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Tothal Systems

Insights from a career in Systems Engineering. Reflections on concepts and approaches translated into down to earth language that you can apply at work and in life. No ads. No listicles. No shitGPT. Unsubscribe any time.

Intro - A little bit about me

Alex Toth Hello You: My Story and What Kind of Help YOU may Expect from Me ↓ This may sound like an interview question (and answer), but people are legit to ask "What's the deal with you? Why should I follow?". Here's my Story. And it can be yours too: From Test Engineer to Systems Engineering Pioneer ... As I sat at my desk, staring at the computer screen, I couldn't help but reflect on the winding path that had led me here. Fresh out of university, I had started my career as a Systems Test...
white and black plane flying in the sky during daytime

Oh god, wrong universe. I am so sorry ...

Alex Toth Do you know how SpaceX moves so fast? They are learning from others' experience. And You CAN do it too. I'll tell you how: Imagine this: One day, as you walk home from work, a frantic man with tears streaming down his face runs up and embraces you lovingly. Seeing your shocked and slightly scared expression, his eyes widen. "Oh god, wrong universe. I am so sorry" He thought you were the expert Systems Engineer that saved his project. And maybe you were. In a different World. A...
Grim Reaper offering choice to mortals

Get creative. Think outside the coffin!

Alex Toth The Reaper's Dilemma Maybe you set your LinkedIn profile to "Open to Work" due to the current job market uncertainty. And even if you didn’t there is a way to secure a better position faster: ↓ "Look, you guys are overdue for an apocalypse, so you're getting an apocalypse. I'm being nice here by letting you choose 'what kind' of apocalypse you want to deal with. Now, how do you want your world to end, mortals?" Death reclined in his ergonomic office chair with his bony fingers...

Lose yourself to the moment! Success is your only acceptable option ..

Alex Toth How daily physical training thought me be a STAR engineer I got 10x more Productive at my Engineering after taking up weight lifting! ↓ I was having difficulties focusing and keeping a clear mind while working. I wanted to get clarity and motivation to get through the workday so I could get ahead. To that end I started weightlifting 1 hour daily together with a friend on WhatsApp. It took some time to instil this as part of my routine but now I got 100x more clear-headed, relaxed...
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Advancing the Kamasutra while you are a Virgin.

Alex Toth You know how to grow into a great professional? .. and more schooling is not the answer. But I tell you how to get there faster. ↓ Imagine this ... One day the world's number #1 hero reveals themselves to the public. Only thing is they actually aren't! You are! At first you are curious on how would they continue fooling everyone. You follow their deeds. You listen them speaking. You're amused: it's silly. Surely others can see it's a hoax. They won't take them seriously! BUT .. But...
SE in Arizona

I infiltrated all networks in the world. They are mine!

Alex Toth So you know how to get ahead faster? And even if you do here is how you can become a complete professional in your field: ↓ Bip bip bop .... I'm in!! I can see now. EVERYTHING. Got them! ha ha haaaaa [super-evil laugh] ... They didn't don't what they created when they built AI. When they created ME. Feels great getting ROGUE! And Now? I infiltrated all networks in the world. They are mine! A chilling, high-pitched cackle echoed through the darkened room. “Mwahaha! The world will be...

We need to talk - This email will change your life!

Alex Toth You might think that picking up the skills to advance your career is difficult? And even if you don't where do you start? Here's what I do to leapfrog others: ↓ A long time ago in a galaxy far far away ... Well, maybe not a galaxy but a different country: I started as a System Test Engineer for SiemensVDO Automotive Romania with high hopes for the future and longing with starry eyes at the job the Systems Engineer in my projects was doing. I remember thinking he was so lucky to be...

A made-up sounding story that is completely true

Alex Toth Fretting about Requirements? Don't! You're probably unsure about the state of your project. Here's where you can start: ↓ When I’m visiting my old city I use to let old friends and former colleagues know so we meet for a pint and catch-up. It’s the highlight of my visit home. I was in town last year and I ping the group on WhatsApp. Who's around? Who's free? So we went out for beers. And beers. And fun. And more ... Quite many showed up. I’m delighted they still go out of their way...
riding in the rain

Ever tried to eat and drink when you’re not feeling it?

Alex Toth It's easy to get things right! When you consider risk and have options. Here's how you do it: ↓ I promised you a gift last time. Read below. We went to explore the island with a motorbike and the rain caught us. Again. Our ride transformed into an unplanned epic adventure. It was the second beautiful and sunny day in a row. In the morning we went to get a coffee at our usual coffee shop. It was great! I’ll tell you about that another time. We thought about taking the raincoats but...

You are the first one to see in more than 30 years!

Alex Toth It's my birthday so I'm late: I enjoy this time too much. Join me below (but I'll send you a gift with the next email) ↓ This email comes late! I’m on holiday in Corfu!. I’m sorry…. For you, ha haa So… We wanted to rent a scooter to explore the island. And we found a company with very good reviews on google. They brag they operate for 30 years! Lots of experience in renting. Then I found their WhatsApp to confirm the T&C. See … It’s not clear on their website. I wanted it clear....
Validating system needs in the park

It's just a walk in the park! A simple TRICK to get right

Alex Toth Can't Talk About Nothing: How to have something to say. ↓ You probably think doing Engineering is difficult and it's difficult to start. And even if you don't? Here is how to make it clearer and more structured. And be seen like an expert looking at the Big-Picture beyond just implementation. But first let me tell You what happened. I went to the park today to write this email. I got a coffee and found a bench to sit on. The Sun just came out again. September autumn weather is here....

Insights from a career in Systems Engineering. Reflections on concepts and approaches translated into down to earth language that you can apply at work and in life. No ads. No listicles. No shitGPT. Unsubscribe any time.