Beyond The Build

• EP19: The Fundamental Reasons Software Engineers Struggle and What to Do About It

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9When your teammate is struggling, it's easy to assume they're not trying hard enough. But what if the problem is something else entirely?In this episode of Beyond The Build, we dive deep into one of the most uncomfortable topics in software engineering: how to recognize when a colleague is struggling and what you can actually do to help.We break down what "struggling" really looks like—missing deadlines, failing to meet expected standards, taking on too much work, or lacking skills in areas like documentation, influence, or even coding itself. We discuss how these challenges manifest differently depending on someone's level and role, and why showing grace is critical in an industry where the work is genuinely difficult.What we cover:Why struggling doesn't equal lazy—and the many reasons engineers fall behindHow cultural differences (especially for immigrants) can impact work expectationsThe manager problem: when leadership doesn't understand how hard the work actually isRecognizing that people are skilled in different areas—and that's okayPractical strategies for helping struggling teammates: direct conversations, milestone planning, expectation alignment, and regular check-insCreating accountability without creating fearBuilding psychological safety so people feel comfortable asking for helpRole-specific support tactics: pair programming for engineers, shadowing for PMs, and moreWhy software engineering is a team sport—if the team loses, everyone losesWhether you're a senior engineer, team lead, or IC who wants to be a better teammate, this episode gives you a framework for turning struggle into success—for your colleagues and your team.

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• EP18: Amazon Leader Reveals What Separates High Performers from Leaders

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9In this episode of Beyond the Build, we sit down with Felix Ekwueme, Technical Advisor to the VP of International Sellers at Amazon, to talk about the real drivers of career growth that go way beyond just “doing good work.”We unpack why comfort and growth don’t coexist, the dangers of being the silent high performer, and what it really takes to rise through the ranks—especially as an immigrant or underrepresented voice in tech.Felix also shares hard-earned lessons from his military background, how he made the leap from IC to Executive roles, and why writing is one of the most underrated career tools. You’ll learn how to make your work more legible, influence without authority, and make decisions with speed—not perfection.Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into leadership, this episode is packed with gems on navigating hierarchies, capturing your value, and growing with intention.Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)00:00 – Intro & Setup02:42 – Felix’s Role at Amazon03:20 – Military Background & Lessons07:23 – From IC to Executive12:29 – Speed of Decision-Making19:16 – Writing as a Growth Tool29:59 – Disagree & Commit39:30 – Serendipity & Networking43:07 – Career Transitions1:07:49 – Technology & Utility (Crypto vs. Real Value)1:08:30 – Generative AI & Adoption Cycles1:09:15 – Fast Learning Cycles1:11:18 – Roadmap Accountability Challenges1:11:35 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

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• EP17: The Layoff Signals Everyone Ignores (Until It's Too Late)

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9In this raw and honest episode, we dive deep into the uncomfortable reality of tech layoffs that every software engineer needs to understand.Drawing from our own experiences of surviving cuts while watching teammates get let go, we break down the harsh truths about what really determines who stays and who goes.We explore the critical difference between working in cost centers versus revenue-generating teams and why your org chart position might matter more than your code quality. You'll learn to spot the early warning signs of layoffs - from leadership musical chairs to the dangerous allure of experimental projects that seem exciting until budget cuts hit.We also discuss how your life phase and responsibilities should influence your career decisions, why being unable to measure your impact is a massive red flag, and how toxic team dynamics can drag down even the best performers. Whether you're a junior dev or a senior engineer, this episode will change how you think about job security and career strategy in tech.This isn't just another layoff story - it's a tactical guide for navigating the realities of modern tech careers.Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)

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• EP16: From Lagos to South Africa to a US Tech Giant - Career Lessons From A Digital Nomad

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9In this episode of Beyond the Build, we sit down with Fola, a Senior Security Engineer whose career has taken him from Nigeria to South Africa and now the United States.We unpack what it means to build a career across countries and cultures. Fola opens up about his journey out of Nigeria, the culture shocks he faced moving to Cape Town, and how he learned to navigate both corporate and social environments that were radically different from what he knew. We talk about the mindset it takes to thrive when you're constantly adapting, the invisible codes of workplace culture, and how he’s built strong relationships across borders.Whether you’re thinking about working abroad, already navigating a new environment, or just curious about how tech looks in different parts of the world, this conversation is full of honest reflections and actionable insights.Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)

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• EP 15: Focusing On Solving the Right Problems (and Ignoring the Wrong Ones)

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9What if the secret to making an impact at work isn’t solving every problem—but knowing which ones to ignore?In this episode of Beyond the Build, we dive into one of the most overlooked but critical parts of being a software engineer: identifying the right problems to solve, at the right time, in the right way. It’s not about doing more work—it’s about doing the work that actually moves the needle.We explore the strategic art of letting things fail (on purpose), why clearly articulating a problem is sometimes more valuable than jumping to a solution, and how to assess whether a problem is worth solving before you invest weeks into fixing it. We also get into the political layer of engineering: how to build buy-in, how timing can make or break good work, and why aligning with company KPIs and leadership priorities matters more than technical perfection.From navigating town halls to choosing visibility over perfection, we break down the soft skills and unspoken dynamics that separate senior engineers from the rest. If you’ve ever felt like your most meaningful work goes unnoticed—or wondered why someone else got credit for something you quietly saved—this episode is for you.Follow us on Social Media Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebuildpodcast) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebuildpodcast)Connect with Ope - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osunkoyaope/Connect with Uma: Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/umacodes) Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@umacodes) Twitter: (https://twitter.com/umacodes) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaabu/)

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