when feedback hits hard, why perception trumps reality, and how speed separates leaders from the rest. Not theory—practical, tactical …

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Makenzie Morrill: "Look for the Duct Tape" in Marketing and Customer Success 19:55

2M ago19:55

19:55

In this episode, we chat with Makenzie Morrill, Marketing Mgr at Spartronics, about her journey into manufacturing, networking, and "looking for the duct tape" when solving customer challenges. She shares lessons from being a one-person marketing team, how AMA fuels her growth, and why AI is best as an assistant (not a replacement).…

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MEP Impact: Empowering Small Manufacturers with Training, Partnerships and Advocacy w/ Pete Connolly

2M ago

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In today’s conversation, you'll hear from CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Pete Connolly. Pete has spent over 40 years navigating the manufacturing landscape – from running divisions at a global defense company to leading a statewide organization dedicated to empowering small and midsize manufacturers. He’ll break down what th…

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Episode 118 – Stop Talking, Start Solving: The Engineer’s Guide to Raising Issues 16:32

2M ago16:32

16:32

Negativity spreads faster than bad code reviews—and it can tank your career. Too many engineers air frustrations in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and end up damaging trust instead of fixing problems. In this episode, Jake and Steve Maxey break down the real playbook for raising issues without becoming “that person.” Not theory—practical, tact…

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How Soft Skills Drive High-Impact Engineering Teams w/ Aaron Moncur

2M ago

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What separates high-performing engineering teams from the rest? In this conversation, founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering, Aaron Moncur, will talk about the often overlooked drivers of engineering success, from the power of clear communication to the role of psychological safety and trust within teams. He'll explain why technical expertise alo…

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Episode 117 – Action Over Anxiety: The Playbook for Early-Career Engineers 22:52

2M ago22:52

22:52

Stepping into your first engineering job? The anxiety is real—but it doesn’t have to own you. In this episode, Jake and Steve Maxey break down the exact playbook for engineers in their first year on the job. Not theory—practical, tactical advice to cut through the noise, avoid rookie burnout, and start stacking wins that actually build confidence. …

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Agentic AI and the Future of Asset Lifecycle Management w/ Kendra DeKeyrel

2M ago

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In today's conversation, Vice President, Asset Lifecycle Management Products and Engineering at IBM, Kendra DeKeyrel, shares how AI is already making a difference on factory floors – from visual inspections that spot defects in real time to smart software that optimizes field service and work orders. But what happens when AI can act autonomously, a…

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Episode 116: Guest Brian Walch - The 3 Stages of Career Growth: What Engineers Need and Managers Overlook 59:10

2M ago59:10

59:10

Most engineers think career growth is about waiting for promotions or cranking out projects. It isn’t. In this episode, Brian Walch—leadership coach, consultant, and founder of Shift Focus Coaching and Consulting—breaks down the real framework for building a fulfilling career and the role managers play in making (or breaking) it. Not theory—practic…

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Ben Hanfling: How Understanding Customer Needs Drives Product Development & Revenue Growth 20:06

2M ago20:06

20:06

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Ben Hanfling, Chief Revenue Officer at Bay Cities Metal Products, a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in roofing and building products. Ben discusses the importance of listening to customers, empowering employees, and the strategic thinking required to increase revenue in a c…

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Workforce as Critical Infrastructure: Following North Carolina's Model w/ John Loyack

2M ago

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In today’s conversation, Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System, John Loyack, will use the success of his home state to illustrate what it takes to become a thriving manufacturing hub today. You’ll hear why the workforce itself must be treated as critical infrastructure – every bit as important as roa…

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Episode 115 - Nice Won’t Make You Better — Truth Will 18:25

2M ago18:25

18:25

Most engineers want feedback—until it stings. Then they explain it away, blame the delivery, or wait for someone “better” to say it. That’s how careers stall. In this episode, I break down how to separate signal from noise, use even the roughest feedback to grow, and stop making your improvement someone else’s responsibility. Not theory—practical, …

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How Should Architects + Structural Engineers Work Together? w/ Point B Design Group & A-1 Engineers 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

Why don't Architects sketch with clients anymore? And why don't Engineers invest in teaching their Architect collaborators? These two Austin firms have revolutionized collaboration by front-loading coordination, using paper to build trust, and aligning billing phases perfectly. In this episode, you will learn: → Why front-loading structural knowled…

