From Dial-Up to AI: Lessons for Leaders to Stay Current or Get Left Behind

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/4f/8c/76/4f8c76c3-b2c1-6e07-f6cc-7a35556c9935/mza_15440052175285229707.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Engineer Your Success

Dr. James Bryant

221 episodes

1 day ago

Engineer Your Success is the podcast for engineering leaders and technical professionals who want to master the leadership, communication, and mindset skills that drive measurable results—so you can win at work and at home.

Hosted by Dr. James Bryant, PhD, PE, this show gives you the tools to navigate the real-world challenges of engineering leadership—from leading teams and making confident decisions to setting boundaries and preventing burnout.

Whether you’re an aspiring manager or a seasoned executive, you’ll get actionable strategies to help you grow your influence, advance your career, and enjoy a meaningful personal life—without sacrificing what matters most.

🎯 You’ll learn about:
• Leadership for engineers and technical teams
• Delegation, decision-making, and strategic thinking
• Resolving workplace challenges and conflicts
• Work-life integration and personal growth
• Building strong teams and effective communication

Subscribe for weekly insights, expert interviews, and practical tools to help you thrive in every area of life.
Because you don’t have to choose between a thriving career and a fulfilling home life—you can engineer your success and win at work and at home.

All content for Engineer Your Success is the property of Dr. James Bryant and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

From Dial-Up to AI: Lessons for Leaders to Stay Current or Get Left Behind

Engineer Your Success

13 minutes 16 seconds

1 month ago

From Dial-Up to AI: Lessons for Leaders to Stay Current or Get Left Behind

Episode Description

Technology has transformed dramatically over the past 30 years — from dial-up connections and floppy disks to AI tools that can rewrite how we work. The lesson is clear: leaders who don’t stay current risk getting left behind.

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Nathan Whittacre, CEO of Stimulus Technologies and author of The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide. Since 1995, Nathan has been helping businesses adapt to every major tech wave. He shares stories from his early days sending emails through university mainframes, to guiding companies through today’s AI-driven workplace.

Together, James and Nathan explore:

Lessons learned from three decades of tech evolution — and how they apply today

Why leaders must focus on ROI before adopting new technology

How process-mapping prevents wasted effort and failed implementations

The growing importance of cybersecurity and compliance for every business

Practical ways engineering leaders can leverage AI as a tool, not just hype

Whether you’re leading a small team or a whole organization, this conversation will help you see how technology can serve as an asset — if you stay intentional, strategic, and current.

Episode Timestamps

01:00 – Meet Nathan Whittacre– From founding Stimulus Technologies in high school to leading through today’s AI-powered workplace

04:00 – Lessons from 30 Years of Tech – How the industry evolved from Windows 95 to AI and what leaders can learn

06:00 – ROI Over Hype – Why leaders must set baselines and ask “why” before adopting new tech

09:30 – Process Mapping in Action – The “wasted reports” story and how to avoid automating the wrong work

12:30 – Writing The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide – Why leaders need trusted guides for technology decisions

18:00 – Cybersecurity & Compliance – The next big threats and how structure strengthens organizations

21:00 – Key Takeaway – Stay current with technology, or risk getting left behind

Connect with Nathan Whittacre

LinkedIn: Nathan Whittacre | Website: https://www.stimulustech.com/

Resources

Engineer Your Success Insiders – A private podcast for leaders who want practical coaching in their corner. Join here.