What if your biggest challenge with AI adoption isn’t technology it’s people?

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant talks with Karrie Sullivan, founder of Culminate Strategy Group, about what it really takes to lead teams through transformation. Karrie shares how she combines psychology, data, and AI to help organizations navigate change with less resistance and more clarity.

You’ll hear real-world examples of how emotional intelligence (EQ) can accelerate adoption, build stronger teams, and reduce the emotional drama that derails strategic initiatives. Whether you're managing a project, leading an M&A, or simply trying to help your team thrive, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss

⏱️ Key Moments in the Episode

00:00 – 02:00 – Introduction

02:00 – 07:00 – Karrie’s journey from marketing to transformation and AI consulting

07:00 – 13:00 – How data-driven EQ helps teams adopt change more effectively

13:00 – 17:00 – Case study: M&A roadblocks, seller’s remorse, and emotional drama

17:00 – 23:00 – Leading engineers: Learning styles, trust, and team dynamics

23:00 – 30:00 – Risk-taking, burnout, and redefining success at work and at home

30:00 – 38:00 – Coaching frameworks, impostor syndrome, and self-worth

38:00 – 42:00 – Final thoughts, continuous growth, and how to connect with Karrie

👤 Guest Information

Karrie Sullivan

💡 Key Insights & Takeaways

🧠 Notable Quotes

“EQ isn’t about hugging employees. It’s about solving complex problems while letting go of fear, guilt, and shame.” — Karrie Sullivan

“You create that little bit of need to belong… and magic just happens. Adoption just happens.” — Karrie Sullivan

  Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home.

Through a blend of executive coaching, business consulting, and strategic content solutions, we help you:

Learn more at engineeryoursuccessnow.com

Follow Dr. James Bryant | https://sleek.bio/jbryant

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant interviews Brian Wagner, a professional engineer with over 20 years of experience who draws fascinating parallels between baseball and engineering leadership. Brian discusses his new book "Rounding The Bases: Winning Communication and Leadership for Engineers" and shares insights on effective communication across different audiences.

Brian Wagner

Engineer Your Success helps technical professionals develop the leadership and communication skills needed to excel in their careers. We believe you don't have to choose between success and sanity - you can thrive in both your professional and personal life.

How do you stay motivated, ethical, and impactful in engineering—even when everything around you is changing? On this episode of the Engineer Your Success Podcast, Dr. James Bryant talks with Dr. Emily Grubert, a nationally respected researcher in infrastructure and energy systems at Notre Dame. They cover how engineers can adapt to shrinking grant funding, political resistance to climate policy, and a changing professional landscape—while staying true to their mission. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for building a future-ready engineering career, grounded in ethics, resilience, and real-world value.

🧠 Topics We Cover:

• How engineers can respond when funding disappears

00:00 Energy Transition Challenges Amidst Rhetoric

05:21 Optimistic Environmental Progress Paths

07:44 Optimizing Infrastructure for Change

12:21 Prioritize Design for Green Buildings

13:55 Predictable Problems: Proactive Solutions

16:55 From Biology to Engineering

21:33 "Transportation Leadership Internship Program"

23:11 Civil Engineering: A Meaningful Profession

27:27 Redefining Ambition

28:51 Infrastructure & Safety Expertise Offered

👤 About Dr. Emily Grubert

📲 Connect with Emily Grubert

→ Email: [email protected]

→ University Profile: https://keough.nd.edu/profile/emily-grubert/

👨‍🏫 Connect with the Host – Dr. James Bryant

James Bryant | SleekBio

A Father-Son Conversation on Success and Life: Preparing for College and Beyond In this special audio-only episode of the Engineer Your Success podcast, hosted by Dr. James Bryant, he sits down with his son, James Bryant III (JT), as he prepares to start his freshman year at Virginia Tech.

They discuss important topics such as building habits for college success, the difference between good and great people, calculated risks, and the essential values for leading a fulfilled life. With heartfelt fatherly pride and wisdom, Dr. Bryant shares his experiences, offering advice on mastering challenges and the importance of personal growth. Whether you're a parent or a young adult, this episode presents valuable insights for navigating life's transitions.

