The Happy Engineer Zach White

👉 Watch the Engineering Director Promotion Plan (free):

https://youtu.be/ZrRe3O8KHSQ

Burnout isn't always about doing too much. Sometimes it's doing the wrong work too well — and most engineers can't tell the difference until they're years deep.

Zach sits down with Matt Sevey — mechanical engineer turned self-taught software developer, engineering manager, and founder of My Code Career — to unpack what it takes to realize you're in the wrong work and find the courage to change it. They get into the link nobody taught him between what he studied and a life he actually cared about, the 30+ "coffee chats" with total strangers that reframed his entire career, why we go to the people closest to us last, and the difference between managing your time and managing your energy.
You'll learn:

Why being good at your job can be the exact thing keeping you stuck — Matt was turning down promotions while pouring 20 hours a week into something else "just for fun"
The one question that cuts through career confusion: "Am I doing the right type of engineering?" (and why it still applies even when you love what you do)
How to run a cold "coffee chat" that builds your network without feeling like you're selling yourself

Why the people closest to you are the last ones you ask for help — and what that fear is really costing you

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿?

Get the free Director Promotion Roadmap and discover the 5 critical gaps keeping you from getting promoted— and exactly how to close them.

https://lifestyleengineering.oasisofcourage.com/director-promotion-roadmap

👉 Watch the Engineering Director Promotion Plan (free): https://youtu.be/ZrRe3O8KHSQ

👉 Watch the Engineering Director Promotion Plan (free):

https://youtu.be/ZrRe3O8KHSQ

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Happiness isn't a personality trait you were born with. It's a skillset you build — and most engineering leaders have never been taught how.

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Zach sits down with Dr. Elia Gourgouris, "The Happiness Doctor," to unpack why so many high-achieving engineers stay stuck in their heads, carry around a hundred-pound backpack of resentment and regret, and confuse a full calendar with a meaningful life. They get into the brands we were given as kids, the micro habits that actually move the needle, and the three things the happiest people do differently when life gets hard.

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You'll learn:

• Why "happiness is a choice" is only half the story — and what the other half actually requires

• The three things successful, happy people do differently with adversity (and why letting go is the one most leaders skip)

• How to stop confusing "busy" with productive, and start leading yourself first

• The simple daily practice that rewires gratitude into a real skill, not a slogan

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𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿?

Get the free Director Promotion Roadmap and discover the 5 critical gaps keeping you from getting promoted— and exactly how to close them.

https://lifestyleengineering.oasisofcourage.com/director-promotion-roadmap

​

👉 Watch the Engineering Director Promotion Plan (free): https://youtu.be/ZrRe3O8KHSQ

👉 Watch the Engineering Director Promotion Plan (free): https://youtu.be/ZrRe3O8KHSQ

You're one question away from a completely different life.

But most engineers stay stuck… because they're asking the wrong ones.

Zach sits down with Mark to unpack what happens when a big vision collapses—after building an app that reached millions, he had to delete it and start over. They break down how fear, burnout, and mental fog take over in those moments—and how asking better questions, building simple mental fitness practices, and creating space to think clearly can pull you back into momentum and direction as a leader.

You'll learn:

Why the questions you ask determine your career direction
How to clear mental fog so you can think and lead effectively
Simple daily practices to build clarity without adding more work
How to trust intuition when making high-stakes career decisions

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿?

Get the free Director Promotion Roadmap and discover the 5 critical gaps keeping you from getting promoted— and exactly how to close them.

https://lifestyleengineering.oasisofcourage.com/director-promotion-roadmap

👉 Watch the Engineering Director Promotion Plan (free): https://youtu.be/ZrRe3O8KHSQ

Rate, Review, and Follow

"I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. 

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to:

https://www.oasisofcourage.com

👉 Watch the Engineering Director Promotion Plan (free): https://youtu.be/ZrRe3O8KHSQ

Ever felt like a complete failure? What mask are you hiding behind so people don't see the real you? Do you need a new approach to job hunting and interviewing that actually ends with an OFFER?  

In this episode, experience the raw courage of Nader Mowlaee. His story of losing the engineering dream, pretending to be something not himself, and ultimately taking off the masks so many of you are still hiding behind, is an inspiration. 

If you are still finding your own way, you don't want to miss this conversation. Overcome depression and anxiety, and be in the moment.

On top of that, Nader is an expert recruiter and engineering job search acceleration coach. He brings actionable advice on how to avoid the traffic jams and move through the interview process to land offers at your dream job. 

I've got great news… you can do it.

So press play and let's chat -- accelerate finding the career and life of your dreams!

Rate, Review, and Follow

"I love Zach and The Happy Engineer Podcast." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more engineers -- just like you -- take the next step toward the career and life that they desire. On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Remember, we only spread our message when you share this knowledge with others that need it. So if you enjoy this episode, please SHARE it on your social media and tag @OASISOFCOURAGE so I can say hi and thank you. 

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'll be releasing a lot of new content including bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

For more information on Zach White and The Happy Engineer go to:

https://www.oasisofcourage.com

NEW! Explore the Podcast Hub & Wisdom Engine:
Visit www.thehappyengineerpodcast.com to search all past episodes, ask questions, and get personalized insights powered by AI.

When you're ready, here are three ways I can help you build your engineering career:

1. Engineering Career Accelerator™️ Scorecard … foundational development actions and key points you can check, score, and apply immediately to stand out and excel at work.

2. Join us at Happy Hour … a limited-attendance LIVE monthly workshop where we dig deep into career growth strategies and provide 1:1 open coaching for you at the end of the session.

3. Work with me directly … start with a free chat and ensure it's a great fit, then work with me and my team privately in our intensive coaching program, exclusively for engineers.

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In this episode, I have two major announcements to share with you. 

First, The Happy Engineer Podcast is pressing pause as we wrap up Season 1. Don't worry—it's not the end forever, but it's time to focus my energy on scaling the impact of our Lifestyle Engineering Blueprint coaching program. My mission is to help engineering leaders accelerate their careers without burning out, and the demand for coaching has grown beyond what I can balance alongside the podcast.

The second big announcement? Well, you'll have to listen to find out..

I want to say a huge thank you for your support—this community has been incredible, and we're just getting started. 

So press play and let's chat… about what's next for The Happy Engineer Podcast and how you can still grow with us.

> Full Show Notes, Resources, & More

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WANT MORE AMAZING GUESTS?

"I love Zach and these amazing guests on The Happy Engineer Podcast." If that sounds like you, please consider following, rating and reviewing the show! 

I know it's a huge favor to ask, but when you follow, leave a 5-star rating, and add an honest review of how these episodes are helping you… it's a massive benefit for getting the attention of powerhouse guests on this show. 

On Apple Podcasts, click our show, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5-stars, and select "Write a Review."

Thank you so much. 

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Connect with your host, Zach White:

LinkedIn (primary)

Instagram

YouTube