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5 Things We’ve Learned from the Civil Engineering CEO Show

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This is a guest blog by Leanna Michniuk from BigTime Software

Civil Engineering CEO ShowGood advice is invaluable. And for engineers, hearing advice from leaders in their industry can provide new ways of thinking and even a boost of confidence and reassurance in their work. BigTime Software recently partnered with the Engineering Management Institute as a founding sponsor of the show, The Civil Engineering CEO show, that features interviews with CEOs of leading civil engineering firms on important industry topics. The goal of the show has been to connect engineers with industry leaders to hear their firsthand advice on important topics. The CEOs who have appeared on the show have done just that by sharing with us how they are approaching some of today’s challenges and opportunities including the talent shortage, the abundance of infrastructure work, the hybrid work environment, and more.

Because there have been so many great words of wisdom and amazing guests on the show, we thought we would share the top five things we’ve learned from The Civil Engineering CEO show so far. Keep on reading to hear some sage advice from pros who have lived it themselves.
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TGEP 44: How Engineers Can Effectively Manage Remote Teams

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Manage Remote TeamsIn this episode, we talk to Sonia Sorabella Swift, P.E., civil engineer, and Director of Engineering at Menard USA, with over 15 years of experience in ground improvement design, excavation support design, subsurface investigations, construction observation, and engineering analysis about how engineers can effectively manage remote teams.

Engineering Quotes:


Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Sonia:

  • What experience have you had working with others remotely?
  • What is the hardest part of remote work and management?
  • In your opinion, what have you found to be the most effective way to communicate with team members when working remotely?
  • What changes to your working environment have helped to manage remote teams?
  • Can you maintain a team atmosphere when working remotely, and if so, how do you do that?
  • What do you think the future holds for remote work, especially in the engineering industry?
  • What final piece of advice would you like to give engineers out there?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Effectively Manage Remote Teams:

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TCEP 192: How Outreach and Mentorship Can Lead to a More Diverse Engineering Industry

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Outreach and MentorshipIn this episode, I talk to Kevin Brown Jr., P.E., a construction manager at Urban Engineers, about how outreach and mentorship can lead to a more diverse industry. He also discusses some of the challenges faced when connecting with youth in communities, and provides some great advice for engineers who would be interested in serving as a mentor.

Engineering Quotes:

Outreach and Mentorship
Outreach and Mentorship

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Kevin About Outreach and Mentorship:

  • What can civil engineers do to prepare themselves for work on construction sites?
  • Why is it important for engineers to reach out to underrepresented communities?
  • What are some of the challenges you have faced when connecting with the youth in communities?
  • Why is the representation of diverse groups important?
  • What advice would you want to give to someone who would be interested in serving as a mentor?
  • How can engineers incorporate corporate DEI plans in the workplace?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Outreach and Mentorship:

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TSEC 58: Innovation and Product Testing in Engineering

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product testing in engineeringIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Annie Kao, PE, Vice President of Engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie about innovation and product testing in engineering and why seismic retrofitting is so important in structural engineering.

Engineering Quotes:


Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Annie in This Episode:

  • What would you say makes a good engineering leader?
  • What is your involvement in the research and development sector of Simpson Strong-Tie?
  • You are also responsible for innovation across all product lines at Simpson Strong-Tie. What does that entail?
  • Can you tell us more about the product testing and training that is done at Simpson?
  • What are some of the latest advancements in construction technology that have a direct impact on the structural engineering industry?
  • Why is seismic retrofitting important in structural engineering?
  • What advice can you give young students out there that might consider pursuing a career in the engineering industry?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Innovation and Product Testing in Engineering:

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TGEP 13: Dynamic Compaction: Insight From a Geotechnical Engineer

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In this episode, we talk to Chris Woods, a geotechnical engineer with over 20 years of project-related experience throughout the continental United States, and Vice President for the Virginia-based dynamic compaction specialty contractor, Densification, Inc. about the importance of industry involvement and relationships in construction, transitioning from consultant to a contractor, and the applicability of dynamic compaction.

Engineering Quotes:

Dynamic Compaction

Dynamic Compaction

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Chris Woods:

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How to Support Women in Your Workplace

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 This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Support WomenIn the engineering industry, only 13% of professionals are women. Moreover, only 30% of women who earned a bachelor’s in engineering remain in the field for more than 20 years. Often, workplace culture, a lack of appreciation for their skills, and gender discrimination, in general, drive them away from the industry. This is a detriment to the engineering world as the industry’s workplace diversity dwindles. In addition, it negatively impacts female engineers. 

Engineering is a swiftly growing industry that promises excellent pay, good benefits, and the chance to make a difference in the world. From green building to virtual reality, the industry continues to shift and transform with technology. Women deserve as much of a chance to establish a fulfilling career in this exciting field. However, if female engineers are to persist in their field, they need the support of their employers and coworkers. Here is how you can support women in your workplace:

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Redefining Business Development for Engineering Professionals

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This is a guest blog by Lindsay Diven, CPSM

Redefining Business DevelopmentIt’s interesting that in the engineering industry, our sales teams are often referred to as Business Developers or Client Managers. The sound of the word “sales” makes you think of a used car salesperson or a telemarketer. I get it. You studied to be an engineer and practice your craft with pride, as you should. You are very skilled in your expertise.

However, there is a point, when you must win that next project for your team or firm. This typically involves finding potential new clients and meeting with decision makers. Having worked with engineers for more than a decade, I know that this is easier said than done.

Resisting Business Development Meetings

You may resist meeting with clients because you feel you must sell your experience and ideas. This often feels like a “dog and pony show.” The clients often feel this way too. They don’t want to sit in an hour-long meeting listening to how great you and your firm are. They are busy too and more often not taking as many “sales” meetings or are making them shorter. I have experienced some clients only giving us 15 minutes!

So, how do you make business development easier for you and more accepting for your clients? How do you make those type of meetings valuable to both you and your client so that each party feels their time wasn’t wasted?

You do this by redefining business development.

First, let’s start with the original definition.

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