00:00 Introduction to a Special Episode

01:34 Father-Son Conversation Begins

02:12 JT's College Preparations and Habits

03:52 Dr. Bryant's Business Motivation

04:55 Advice to Younger Self

06:56 Calculated Risks and Faith

08:25 Legacy and Current Challenges

13:25 Books and Final Thoughts

16:39 Conclusion and Parting Words

Connect with Dr. Bryant

James Bryant | SleekBio

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant interviews Kevin Moore, Executive Vice President at Rimkus, about his extensive career in structural engineering and his evolution into executive leadership. Kevin shares how his upbringing and years in technical roles shaped his leadership philosophy — with a strong emphasis on authenticity, empathy, and elevating others.

The conversation covers:

Moving from technical execution to people leadership

The value of serving clients well

Creating high-performing teams through transparency

Balancing work ambition with personal life

Preparing for the future of engineering, including technology and inclusion

Whether you're climbing the leadership ladder or helping others grow, Kevin’s insights offer a powerful roadmap for leading with integrity and impact.

00:00 – Introduction to Engineer Your Success

00:42 – Meet Kevin Moore: A Journey in Structural Engineering

02:35 – Transition to Executive Leadership

07:32 – The Importance of Authentic Leadership

15:38 – Managing a Large Team

18:01 – A Message to the Team Kevin Leads

21:13 – Leadership Advice for Aspiring Executives

21:23 – Advice for Aspiring Engineering Leaders

21:43 – The Importance of Confidence and Planning

23:45 – Interview Anecdote: Speaking the Right Language

30:32 – Balancing Work and Personal Life

33:29 – The Future of Engineering: Technology and Diversity

37:46 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Kevin

Kevin Moore is a nationally recognized structural engineer and executive leader with decades of experience in advanced analysis, design, and evaluation of buildings in high seismic regions. Over the course of his career, Kevin has evaluated more than 500 buildings and contributed to some of California’s largest and most complex structural steel projects, including the Sacramento Kings Arena, Loma Linda Hospital, and 200 Park.

A lifelong Californian, Kevin brings deep expertise in navigating some of the nation’s most stringent building code environments. His work spans new construction, existing building evaluations, and construction engineering support at scale.

In addition to his technical accomplishments, Kevin is a passionate advocate for the structural engineering profession. As a leader within the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC), he helped launch and fund two endowments focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry.

Currently serving as Executive Vice President at Rimkus, Kevin now leads a 400-person business unit — combining his engineering roots with a people-first leadership approach.

When he’s not leading teams or shaping the future of engineering, you’ll find him on the track racing his early 1990s BMW.

Contact Kevin: Email | [email protected] | Kevin Moore | LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Bryant

James Bryant | SleekBio

Join host Dr. James Bryant as he interviews Aaron Shavel, a seasoned civil engineer with a decade of experience in New York City's transit construction sector. Discover how Aaron navigated his path from field engineer to managing multimillion-dollar MTA projects, and explore his insights on leadership transitions, preventing burnout, and finding work-life balance in the demanding construction industry. Aaron shares valuable wisdom on team building and his "train your replacement" philosophy while discussing his current pivot toward infrastructure policy work.

00:00 - Introduction and Aaron's background

03:00 - Career transition to infrastructure policy work

05:36 - The realities of working in general contracting

07:00 - Managing burnout and work-life balance

08:10 - Leadership transition challenges 

10:46 - Effective leadership strategies and team building

13:26 - The "train your replacement" mentality

15:06 - Future career planning and reflection

18:28 - Role reversal Q&A with Dr. Bryant

21:09 - Final thoughts and closing remarks

Aaron Shavel is a New York City-based civil engineer specializing in rail and transit construction. With extensive experience managing complex projects for the MTA and Long Island Railroad, Aaron has recently joined the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure to help shape nationwide infrastructure policy.

