Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
In this episode, I talk with Michael O’Grady, P.E., chief growth officer at Terracon, about essential strategies to master change management effectively in 2024. To understand the importance of change in implementing successful strategies, this step-by-step guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate and succeed in times of transition.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michael:
- Can you provide a quick overview of TerraCon, including their size and the services they offer?
- What process did you go through to decide to pursue an MBA, and how has it benefited your career?
- Did you speak to others who got an MBA to see how it helped them before making your decision?
- Is making a lateral career move a valuable steppingstone, based on your experience with it?
- What strategies have you found effective for navigating and leading change?
- Could you share a couple of things you’ve learned from navigating change that have helped you or others through similar situations?
- Is it crucial to have a clear plan and align it with broader goals from the beginning to maintain engagement and prevent disconnection from tasks?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Master the Art of Change Management:
- Terracon, founded in 1965 in Iowa, has grown into a firm offering geotechnical engineering, construction materials engineering, environmental services, and facilities engineering. Today, it has 6,000 employees across 170 U.S. locations and is entirely employee-owned.
- Michael pursued an MBA to gain broader business knowledge while working in strategic planning at Terracon. It improved his leadership skills by enhancing his understanding of strategy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
- Before deciding on pursuing an MBA, individuals often seek insights from others who have completed the program. Many find that approximately 70% of the knowledge gained during the MBA proves valuable in their careers.
- Taking a lateral career move can be beneficial. For instance, shifting roles within the company provides insights into driving cultural change, which can benefit various areas of business.
- To navigate and lead change well, engineers and scientists should embrace diverse experiences, which enhance their leadership skills. Managing diverse teams and tackling varied challenges as they progress in their careers will make them better leaders in both technical and business settings.
- Valuable lessons from navigating change include the significance of patience and taking a long-term view. Effective communication about the reasons for change and its benefits for individuals is essential for success in similar situations.
- Having a clear plan aligned with broader goals from the start is crucial to maintaining engagement and preventing disconnection from tasks. Breaking down long-term plans into smaller, achievable steps ensures progress remains manageable and keeps teams focused on the overarching objectives.
More Details in This Episode…
About Michael O’Grady, P.E.
Michael O’Grady joined Terracon in 2000. He is the Chief Growth Officer, responsible for directing the strategic growth of the company. This includes expansion of market sectors served, diversification of services, and development of innovative tools and service offerings to drive future growth. He has been a member of the company’s executive operations committee since 2004 and its board of directors since 2013.
During Michael’s more than 23 years with the company, he has served in multiple executive leadership roles and has been instrumental in helping to lead Terracon’s growth and overall strategy during this time, including leading multiple major company strategic initiatives. He joined the company as the national director of construction materials engineering and testing services, leading the company’s largest service line. In 2004, Michael also took on the operational leadership of Terracon’s North Central Operating Group, a position he held through 2010. In this role, he had operational leadership accountability for one of the largest operations in the company, representing 20% of the company’s revenue and over 400 personnel. In 2011, he took on leadership responsibilities overseeing Terracon’s safety culture and successful efforts in creating an Incident and Injury-Free (IIF) workplace around a focus on care and concern. Terracon has been able to dramatically reduce injuries to their employees while making safety a true part of its company culture.
Michael has more than 35 years of diverse experience in engineering and business leadership. His engineering experience includes construction quality control/quality assurance, structural and materials engineering, design and assessment, dispute resolution, and project management. His business experience includes executive leadership, operations management, and the development and execution of strategic initiatives and change management.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Sources/References:
Terracon
University of Texas
EPA Requirements
CERCLA Requirements
RCRA Requirements
Jimmy V Foundation
ESPN 30 for 30
Survive in Advance
Connect with Michael O’Grady, P.E., on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, on-demand courses, and digital study tools, to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam. Check out PPI today at ppi2pass.com to see all the options available for FE and PE exam prep.
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how you master the art of change management as a civil engineer.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
To your success,
Anthony Fasano, P.E., LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
