Most engineers and technical professionals are promoted because they’re exceptional at their craft. But nobody tells you that the skills that got you promoted are almost entirely different from the skills you need to lead. If you’ve ever felt underprepared stepping into a management role, this episode will tell you why — and more importantly, what to do about it.

Ben Perreau is a former music journalist turned leadership strategist who has advised senior executives at major global organizations. He now helps early career managers build leadership capabilities in real time through his company Parafoil. Ben brings a rare perspective — he’s lived the IC-to-leader transition himself, stumbled through it, and spent his career helping others navigate it better than he did.

In this conversation, Ben and James dig into why frontline managers are chronically undersupported, how feedback became the turning point in Ben’s own leadership journey, and what it actually takes to go from high performer to high-impact leader. Plus — James flips the mic and shares the one thing he wishes he had known earlier in his career.

Dr. James Bryant is a professional engineer, executive coach, and the host of Engineer Your Success — a podcast dedicated to helping engineering professionals win at work and at home. James brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership coaching to help engineers grow beyond their discipline and into their full potential as leaders.