Engineer Your Success is the podcast for technical professionals who want to grow as leaders, build meaningful careers, and live fulfilled—at work and at home. Hosted by Dr. James Bryant, the show blends practical strategies and real-life stories to help you lead with intention, whether you're advancing in your role, managing a team, or growing a business. With insights drawn from industry, government, and national organizations, each episode equips you with tools to thrive professionally without losing sight of what matters most.

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

Engineer Your Success: Building Liberia’s Future Through Infrastructure with Jackson Jala Yoko In this episode of 'Engineer Your Success,' host Dr. James Bryant welcomes Jackson Jala Yoko, a civil engineer with a remarkable journey from war-torn Liberia to successful infrastructure projects in the US, and back to his homeland. Jackson shares his childhood experiences during the Liberian civil war, his escape from becoming a child soldier, and his passion for education. After gaining extensive experience in the US, Jackson discusses his return to Liberia to establish his own company with the goal of empowering local Liberians and developing sustainable infrastructure. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, vision, and the drive to make a positive impact on one's home country.

00:00 Introduction: A Childhood Amidst Conflict

00:47 Welcome to Engineer Your Success

02:04 Guest Introduction: Jackson Jala Yoko

02:20 Educational Journey and Professional Achievements

05:30 Returning to Liberia: Vision and Challenges

14:06 Opportunities in Liberia and Africa

16:13 Role Reversal: Interviewing the Host

18:38 Conclusion: Building Something Great

Jackson Jallah Yoko is the founder of Ducor Engineers & Constructors and a civil engineer with 15+ years of experience across Liberia and the United States. Born in Monrovia during Liberia's civil conflict, he persevered to earn his Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Stella Maris Polytechnic and dual Master's degrees from the University of Texas.

His impressive portfolio includes managing multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects including the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Terminal F ($3.5B), Dallas Area Rapid Transit Cotton Belt Line ($1.2B), and numerous commercial developments as a Regional Project Manager overseeing $120M in projects across Texas and Louisiana.

After building his expertise abroad, Jackson returned to Liberia in 2024 to lead infrastructure development initiatives focused on building local capacity and creating sustainable solutions for his homeland through public-private partnerships.

Website URL

www.ducorengineers-constructors.com

 LinkedIn Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-jallah-yoko-b4b8124b/

Engineer Your Success 

Let's connect! Find Dr. James Bryant on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. I'd love to hear from you.

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

 You have the strength of a hero within you. Check out my website, www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com, and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.

In this episode of the Engineer Your Success podcast, host Dr. James Bryant welcomes Johnathan Meade, the CEO of Meade Engineering. Johnathan shares his intriguing journey from working as an electrical drafter in his family business, to venturing into the financial world with Charles Schwab, and eventually returning to helm Meade Engineering. He discusses key decisions in his career, the motivation behind those decisions, and the challenges of navigating growth within the engineering space. Jonathan candidly opens up about the responsibility and accountability that come with leadership roles and shares a valuable lesson learned from a major mistake. He also emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight and empowering teams to manage challenges effectively. For those interested in how personal growth, family legacy, and business strategies intertwine in the engineering industry, this episode is a must-listen!

00:00 Introduction to Engineer Your Success

01:14 Early Career and Education 04:05 Journey at Charles Schwab

11:58 Return to Meade Engineering

15:51 Strategic Growth and Leadership

19:04 Navigating Challenges and Future Planning

24:29 Lessons from Mistakes

27:16 Preparing for the Next Level

31:06 Vision for the Future

38:19 Personal Journey and Motivation

43:14 Insights on Success

Arizona native Johnathan Meade, MBA, CEO of Phoenix-based Meade Engineering, carries extensive corporate finance, strategy development, digital product management and early set, hands-on industry experience under his father, Meade Engineering's original owner. Initially drawn to economics at Arizona State University, he redirected his educational path to business and finance. Johnathan then achieved his MBA at Pepperdine and began his journey through the corporate realm. Johnathan honed his financial expertise during a tenure at Charles Schwab, where he played a pivotal role in an internal team of consultants advising on Charles Schwab's strategic initiatives. His leadership and strategic prowess earned him recognition as an innovator within the company. In 2022, Johnathan Meade decided to return to his roots at Meade Engineering. Since then, he has assembled a team of highly-experienced professionals dedicated to crafting cutting-edge designs for electrical infrastructure. These innovations provide critical electricity solutions to mission-critical facilities nationwide, solidifying Johnathan's position as a leader in the field.

