# S2 E43 Engineering Productivity | Matthew Gaddy

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2021-10-08
- Length: 48m
- Episode: 43
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy/

## Summary

Matthew Gaddy, an electrical engineer and owner of Gaddy Consulting LLC, explains how engineers can escape 50+ hour work weeks by prioritizing 'must-do' tasks that directly align with specific goals. He details techniques for training focus, such as meditation and distraction-free time blocking, to enable 'deep work' on complex problems. Gaddy also advises on managing communication channels like Microsoft Teams and email, emphasizing that setting clear availability expectations prevents the productivity loss caused by perpetual availability.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=0) Introduction: Matthew Gaddy and Gaddy Consulting LLC
- [2:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=123) Matthew Gaddy's Engineering Background and Career Path
- [5:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=323) Defining Must-Do Tasks and Goal Alignment
- [7:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=469) Training Focus: Meditation and Time Blocking
- [12:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=720) Managing Distractions: Cellphones, Email, and Interruptions
- [17:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=1040) Deep Work and Cal Newport's Concept
- [20:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=1213) The Time Blocking System: Identify, Select, Plan, Execute
- [27:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=1646) Communication Strategies and Team Collaboration
- [36:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=2201) Evaluating Productivity: Results vs. Hours Worked
- [43:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-08-s2-e43-engineering-productivity-matthew-gaddy#t=2639) Final Advice: Slow Down and Focus

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Gaddy Consulting LLC (company)
- Pipeline Design & Engineering (company)
- Headspace (tool)
- Wrike (tool)
- Microsoft Teams (tool)
- Cal Newport (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 030: Productivity.geocities.com](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-07-31-episode-030-productivity-geocities-com) (Making It)
- [Episode 114: What keeps you from productivity?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-04-07-episode-114-what-keeps-you-from-productivity) (Making It)
- [Episode 314: You have to trick yourself](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-07-09-episode-314-you-have-to-trick-yourself) (Making It)
- [526: Maybe It Doesn't Really Matter](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-05-22-526-maybe-it-doesnt-really-matter) (Making It)
- [STL359: Making the Most of Shop Time](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-02-06-stl359-making-the-most-of-shop-time) (Shop Talk Live)

## Citing this page

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