In this episode, I talk with Boris Martin, CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA, about purpose-driven engineering and how it’s transforming the future of leadership in the AEC industry. He explains how engineers at every career stage can grow their leadership skills, communication abilities, and personal fulfillment by pursuing projects with meaning. This inspiring conversation covers how engineering companies benefit from purpose-driven programs, how purpose boosts retention and engagement, and how volunteering fuels leadership development across the industry.
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Purpose-Driven Engineering Builds Skills and Confidence
- Engineers Without Borders USA is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to delivering sustainable, community-based engineering projects in underserved areas across the globe and the United States. Their work focuses on essential services such as clean water access, bridges, energy, and healthcare infrastructure, allowing engineers to create meaningful impact through technical expertise.
- Purpose-driven engineering enhances personal fulfillment and drives higher employee engagement, retention, and performance. When engineers feel connected to a transformative mission, they become more invested in their careers and empowered to contribute at a higher level.
- Volunteering exposes engineers to the entire project lifecycle and cultivates critical skills such as cross-cultural communication, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning under resource constraints. These experiences accelerate leadership development and give engineers the confidence and perspective needed to grow in their careers.
- Engineering organizations can develop strategic partnerships with Engineers Without Borders USA that include sponsorship, talent recruitment, and employee engagement opportunities. These partnerships offer meaningful avenues for businesses to support social impact while building leadership capacity and attracting purpose-driven professionals.
- Engineers can make an impact without leaving the country by participating in local projects through the Community Engineering Corps. These domestic initiatives allow engineers to help underserved communities within the United States gain access to critical infrastructure solutions while staying connected to the mission of purpose-driven engineering.
About the Guest, Boris Martin, PhD
Boris believes that every engineer today can play a role in helping humanity heal and adapt to climate change, and that change starts from within, when engineers embrace their own acts of generosity as a journey of personal transformation.
A longtime and deeply committed member of the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) worldwide network, Boris became EWB-USA’s CEO in June 2022. During two decades prior, he played various roles at EWB Canada, including three years in Burkina Faso as a volunteer.
Boris’ experience in international development spans sectors such as agriculture, entrepreneurship and economic development, rural infrastructure, WASH and community development. He has worked with government programs, large scale development projects as well as entrepreneurial initiatives, using both grants and innovative finance instruments.
Boris is also a founding member of the advisory council at FinDev Canada (Canada’s Development Finance Institution) and past President of the Board at EWB International. He holds a PhD in engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Social Innovation. He lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife Alanna Peters, their three kids, five chickens and an Australian shepherd puppy.
Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include:
Engineers Without Borders USA
Impact Genome
Connect with Boris Martin, PhD, on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
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