What if the pressure you’re feeling isn’t a sign of failure, but a signal that you’re growing into something greater?
In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Ken Mika, an accomplished geotechnical engineer and construction QA leader, to explore what it really takes to grow in your engineering career—without burning out or losing yourself in the process. From his early days working in a family flower shop to leading technical teams across the U.S., Ken shares a journey marked by risk-taking, service, and intentional presence. You’ll hear how he uses everything from powerlifting and early morning workouts to breathwork and meditation to manage stress and stay grounded as a father, leader, and doctoral student.
Whether you're facing a career transition, wondering how to stay centered while juggling responsibilities, or just need encouragement to take your next step—this episode offers wisdom you can apply right away.
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⏱️ Key Moments in the Episode
01:10 – Ken’s unconventional path into civil engineering
03:00 – The early family tragedy that shaped his work ethic and values
04:35 – Taking career risks: How to think through your fallback plan
05:20 – Why hands-on experience is critical early in your career
07:15 – Moving from technical roles into strategic leadership
08:00 – The emotional intelligence gained from working on complex remediation projects
09:00 – The power of volunteering: Giving back after being on the receiving end
11:00 – Founding a STEM expo that grew from 100 to 400+ attendees
13:00 – The hardest part of national leadership: Voting for the whole, not just your region
15:00 – Why Ken went back for a doctorate in organizational leadership
17:00 – Transactional vs. transformational leadership in M&A
18:30 – How Ken manages the pressure of work, parenting, and school
20:00 – The deep personal “why” behind being fully present at home and work
24:00 – From powerlifting to yoga: Physical and spiritual tools for dealing with stress
25:45 – Leading yoga sessions at civil engineering conferences (!)
💡 Key Insights & Takeaways
Take calculated risks—Ken shares a clear framework for evaluating opportunities and making bold moves in your career.
Experience matters—Don’t underestimate the value of spending time in the field early on. It’s where emotional intelligence and technical judgment are forged.
Be fully present—In an always-on world, intentional presence is Ken’s anchor for handling pressure and honoring what matters most.
Service deepens leadership—Ken’s lifelong commitment to volunteering isn't just a side activity—it’s part of how he leads, grows, and stays connected to purpose.
There’s power in transformation—From technical roles to strategic leadership, from powerlifting to yoga, Ken demonstrates that growth requires shedding old identities to embrace new ones.
🧠 Notable Quotes
“What’s my fallback if it doesn’t work out? What’s the opportunity I’m gaining by taking this risk?” — Ken Mika
“We can’t develop future leaders unless space is made by current leaders.” — Ken Mika
“I try to be fully present with my kids, fully present at work, fully present in everything I do.” — Ken Mika
👤 Guest Information
Construction QA Expert | Area Manager at TetraTech | Doctoral Candidate | Yoga Instructor | Volunteer Leader
Kenneth R. Mika is a seasoned civil engineer based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with a specialization in environmental remediation. He currently serves as Area Manager and Client Manager at Tetra Tech, Inc., where he leads a 30-person team across construction quality assurance projects. Kenneth holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and he is pursuing a doctorate in business with a focus on organizational leadership. He has held several national roles within ASCE and was awarded the Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award and the William H. Wisley Award. He is also the owner of a yoga company and a proud father—committed to leadership that aligns with both performance and purpose.
🔗 Connect with Ken on LinkedIn
🔧 About Engineer Your Success
Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home.
Through executive coaching, business consulting, and strategic content solutions, we help you:
Lead with clarity and communicate with impact
Build aligned systems that support your values
Avoid burnout while achieving professional success
Transform from technical expert to influential leader
🔗 Learn more at www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com
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