Engineering Management Institute

TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast

TCEP 237: Exploring the Resilience of Transportation Systems in the Face of Challenges

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Transportation SystemsIn this episode, I talk to John M. Keller, P.E., PMP, executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority about the crucial topic of resiliency in the transportation systems. We discuss the challenges the industry faces, its impacts on budgets, the importance of coordination at all levels, the need to be proactive, and the steps transportation agencies need to take now to ease climate change impacts in the future.

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

Engineering Quotes:

Transportation Systems

Transportation Systems

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask John:

  • What are the major challenges the transportation industry is currently encountering in terms of building resilience?
  • Concerning our projects, does resilience relate to their capacity to effectively confront and overcome adversity?
  • How can we effectively address the financial challenges and budgeting aspects associated with resilience planning and implementation?
  • Why is it important to act on resiliency and prioritize it today?
  • What steps can design engineers take to explore new market opportunities for themselves in the realm of resiliency efforts?
  • What steps need to be taken for effective long-term coordination between local, state, and federal governments to ensure the implementation of resilient initiatives?
  • How can we plan for the future more effectively instead of just reacting to situations as they arise?
  • What advice do you have for transportation industry professionals seeking to enhance their resiliency efforts?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Exploring the Resilience of Transportation Systems in the Face of Challenges:

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TCEP 236: Unlocking Hidden Value and Elevating Your A&E Firm’s Success

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A&E In this episode, we delve deep into the realm of business management and leadership for your architecture and engineering A&E firm’s success. Our guest is June Jewell, CPA, a distinguished business management authority and CEO of AEC Business Solutions. June is renowned for her best-selling book, “Find the Lost Dollars,” and her latest publication, “RAISE Your Value,” which outlines a 5-step approach to discovering untapped value, creating a winning competitive advantage, and raising fees. In this episode, June elaborates on these principles and enlightens us on their application in practice.

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

Engineering Quotes:

A&E

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask June:

  • Can you explain how your new book, “Raise Your Value,” relates to the commoditization of A&E services and why it’s happening in the industry?
  • Can you explain the concept of commoditization and why it is occurring in the A&E industry, as discussed in your new book “Raise Your Value”?
  • Why is strategic client selection important for firms, and what are some effective strategies for selecting the right clients?
  • What are some tips for uncovering hidden value within a firm, as discussed in your book, that can help listeners improve their approach to business?
  • Can you walk us through the 5 steps “Raise Your Value” formula outlined in your new book and explain how it can help firms increase their value and fees?
  • What are some strategies that firms can employ to avoid the trap of competing solely on price?
  • What trends do you see shaping the future of the A&E industry and how can firms adapt to stay ahead of them?
  • What final advice or key takeaways would you offer to up-and-coming leaders in the industry who are seeking to enhance their firm’s value and profitability?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unlocking Hidden Value and Elevating Your A&E Firm’s Success:

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TCEP 235: How to Balance Client Needs and Community Concerns in Your Civil Engineering Projects

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Community ConcernsIn this episode, I talk to Andrew Dorman, P.E., a senior civil engineer at Burns & McDonnell about how he effectively manages competing demands, such as client expectations, community interests, and environmental concerns, in his engineering projects. He also provides some great strategies that you can use right away for ensuring project efficiency and staying within budgetary limits.

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

Engineering Quotes:

Community Concerns

Community Concerns

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Andrew:

  • What are some of the biggest challenges you face when designing and planning for airfields, facilities, and infrastructure for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy?
  • How do you ensure that your designs meet the needs of your clients while also balancing the concerns of the local community and environmental impact?
  • Can you walk us through your design process, from initial concept to final plans and implementation?
  • How has technology impacted the field of civil engineering, and what new tools or techniques are you using to improve your work?
  • What is your approach to project management, and how do you ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget?
  • Can you share some examples of projects you have worked on that you are particularly proud of, and why?
  • What do you think are the most important skills for success in civil engineering, and how do you continue to develop these skills throughout your career?
  • What advice would you give to aspiring civil engineers who are interested in working in land and infrastructure development?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Balance Client Needs and Community Concerns in Your Civil Engineering Projects:

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TCEP 234: Facing the Unexpected: Lessons from a Young Civil Engineer Forced into Retirement

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Forced into RetirementIn this episode, I talk with Joey Porrello, P.E., who shares his experience of being forced into retirement from his engineering career at the age of 29 due to physical limitations, and the legacy that he believes civil engineers should leave behind in their profession.

