Episode 124 – Don’t Be a Paper Engineer with Brooke MacFee

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 conversation cuts through theory—it’s practical, tactical advice on how to become the kind of engineer people trust, respect, and remember.Key Topics Covered• How to stop underestimating yourself and build real confidence through action • Why “hands-on” engineers earn more respect than those who just model or analyze • The real reason you shouldn’t hide behind your resume • The power of authenticity—how Brooke’s “powerlifting” line landed her a job offer • What “paper engineers” get wrong about credibility and growth • The value of saying “I don’t know” in interviews—and what to say next • Lessons learned from bad management and early-career missteps • How to navigate bias and authority as a young or female engineer • Turning early mistakes into long-term career assets • Why every job—good or bad—teaches you something you’ll need laterActionable Steps• Ask questions early and often—especially when you don’t know the answer • Always get hands-on; build something, fix something, learn from doing • Add personal details to your resume that show who you really are • When you’re new, sit with technicians and operators—learn their world • Don’t overcompensate with authority; lead with curiosity and competence • Practice humility in interviews—your thinking process matters more than perfection • Visit every facility before accepting an offer—see the culture with your own eyes • Apply the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize what actually moves your career • Eliminate distractions that don’t serve your growth or goals • Focus on solving more problems than you create—every single dayWho This Episode Is For• Engineers early in their careers who feel overlooked or unsure where they fit • Those afraid to interview or explore new roles while still employed • Technical pros who want to lead without losing credibility • Engineers ready to stop playing it safe and start owning their path • Anyone who’s ever been told they’re “too quiet,” “too new,” or “too different”Why It MattersBeing impactful isn’t about titles or talk—it’s about results. The engineers who grow fastest aren’t the loudest or the smartest. They’re the ones who stay real, stay curious, and keep their hands dirty. Confidence isn’t built by pretending—it’s built by doing.Connect with Brooke💼 LinkedIn – Brooke MacFeeWhere to ListenSpotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcastsShareIf this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.