Engineering Pack Pod

In this Tiny Wins episode, Olivier Retourne shares how overcoming self-doubt and taking the leap to apply for a PhD changed his path. He reflects on imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the importance of reaching out for support. His message is simple: sometimes the biggest step forward is getting out of your own way.

This episode of the BME Grad Podcast features Marcy Bullock, Director of Professional Development at NC State’s College of Engineering and host of the Engineering Pack Pod. We dive deep into career development, self‑awareness, navigating transitions, imposter feelings, and generational dynamics in the workplace.

Hey Wolfpack! We are quickly approaching that point in the semester where work can easily start to feel out of control...this week, we were lucky enough to sit down with Kirstie Queener, a Biomedical Engineering PhD candidate and fellow member of the Pack. In under 20 minutes, Kirstie highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between ambition and self-care. Tune in for firsthand tips on time management, setting boundaries for work, finding motivation, and more!

Welcome to our new segment Tiny Wins where we celebrate the small steps that don’t make a résumé, but absolutely move your life forward. Biweekly we will focus on progress over perfection, because confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build through action. In our first Tiny Win episode, Julian Cohen shares how focusing on your strengths and celebrating small progress can build confidence and momentum. It’s a simple reminder that meaningful growth often starts with small, consistent steps. Listen until the end, you might just get a chuckle at Julian's alter ego, his stand up comedy hobby!

This week, Marcy sits down with NC State's own Dr. Kanton Reynolds for a discussion about personal experiences along one's journey! With anecdotes from an industry career at General Motors/IBM/Lenovo, traveling abroad, and current ISE faculty position, Dr. Reynolds highlights specific ways he makes the most of his experiences and allows his past to inform the present. As you are growing along a journey of your own, tune in for some insights on how to adapt to changes in environment, shape your perspective, and make the most of YOUR personal experiences.

SAS leader Brooke Huckabee is back to discuss how values show up when things get hard.

Brooke shares practical leadership lessons on managing what’s in your control, using the power of the pause, and navigating the “messy middle” that comes with setbacks, transitions, and growth. Through personal stories—from career pivots to injuries—she explains why pulling back can sometimes be exactly what’s needed to launch forward.

The episode also explores discipline, integrity, and the importance of celebrating small wins as leading indicators of long-term success. Whether you’re managing a team, navigating a major transition, or simply trying to stay grounded under pressure, this conversation offers clear, human-centered guidance for turning values into action.

In this episode of Engineering Pack Pod, host Marcy Bullock welcomes NC State alumna Brooke Huckabee for an energizing conversation on leadership, personal brand, and what it really takes to build credibility early in your career.

As Head of Global Revenue Enablement at SAS, Brooke shares how her weekly Friday emails to her team evolved into a powerful leadership framework: the Seven C’s of personal brand. Together, they unpack why personal brand isn’t about titles or resumes, but about values, consistency, and how people experience you when you’re not in the room.

From clarity and credibility to confidence, connection, and continuous learning, Brooke offers practical insight for students and professionals navigating career transitions, leadership growth, and workplace culture. This episode is a roadmap for anyone looking to lead authentically, align their values with their organization, and build trust that lasts.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JVSnNPAyuA3GaG79P1tkz

This week on Engineering Pack Pod, host Marcy Bullock talks with NC State alumna Sydney Russell about confidence, curiosity, and why “networking” doesn’t have to feel so intimidating. Sydney reflects on her journey from college advising and graduate school to working in higher education technology, sharing how navigating uncertainty and not always knowing what she wanted to be “when she grew up”, shaped her path. She explains how leading with genuine curiosity, rather than an agenda, helped her build meaningful relationships that opened doors along the way.From striking up conversations in class to following up months later with intention, Sydney offers practical, down-to-earth advice for building connections that actually last. Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that showing up as yourself is often the best place to start.

This week, Marcy is joined by NC State and Smooth Sailing alumna Dr. Rahaf Abdullah to discuss the importance of mindset in personal, academic, and professional transitions. Rahaf recounts her various transitions–moving to a new country, interning, applying for jobs, and relocating for full-time work–sharing how her mindset and personal goals give her the courage to continue growing on her journey. Looking for tips on navigating big transitions with success? Look no further! This episode addresses both the mental and practical components that shape one's journey.

Marcy shares her word of the year and offers inspiration to begin 2026 with intention and gratitude.