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

Engineering Quotes:

Forced into Retirement

Forced into Retirement

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joey:

  • What message do you want to share with civil engineers?
  • How can engineers pursue a passion for helping and mentoring people through various job opportunities?
  • Is there anything you would like to share with the civil engineering community?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Facing the Unexpected: Lessons from a Young Civil Engineer Forced into Retirement:

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TCEP 233: Sustainability in Civil Engineering: Driving Industry Impact Through Sustainable Practices

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Sustainable PracticesIn this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ziad Y. Mazboudi, P.E., D.WRE, F.ASCE, MBA, a senior civil engineer and project manager at Transtech Engineers, Inc. We discuss how civil engineers can play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices within their industry, and how getting involved in professional associations can enhance their careers.

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

Engineering Quotes:

Sustainable Practices

Sustainable Practices

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ziad:

  • What are the key differences between working as a civil engineer in the local government sector and the private sector?
  • In what ways has your experience in the public sector contributed to the growth of your engineering career?
  • What steps can civil engineers take to incorporate more environmentally friendly building practices, and how can this contribute to a more sustainable future?
  • How can engineers promote sustainability within their industry, and what actions can they take to achieve this?
  • Why is it important for engineers to give back to their community, and what are some specific ways they can contribute to society?
  • What advice would you offer to civil engineers seeking to advance their careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Sustainability in Civil Engineering: Driving Industry Impact through Sustainable Practices:

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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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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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TCEP 230: Navigating a Successful Career Transition Within Your Civil Engineering Firm

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Career TransitionIn this episode, I talk to Alexandra Gore, P.E., PMP, a senior project manager and Assistant Vice President at WSP USA, about how she made a career transition within her company, some of the challenges she faced during the transition, and how she overcame them.

***View the video version of this episode here.

Engineering Quotes:

Career Transition

Career Transition

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Alexandra:

  • What made you decide to transition to a different sector within your company?
  • How did you approach that transition in terms of preparing for your new role?
  • Did you have a mentor to help you in this transition?
  • What were some of the challenges you faced during the transition period and how did you overcome those challenges?
  • With leading so many teams, how do you ensure you remain productive and focused on the right things?
  • What tips can you share with the listeners to ensure a smooth transition within their firm?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Navigating a Successful Career Transition Within Your Civil Engineering Firm:

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TCEP 229: How to Navigate Difficult Challenges in Your Engineering Career

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Navigate Difficult ChallengesIn this episode, I talk to Ryan Walter, CPC, P.E., senior civil engineer at Woolpert, and author of the book called “The YOU Project: Your Personal Guide to Self-Mastery at Work,” about a framework that you can use to help navigate your unique challenges at work and survive the difficult seasons of work.

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

Engineering Quotes:

Navigate Difficult Challenges

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ryan:

  • Why had you decided to write a book?
  • Can you talk about the first part “Embracing YOU”?
  • Why is overcoming relationship challenges, which is the second part of your book, important for engineers, and what steps can help engineers function well with any type of manager?
  • The third part is about reframing your lens. What is that all about?
  • The fourth part of your book is called: “Conquering Overwhelm.” What tips can you give the listeners to help when they are feeling overwhelmed?
  • The last part of your book is called “Remaining Hopeful.” How can engineering professionals remain hopeful in their careers?
  • What final advice can you give civil engineers to grow their careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Navigate Difficult Challenges in Your Engineering Career:

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TCEP 228: Your Knowledge of Past Projects Can Be Your Biggest Driver of Project Success

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past projectsIn this episode, I talk to Matt Kastberg, who is the Regional Division Manager of Community Building for the Puget Sound Offices of Parametrix Inc., about how engineering managers can use their knowledge of past projects to inspire their team.

Engineering Quotes:

past projects

past projects

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Matt:

  • What is the people side of project management and what are some of the things you have learned about managing people while managing projects?
  • How do you deal with adversity, for example, when someone decides to leave your firm?
  • How would you say one can develop consistency in the workplace, especially when it comes to project management?
  • In addition to managing people, you also had more than 10 projects that you were managing this year. With so much going on, how do you decide what to work on each day?
  • What are some of the things you do to help motivate the people you manage, to ensure they also achieve success in their careers?
  • Can you share one project management lesson you have learned that you try to implement on the projects you work on?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Your Knowledge of Past Projects Can Be Your Biggest Driver of Project Success:                                        

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