In this episode, I talk with Bony Dawood, PE, President and CEO of Dawood Engineering, Inc. (A Woolpert Company), about how an engineering ownership mindset can elevate your AEC career and business success. We explore the hiring strategies, leadership values, and client-focused mindset that shape a people-first culture, along with the importance of trust, mentorship, and asking “why” to uncover better solutions.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Bony:
- What strategies and values have helped you hire and build strong AEC teams across different locations and disciplines?
- How can engineers build trust and strong client relationships while maintaining technical credibility in the AEC industry?
- In your view, what does an engineering ownership mindset mean, and how can it help engineers advance their careers?
- What inspired you to create a state‑endorsed mentor‑protégé program, and what impact has it had in civil engineering?
- Which daily routines or leadership habits have contributed most to your success?
- Can you share a book, mentor, or engineering leadership framework that has significantly shaped your approach to leading?
- What is the best piece of career advice you would give to young civil engineers?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Why an Engineering Ownership Mindset Matters for AEC Leadership and Long Term Growth:
- Smart hiring comes from looking beyond the resume to understand motivations, work ethic, and vision. Personally reviewing candidates, trusting instincts, and exploring untapped AEC talent pools helps build stronger, more committed teams.
- Trust and credibility grow when engineers care about the entire project, listen to clients, and consistently deliver results. Viewing each task as part of a bigger goal strengthens relationships and supports AEC project leadership.
- An engineering ownership mindset means understanding the broader impact of your work, protecting client interests, and challenging processes to achieve better outcomes. Engineers who adopt it boost career growth and long‑term value.
- A state‑endorsed mentor‑protégé program helps smaller, minority‑owned firms become competitive for prime contracts. Sharing knowledge and creating opportunities strengthens the AEC industry’s overall capability.
- Leading by example — arriving early, engaging with the team each morning — sets a tone of commitment and connection.
- Mentors who blend technical expertise with business insight highlight the value of balancing skills with client relationship building — a cornerstone of effective engineering management.
- Exploring different disciplines within engineering helps professionals find their true passion, leading to long‑term career satisfaction and success in civil engineering.
More Details in This Episode…
About Bony Dawood, PE
Bony Dawood is the author of Invaluably Different: Forging Lasting Business Success Through a People-First Culture. He is the president and CEO of Dawood Engineering, Inc. (A Woolpert Company), a civil engineering company based in Harrisburg, PA, that he started in 1992. His affiliated real estate development firm is Good Hope Ventures. A registered professional engineer in seven states, Dawood built an award-winning national enterprise that plans, designs, consults, and constructs sustainable infrastructure throughout the U.S. He also creates digital twin and geospatial technology solutions in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Dawood has served as a motivational speaker and board volunteer for numerous organizations.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Invaluably Different: Forging Lasting Business Success Through a People-First Culture
Sources/References:
Dawood Engineering
Woolpert
Connect with Bony Dawood, PE, on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
Keynote Speaking
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