Ep 121: Accelerating Software Engineer Careers: An Interview with John Crickett

What if the very thing you're avoiding in your job search is exactly what you need to pursue? Jill Schulman reveals why running toward your fears—not away from them—is the secret to accelerating your career. In this episode, Alan and Jill dive deep into the science of bravery and its practical applications for job seekers. You'll discover how to develop a "warrior mindset" by adding one simple word to your self-limiting beliefs, learn why you can actually generate positive emotions on demand to fuel your success, and master the networking question that doubles your chances of getting meaningful connections.  Ready to steer your career with courage? Tune in to the full episode now!

🎙️ What if one decision could completely transform your career and your life? When Alon Bochman found himself stuck, frustrated, and job hunting without results, he took a leap of faith on a different approach. In this episode, Alan reconnects with one of Kadima's earliest clients to share how Alon pivoted from stalled consultant to tech leader at companies like Microsoft and Google. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: Why applying online isn't the path to landing top roles, and what to do instead How Alon overcame his fear of networking and built powerful industry connections The measurable and immeasurable returns of investing in career coaching Tune in to hear how strategy, structure, and persistence helped reshape one career, and how it can do the same for yours.

What if you knew exactly what recruiters see when they look at your resume? In this episode, Alan sits down with veteran tech recruiter Margaret Buj, who has spent 20 years recruiting for industry giants like Microsoft, Cisco, Expedia, and VMware. Margaret breaks down her exact screening process—from the "several seconds" she spends scanning for relevant headlines and quantifiable achievements, to why she won't contact candidates without metrics, and how to "connect the dots" to make your fit obvious when your background isn't a perfect match. Tune in to discover why treating your career search like a "submit and wait" game is killing your chances, and learn the systematic approach that actually gets you noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

In this episode of the Steer Career podcast, Alan sits down with James Gunaca, a product management expert and Kadima coach. James details his extensive career journey spanning roles at Amazon and other tech giants, offering insights into the pivotal decisions leading him to international opportunities. Learn how James navigated organizational challenges, market shifts, and personal aspirations to become a successful career coach. Tune in for valuable career advice and lessons on resilience and growth in the tech industry.

In this episode, Alan sits down with Jenna Minieri, a branding expert and Kadima coach who also works with displaced professionals at an outplacement company. She reveals the most common pitfalls that keep qualified candidates from getting noticed, shares the essential elements every resume and LinkedIn profile must have to pass the six-second screening test, and explains why the old job search playbook no longer works in 2025. Tune in to discover the strategies that separate successful job seekers from those who struggle for months, and learn how to position yourself as the obvious choice for your next role.

In this episode, host Alan Stein talks with Keith Anderson, founder of Career Alchemy, about making successful career pivots and standing out in competitive job markets. Keith shares his journey from earning less than $30,000 as a professor to securing prestigious roles at top tech companies through strategic networking and his "value validation projects". They discuss how to effectively conduct informational interviews, the importance of authenticity in your job search, and the challenges and rewards of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

True leadership isn't about being nice. It's about being kind, honest, and challenging people to reach their full potential. In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Dave Kline, former Bridgewater Associates leader turned management consultant, to explore the radical transparency that shaped Dave's leadership philosophy. Dave shares insights from his decade at Bridgewater, where feedback was constant and unfiltered, revealing how this approach built stronger teams despite its intensity. Learn how Dave and his wife are now helping managers through their management accelerator programs that have already transformed over 1,200 leaders. Tune in now!

In this episode, host Alan Stein sits down with Jeff Sipe, a seasoned technical recruiter with 5+ years at Google and 15+ years of recruiting experience. They dive into practical interview techniques including Jeff's CFAS method for answering hypothetical questions, the one-minute rule for "tell me about yourself," and the psychology behind making memorable first impressions in interviews. Tune in now!

In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Kristi Coulter about her bestselling book "Exit Interview," exploring how she navigated Amazon's male-dominated environment while battling imposter syndrome. Kristi shares candid insights about the company's frugal approach to employee well-being, strategies for women to claim their seat at the table, and why diverse teams make better business decisions than homogeneous ones. Tune in now to discover how to own your career path even in the most challenging environments!

The reality of software engineering for the 99% who don't work at Big Tech ❓ In this episode, Alan sits down with John Crickett and talks about the differences between software engineering at Big Tech versus where most engineers actually work. They also discuss why interview practices like LeetCode make sense for companies receiving thousands of applications but are often counterproductive elsewhere, and why people skills become more critical than technical skills for career advancement. Tune in to gain valuable perspective on building an engineering career outside the Big Tech bubble.