Luis Duque from Engineering our Future provides meaningful and educational conversations with some of the best and brightest engineers and professionals worldwide so you can stay ahead of the curve in your career. Learn what the best engineers are working on, creating, and teaching so you can develop the skills needed to maintain your role as a critical member of society. Since 2018, Luis has been volunteering, working, and creating content inspiring and empowers thousands of people. His career experience is broad for his relatively few years out of school
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We’re back! After a bit of a hiatus to focus on some major engineering projects, we are sitting down to talk about something we all struggle with: the art of saying no.
We often talk about work-life balance like it’s a constant state of control, but let’s be real—life happens in seasons. Sometimes work needs that extra 20%, and sometimes your family or hobbies need to take the front seat.
In this episode, we dive into:
* The 80/20 Rule of Boundaries: Nicolai breaks down how to respect team boundaries while identifying those critical moments when you truly need to rely on one another.
* Earning the “No”: Why saying “yes” to the random tasks early in your career builds the trust and capital you need to set firm boundaries later on.
* The “Too Much Info” Trap: Why you don’t need to over-share personal details when declining a request—less is often more!
* Career Evolution: Luis shares how moving from “yes-man” volunteering to lead roles on major bridge projects has changed his perspective on managing timelines.
Key Timestamps:
* [00:00:33] The reality of “business stretches” and why the podcast took a backseat.
* [00:01:33] Why work-life balance isn’t a balance board, but a series of seasons.
* [00:03:07] Nicolai’s framework for respecting boundaries 80% of the time.
* [00:05:22] Luis on how saying “yes” early on leads to better project opportunities.
Whether you’re a junior engineer looking to prove yourself or a senior lead trying to protect your team’s burnout levels, this conversation is all about finding that seasonal rhythm.
Mastering Personal Finance: Sinking Funds and Emergency Funds 101
Thursday, November 20, 2025 • Duration 29:46
In this episode of the Engineering Our Future podcast, Nicolai and I deliver a genuine, practical conversation about building real financial security through emergency funds and sinking funds. We draw from personal experience, sharing how our mindsets about money evolved and the crucial role that tailored, “bare bones” emergency funds play in handling life’s curveballs—like sudden car breakdowns or medical bills. Our stories underscore that financial mistakes happen to everyone but can be great teachers, reinforcing the benefits of incremental progress and making informed, individualized choices based on one’s comfort zone and risk tolerance.[15]
“Financial peace isn’t about having the perfect system—it’s about building habits that give you confidence to handle both emergencies and expected expenses without fear or debt.”
A central theme of our discussion is the distinction between emergency funds, meant for unexpected crises, and sinking funds, designed for predictable but irregular expenses such as holidays, birthdays, and home repairs. We provide actionable tips on setting up high-yield savings accounts, tracking various fund categories, and managing the psychological hurdle of using savings when needed. By emphasizing adaptable systems like customizable sinking funds and a strategic use of HSAs, this episode empowers listeners to start small, build habits, and gradually cultivate lasting peace of mind around money—the goal being to respond to both the expected and the unpredictable without fear or debt.
Lessons and Takeaways
* Build a tailored emergency fund - Calculate your personal “bare bones” monthly expenses and save 3-6 months’ worth in a high-yield savings account to handle unexpected crises without going into debt.
* Create separate sinking funds - Set up dedicated savings categories for predictable irregular expenses like holidays, birthdays, car maintenance, and home repairs to avoid financial stress when these costs arise.
* Start small and build gradually - Begin with manageable savings goals ($500-1000) for your emergency fund, then consistently add to it over time rather than feeling overwhelmed by trying to save everything at once.
* - Consider using HSAs strategically not just for medical expenses but as potential long-term investment vehicles with unique tax advantages.
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Engineering Change: Lessons Learned on My Path to New Opportunities
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 • Duration 21:29
Hey everyone,
This week, I’m sharing my experience moving from a small firm to a big one—and what that’s meant for my career and growth over the last year nine months. This year had a lot of ups and downs (this episode was recorded in June and I am just getting it out…). I am happy for Nicolai’s support through this and I look forward to many more episodes coming out.
What would you like to see more of?
