Episode 106: Guest Aaron Moncur - If You’re Not Building Energy, You’re Dying at Your Desk

Episode 106: Guest Aaron Moncur - If You’re Not Building Energy, You’re Dying at Your DeskGuest: Aaron Moncur, Founder of Pipeline Design & EngineeringIn this episode of The Impactful Engineer Podcast, Jake and Steve sit down with Aaron Moncur—founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering and host of The Being an Engineer podcast—to talk about the career factor too many engineers ignore: energy.Not caffeine. Not motivation. The kind of energy that keeps you clear-headed, confident, and ready to lead. The kind that fuels your career—or quietly kills it.Aaron shares how getting laid off launched his business, what he learned about designing roles that energize instead of drain, and how engineers can stay sharp without burning out.This one’s for the builders who feel stuck. For the quiet grinders wondering why it still doesn’t feel right. For the engineers who know they’ve got more in the tank but can’t seem to access it.Key Topics Covered:Why getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to Aaron’s careerThe task-by-task audit that changed how he workedHow to identify what’s draining you—and fix itWhen your job is “fine” but feels soul-crushingTactical ways to recharge without checking outHow journaling and AI can supercharge self-awarenessA 3-part model for finding your high-energy, high-impact zoneWhy productivity systems matter more than hours workedCreating a role inside your company—or creating your ownWhy fun side projects may hold your next moveActionable Steps:List what gives and drains energy—then track itRate weekly tasks by energy and impactAdd a short weekly reflection to spot patternsTry Aaron’s AI journaling trick to review your mindsetStart one habit that adds energy to your dayPropose a project that aligns with your strengthsTurn repeated tasks into systems that save energyGet a mentor or coach to check your blind spotsCelebrate energizing wins—even the quiet onesShift from “doing the work” to designing how you workWho This Episode Is For:Engineers quietly burning out but still performingHigh performers feeling oddly drainedNew grads trying to find tractionAnyone who wants to build energy instead of lose itWhy It Matters:Energy is your fuel. If you don’t manage it, your performance, motivation, and growth will stall—no matter how smart you are. This episode shows how to track, protect, and multiply it—so you can do work that actually sustains you.Where to Listen:SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsOr wherever you get your podcasts.If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.