In this interview, Clint Steele, an accomplished engineer, business strategist, and best-selling author, shares his remarkable journey of blending technical expertise with creative passion. With a background in engineering design and commercialization, Clint has made a significant impact in both the tech and education sectors. His work spans from developing innovative solutions to mentoring aspiring engineers and teaching dance. Throughout this conversation, Clint reflects on his early life, career path, the challenges of balancing multiple passions, and the strategies that have driven his success in both business and personal growth.
Exploring Clint Steele’s Early Life and Education
Curious about Clint Steele’s background, we asked him to share a bit about his early life and educational journey.
Clint Steele: For me, it all really started when I was a teenager and read a custom car (“Hot Rod” to some) magazine. The magazine had a “technical tips” section. This is where technical information on the workings of automobiles was explained – along with how to use this knowledge when modifying a car for performance and personal preference. I was captivated by how someone could use their knowledge of the laws of nature to bring about the physical outcome they wanted. It was a god-like power to me, and so I then set about finding out the best way to gain this knowledge and apply it as part of my future career. That led to a bachelor of engineering – and a number of other related qualifications after that.
Balancing Diverse Passions
Intrigued by Clint Steele’s ability to juggle multiple roles, we asked how he manages to balance his diverse passions, from engineering to teaching dance.
Clint Steele: The key to the answer is in the question: “passions”. I enjoy what I do. If I did not, then I simply would not have been able to make time. But because I enjoy what I do – and I know how lucky I am for that, because not many enjoy what they do as much as I do – I am always able to find the energy to keep at it. If anything, all these activities give me energy. But I have recently had to step away from some things because I have a son on the way – and I of course want to put energy into that.
The Influence of Engineering and Design on Business Strategy
Wondering how his engineering and design experience influences his business approach, we asked Clint Steele how these technical skills shape his work as a strategist.
Clint Steele: The thing about engineering, when it comes to influencing your thinking, is that you can’t make excuses. If your design does not work or does not work as well as another competing design, then you can’t talk your way out of it. The numbers are there to measure performance or even failure. Therefore, you do two things:
- You focus on making sure every decision is well founded – so much so you know what the outcome will be.
- You take responsibility for your actions.
When it comes to business strategy, I make sure that I have the facts needed to justify a strategy before implementing it. If I don’t have those facts, then I will run a trial of some sort to collect more information. If the information at hand suggests that a strategy will not work, then I drop that strategy and think of another – I never try to justify my ideas when they simply will not work.
The Path to Becoming a Best-Selling Author
Interested in his writing journey, we asked Clint Steele what inspired him to become a No. 1 best-selling author and what message he hopes to convey through his books.
Clint Steele: When I was an academic, I researched how people’s culture, economic background, and things like prior work experience affected the way they thought as engineers and designers. And from that, how anyone could improve their engineering and design abilities. This research was prompted by my experience working in China. While I was doing this, the head of the department said that the findings would make for an excellent book. I finally got around to doing it, and, as you say, it became a No 1 seller.
I hope that it helps people take control of their own development of their engineering expertise. And that they can take their careers where they want to. And that they become the best engineer that they can be.
Turning Innovation into Success
Eager to learn more about commercialization, we asked Clint Steele how he helps turn innovative ideas into successful products and services in the marketplace.
Clint Steele: This is mostly due to my engineering design skills. It’s all about making sure that the product or service is designed so that it is aligned with the customer needs and the business strategy – while possessing inherent quality. However, in the process of designing any system, you always ask questions and then check the validity of the answer – how well-informed it is. This, by default, also helps refine the understanding of the opportunity and the business strategy, which is another way ideas can be turned into products and services.
The Passion Behind Teaching
Curious about Clint Steele’s passion for teaching, we asked what drives him to tutor high school students and teach dance, despite his busy schedule.
Clint Steele: I am a natural teacher. I simply enjoy the act of sharing knowledge. However, it also has a remarkable benefit – it’s called the protege effect by some. By teaching something, you learn it more and master it more. Therefore, by teaching dance and tutoring, I became a better dancer and I also maintained and improved my understanding of the things I learned in high school. On top of that – you simply get to interact with others – and humans are social animals so we are always happier when we do that.
The Impact of Education
Wondering how his academic background influenced his career, we asked Clint Steele how his education at the University of Colorado Boulder shaped his problem-solving and professional approach.
Clint Steele: In my undergrad, I was lucky to have more than a year’s work experience prior to graduating. Therefore, I have always been applied when it comes to knowledge – thinking about how I can use anything that I learn. I also did a PhD, which has made me very thorough when documenting anything I am working on – from the definition of the problem to the reason for the solution that is finally implemented.
Navigating Challenges in Multifaceted Roles
Aware of the many hats Clint Steele wears, we asked what challenges he’s faced in balancing technical, creative, and mentoring roles, and how he’s been able to overcome them.
Clint Steele: The key is not thinking that the two need to be juggled. The word “engineer” comes from the Latin word for ingenious. Ingenious means both technical (or practical) and creative. Therefore, every day, as an engineer, I need to bring the two together. Sometimes you need to engage in what is called “modal shifting” where you focus on one over the other, but as you keep on doing that, you get better at using them both at the same time.
Research Focus and Real-World Application
Curious about his research, we asked Clint Steele what areas he focuses on and how he applies his findings in practical, impactful ways.
Clint Steele: My two main areas of research are design for quality (what some call probabilistic design) and the cognitive elements of engineering practice. For the former, I apply them whenever a quality issue is present. For the latter, I use all my findings to analyze myself as I work. I also use these findings when talking with colleagues about their work and challenges. I hope I come across as helpful – and not annoying or condescending – when I do this.
Advice for Pursuing Both Technical and Creative Careers
Wondering how to blend technical and creative passions, we asked Clint Steele what advice he would offer to those looking to explore both fields in their careers.
Clint Steele: I think engineering is ideal, but engineering design roles are the ones that really allow you to combine both. So if you are set on a career that is both technical and creative, then focus on engineering design. If you ever feel you can’t get enough of a creative outlet, then you can always take up a hobby – that’s how I ended up teaching dance. The good thing about engineering is that it generally pays well and has good work hours – so you will likely have both the time and money needed to take on almost any hobby you are interested in.
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