In this episode, Jeff is joined by Mike Owen—a former Microsoft engineer whose 18+ year tech career started in a unionized grocery store and ended with an unexpectedly powerful final act. Mike shares how he rebounded from a rare “zero rewards” performance review, how a blood transfusion changed his life (and his commitment to donating), and why he became a vocal advocate for salary transparency, mental health, and reverse mentorship at one of the world’s biggest tech companies.
From surviving ulcerative colitis and hospital stays, to transforming Friday virtual happy hours into safe spaces for honesty, Mike’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical generosity. We also dive into imposter syndrome, the impacts of the pandemic, coaching younger engineers, and how personal accountability—and community—can change your trajectory.
This conversation is a masterclass in redefining success beyond titles and bonuses. If you’ve ever felt unseen at work, struggled with burnout, or questioned your place in tech, this episode is for you.
You can connect with Mike on his LinkedIn, and check out his financials presentation as mentioned, that helped guide industry transparency on salary.
00:00 Introduction to Mike Owen's Journey
10:12 Navigating Career Challenges and Growth
20:12 The Importance of Salary Transparency
30:10 Reflections on Longevity and Vulnerability in the Workplace
37:55 Mentorship and Learning
38:48 The Importance of Coachability
39:30 Salary Transparency and Its Challenges
41:24 Defining Self-Worth Beyond Numbers
43:17 Overcoming Bad Reviews and Resilience
50:17 Personal Struggles and Recovery
58:21 Reflections on Layoffs and Job Security
01:02:07 The Case for Unionization in Tech
01:11:30 Advice for Young Professionals in Tech