Personal takeaways:
* Flexibility: Turns out, the big company isn’t as slow-moving as I thought. Milestones and structure actually bring freedom to explore, innovate, and make mistakes.
* Expanded toolbox: The more people you connect with—across disciplines—the better you get at your job. Every new conversation and collaboration adds a new tool.
* Resources: There’s more access to technical codes, sample projects, and experts, but also space to build my own reusable tools, like spreadsheets for designs.
* Soft skills: Volunteering and joining internal networks (like Enlace for Hispanic engineers) have grown my network and boosted my confidence. These bigger companies have endless training resources.
* Endless career pivots: You can chart new paths, propose new ideas, and switch directions—all without leaving the company.
Action items for you:
* If you’re thinking of switching firm sizes or career tracks, connect with someone who’s done it. Be curious, not cautious.
* Start a conversation with colleagues outside your “bubble.” There’s wisdom everywhere.
* Volunteer, join an internal group, or attend a conference—don’t wait for permission, but do learn the process for asking.
* Reflect on whether your workflows and resources are making you more effective—and start building (or sharing) something reusable.
As always, keep an open mind. If your current job isn’t sparking joy, experiment with new options before making a leap. We’re here to help you navigate challenges!
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Engineer & Musician Danny Shares How Creativity Fuels Engineering Success
Thursday, October 30, 2025 • Duration 18:54
In this episode, we sit down with Danny to explore the powerful link between creativity and engineering. Danny explains how skills from music—attention to detail, organizing projects, and pushing boundaries—enhance his success as an engineer. The conversation also covers the challenges of balancing demanding work schedules with creative hobbies, and why setting boundaries is vital for long-term passion.
Key Topics:
• How artistic pursuits improve technical skills
• Balancing engineering projects and creative work
• Building confidence by stepping out of your comfort zone
• Personal advice on maintaining motivation and preventing burnout
• The connection between technical expertise and fulfilling personal passions
Watch the episode: [insert video link]
Connect with Danny/Rayo Lejano: [insert music or social link]
Share your thoughts!
What creative outlets help you succeed in your career? Send us your stories and questions!
5 Key Takeaways:
• Creativity boosts problem-solving and inspires innovation.
• Musical training supports project management and quality control.
• Work-life boundaries sustain motivation and passion.
• Trying new creative activities leads to growth and confidence.
• Combining creative and technical skills leads to a richer professional and personal life.
In this episode, Nicolai and I dive into what it’s like to step outside your comfort zone. I recently started taking piano lessons—something I’ve literally never done before. I grew up playing sports, so music was just never part of my world. But honestly? It’s been an awesome challenge, and I wanted to share what I’ve been learning with you all.
🤔 Why this matters (especially if you’re early in your career)
Engineering is all about constant learning. New tech stack, new process, new role—rinse and repeat. Picking up a hobby gives you a low-stakes space to practice that same growth mindset. You learn to be patient with yourself, push through when things get tough, and ask for help when you’re stuck. Plus, reflecting on what worked (and what didn’t) makes your next attempt way better. That feedback loop is crucial. (Forbes on reflective practice)
🎹 Piano, from my perspective
I’m starting completely from scratch. Reading sheet music felt like trying to read hieroglyphics at first. Getting an instructor has been a game-changer—I’m avoiding bad habits, getting real-time feedback, and following a clear plan instead of just fumbling around on YouTube. Same principle applies at work: good mentorship plus focused practice time is what actually moves you forward. (Deep Work)
🧵 Sewing, from Nicolai’s perspective
Nicolai thought he’d knock out an “easy” pillow project. Turns out, not so easy. He gave up for a bit, then realized the whole point wasn’t to make something perfect—it was to figure out how to learn something new. Now he’s back at it with a more realistic goal and some checkpoints along the way. It’s all about progress, not perfection. (Todoist on progress journaling)
[00:18:00] Beyond money: the real reason entrepreneurs succeed!
[00:21:45] Final inspiration to launch your engineering side-hustle today!
Are you ready to launch your side hustle? In this Engineering Our Future episode, Nicolai and I begin a series on entrepreneurship, sharing two decades of insights from our diverse ventures—including podcasts, coaching businesses, engineering firms, and coffee sales. We're engineers like you, not business consultants, offering practical steps to start small, overcome analysis paralysis, and build a business that enhances both your passions and career.
