Why Emotional Intelligence for AEC Project Managers Improves Leadership Success

emotional intelligence

In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, technical expertise has long been considered the cornerstone of success. But as projects grow more complex, teams become more diverse, and client expectations rise, one thing is increasingly clear: technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. What separates effective AEC project managers (PMs) and leaders from the rest is […]

De-Escalation Tactics for Engineering Leaders in High-Stakes Meetings

de-escalation tactics for engineering leaders

I was in a meeting that was about to go supercritical; The VP of Product was red-faced, jabbing a finger at a graph on the screen, “The data pipeline is a liability! Your team’s latency is costing us revenue every hour!” My lead engineer, Greg, shot back, “Because you keep shoving in new, half-baked requirements […]

How Skill Readiness in Engineering Firms Transforms Workforce Success

skill readiness in engineering firms

Engineering is evolving faster than ever; emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, and automation are changing how teams design and deliver projects. Meanwhile, sustainability requirements, new regulations, and global collaboration are pushing engineering firms to adapt at unprecedented speed. The challenge for leaders is clear: the workforce and skill readiness in engineering firms […]

How Feeling Known at Work Drives Connection and Engagement

feeling known at work

How known do you feel by those you work with? How well do you truly know them? The answers to these questions are likely indicative of your level of connection and engagement at work, as having a sense of feeling known at work is highly correlated with these other metrics. But what is this even […]

Sustainable AI Data Centers Powered by Renewable Energy

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, the infrastructure behind it—especially sustainable AI data centers—is under the spotlight. These facilities are the engines of AI innovation, but they’re also massive consumers of energy and resources. The challenge now is clear: How do we build and run AI data centers that are both high-performing and sustainable? We all […]

Practical AI in AEC: Stop Reading and Start Trying

practical AI in AEC

AI is everywhere in AEC discourse, but most advice is generic: read a whitepaper, attend a webinar, or buy a tool. That won’t move the needle. Real change comes from trying things on your own projects. At a session I recently presented at, the refrain was the same: stop chasing hype and start solving your […]

From Passive Listening to Active Learning: How to Get the Most Out of Engineering Podcasts

passive listening to active learning

In today’s fast-paced engineering world, professional growth doesn’t just happen; you must actively pursue it. At the Engineering Management Institute, we empower engineers through content that helps them give, guide, and ultimately grow as leaders and innovators. Podcasts offer an ideal medium for learning on the go, but only if you move from passive listening […]

Circular Scheduling: Designing Project Timelines That Encourage Resource Reuse

Circular Scheduling

I remember the first time I was introduced to circular scheduling. It felt like the engineering world had a magic wand to wave at resource management. After all, who wouldn’t want to stretch the lifespan of materials, minimize waste, and create a project timeline that seamlessly blends sustainability with efficiency? As engineers, we often talk […]

Engineers Who Master AI for Engineering Design and Analysis Lead the Future

AI for engineering design and analysis

The engineering profession is changing faster than at any time in recent history. AI for engineering design and analysis is now deeply embedded in design, simulation, analysis, and project planning. But AI-powered engineering workflows are also taking over many routine, entry-level tasks—the kind of work that once gave new engineers a foothold in their careers. […]