What if the pressure you’re feeling isn’t a sign of failure, but a signal that you’re growing into something greater?

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant sits down with Ken Mika, an accomplished geotechnical engineer and construction QA leader, to explore what it really takes to grow in your engineering career—without burning out or losing yourself in the process.  From his early days working in a family flower shop to leading technical teams across the U.S., Ken shares a journey marked by risk-taking, service, and intentional presence. You’ll hear how he uses everything from powerlifting and early morning workouts to breathwork and meditation to manage stress and stay grounded as a father, leader, and doctoral student.

Whether you're facing a career transition, wondering how to stay centered while juggling responsibilities, or just need encouragement to take your next step—this episode offers wisdom you can apply right away.
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 Key Moments in the Episode
01:10 – Ken’s unconventional path into civil engineering
03:00 – The early family tragedy that shaped his work ethic and values
04:35 – Taking career risks: How to think through your fallback plan
05:20 – Why hands-on experience is critical early in your career
07:15 – Moving from technical roles into strategic leadership
08:00 – The emotional intelligence gained from working on complex remediation projects
09:00 – The power of volunteering: Giving back after being on the receiving end
11:00 – Founding a STEM expo that grew from 100 to 400+ attendees
13:00 – The hardest part of national leadership: Voting for the whole, not just your region
15:00 – Why Ken went back for a doctorate in organizational leadership
17:00 – Transactional vs. transformational leadership in M&A
18:30 – How Ken manages the pressure of work, parenting, and school
20:00 – The deep personal “why” behind being fully present at home and work
24:00 – From powerlifting to yoga: Physical and spiritual tools for dealing with stress
25:45 – Leading yoga sessions at civil engineering conferences (!)



 Key Insights & Takeaways

* Take calculated risks—Ken shares a clear framework for evaluating opportunities and making bold moves in your career.
* Experience matters—Don’t underestimate the value of spending time in the field early on. It’s where emotional intelligence and technical judgment are forged.
* Be fully present—In an always-on world, intentional presence is Ken’s anchor for handling pressure and honoring what matters most.
* Service deepens leadership—Ken’s lifelong commitment to volunteering isn't just a side activity—it’s part of how he leads, grows, and stays connected to purpose.
* There’s power in transformation—From technical roles to strategic leadership, from powerlifting to yoga, Ken demonstrates that growth requires shedding old identities to embrace new ones.




 Notable Quotes
“What’s my fallback if it doesn’t work out?