Engineering Management Institute

TSEC 099: Ensuring Safety and Regulatory Standards in Structural Development

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Regulatory StandardsIn this episode, we talks to John Lazier P.Eng., MBA, structural engineer, and developer at Lazier Engineering Partners, about his journey into structural engineering and development. He shares insights on his role in ensuring the safety and adherence to regulatory standards in drawings and also offers some valuable tips for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Regulatory Standards

Regulatory Standards

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask John:

  • What motivated you to start your business as a developer, and what services do you provide to architects? Can you explain how the developer part works?
  • How do you ensure that your drawings comply with safety and regulatory standards?
  • As a structural engineer and developer, what are some of the significant challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?
  • In what ways do you see your work contributing to job creation in Canada, and what impact do you hope to make in your industry?
  • Could you share a project that you are particularly proud of, and what sets it apart for you?
  • What strategies do you use to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in your field, and how do you continue to grow and learn as a professional?
  • Did your MBA contribute to your success as an entrepreneur, or was it mostly about figuring out your path, being creative, and networking?
  • What advice would you offer someone interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering and development?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Ensuring Safety and Regulatory Standards in Structural Development:

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TCEP 232: People Skills for Engineering Leaders: Balancing Work and Career Growth

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People SkillsAs we celebrate Women’s History Month, this episode features an inspiring conversation with Raine Gardner, P.E., Team Leader at MSA Professional Services. The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is “Women who tell stories,” and Raine shares her own story, along with invaluable insights and experiences on the significance of people skills in engineering leadership, maintaining work-life balance, career pathing, and fostering professional growth. Additionally, she offers excellent tips and strategies for cultivating a growth mindset and enhancing leadership skills.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

People Skills

People Skills

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Raine:

  • Could you share your experience managing a team of multidisciplinary professionals? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
  • In your opinion, how do people skills play a crucial role in engineering leadership? Can you give some examples from your personal experience?
  • As a Board Member of your firm, how has your role evolved? How has your experience as a Board Member impacted your leadership skills?
  • Balancing work and personal responsibilities can be challenging, especially in leadership roles. Can you talk about how you achieve work-life balance, and what that looks like for you?
  • How do you delegate work and coach your team for success?
  • Can you discuss the considerations of career pathing in technical versus leadership roles? How did you navigate this transition, and what advice would you give to someone in a similar position?
  • What has supported your leadership growth, and how have these experiences impacted your leadership abilities?
  • How do you maintain a growth mindset and continue to improve your leadership skills? Can you share any specific strategies or practices that have been particularly beneficial to you?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About People Skills for Engineering Leaders: 

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Mastering Productivity: 3 Essential Hacks for Engineers

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

Mastering Productivity

“Time is not refundable; use it with intention.” ~ Unknown

As an engineer, your job requires a high level of focus and attention to detail. With so many tasks and projects to manage, it can be challenging to stay productive throughout the day. The good news is that there are many productivity hacks that can help you streamline your workflow, maximize your efficiency, and get more done in less time. In this blog, we’ll explore three essential productivity hacks that every engineer should know. Whether you’re struggling with distractions, need to prioritize your tasks, or want to automate repetitive tasks, these hacks will help you with mastering productivity and achieving your goals.

Minimize Distractions

Distractions can derail your productivity and make it harder to stay focused on your work. To minimize distractions, implement the following:

  • Turn off notifications on your phone and computer
  • Use noise-canceling headphones to block out noise
  • Close unnecessary tabs and apps on your computer
  • Work in a quiet, distraction-free environment

Use the Pomodoro Technique

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AECT 013: Safeguarding AEC Firms: Insights on Cybersecurity and Responding to Breaches

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CybersecurityIn this episode, we talk to Tom Kirkham, the founder, and CEO of IronTech Security, about the importance of protecting AEC firms from cyberattacks with cybersecurity. Tom also explain what engineering firms can do right away when they experience a security breach.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Tom:

  • How vulnerable are AEC firms to cyberattacks?
  • What can individual employees do to help protect their firms against these types of attacks?
  • How do you see artificial intelligence affecting the cybersecurity space?
  • Could you talk about the return on investment that a firm is going to see by taking a preventative approach to cybersecurity?
  • What should an AEC firm be doing if they don’t have preventative maintenance or a system in place and they get hacked?
  • Could you give our listeners and viewers a sneak peek into why you wrote these books and what they’re all about?
  • What advice would you like to share with the audience today, taking into consideration all the topics we’ve discussed?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Safeguarding AEC Firms: 

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TGEP 71: Career Development Tips for Geotechnical Engineering Students

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Engineering StudentsIn this episode, we talk to Nazek Naja, a graduate student and research assistant at The University of Texas at Austin who shares her insights on how she developed her career as a geotechnical engineer, starting from her studies. She also provides valuable tips for aspiring engineering students to enhance their job prospects.

