Engineering Management Institute

AECPM - The AEC Project Management Podcast

AECPM 052: How to Balance Authenticity and Authority for Project Success

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authenticity and authorityIn this episode, I talk with Amelia Wehunt, P.E., principal and group leader at Timmons Group about the crucial balance between authenticity and authority in leadership, highlighting its significant impact on project success and team dynamics.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

authenticity and authority

authenticity and authority

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Amelia:

  • How can you maintain authenticity in your leadership while also exercising the authority necessary to lead your team effectively?
  • How can personal experiences be leveraged to provide constructive feedback and strengthen team relationships?
  • What strategies can be employed to normalize feedback within your team, and how does this practice enhance communication and relationships?
  • How do you adjust your communication style to manage diverse client personalities and complex project situations effectively?
  • What methods do you use to ensure that initial communication standards set during kickoff meetings are consistently upheld throughout the project?
  • What guidance would you offer to team members to enhance their leadership skills and help them evolve into the leaders they aim to be?
  • Do you have any key pieces of advice for project managers striving to embody authentic leadership?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Balance Authenticity and Authority:

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AECPM 51: Techniques for Better Risk Management in the AEC Industry

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Risk ManagementIn this episode, I talk with Noelle Cochran, P.E., F. NSPE, Noelle is the vice president and risk management director at AECOM, and she takes us through some strategies that project managers in the architecture, engineering, and construction space can use to improve their risk management skills. Mastering these techniques will not only help you mitigate risks but also elevate your effectiveness as a project manager.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

better risk management

better risk management

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Noelle:

  • What are the key factors that contribute to a successful engineering project, and how does effective risk management enhance these outcomes?
  • How can strategically selecting the right clients help reduce corporate risk in engineering projects?
  • What are some critical red flags to watch for during proposal review and contract negotiation that could signal potential risks?
  • How can you ensure your teams prioritize safety risks during project planning and execution without compromising performance or deadlines?
  • How can you motivate your team members to actively identify and manage risks in their work, rather than relying solely on the project manager?
  • As a project manager in engineering, how can developing expertise in risk management set you apart and help you avoid major project issues?
  • What is one of the biggest challenges project managers face in risk mitigation, and what strategies can help overcome or avoid it?
  • What is one key piece of advice for those looking to advance in their careers and become effective project management leaders?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Techniques for Better Risk Management in the AEC Industry:

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AECPM 50: The Best Strategies for Successful AEC Projects

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AEC ProjectsIn this episode, I talk about what truly drives success in AEC projects and reveal the essential elements you need to master as a project manager in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The video version of this episode can be viewed here.

AEC Projects

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Best Strategies for Successful AEC Projects:

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TEPM 049: Powerful Project Management Negotiation Techniques to Secure Project Wins

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Negotiation TechniquesIn this episode, I talk with Rick Czaplewski, speaker, executive trainer, and founder of No One Walks Alone, about powerful negotiation techniques designed to transform you into the most effective project manager in any room.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Negotiation Techniques

Negotiation Techniques

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Rick:

  • Why are negotiation techniques crucial for project managers, and how can they influence the success of a project?
  • What fundamental negotiation principles should every technical project manager understand and have?
  • What are some negotiation signals that engineers might overlook, and how can we become more aware of them and address potential issues?
  • How do you handle saying no to certain things, and what strategies can you share to make it easier?
  • How can project managers explain to upper-level management why certain charges and approaches are necessary when they only see the numbers and results?
  • How can we prevent miscommunication between clients and their management about project details, and can open discussion help?
  • How can project managers effectively document back charges, project issues, and change orders to ensure they are properly managed?
  • What key financial skills should technical project managers develop to better manage data and avoid cost overruns?
  • How does knowing project details and costs help prevent budget overruns?
  • How can technical project managers leverage their time, schedule, scope, and finances to improve their negotiations techniques?
  • How do you ensure effective collaboration among finance, marketing, project management, and surveying teams during negotiations?
  • What final advice would you give to someone looking to improve their negotiation techniques and advance their project management career?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Powerful Project Management Negotiation Techniques to Secure Project Wins:

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TEPM 048: How Trust Can Turn the Tables for Successful Project Management

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Successful Project ManagementIn this episode, I talk with Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, project leader at HENSEL PHELPS and co-founder of Build With Pride Seattle, about the crucial role of trust in successful project management, the responsibilities of general contractors in creating a safe and supportive work environment, and how integrated delivery principles can lead to successful projects.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Successful Project Management

Successful Project Management

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Kabri:

  • How does trust influence the dynamics and outcomes of engineering projects?
  • How does the general contractor act as a gatekeeper for building psychological safety in projects?
  • What industry metrics or indicators can measure psychological safety and its impact on a project’s success?
  • How can we effectively show the benefits and value of an action to motivate people in a results-driven world?
  • How does the physical job site influence industry-wide changes, particularly in inclusivity and mental health?
  • What are integrated delivery principles, and how have they shaped your project management approach?
  • How does understanding construction processes enhance teamwork and project success for design engineers?
  • What final advice would you give to engineering professionals aiming to excel in project management?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Trust Can Turn the Tables for Successful Project Management:

