In this episode, adventurer and leadership expert Debra Searle takes us inside her extraordinary journey of rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean — a challenge that tested her endurance, mindset, and decision-making in ways few people ever experience. Debra reveals how those months at sea reshaped her understanding of resilience, leadership, and human potential, and how the strategies she relied on in the middle of the ocean can be applied just as powerfully in boardrooms and everyday life. She breaks down practical, science-backed techniques for staying motivated and productive, even when circumstances feel overwhelming — from habit stacking and using external cues to the power of simple, consistent positive feedback. Debra explains how leaders can use these tools to create energized teams, improve wellbeing, and build environments where people perform at their best. We also dive into her approaches to decision-making under pressure, navigating periods of isolation, and translating ocean-tested mental habits into effective, results-driven business practices. If you’re looking for actionable leadership insights, mindset shifts, and stories that prove what’s possible when we push our limits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

At the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference, the Engineering Influence podcast takes a deep dive into an exciting new workforce initiative from ACEC Nebraska and JEO. The episode highlights their creative outreach program—a collection of short, engaging videos and fully packaged classroom materials designed to introduce students to the many ways engineering impacts daily life. Built around the familiar categories of the Engineering Excellence Awards, each video is paired with downloadable presentations, talking points, and distribution tools that make it easy for teachers, guidance counselors, and engineering firms to bring real-world engineering into schools. The initiative aims to spark curiosity, strengthen educator–industry connections, and build a clearer pathway for young people to explore engineering careers—ultimately helping grow a stronger, more informed workforce pipeline.

At the ACEC 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego, McKinsey alum and OutThinkers podcast host Kaihan Krippendorff discusses how to "think differently" in an era of rapid technological change and AI. He shares his OutThinking framework for strategy and decision-making and explains the importance of the "job to be done" using examples like Apple and the MP3 revolution. Kaihan argues leaders should redefine what their firm truly does (focus on outcomes, not just technical deliverables), coordinate ecosystem partners, and create cultures that activate internal entrepreneurs. He emphasizes practical steps: imagine different futures, expand option sets, choose and test ideas, and build buy-in while accepting that many bets will fail but a few will pay off. Practical takeaways include reframing your business around customer outcomes, partnering across the ecosystem, and encouraging experimentation inside the firm. 

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Gray of Rockport Analytics. He shares an in-depth look at the economic outlook for the engineering and design industry. Gray explores how firms are navigating a complex landscape — balancing continued revenue and employment growth with new challenges on the horizon. He discusses the slower-than-expected rollout of IIJA funds, uncertainty surrounding tariffs, and the growing strain of workforce shortages influenced by immigration trends. The conversation also turns toward the future: how artificial intelligence could become both a productivity catalyst and a transformative force, reshaping how engineering firms manage projects, talent, and technology. Whether you’re an industry leader, economist, or engineer, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s driving today’s market — and what lies ahead for the business of engineering.

In this episode, industry leaders from RJC Engineering and OpenAsset explore how forward-thinking engineering firms can embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and tailored to real business needs. From developing internal AI policies and establishing solid data management frameworks, to launching pilot projects that demonstrate measurable value, our guests break down the key steps firms can take to build trust and momentum across their teams. They share practical, field-tested insights on: Governance and change management — ensuring innovation aligns with company culture and client expectations. Data quality and product design — why clean, well-structured information fuels smarter, more efficient AI tools. Workflow transformation — how automation and AI can streamline proposals, marketing, and operations, freeing staff to focus on creative, high-value work. This conversation also highlights how industry-specific tools are paving the way for agent-driven workflows that will reshape how engineering professionals collaborate, deliver projects, and drive business growth. Whether you’re an engineering leader, marketer, or tech innovator, this episode offers clear guidance on how to start your AI journey with confidence—and prepare your firm for the next wave of digital transformation.