Engineering Quotes:

Engineering Students

Engineering Students

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Nazek

  • What is your current field of study at The University of Texas?
  • What inspired you to pursue a career in Geotechnical Engineering, and why do you believe it is important to explore during undergraduate studies?
  • What is it like to study Geotech in today’s era, and do you think it poses more challenges compared to two decades ago?
  • As the president of the Geo-Institute Student Chapter at UT Austin, could you elaborate on your responsibilities and how your involvement in the organization has contributed to your studies and career aspirations?
  • In your opinion, what are some effective ways for engineering students to maximize the benefits of professional organizations?
  • What steps can geotechnical engineering students take before graduation to increase their job prospects?
  • What final advice would you like to offer aspiring geotechnical engineering students?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Career Development Tips for Geotechnical Engineering Students:

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TEQC 027: Revolutionizing Construction Project Management Through Digital Transformation

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Digital TransformationIn this episode, we delve into the world of digital transformation with Adam Stark, the co-founder of Jet.Build. From the impact of technology on various industries to the future of digital innovation, Adam shares his insights on how this phenomenon is shaping our world.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Adam:

  • What is your perspective on the impact of digital transformation and how technology is revolutionizing the landscape?
  • In terms of efficiency, is using technology or paper more effective?
  • What are the major friction points that industry professionals face when adopting new ideas, and have you encountered any of these obstacles?
  • How can we overcome reluctance to adopt new technologies and close the productivity gap in the industry?
  • What motivates your initiatives, and what advice would you give to someone exploring alternative options or ideas for leveraging technology to make improvements?
  • What advice would you offer from a leadership position?
  • If the digital transformation had occurred 20 years ago, how do you believe the industry would be different today?
  • What is the best way to connect with you should someone want to get in touch or learn more about what you are doing in your career?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Revolutionizing Construction Project Management Through Digital Transformation:

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Leveraging Social Media to Boost Your Personal Engineering Brand

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This is a guest blog by Nick Heim, P.E.

Social MediaCivil engineers bring a diverse set of viewpoints, skills, and knowledge to the table.

Because of the impact our work has on society, there are many benefits to sharing our expertise outside of our day-to-day work – for our professional colleagues, our clients, and the general public.

Today, I would like to give some tips on how you can build your personal brand as a civil engineer using social media.

1. Establish a Niche

Social media is a tool that, to this point, has not been utilized very heavily by engineering professionals. I have heard and seen several reasons for this.

One way I have gotten past my personal reservations about the use of social media is by talking about topics that I feel that I can speak confidently about, or have something to share that others would find valuable.

social media

Some niches that I have seen executed successfully by Civil Engineering professionals:

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TEPM 013: Behavior Styles, Team Diversity, and Project Success: A Guide for Project Managers

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Behavior StylesIn this episode, I talk to Frank Sherkow, P.E., TE, PSE, ENV SP, F.ASCE, a distinguished member of the board of Directors at the Southwest Lincoln County Water People’s Utility District (SWLCWPUD). We delve into the critical topic of diversifying behavior styles within project teams and explore the pivotal role that effective leadership communication plays in the process. Whether you’re a seasoned team leader or just starting, this episode promises to offer valuable insights that can enhance your team’s performance and productivity.

***You can view the video for this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Behavior Styles

Behavior Styles

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Frank:

  • Could you provide an overview of the four different behavior styles and explain why teams must have a mix of these styles rather than all team members sharing the same style?
  • In what ways can understanding the natural behavior strengths and weaknesses of team members lead to better project outcomes?
  • What tools do companies typically use to measure the behavior styles of their teams?
  • How can teams be constructed to include a more diverse range of styles, thereby increasing their chances of success?
  • In what ways can understanding how team members define leadership and what they want from their leaders improve overall leadership efforts within an organization?
  • Which areas related to civil engineering should university and workplace training programs focus on for further learning?
  • Can you share some communication tips in project management that can ensure project success?
  • Why is effective communication essential both within and outside of the team?
  • As a final piece of advice, what suggestions do you have for project managers looking to improve their team’s performance and productivity?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Behavioral Styles, Team Diversity, and Project Success: 

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TSEC 098: Exploring Mass Timber Construction: The Benefits, Origins, and Opportunities

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Mass Timber ConstructionIn this episode, we talk to Paul Kremer, an influential figure in Mass Timber Construction and host of the Mass Timber Construction Podcast. He discusses the origin and benefits of mass timber construction, its connection to Building 4.0, and how to get involved in the field.

Engineering Quotes:

Mass Timber Construction

Mass Timber Construction

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Paul:

  • What is mass timber construction and how did it came about?
  • What are the benefits of using mass timber besides its quick construction time?
  • Could you go into the growth of mass timber, e.g., its adoption rates and how it’s progressing in North America, Australia, and other parts of the world?
  • Can you explain what the Building 4.0 concept is and how mass timber construction fits into it?
  • From the engineering side, what does that look like for the structural engineer if they have a mass timber project?
  • Could you go into some of the more notable mass timber construction projects around the world?
  • For engineers who are trying to get into mass timber, do you have any advice or resources that they can go to learn more about it and to get into it?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Exploring Mass Timber Construction: The Benefits, Origins, and Opportunities:

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TCEP 231: Unlocking the Potential of a Strong Online Presence for Civil Engineers

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Online PresenceIn this episode, I speak with Lindsay Diven, CPSM, a marketing and sales manager at Full Sail Partners and the host of the podcast “Marketers Take Flight.”, about the significance of developing a robust online presence. We discuss the importance of social media, the steps firms can take to enhance their online visibility, and how to create an effective social media marketing plan.

Engineering Quotes:

Online Presence

Online Presence

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Lindsey:

  • Why is having a social presence important for civil engineering leaders?
  • What steps can engineering firms take to enhance their online visibility and demonstrate their expertise?
  • If engineering firms only have 10 minutes per week to establish an online presence, what are some strategies they can implement?
  • How can a strong online presence help engineering firms gain their clients’ trust?
  • Could you provide some tips for creating an effective social media marketing plan for an engineering business?
  • What final advice would you offer civil engineers seeking to establish an online presence?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unlocking the Potential of a Strong Online Presence:

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