Inside Out Engineering Podcast

Engineering change is rarely a technical problem. It’s a people problem.In this episode, I’m joined by Chad Jackson, CEO of Lifecycle Insights, to talk about how engineering orgs can make smarter, data-driven decisions without disrupting teams or triggering resistance. We unpack value vs risk, why “digital transformation” isn’t always the answer, how continuous improvement should be small and empowering, and what emotionally intelligent leadership looks like when change gets real.If you lead engineers (or you are one), this is your playbook for evolution over revolution.

In this engaging conversation, Nikki Maginn and Jessica North explore the journey of engineers, particularly focusing on the transition from engineering roles to project management. They discuss the challenges faced by engineers in balancing technical responsibilities with project management duties, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for self-advocacy in navigating career paths. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding meaning in work and the interconnectedness of roles within engineering teams. In this conversation, Nikki Maginn and Jessica North discuss the critical importance of rest and recovery in the workplace, the dynamics of leadership and team performance, and the necessity of creating effective systems in project management. They explore the human factor in project management, the impact of AI on the workforce, and the need for sustainability and resilience in communities. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and the cultural issues that organizations face today.Connect with Jessica here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicanorthens/Connect with Nikki here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-maginn/

This episode of the Inside Out Engineering Podcast features host Nikki Maginn in conversation with Chris Whaley, founder of Escape to Expand. Chris shares his unconventional journey from aerospace and industrial engineering into the world of Human Resources, ultimately serving as a VP of HR. The discussion bridges the gap between technical logic and the "gray area" of human emotions and organizational culture. The conversation dives deep into the ethics of corporate culture, the role of HR in restructurings, and why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ultimate differentiator in the age of AI.

What if trusting your intuition made you a better engineer?In this episode, Nikki Maginn is joined by Bruno Yoshioka, Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft and founder of Key to Awaken LLC. Bruno shares how a lifelong pursuit of music unexpectedly led him into software engineering, and how embracing his creative, human side became a leadership advantage rather than a liability.Together, Nikki and Bruno explore the real skills engineers need beyond technical expertise: navigating the shift from school to corporate life, redefining the manager relationship, creating psychological safety, owning your career path, and leading authentically without copying someone else’s blueprint.The conversation also introduces intuition, coaching, and Human Design as tools for self-awareness and decision-making in engineering environments. If you’ve ever felt tension between being logical and being human at work, this episode offers language, frameworks, and lived experience to help bridge that gap.

What does it really take to lead with authenticity in high-stakes corporate environments?In this episode of the Inside Out Engineering Podcast, Nikki Maginn sits down with Lori Lalonde — CEO and Founder of Her Executive Ascent — for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and the realities women face as they rise through complex organizations.Lori’s journey is anything but linear. From an early pivot out of university to becoming a software developer, to leading large-scale digital transformation across Microsoft’s partner ecosystem and Manulife, Lori built a nearly 30-year career in tech before stepping away from corporate life to create the leadership program she wished existed earlier in her journey.Together, Nikki and Lori explore the human side of leadership — the stories behind the titles, the setbacks that shape resilience, and the emotional intelligence required to lead people, not just projects.This conversation goes beyond theory. It’s real, reflective, and at times spicy — covering everything from career pivots and motherhood to therapy, identity, workplace culture, and the invisible labor many women carry in leadership roles.You’ll hear insights on:• Finding clarity and purpose after unexpected life changes• Building resilience through therapy, self-awareness, and community• The hidden “caretaker” expectations placed on women in leadership• Why tactical leadership training often disappears as you move up• How emotional intelligence rebuilds trust in modern workplaces• The tension between corporate systems and human-centered leadership• Designing leadership development that is practical, strategic, and accessibleLori also shares the vision behind Her Executive Ascent — a program built by women, for women, focused on giving senior leaders the strategic and financial skills they need to lead with confidence and authenticity.At its core, this episode is a reminder that leadership is never just about outcomes. It’s about people, connection, and the courage to lead in alignment with your values.Connect with Lori Lalonde:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorilalonde/🔗 Her Executive Ascent: https://www.herexecutiveascent.com/en-ca/homeConnect with Nikki / Inside Out Engineering:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-maginn/🔗 Learn more about Inside Out Engineering: www.insideoutengineering.comIf this conversation resonated with you, share it with a leader, colleague, or friend who’s navigating their own leadership journey.And if you’re an engineer, technical professional, or people leader who believes leadership starts from the inside out — you’re in the right place.

In our conversation, Blake Sanchez shares his journey as an engineer, discussing the importance of education , the value of learning through experience, and the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership. We talk about the importance of clear communication, the role of failure in growth, and the importance of creating a safe environment for team members to thrive. The discussion also touches on the various roles within engineering and the necessity of understanding different perspectives in a collaborative work environment.Chapters00:00 Engineering Origins: A Journey Begins02:04 The Transition from Engineer to Leader04:23 Learning Through Failure: The Value of Experience06:46 Creating a Safe Environment for Growth09:33 The Importance of Trust in Leadership12:02 Maintaining Calm in High-Stress Situations14:31 The Art of Communication in Leadership16:57 Understanding Outcomes: The Impact of Decisions19:36 Leading with Influence: The Role of Self-Awareness28:38 Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership30:30 Clarifying Roles in Engineering33:35 Navigating Career Expectations33:59 Understanding Different Engineering Roles37:26 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence41:06 Learning from Failure and Growth

In this kickoff episode of Inside Out Engineering, Nikki sits down with longtime friend and industrial systems engineer Heather Critz to explore how growing up in rural Alabama shaped Heather’s path into tech consulting and operational excellence. We unpack how emotional intelligence shows up in places we often overlook, why systems engineering is more human than most people think, and how process, communication, and self-awareness intersect in the workplace. It’s a conversation about roots, reinvention, and the hidden EQ behind every “logical” decision engineers make.In this episode we cover:- Heather’s journey from rural Alabama to a decade in tech consulting- Industrial and systems engineering through the lens of people and process- How EQ quietly drives operations, efficiency, and influence- The misconceptions about what “counts” as engineering- The role upbringing and environment play in how we problem-solve- Learning to adapt communication styles without losing authenticity- How emotional intelligence builds stronger cross-functional teams- Why “soft skills” are actually high-leverage engineering skills- The growing need for human-centered technical leadership- Using process thinking to navigate complexity, conflict, and changeWho this episode is for:Aspiring engineers, early-career professionals, technical leaders, operations-minded problem-solvers, and anyone curious how emotional intelligence fuels high-performance teams.Mentions / Themes:- Emotional intelligence in technical fields- Systems thinking- Process excellence- Communication in engineering culture