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Top Skills to Become an Engineering Project Manager
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • Duration 25:28
In this episode, I interview Anthony Fasano, founder of the Engineering Management Institute (EMI), about essential skills for engineers transitioning into project management. Drawing from Anthony's extensive training experience, we explore communication, delegation, planning, conflict resolution, and leadership. The discussion provides practical strategies for young professionals to build confidence and excel in project management while highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and servant leadership.
Guest
* Anthony Fasano: Civil engineer, licensed PE, and founder of EMI. He hosts multiple podcasts, runs leadership programs, and authored Beyond PM Training. Anthony specializes in helping engineers develop non-technical skills for career advancement.
Key Topics & Timestamps
* 0:00 Introduction and Anthony's background. Overview of EMI's initiatives, including podcasts (Civil Engineering Podcast, AEC Leadership), YouTube channels for FE/PE exam prep, and custom training programs for leadership and project management.
* 2:40 Essential skills for aspiring project managers: Communication with diverse stakeholders, understanding work styles/personalities, and delegation as the "CEO" of projects (focusing on scope, schedule, budget, and team coordination).
* 5:29 Delegation challenges for engineers: Overcoming the urge to handle tasks personally, recognizing delegation as team development, and enjoying benefits like freed time for business development or mentoring.
* 9:29 Effective project management strategies: Focus on upfront planning (project management plans, kickoff meetings), scope/schedule/budget breakdown, managing changes/scope creep, and identifying the critical path to handle delays.
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Engineering Career Paths: Beyond Technical Roles
Episode 127
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • Duration 24:57
In this episode of the Engineering our Future Podcast, Nicolai and I pull back the curtain on something they don't teach you in engineering school - just how wildly diverse your career path can become! Remember when we all thought we'd spend our lives buried in calculations? That narrow view quickly changes once you're in the field. We explore everything from the technical specialist route to project management, sales, operations, and even unexpected paths like what I'm doing now - podcasting and entrepreneurship.
Nicolai shares some fascinating stories about engineers who made complete career 180s (including one that had me thinking "why didn't I try that?"), proving that it's never too late to pivot if something sparks your interest. We dig into which skills actually open doors - both technical foundations and those crucial "soft skills" that engineering programs barely mention. If you've ever felt stuck in your career or wondered what other options exist beyond your current role, this conversation might just be the permission slip you need to explore new territory. Press play to discover how your engineering degree could take you places you never imagined!
* 00:01:27 - Exploring common career paths: Technical roles, project management, sales, operations, and more in engineering.
* 00:03:23 - Personal gravitations and early career insights: Luis on shifting toward project management.
* 00:05:43 - Beyond traditional paths: Opportunities in teaching, government, business ownership, content creation, and leveraging engineering skills creatively.
* 00:06:05 - Strategies for career progression: The importance of early focus, observing mentors, and navigating the challenging 7-12 year transition.
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Silent Signals: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication as a Young Engineer
Friday, June 20, 2025 • Duration 21:46
Overview
Nicolai and I dive deep into the subtle art of non-verbal communication in this episode of Engineering Our Future. Beyond words, we explore how body language, tone, and virtual presence shape how we’re perceived at work. Whether you’re in a boardroom or on a Zoom call, these practical tips will help you project respect, confidence, and engagement. Tune in to elevate your professional communication game!
Key Takeaways
Body Language as a Silent Speaker:
Eye contact and attentive posture signal respect and focus.
Avoid distractions like phones or slouching to maintain credibility.
Leaning in during conversations shows interest and builds rapport.
Tone - The Unseen Influencer:
Your tone can amplify or undermine your message—master the balance.
A smile or relaxed demeanor enhances positivity, while a harsh tone can derail relationships.
Misunderstandings often stem from tone, not intent—clarify when needed.
Virtual Communication Mastery:
Keep your camera on for respect and engagement, except in quick huddles.
Look at the camera lens to simulate eye contact, using tools like centered webcams.
Ditch multitasking (e.g., phone scrolling, email checks) to stay present and avoid negative perceptions.
