In this discussion, Mase walks through the execution framework he's used both at work and at home. You'll learn how to exceed your wildest goals, whether you're building the next billion-dollar product, or trying to make a huge personal change.

In this episode, we discuss 25 factors that can positively or negatively impact your career. We break down their importance, the level of control you have over them, and how people rate at the top 50% and top 10% of the engineering population. 

25 Factor Framework worksheet available for download: https://bit.ly/25-factor-framework

Note: the podcast audio repeatedly refers to the "top 10%" as the "TP90", which is technically correct (ascending rating values) but not semantically correct; typically the highest value is worst, but in this context it's the best.

Given the rating system, it would be more intuitive to have TP10 = top 10%. This has been corrected in the accompanying worksheet.

In this episode of LiftFM, Mase Graye delves into the vital topic of creating an environment that aligns with your ambitions. Drawing from yearly two decades of experience in software development, he shares firsthand insights that have contributed to doubling his income every 2-3 years, ultimately 40x-ing his compensation.

Get ready to uncover actionable tips and practical advice on how to shape your surroundings for optimal success. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode offers valuable lessons to propel you toward your goals.

Welcome once again to LiftFM. Today, I present a tale of two software engineers. Picture this: two individuals, modeled on real people I've encountered, embark on their journey in the same company. They both have an identical starting point - from their annual compensation of $200,000 to their years of experience, technical prowess, and even their educational backgrounds. It's almost uncanny how their profiles mirror each other.

However, fast forward three years, and their paths diverge significantly. One engineer sees a raise, now earning $250,000 annually. The other? They've doubled their income, boasting a salary of $500,000.

Given their almost identical beginnings, what factors contributed to this stark disparity? What decisions, actions, or circumstances propelled one ahead while the other saw moderate growth? Let's dive deep and unravel this enigma.

Today, we delve into understanding our self-imposed boundaries and the behaviors we adopt in our careers. In our daily lives, we often operate within a framework defined by what we believe is achievable. Consider your last job application. You likely pursued a position you deemed fit for your skills. You prepared, anticipating the interview hurdles. You negotiated a salary, based on what seemed right for that role.

However, there's a lingering thought: Are we setting our sights too low?

The standard hiring process is riddled with challenges. Two major culprits stand out: anchoring bias and information asymmetry. With anchoring bias, we're influenced by the first piece of information we encounter. In hiring, this might be the initial salary figure or role level mentioned, which could be far from what you truly deserve. Information asymmetry, on the other hand, tilts the balance, with one party holding more information than the other.

The question then arises: How do we navigate these challenges and truly recognize our worth?

As I've prepared for the launch of LiftFM, I've been grappling with its structure and approach. It's a platform I've created to share insights on software engineering, product design, and management. While this is the first episode, and it might have its raw edges, the essence is what matters.

Overthinking led to many shapes this could take. But sometimes, the most natural approach is just to start. To hit record. To ask questions and seek answers. Have you ever felt overshadowed in the tech world, watching peers seemingly zoom past you, landing projects and promotions? You've seen their work, respected it, but deep inside, you know you bring more to the table.

LiftFM is for you. It's about uncovering the nuances that make a difference in the tech realm. Together, we'll navigate the path to being in that top 1% of the industry. It's a journey, and every journey begins with a single step.