Beyond The Build

• EP22: Your Manager Is Using You (Here's How to Use Them Back)

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9Think your manager is just there to assign you tasks? Think again.In this episode of Beyond the Build, we dig into one of the most overlooked parts of being a software engineer: what you should actually expect from your manager. A lot of engineers think management is just about task updates, but your manager plays a huge role in your growth, visibility, and long-term success.We break down the expectations at every level, from junior to senior to staff, and talk through how your manager should be supporting you with opportunities, feedback, sponsorship, and clarity. We also get into the politics behind the scenes, how to avoid surprises during performance season, and how to structure your 1:1s so they’re strategic, not just status meetings.If you’ve ever felt lost about what your manager is supposed to do, or if you want to learn how to work with them to accelerate your career, this episode gives you the full blueprint. Tune in to hear the conversations most engineers never get to have.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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• EP21: The Truth About Finding “Fulfillment” in Your Career

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9Everyone says you should “find joy” or “do what you love” but is that realistic advice, or just another modern work myth? In this episode of Beyond the Build, We unpack the tension between fulfillment and functionality at work. Should you expect your job to make you happy, or is that setting yourself up for burnout and disappointment?If you’ve ever wondered whether you should love your job, tolerate it, or separate it from your happiness entirely, this episode will give you a reality check and a roadmap.

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• EP20: WFH vs WFO The Productivity Myth Everyone’s Falling For

  Send us a textAsk us a question or suggest an Episode: https://forms.gle/8tEg2CKTNNWteSgt9In this episode, we unpack the realities of working from home versus working in the office. We share what’s lost when you’re remote, like casual hallway conversations and easy collaboration and how that affects connection and visibility at work.We also explore the upsides of remote life: fewer distractions, no commute, and more control over your time. At the same time, we dive into challenges like blurred work-life boundaries, reduced visibility, and the need to make your work legible in distributed teams.From managing context switching to using writing as a communication tool, we talk about how engineers can stay productive and connected wherever they work and why, in the end, hybrid might be the best of both worlds.

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• 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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