Respect Drives Connection:
Non-verbal cues are about honoring the person you’re communicating with.
Small adjustments (posture, camera use) can transform how others feel about your engagement.
Timestamps
[* *
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Engineering Growth: From Feedback to Promotion
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Duration 28:39
Episode at a Glance
[01:10] – Our take on titles: It’s about impact, not labels[03:00] – The power of feedback: A 30% promotion boost[05:06] – KPIs and timelines: Clarity over subjectivity[10:32] – The PE reality: Milestone, not magic[13:00] – Advice for young engineers: Advocate for yourself[19:34] – Pitfalls: Don’t just show up—be proactive[24:42] – Wrap-up: Start with a conversation
Key Takeaways
* Feedback Fuels Growth: You’re 30% more likely to get promoted with regular feedback. Ask your manager what’s working and what isn’t—monthly.
* KPIs Need Clarity: Know the expectations for the next level. Aim to hit most, not all, and get opportunities to prove yourself.
* PE Isn’t a Magic Wand: It’s a milestone, not a promotion. Embrace the responsibility to show you’re ready for more.
* Avoid the Bubble: Don’t just show up—go the extra mile, be visible, and set realistic expectations.
Hey everyone! In today's episode, we're diving into something that's close to my heart - engineering promotions. This isn't just about getting a fancy new title or a bigger paycheck. It's about growing as a professional and making a real impact in our field.
The Game-Changer: Feedback That Gets Results
Let me share something powerful with you: you're 30% more likely to get promoted if you actively seek feedback. As my friend Nicolai puts it, "You don't need to be perfect to get promoted." It's all about showing you're ready to take on bigger responsibilities.
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Optimize your health savings
* Develop systems that match your psychology - Create financial tracking methods that work with your personality and habits, making it easier to maintain good money management practices consistently.
Pick a hobby outside engineering this week. Two short sessions. Three lines of notes after each. Share with #EngineeringOurFuture—we’d love to shout out a few on the show.
We explore how to start with a core concept and your unique value proposition, test it through LinkedIn engagement, and create a simple Notion landing page to validate your idea. Nicolai reveals how he transformed Engineering YOU from one-on-one coaching into comprehensive courses, while I discuss developing podcast partnerships and my recent coffee importing venture. Our essential advice: launch with minimal resources, adapt based on feedback, and maintain your enthusiasm throughout the journey.
⚡ Actionable Takeaways
Audit your skills: List three career lessons you wish you knew earlier and brainstorm a side business around them.
Test one idea: Post on LinkedIn this week and track engagement.
Launch minimally: Create a Notion page outlining your offering by week's end.
Network: Connect with one mentor or peer for feedback.
Track progress: Set a monthly review to pivot based on results.
Apply these today to engineer your entrepreneurial breakthrough. Reach out via the newsletter for personalized advice—your future venture awaits.
* 13:53 Handling difficult conversations: Building confidence over time, understanding others' needs, maintaining calm to de-escalate, and considering long-term relationships.
* 17:51 Real-world conflict resolution examples: Maintaining professionalism for ongoing relationships and approaching issues collaboratively.
* 20:15 Developing authentic leadership: Embracing servant leadership, prioritizing team success, conducting regular check-ins, mentoring, and creating an approachable environment despite billable hour pressures.
* 22:40 Final advice: Develop public speaking skills to build confidence and communication abilities—crucial for effective meetings and presentations as a project manager.
* Assess your communication style: Identify your work style (analytical vs. expressive) and practice adapting to others—start by observing team interactions.
* Practice delegation: List tasks you can offload (aim for 30%) and invest time teaching a team member; focus on the developmental benefits.
* Enhance project planning: For your next project, create a detailed management plan covering scope, schedule, budget, and change processes; conduct both internal and external kickoff meetings.
* Build conflict resolution skills: During difficult discussions, stay calm, understand the other party's goals, and propose win-win solutions—consider role-playing to practice.
* Invest in public speaking: Join Toastmasters or practice presentations to boost confidence; challenge yourself to lead one meeting this month.
* Challenge early misconceptions: Many enter engineering thinking it’s all calculations, but paths like project management offer client interaction and team leadership—reflect on what excites you beyond the technical.