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Rapid Reshoring: Building a Reliable North American Supply Chain w/ Mike Wynn

3M ago

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From a global pandemic to kick off this decade to the tariff rollercoaster of 2025, recent history has created plenty of reasons for American manufacturers to assemble a base of credible, responsive suppliers right here in North America. In today's conversation, Vice President at Advanced Purchasing Dynamics, Mike Wynn, will discuss why purchasing …

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How this Architect quit corporate life to start a new firm but without all the growing pains 9:02

3M ago9:02

9:02

In this episode, two ex-corporate architects explain how running their own business actually meant less admin than being employees at a large company. What you'll learn: → Why small firms can now punch above their weight with the right tools → How to set up professional operations in 30 days instead of months → The payment processing strategy that …

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Episode 114 - Still Drowning? You're Addicted to Noise 24:47

3M ago24:47

24:47

Tired of feeling overloaded no matter how hard you work? This episode breaks it down. It’s not about adding more energy—it’s about deleting what doesn’t matter. Jake lays out a ruthless framework for increasing clarity, output, and agency by maximizing your signal-to-noise ratio. Not theory—practical, tactical advice for engineers buried in distrac…

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Hospitality Design w/ Michael Hsu, FAIA + APTUS - How Should Architects + MEP Engineers Work Together? 44:22

3M ago44:22

44:22

Creating the perfect restaurant vibe requires controlling air temperature, velocity, day lighting, and acoustic quality all at once, but most architect-engineer teams can't coordinate at this level. In this conversation, you'll hear how these Austin-based firms have sustained their decade-plus partnership working on everything from P. Terry's locat…

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Episode 113 - We Finally Solved It (You're Welcome) 3:05

3M ago3:05

3:05

You'll definitely want to know what we have discovered in this episode. We're very excited to share this with you all.By Steve & Jake Maxey - The Impactful Engineers

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Lessons from Toyota: Building Aligned Manufacturing Organizations w/ Mark Reich

3M ago

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In today's episode, senior coach at Lean Enterprise Institute, Mark Reich, dives into a Japanese strategic planning methodology that was born out of Toyota. Known as Hoshin Kanri, this system is focused on building alignment from the executive suite down to the shop floor, and driving meaningful action at every level. In our conversation, we'll dis…

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How this Architect became more selective with clients using Monograph 3:56

3M ago3:56

3:56

Architecture firms often accept any project that comes their way, but what if you could use data to choose only the clients who value your expertise? In this episode, you will learn: → How to replace fragmented spreadsheets with unified financial tracking systems → Why historical project data transforms proposal accuracy and profitability → How to …

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Episode 112: The Doors Will Come—Will You Have the Key or Just Regret? 35:59

3M ago35:59

35:59

You don’t know which doors you’ll need to open—until they’re locked in your face. And when that moment comes, it’s too damn late to wish you had started building your network. This episode isn’t about “networking.” It’s about regret-proofing your career. Jake and Steve break down the truth engineers don’t hear enough: the relationships you build to…

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How Should Architects + Structural Engineers Work Together? (w/ Arch11 and KL&A Engineers) 44:38

3M ago44:38

44:38

Most architects treat engineers like a service you hand work to, but what if your breakthrough moments happen when you start conceptual conversations before making any structural decisions? What you'll learn: → Why bringing consultants to the table "as quickly and early as possible" unlocks structural innovation most firms never discover → How to r…

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How Should Architects + Engineers Work Together? (w/ Studio GWA + Angus Young) 55:22

3M ago55:22

55:22

Architects don’t design alone. But real collaboration between firms? That’s the hard part. In this episode, you’ll learn what it actually takes to run successful projects across architecture and engineering teams, such as: → How to build trust between teams and clients → How to structure timelines across consultants → How to handle late invoices, d…

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Mike Womack: Elevating Manufacturers with Marketing and Advocacy 22:34

3M ago22:34

22:34

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Mike Womack, Director of Marketing and Communications at NJMEP. We discuss how manufacturers can utilize marketing, adapt to AI, and thrive despite limited resources.By Ryan Cote

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How Manufacturers Can Engage Website Visitors in Real Human Conversations w/ Nelson Bruton

3M ago

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How can you transform a website visit from a qualified prospect into a real, human conversation? This is the question my guest, President of ManufacturingChats.com, Nelson Bruton, will be answering in today's episode. Specifically, he'll explain how a human-powered website chat function can drive that engagement. In this conversation, we'll explore…