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TEPM 047: Expert Ways Project Management Drives Success in Zero-Emission Transit

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Zero-Emission TransitIn this episode, I talk with Erica Antoine, P.E., project manager at Burns Engineering, Inc., about the challenges and advancements in zero-emission transit and how project management plays a crucial role in driving sustainability in transit projects.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Zero-Emission Transit

Zero-Emission Transit

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Erica:

  • How long did it take you to go from intern to project manager?
  • What has been your most challenging transit project, and how did you overcome the challenges?
  • Does warm weather help preserve battery life for zero-emission transit vehicles, and what new technologies in your field excite you most?
  • How do you integrate project management strategies into complex transit projects to ensure they meet sustainability and carbon emissions goals?
  • As a mentor and leader, how do you encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields?
  • How does incorporating an artistic perspective into project management enhance problem-solving and innovation?
  • Can you share a mentoring success story and explain how you blend your different roles effectively?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Expert Ways Project Management Drives Success in Zero-Emission Transit:

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TEPM 046: Innovative Collaboration Strategies for Data Science and Engineering Teams

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Data ScienceIn this episode, I talk with Akshay Swaminathan, head of data science at Cerebral, about how data science and engineering teams work together to integrate customer perspectives. He also talks about the importance of stakeholder and clinician support, addressing valuable business problems, and ensuring users have the tech to maintain the models.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Data Science

Data Science

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Akshay:

  • How does collaboration between data science and engineering affect integrating customer perspectives into data projects?
  • How do engineering practices ensure data solutions meet customer needs and preferences?
  • How can engineers ensure their technical solutions are functional and resonate with customers?
  • How does someone become a data scientist after college, and how do they progress in their career?
  • How do you gather and use customer feedback to improve your data models and technical features?
  • What advice would you give engineering project managers to make their data science projects more customer-centric?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Innovative Collaboration Strategies for Data Science and Engineering Teams:

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TEPM 045: Mastering The Skill Of Secure and Consistent Project Delivery

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Consistent Project DeliveryIn this episode, I talk with Karen Ditz, PMP, commercial manager, and Phil Tunnah, P.E., operations director, from Stanley Consultants about the importance of consistent project delivery and adapting program management strategies to meet various client needs.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Consistent Project Delivery

Consistent Project Delivery

Consistent Project Delivery

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Karen and Philip:

  • How important is it to maintain consistent project delivery practices, and what impact does this have on an organization’s project success?
  • How important is it to maintain consistent practices across all projects to ensure the team understands the scope, schedule, and budget?
  • In consulting, how does program management help address client needs like growth, compliance, and infrastructure challenges?
  • Are there any other client business drivers or program management challenges you’d like to discuss?
  • How can project managers customize their approach to meet specific client needs while maintaining consistency, especially in larger projects with multiple stakeholders?
  • How does empathy for clients’ and stakeholders’ challenges influence your approach as a project manager?
  • What strategies do you use to connect with clients and build relationships early on in projects?
  • What approaches to program management does Stanley use, and what program strategies promote operational and project delivery efficiencies?
  • What final advice would you offer engineering professionals aiming to transition into project management?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Mastering The Skill Of Secure and Consistent Project Delivery:

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TEPM 044: Writing Your Way to Better Productivity as a Project Manager

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Better ProductivityIn this episode, I talk with Pam Hurley, Ph.D., president and founder of Hurley Write, Inc.. about the critical role of effective writing, common writing pitfalls that impact performance, and strategies for project managers to better productivity and improve documentation efficiency.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Better Productivity

Better Productivity

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Pam:

  • What is a readability study?
  • How do readability studies directly impact the success of engineering projects?
  • What are the most common problems you encounter in readability studies?
  • What strategies do you recommend for project managers to improve their writing skills without detracting from their core duties?
  • How do you teach effective writing to engineers who are usually more focused on quantitative skills?
  • How can project managers audit their communication skills to be more effective and solve project issues?
  • How do you help engineering teams maintain high writing standards throughout their projects?
  • What final advice do you have for anyone looking to improve their writing skills?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Writing Your Way to Better Productivity as a Project Manager:

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TEPM 043: The Best Financial Strategies for Engineers in Real Estate

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Financial StrategiesIn this episode, I talk with Lane Kawaoka, P.E., founder and author of “The Wealth Elevator,” about effective financial strategies for engineers. We also explore how to apply project management principles to real estate by delegating property tasks and conducting in-depth financial analyses.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Financial Strategies

Financial Strategies

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Lane:

  • Could you tell us about your books and what inspired you to write them, especially focusing on your latest book, “The Wealth Elevator”?
  • How can engineers and AEC industry professionals, starting with limited financial knowledge or support, achieve a level of wealth like yours?
  • How has your engineering and construction management background shaped your approach to project management in real estate development?
  • How did you apply project management principles to identify the multi-unit property market in Houston?
  • How do you prepare for a market downturn, whether it’s imminent or already underway?
  • How can engineers use their project management skills effectively in today’s economy, particularly in real estate investment?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Best Financial Strategies for Engineers in Real Estate:

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