Guest Links: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnathanmeade/

Let's connect! Find Dr. James Bryant on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. I'd love to hear from you.

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

 You have the strength of a hero within you. Check out my website, www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com, and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.

Are you leveraging your personal brand to its full potential? In this episode, Dr. James Bryant sits down with branding expert Ari Weinstein to explore how engineers and technical professionals can stand out in their industry. Discover how effective communication, storytelling, and a strong brand identity can propel your career.

Struggling with imposter syndrome? Learn actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt and confidently showcase your expertise.

✅ [00:01:30] The key to standing out in a competitive job market

✅ [00:06:15] How to clearly communicate your expertise and build credibility

✅ [00:12:20] The power of networking: why it’s not just about who you know, but who knows you

✅ [00:18:40] Strategies for building an authentic online presence that attracts opportunities

✅ [00:22:00] Common personal branding mistakes—and how to avoid them

📘 Dive deeper into personal branding – Get Ari Weinstein's ebook: [[email protected]]

Ready to engineer your own success? 

Let's connect! Find Dr. James Bryant on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbryant2/

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/

You have the strength of a hero within you. Check out my website, www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com, and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.

Feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list? Pilots have a system to stay calm, focused, and in control—even at 38,000 feet. In this episode, Bobby Dutton shares the Aviate, Navigate, Communicate framework to help you prioritize like a pro, manage your time efficiently, and thrive in business and life.

In this high-impact episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant interviews Bobby Dutton, a computer engineer who found his passion at the intersection of technical expertise and creative expression.  Bobby shares how he built GBM Six (formerly Groove Boston Mission Six), transforming the college concert experience by focusing on technical excellence rather than traditional performer-centered approaches. His events create immersive experiences using engineering principles to maximize impact.  The conversation reveals Bobby's powerful "Think Like a Pilot" framework based on three principles:

Bobby dismantles the multitasking myth, explaining how single-tasking with full attention creates dramatically better results. Learn his color-coding calendar system that distinguishes between time-sensitive tasks and flexible commitments, plus his email management approach that prevents the inbox from controlling your day.

For engineers and entrepreneurs struggling with overwhelm, this episode provides actionable systems to regain control, enhance productivity, and find your flow state.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction - Engineering Success Through Events

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Bobby Dutton is a computer engineering graduate who has successfully merged his technical expertise with his passion for events and aviation. As the founder of Groove Boston Mission Six (now GBM Six), Bobby revolutionized the college concert experience by shifting focus from traditional single-artist performances to technically innovative, music-variety events that better align with modern music consumption habits.

Bobby's approach to event production centers on creating memorable experiences by reallocating budgets from talent fees to advanced technical elements like lighting and visual effects. His company's mission is simple yet profound: "to make people happy" through immersive, high-energy events across the country.

Beyond his event business, Bobby is a licensed private pilot who applies aviation principles to his business and personal life. He advocates for "thinking like a pilot" through the framework of "aviate, navigate, communicate" - prioritizing focus on the present task, planning effectively, and managing communications strategically. This methodical approach helps him maintain productivity and clarity amid competing demands.

Bobby is passionate about productivity systems, particularly what he calls "aggressive calendaring" - ensuring calendars accurately reflect actual time usage and priorities. His methodical approach to email management and task prioritization stems from his engineering background and pilot's discipline.

Bobby can be found sharing productivity and aviation insights at ThinkLikeAPilot.com and on Instagram at @pilotthinking, while his event business operates at gbmsix.com

Guest Links: → Website: thinklikeapilot.com → Instagram: @pilotthinking → Event Company: gbm6.com

Host Links: → Dr. James Bryant: engineeryoursuccess.com → Instagram: @drjamesbryant_coach → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbryant2/

Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/