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How Should Architects + Landscape Architects Work Together? (w/ Shape Architecture + Superbloom) 1:05:19

3M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

A&E project collaboration sounds great–until projects go over budget, scope gets muddy, and no one's sure who's doing what. In this episode, two award-winning design firms share how they actually make collaboration work: → How to staff and structure projects across two firms → How to run weekly planning and manage deadlines → How to divide scope, r…

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Episode 111: How to Ruin a High-Performing Team 18:22

3M ago18:22

18:22

In this episode, Jake and Steve break down a real-world story of a promising project derailed by ego-driven leadership—and how it quietly destroyed the motivation of a high-performing engineering team. If you've ever worked under someone who needed to be the smartest in the room, this one will hit home. Not theory—practical, tactical advice. Key To…

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Finding the Root Causes of Success Rather Than Failure w/ George Pesansky

3M ago

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George Pesansky has spent more than 30 years driving operational excellence and performance improvement in the manufacturing sector. And his perspective turns some conventional wisdom on its head. In this episode, he’ll reveal why focusing on the root causes of SUCCESS (rather than failure), leads to breakthrough results on the shop floor and beyon…

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Episode 110: From Friction to Force Multiplier — Traits of Impactful Engineers 40:40

3M ago40:40

40:40

In this episode, Jake and Steve break down the core traits that separate engineers who accelerate teams from those who quietly stall progress. This is a raw, practical conversation about how ego shows up in engineering—and how to replace it with real influence, clear communication, and team-building behaviors that actually get noticed. Not theory—p…

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Reshaping the Homebuilding Industry with Advanced Robotics and Microfactories w/ Vikas Enti

4M ago

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Imagine a future where homes are built faster, more affordably, and with the flexibility to meet the needs of any community—all while tackling the immense challenge of climate change. Today’s conversation is centered on rethinking one of the world’s oldest industries: construction. Co-Founder and CEO of Reframe Systems, Vikas Enti, will explore why…

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Episode 109: Guest David Hall - If You Think More Than You Speak, You’re Not Broken—You’re Dangerous 55:50

4M ago55:50

55:50

This one’s for every engineer who’s ever been told to “speak up more” without being given a blueprint. David Hall—author of Minding Your Time and host of The Quiet and Strong Podcast—joins us to dismantle the noise around introversion in the workplace. He’s not here with theory. This is tactical, field-tested insight for deep thinkers who want to l…

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Industrial DataOps and Rise of AI Agents w/ Aron Semle

4M ago

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In this conversation, Chief Technology Officer of HighByte, Aron Semle, dives into the concept of Industrial DataOps. He talks about some of the unique challenges with collecting and managing data in manufacturing environments and the importance of contextualizing it all to drive action. Aron also touches on the the rise of AI agents. He explains h…

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Episode 108: Guest Mark Smith - Fired, Hired, and Thriving — Real Lessons from the Early Career Shitshow 52:59

4M ago52:59

52:59

Episode 108: Guest Mark Smith - Fired, Hired, and Thriving — Real Lessons from the Early Career Shitshow Your first engineering job might suck. It might burn you out, betray your expectations, or end with you getting fired. That’s not a failure—it’s training. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Smith, founder of Bothwell Engineering, to unpack t…

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Jon M. Williams: The Evolution from EV Batteries to Broader Energy Solutions 20:39

4M ago20:39

20:39

In this episode, we speak with Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi Parente, a company at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. With over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jon offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and the evolving landscape of battery technology.By Ryan Cote

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Fair Chance Hiring: Transforming Businesses and Lives w/ Marcus Sheanshang

4M ago

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In today's conversation, CEO of JBM Packaging, Marcus Sheanshang, will share how his company's Fair Chance Hiring program – focused on recruiting, hiring and training previously incarcerated individuals – has not only filled critical staffing gaps but created transformational second chances in their lives. From setting up training equipment inside …

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Episode 107: Learn the Game: Systems, Strategy, and the Equity You’re Missing 24:37

4M ago24:37

24:37

Episode 107: Learn the Game: Systems, Strategy, and the Equity You’re Missing In this no-BS breakdown, Jake and Steve dive deep into what separates high performers from invisible ICs. It's not just about doing the work—it's about building value that compounds over time. From turning templates into leverage, to earning internal loyalty and external …