We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mamadou Diallo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mamadou below.
Mamadou, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’m not sure that I’ve fully found my purpose yet, but one of my biggest drivers has always come from thinking about the things that the younger version of myself was missing and figuring out how to make that accessible to others. Whatever the younger version of me was missing, I probably wasn’t alone. With this thinking, I can start brainstorming potential solutions and exploring a potential market for it, which I can use as basis to figure out potential opportunities or business ventures.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently work as a Technical Project Manager in the Industrial Machine Automation Industry. I studied Mechanical Engineering and am experienced working with and leading cross-functional engineering teams; project engineering; designing high-precision machined components; and the design, fabrication, and installation of welded joints and components.
I am the founder and host of the Engineers Hub Podcast, where I talk about all things engineering with other Engineers, Managers, Technical Experts, and Industry Leaders from various disciplines, sectors, and industries.
I am also the founder of the Engineering Career Pathways Institute (ECPI). ECPI’s mission is centered around three core pillars: 1. Bridging the gap between the standard engineering curriculum and skills that are sought after in industries. 2. Providing Career Pathways and Industry exposure to students majoring in engineering or considering doing so. 3. Contributing to the diversity of the Engineering Workforce by increasing the number of minority students who successfully transition into a career in Engineering.
Outside of Engineering, I am also involved in youth training and development. I currently serve as the President of GAED, a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization offering educational and economic development opportunities for university students of low-income backgrounds Guinea-Conakry, West Africa.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Surround yourself with smart and ambitious people, and learn as much as you can from them. Sometimes, this means being willing to be the dumbest person in the room and getting out of your comfort zone. By doing this, you will be able to learn a lot and get a glimpse of what it takes to really build something amazing. This is as important as going to school and getting a college degree.
2. Strive to get paid for the value you create instead of the time you spend. Aim to get compensated for your results (output) instead of your effort (input). The highest paid and earning people in our world get paid for the results they provide, not the time they put in. If you are going to get paid for your time, make sure that you are also using the opportunity to learn or develop a new skill, or build leverage that will benefit you even after you leave that position.
3. With whatever you try or attempt, you only fail by giving up. Strive for success in all of your endeavors, and if you do not succeed, you will learn, which is also a win. Be okay with taking risks and learning in the process.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, through the Engineering Career Pathways Institute, one of our goals is to introduce the engineering profession to as many kids and children from underrepresented communities as possible (African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, etc.). We will only be able to do this through mutually beneficial partnerships. If you are a youth or community organization serving one of these underrepresented communities, we would love to work with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: engineeringcareerpathways.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathpaver_diallo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamadou-diallo/
