Many of us in technical roles wonder how to progress into management, develop leadership skills, and stay relevant in an evolving industry. In this episode, I sit down with Gary Allen, a technical manager with over 40 years of experience, to talk about career growth, technical leadership, and the skills that matter most.

Gary started out as a bench technician before moving into engineering, compliance, and product safety—eventually becoming a manager in a completely different industry. He shares his thoughts on career transitions, communication, and why troubleshooting is a skill that isn’t taught well in school but is critical for success.

If you’re an engineer, technician, or someone looking to move into management, this episode offers practical lessons on career development, standing out, and embracing new challenges.

Three Actionable Takeaways

🛠️ Troubleshooting is an essential skill – Schools don’t always teach it well, but learning to break down problems and solve them methodically will set you apart. If you’re early in your career, find a mentor to help develop this skill.

📢 Communication matters more than you think – Your ability to explain complex ideas, write well, and present to different audiences will have a bigger impact on your career progression than technical skills alone.

📈 Be open to new industries – Gary transitioned from biomedical compliance to laser safety to railroad technology. Don’t limit yourself—your skills may be more transferable than you think.