In this episode, I talk with Kow Eshun, PE, PMP, vice president at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., about how being a successful leader involves balancing the technical demands of geotechnical engineering with leadership and project management responsibilities to achieve successful project outcomes.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Kow:
- What qualities make a successful leader in the geotechnical engineering field?
- How do you balance the technical responsibilities of geotechnical engineering with your leadership role?
- What are the key challenges geotechnical engineers face when collaborating with project managers?
- What strategies do you use to ensure both technical quality and project timelines are maintained on large-scale projects?
- How do you navigate complex geotechnical issues while keeping stakeholders and project timelines in mind?
- What role does innovation play in geotechnical engineering today, and how can we encourage teams to embrace new solutions?
- What final piece of advice would you give to engineers stepping into leadership roles, especially those managing both technical and project management tasks?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Top Qualities of a Successful Leader in Geotechnical Engineering:
- A great leader in geotechnical engineering demonstrates empathy, understands cultural differences, and actively supports their team. Effective leadership involves mentoring others to ensure continuity and growth beyond the leader’s tenure.
- Gaining leadership experience outside of traditional engineering roles is highly beneficial, as management skills are transferable across industries. Engineers who broaden their experiences beyond technical work are better prepared to lead effectively when the opportunity arises.
- Effective collaboration between geotechnical engineers and project managers relies heavily on clear and consistent communication. Establishing communication protocols, setting regular check-ins, and defining shared goals from the outset helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures project alignment.
- Advances in technology, including AI and 3D modeling, transform geotechnical engineering by improving efficiency and enhancing decision-making. Embracing these innovations is essential for staying at the forefront of the industry and delivering better project outcomes.
- Embracing new technologies, like AI and 3D modeling, is crucial for improving geotechnical engineering efficiency and decision-making. By leveraging advanced tools, engineers solve complex problems more effectively and make better-informed recommendations.
- Encouraging teams to embrace advances in technology, including AI and 3D modeling, is essential for transforming geotechnical engineering, improving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making. Staying at the forefront of the industry requires continuous innovation and adaptation.
- For engineers stepping into leadership roles, focusing on mentoring and actively supporting the team while balancing technical responsibilities is key. Effective leadership empowers the next generation to take on leadership roles with confidence.
More Details in This Episode…
About Kow Eshun, PE, PMP
Kow Eshun is the vice president at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., with over nine years of experience in leadership roles at the company. He is an accomplished engineer and project manager, specializing in civil, construction, and logistics industries. Kow holds a Master of Science in civil engineering with a focus on geotechnical engineering from The University of Akron, where he also served as the president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the financial secretary of the Graduate Student Government. He completed his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. Kow is recognized for his expertise in engineering management and proposal preparation, among other skills.
About the Host: Jared M. Green, P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE
Jared, originally from southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering in 2001 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He later went on to attain his M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Focus) from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Campaign, in 2002. In 2003, he began working in the New York City office of Langan. He has since become a Principal / Vice President and is one of the owners of this international land development engineering consulting firm. After 15 years at Langan, Jared moved to the Philadelphia office and is one of the geotechnical practice leaders in that office.
Jared is a consultant and team leader who also enjoys mentoring young engineers and first-generation college students. He has been instrumental in increasing the number of pre-college students who are interested in STEAM majors and fields. He strives to make complex engineering topics relatable and understandable to people new to the field and to people who are completely unfamiliar with engineering. Jared and his family currently reside in Flemington, New Jersey. He and his wife have three energetic, inquisitive, and awesome children. You can connect with Jared here.
Sources/References:
CEC
Maersk
TerraCon
Connect with Kow Eshun, PE, PMP, on LinkedIn
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Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on the top qualities of a successful leader in geotechnical engineering.