Join host Shreya Jain as she delves into the inspiring journey of Sarah McEwen, the ACEC Young Professional of the Year and H&H lead. In this interview, Sarah shares her path into civil engineering, influenced by family and her passion for water resources. Discover her impactful work mapping the stormwater system in Moss Point, which significantly benefits the community. Sarah also highlights the mentors who have guided her and offers invaluable advice to young engineers: stay curious, learn from mistakes, and never hesitate to seek help. This engaging conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in engineering and personal growth.

This episode from ACEC's 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego features Eric Rensel discussing the Engineering Workforce Consortium, the newly released workforce playbook, and how industry and associations are addressing a long-term talent shortage by combining technology with people-focused strategies. He discusses rebranding the engineering profession, creating mid-career on-ramps, integrating data and AI roles, the Engineering Public Works Roadshow, and next steps toward the EWC summit and practical, proven tactics to recruit and retain talent.

In this conversation, ACEC sits down with Olympian and keynote speaker Chaunté Lowe live at the ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, overcome adversity, and strive for excellence — both on and off the field. Lowe opens up about their Olympic journey, the mental and physical challenges faced along the way, and how those same lessons in resilience, teamwork, and discipline apply to the world of engineering and business leadership. This conversation reminds us that whether you’re competing in the Olympics or designing the infrastructure that shapes our world, success comes from dedication, passion, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.

On this episode live from the ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, host Shreya Jain interviews Young Professional Award winner Dylan Seesman about his ACEC journey, highlights from panels and keynotes, and practical takeaways around AI, leadership, and career growth. They explore workforce development, mentorship, increasing diversity in engineering, and Dylan's advice for aspiring engineers: be curious, communicate well, and pursue meaningful work that fits you.

From the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, Joe Bates of the ACEC Research Institute discusses the latest economic sentiment rebound, rising concerns about inflation and the firm finances that remain strong.He previews the Firm of the Future initiative and a comprehensive workforce study showing a persistent talent shortfall—exacerbated by H-1B and visa limits that prevent many international engineering graduates from staying in the U.S.The episode also covers skills gaps, generational differences, and the role of AI as a productivity tool (not a workforce panacea), plus upcoming research and practical takeaways for firms planning through 2035.

On this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC, we speak with Arthur Jones (TYLin), past president of ACEC Metro Washington, about his two-decade effort mentoring young people and building Community Youth Advance. They discuss hands-on STEM exposure, workforce development partnerships, the power of consistent mentorship, and how diverse voices strengthen engineering solutions. Arthur shares lessons learned, the program's growth, and a call to action for engineers and firms to engage with local youth and help develop future leaders.

In this special Market Edge episode of ACEC’s Engineering Influence podcast, host Diana O’Lare is joined by GHD’s Victor Tirado, Americas Market Sector Lead for Maritime & Coastal, and Michael Vanderbeek, North American Maritime & Coastal Planning Lead, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the global ports market. With decades of international experience, Victor and Michael unpack the trends driving change in port planning and design — from the growing role of ports as energy hubs in the global decarbonization effort to the adoption of alternative fuels. Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of port financing, as public authorities hit debt capacity limits and increasingly rely on federal, state, and private sector partnerships to deliver billion-dollar projects. Victor and Michael share perspectives on the uncertainty created by tariffs and trade diversification, the pause in offshore wind development, and how ports are adapting to unpredictable market and policy shifts. Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation in the maritime space, the realities of labor and regulatory constraints, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness. This episode offers practical insights and forward-looking analysis for engineering firms navigating change in one of the world’s most vital and complex markets.

Music.In this episode Andrea Beaty—STEM graduate and author of Rosie Revere, Engineer—joins the show to discuss how storytelling encourages curiosity, resilience, and a sense of identity in young children that can lead them toward STEM careers. She explains how Rosie’s story of failure and persistence helps kids see themselves as engineers and scientists.Andrea highlights the importance of early exposure, literacy, community programs, and industry partnerships to attract and retain more young people in STEM. Practical ideas include supporting book distribution, hands-on projects, and inclusive local mentoring that lets kids contribute to real community problems.

