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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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.
Tried It All? How One Veteran Found His Path by Figuring It Out Along the Way
Engineer Your Success
27 minutes 26 seconds
4 months ago
Tried It All? How One Veteran Found His Path by Figuring It Out Along the Way
What if the biggest barrier to entrepreneurial success isn't having a perfect plan, but being paralyzed by trying to find one?
In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant talks with Matt Thompson, Navy veteran, management consultant, and franchise owner, about the power of taking action without having all the answers. From missing out on the Naval Academy to opening a men's grooming franchise, Matt shares why "figuring it out along the way" often beats waiting for the perfect opportunity.
You'll discover why communication with your spouse is the most overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship, how to pivot when reality doesn't match expectations, and what it really means to "just do it" in business. Whether you're considering a career change or exploring franchise ownership, this episode will help you move from analysis to action.
Key Moments in the Episode
00:00 – The Cost of Poor Communication: Matt's biggest regret about starting his franchise and the hidden burden on spouses
02:10 – From Naval Academy Rejection to 20-Year Career: How being a "first alternate" led to an unexpected path of continuous growth
03:32 – The Chemistry Degree He Never Used: Why trying multiple paths until something fits is better than forcing the wrong one
04:43 – Accidental Entrepreneur: From retirement planning to owning a training company—how opportunities reveal themselves
05:42 – Hammer & Nails Franchise Discovery: Why his wife's "no food" rule led to the men's grooming industry
07:25 – Surprising Customer Insights: The unexpected demographics embracing men's self-care and manicures
08:35 – Marketing Reality Check: Why explaining your business concept to every potential customer is harder than expected
12:37 – Three Pieces of Franchise Advice: Just do it, ask for help, and talk to anyone who's done it before
15:25 – The Communication Lesson: What Matt wishes he knew about preparing his wife for the stress and uncertainty
18:50 – Role Reversal Interview: Matt turns the tables and interviews Dr. Bryant about entrepreneurial lessons
23:09 – Defining Success: How winning at work and home changes as life circumstances evolve
Key Insights & Takeaways
* Don't wait for the perfect plan—start moving forward and pivot as needed
* The biggest entrepreneurial challenge is often communication with your spouse, not business strategy
* Be willing to "figure it out" rather than having all the answers upfront
* Most business people are eager to help and share their experiences if you approach them relationally
* Success definitions must evolve with your life circumstances and family needs
Notable Quotes
"I don't know how to do it, but I'm gonna figure it out." — Matt Thompson
"Don't be paralyzed by trying to analyze it and find the perfect solution. Start moving forward and then pivot if you need to." — Matt Thompson
"Share your story sooner. There are more people that can be impacted by you showing up authentically as yourself." — Dr. James Bryant
Guest Information
Matt Thompson – Navy Veteran, Management Consultant & Franchise Owner 20-year Navy veteran, DBA candidate, and owner of Hammer & Nails men's grooming franchise in San Antonio. Matt specializes in project management training and helps aspiring entrepreneurs through mentoring and real-world business experience.
LinkedIn: Matt Thompson Email - mattt@hngrooming.com San Antonio, Texas
About Engineer Your Success
Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home.
Through executive coaching, business consulting, and strategic content solutions, we help you:
* Lead with clarity and communicate with impact
Engineer Your Success
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.