* Embrace pivots at any stage: Careers aren’t linear; observe mentors and gain exposure early to identify passions, as seen in stories of mid-career shifts from operations to client-focused roles.
* Develop T-shaped knowledge: Build deep expertise in your niche (e.g., bridge design) while gaining broad awareness of related fields like hydraulics or construction to communicate effectively and contribute holistically.
* Prioritize curiosity and humility: Ask questions in meetings, seek mentorship, and be a sponge—learning without full responsibility accelerates growth and helps spot opportunities.
* Commit to lifelong learning: The real education begins after graduation; focus on skills like communication, time management, and adaptability to navigate transitions and stay fulfilled.
* Plan with flexibility: In your first 5-7 years, solidify technical foundations, then zoom out to see how projects interconnect—humility in curiosity can lead to unexpected, rewarding directions.
Resources Mentioned:
* Book: ‘Range’ by David Epstein – Explores why generalists thrive in a specialized world, perfect for understanding the value of broad skills in engineering.
* Contact and Connect – Have questions or suggestions? Reach out at luisfelipeduque.com/contact to continue the conversation.
* Music Credit – Thanks to Jack Winders for the episode’s music.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Engineering our Future Podcast for more on engineering careers and growth. Let’s continue engineering our future!
Perfect for practicing non-verbal skills in a professional setting.
Listener Challenge
This week, pick one non-verbal tip to practice:
Keep your phone out of sight during a meeting.
Smile while greeting on a call or in person.
Look at the camera lens during your next virtual meeting. Share your experience and results in the comments or on social media with #EngineeringOurFuture. Let’s build a community of better communicators!
Look, I get it. As engineers, we often hesitate to ask for feedback. We're perfectionists by nature, and nobody likes having their work questioned. But here's what I've learned: it's not about being perfect - it's about progress. Feedback helps you understand where you stand and where you're heading.
Making Sense of KPIs
Let's talk about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Nicolai has a great approach with his team. He tells them: "Here are the tasks for the next level - what can you start doing now?" I love how practical this is - you don't need to hit every single target, just show you're ready for more responsibility.
I'll be honest with you - my journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. In previous roles, I felt like I wasn't getting opportunities to develop new skills. But now at Jacobs, seven months in, I have a clear roadmap. My supervisor has laid out exactly what I need: diversify my projects and strengthen my technical foundation. That clarity makes all the difference.
The PE License Reality Check
Getting my PE was a huge milestone, but let me tell you - it's not a golden ticket. When Nicolai shared how his new boss barely acknowledged his PE, I felt that. When I passed mine, I recorded an episode saying something that really resonated with our listeners: "Pass or not, I became a better engineer just by studying."
Here's the truth: your PE license doesn't automatically make you a project manager. You're still you the day after you pass. As Nicolai wisely points out, "Until you can win projects and put your name on a proposal, you're not a true project manager." It's about what you do with that credential that matters.
Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Nicolai shared three key insights from his team experiences.
First, just showing up isn't enough. As he says, "I've never met somebody who becomes an expert in a 40-hour week." The best engineers - like those OpenRoads wizards - invest extra time learning and growing.
Second, don't assume people notice your hard work. Nicolai told me about a young engineer burning out because nobody noticed their late nights. The lesson? Speak up! I learned this one the hard way - being quiet about your efforts doesn't help anyone.
Third, keep your expectations in check. While Nicolai loves his team's enthusiasm, he warns against expecting too much too soon. A PE doesn't instantly make you a project manager. You need to understand what it really takes to advance.
Your Next Steps
Here's what I want you to take away: promotions start with you. Nicolai put it perfectly: "Reach out to your supervisor and share your aspirations." When I started at Jacobs, my manager and I had a great conversation about my path to becoming a task leader. That chat gave me more than goals - it gave me direction. If you're feeling stuck or unsure, speak up. You can't control your manager, but you can control your voice.
This conversation energized me, and we've only scratched the surface! We'll definitely revisit promotions soon to talk more about timelines, networking, and skill-building. For now, remember: advocate for yourself, seek feedback, and focus on the growth that makes you promotion-ready. Keep engineering your future!
