The Hardest Decisions Have the Greatest Rewards: Leadership Lessons on Ambition and Preparation

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Engineer Your Success

Dr. James Bryant

221 episodes

2 days 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.

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The Hardest Decisions Have the Greatest Rewards: Leadership Lessons on Ambition and Preparation

Engineer Your Success

17 minutes

5 days ago

The Hardest Decisions Have the Greatest Rewards: Leadership Lessons on Ambition and Preparation

Episode Overview (EP 217)

If you’ve ever reached a crossroads in your career and wondered whether to stay comfortable or take a leap — this episode is for you.

Dr. James Bryant sits down with Babatunde (Tunde) Onadele Jr., Vice President of Operations at Core Builders, to talk about the leadership journey behind the title. From mentorship and preparation to ambition and faith, Babatunde shares the decisions that shaped his path from project engineer to executive leader.

They discuss how to align drive with discipline, how mentorship multiplies opportunity, and why the hardest decisions often lead to the greatest rewards — both at work and at home.

Even if you’re not in construction, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership growth, boundaries, and balance.

What You’ll Learn

* Why mentorship matters at every stage of leadership

* How to know when it’s time to take a career leap

* The connection between ambition, preparation, and readiness

* How to lead with faith and authenticity in professional spaces

* The family rule that helped Babatunde win at home

* Why self-awareness is key to sustainable success

* How great leaders create opportunities for others to grow

Episode Timestamps

* 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

* 01:04 The Importance of Mentorship

* 02:20 Career Journey and Growth

* 04:05 Making Tough Career Decisions

* 06:51 Current Role and Responsibilities

* 09:15 Balancing Work and Home Life

* 19:09 Leadership and Faith

* 23:29 Mentorship and Ambition

* 31:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio — Babatunde Onadele Jr.

Babatunde (Tunde) Onadele Jr. is Vice President of Operations at CORE Builders, a South Bay multifamily general contractor. With over a decade of experience in construction leadership, he oversees project operations from design through completion, manages operational risk, and mentors emerging leaders across the industry.

A graduate of San Jose State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Tunde is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within construction—particularly in senior and executive leadership. He serves on the Board of Directors for AGC California, chairs its DE&I Steering Committee, and was recognized as a 2023 Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

Tunde takes pride in helping others grow, building strong teams, and making a lasting impact in his community.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babatunde-onadele-jr/

More Ways to Connect

Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success Insiders — one story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention. engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders

Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspodLinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant