Level up with Hakim #25 From Soldering to Success: John McDonald's Journey

SummaryIn this episode of "Level Up" Hakim interviews John McDonald, a remarkable figure whose journey spans engineering, leadership, and personal transformation. John reflects on his early fascination with electricity, which began in sixth grade when he taught himself to solder and fix electronics. His passion for engineering led him to Purdue University, where a pivotal meeting with Professor Ahmed El Abiad set the course for his career in power engineering. John shares how this mentorship shaped his path and instilled in him the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent in others, a theme that resonates throughout his professional life.John discusses his commitment to lifelong learning and personal health. At the age of 59, he embarked on a journey to improve his fitness, inspired by his children. This transformation not only led him to win 5K races but also reinforced his belief that it’s never too late to make significant changes in life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to John McDonald02:22 Early Fascination with Electricity07:59 A Defining Moment at Purdue12:04 The Importance of Mentorship19:37 Understanding the Business Side of Engineering26:20 Leadership in IEEE and Giving Back33:37 Transforming Health at 5941:31 Winning 5K Races and Personal Growth45:41 What Does Level Up Mean?47:44 Untitled design.mp4About the Show* What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond.💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar.Connect with John   https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndougmcdonald/ LinkedinListen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u2m...