Author Andrea Beaty discusses how her STEM background and storytelling created Rosie Revere, a character who teaches children that failure is part of inventing and learning. The episode explores ways to attract and retain young people in STEM—starting early with books, community programs, and hands-on projects—and the importance of showing kids they belong in science and engineering.Beaty shares examples of how narrative helps children identify as engineers and scientists, mentions literacy and local partnerships as effective strategies for industry involvement, and highlights related resources like project books. She also previews her new picture book "Billie Jean Pete, Athlete," emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and the idea that every experience builds useful skills for the future.

Allison Schneider talks with Dave McIvor, CEO of Lamp Rynearson, about leading engineering firms with purpose, centering people, and designing infrastructure that serves communities for generations. They discuss building trust, inclusive community engagement, values-driven culture, and sustainable leadership practices that pair technical excellence with empathy and long-term impact.

NAWE President Carl Bentzel joins the Engineering Influence Podcast to explain the role of marine terminal operators, current trends shaping ports, and the policy challenges affecting trade and infrastructure. Topics include the impact of trade policy and tariffs, Chinese dominance in ship-to-shore cranes, import volume volatility, technology and space constraints at urban ports, rail connectivity and mergers, and the critical role engineers play in modernizing the waterfront.

In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we’re joined by Eileen Canady, CMO of BST Global, to discuss the groundbreaking findings from the 2025 Global AEC AI & Data Insights Report. From AI adoption trends to workforce transformation, we explore how engineering firms are embracing AI, overcoming challenges, and reshaping the future of the industry.   🔹 Key Topics Covered: Why AI is set to transform the AEC industry within 5 years The readiness gap: firms’ belief vs. actual preparedness How leadership buy-in drives successful AI adoption The surprising role of firm size in AI readiness Workforce evolution: reskilling engineers and the rise of prompt engineering Predictive modeling and how AI is improving project outcomes The importance of data governance, security, and leadership roles in AI strategy. 📊 Download the full AI & Data Insights Report 2025: bstglobal.com/ai 🔹 Download more episodes of the Engineering Influence podcast at https://www.acec.org/resources/podcast/

In this episode, dive into the intricate details of the recently passed tax reconciliation package, a significant legislative achievement for the engineering and business communities. Join Katharine Mottley, ACEC's VP of Tax and Workforce Policy, and Jake Triolo from Capital Tax Partners as they explore the key provisions of this sweeping legislation. Discover how ACEC's advocacy efforts have led to major tax benefits such as the permanency of the 199A, 20% pass-through deduction, and the permanent 21% corporate tax rate. Learn about the implications for R&D amortization and other significant changes affecting engineering firms across the country. Stay tuned as we discuss the nuances of the bill and its future impact on the industry.

Join us on the Engineering Influence Podcast as we dive into leadership development within engineering firms, featuring insights from Brian Walch, founder of Shift Focus Consulting. Discover how to cultivate managers who not only handle projects but also mentor talent and foster a thriving company culture. Brian shares his expertise on creating self-aware, innovative management systems tailored for today’s complex, tech-driven environment. Whether you're guiding a new project leader or enhancing a seasoned principal’s skills, gain practical tools and frameworks to drive growth and success in your firm. Explore the challenges and opportunities posed by decentralized teams and AI technology, and learn how to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and innovation at all levels of management. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to enhance the way you approach leadership and organizational development.

Join us on this special episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, as we delve deep into the transformative world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Our guests, Todd Merrihew and Chip Snowden from Hanson Professional Services, shed light on how this revolutionary technology is set to redefine aviation through sustainable electric and hybrid electric aircrafts, advancing urban and regional transport. Discover how AAM is bridging gaps in current aviation systems by offering innovative solutions like urban air taxis and medical delivery drones while complementing existing infrastructure. Todd and Chip share insights on Hanson's leading role in AAM planning and their work with airports, developers, and manufacturers to shape the future of transportation. Gain an understanding of the potential economic and environmental benefits of AAM, its implementation challenges, and the supportive technologies required for its success. The exciting conversation also covers future prospects for AAM, including its socio-economic impacts, infrastructure development, and the eventual democratization of air travel for a broader audience.