# 124 - 5 Steps to Becoming a Phenom Quality Pro with Andy Robertson

- Show: [Let's Combinate](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate)
- Published: 2024-02-21
- Length: 31m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letscombinate/episodes/124---5-Steps-to-Becoming-a-Phenom-Quality-Pro-with-Andy-Robertson-e2g1rrv

## Summary

Andy Robertson, founder of CQE Academy, outlines five steps for quality engineers to achieve professional excellence, emphasizing the critical roles of mentorship, tackling challenging assignments, and lifelong learning. He argues that soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence are often underrated yet essential for leadership, and suggests that quality professionals should occasionally leave their specific domain to gain broader business perspective. The discussion also highlights the value of professional certifications, such as the CQE, and specific books for career development.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson#t=1) Introduction: Andy Robertson and CQE Academy
- [4:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson#t=296) Step 1: The Importance of Mentorship and Finding a Coach
- [12:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson#t=771) Step 2: The Value of Tough Assignments and Discomfort
- [18:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson#t=1116) Step 3: Becoming a Lifelong Learning and Managing Scope
- [22:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson#t=1335) Step 4: The Underrated Value of Soft Skills and Communication
- [27:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson#t=1621) Step 5: Leaving Quality to Gain Business Perspective
- [29:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-21-124-5-steps-to-becoming-a-phenom-quality-pro-with-andy-robertson#t=1756) Bonus: The Benefits of Professional Certifications and Books

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- CQE Academy (company)
- CQE (other)
- Toastmasters (other)
- The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team (other)
- To Sell as Human (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [#421: Mastering MedTech Influence: The Power of Communication in Quality](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2025-08-25-421-mastering-medtech-influence-the-power-of-communication-in-quality) (Global Medical Device Podcast)
- [S7E9 Brad & Aaron | Top 5 Takeaways After Interviewing Over 300 Engineers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-02-27-s7e9-brad-aaron-top-5-takeaways-after-interviewing-over-300-engineers) (Being an Engineer)
- [21: The Tent Is Flat and Everyone Is Wet](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-02-21-the-tent-is-flat-and-everyone-is-wet) (Embedded.fm)
- [Zach White | How to be the CEO of Your Own Career](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-07-01-zach-white-how-to-be-the-ceo-of-your-own-career) (Being an Engineer)
- [Mark Herschberg | Essential Skills for Success They Didn’t Teach in College](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-04-21-mark-herschberg-essential-skills-for-success-they-didnt-teach-in-college) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

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