Engineering Influence from ACEC

In this episode of Engineering Influenced by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Shreya, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at ACEC, welcomes Bret Tushaus, VP of Product Management from Deltek. Together, they explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the engineering industry and discuss how Deltek is leveraging AI to enhance project management and decision-making.

Bret delves into the importance of using AI to turn rich project data into actionable insights, emphasizing the significance of data privacy and security. He shares how Deltek's solutions are designed to empower project managers with the tools they need to drive successful project outcomes.

As the conversation progresses, Bret offers advice on how firms can capitalize on existing tools and technologies, making digital transformation an accessible journey rather than an overwhelming challenge. He also envisions the future of AI with the rise of "agents" that can automate tasks and workflows, further enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Listeners are encouraged to explore Deltek's offerings and resources, including their website, blog, and town halls, to stay informed about the latest advancements in AI-driven solutions.

In this inspiring episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we sit down with James Lawrence, renowned endurance athlete and our keynote speaker at the 2024 annual fall conference in New Orleans. Sponsored by Bentley, this episode explores the incredible journey of James, the world record holder for completing 101 consecutive Ironman races, and the profound lessons he learned along the way.

James shares his insights on pushing boundaries, redefining mental toughness, and the importance of embracing challenges in life. Through vivid anecdotes, he discusses how confronting the "bully" inside our heads can transform our approach to life's obstacles, turning them into opportunities for growth.

Drawing from personal experiences, James emphasizes the power of resilience and the impact of showing up daily to live a life with no regrets. He also talks about the invaluable lessons his family learned from his journey and how these experiences have shaped them into confident individuals ready to face the world.

Tune in to discover how small, consistent changes can lead to significant transformations, both personally and professionally, and learn about James's upcoming book, "Iron Hope," set to inspire even more people to chase their dreams.

In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies, host Shreya, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, is joined by Adam Loewentheil, co-founder and CEO of Aldoa. Together, they delve into the transformative power of technology in the engineering and consulting industries, emphasizing the evolution over the past 20 years and the promising direction it's headed towards.

Adam sheds light on the challenges faced by engineering firms in adapting to new technological advancements, highlighting the industry's reliance on outdated tools like Microsoft Word and Excel. He introduces Aldoa's innovative, verticalized SaaS solution, specifically designed to address these challenges, streamline workflows, and incorporate AI to enhance efficiency without compromising the scientific expertise of professionals.

The discussion extends to the benefits of vertical SaaS solutions, which are purpose-built for specific industries, offering tailored functionalities and cost savings. Adam shares insights into Aldoa's key offerings, including project management, resource management, and financial management tools, which have already attracted over 100 U.S. customers this year.

For those interested in learning more about Aldoa's solutions and how they can be customized for their business, Adam invites listeners to visit their website or reach out via email. Tune in to discover how Aldoa is revolutionizing the engineering and consulting landscape.

Visit Aldoa's website: www.aldoa.com

In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we dive into the unique employee ownership model of HDR, a leading engineering firm. Founded in 1917, HDR transitioned to an employee-owned company in 1996 after a group of managers bought it back from an international concern. This pivotal change has significantly influenced HDR's culture and business operations.

Learn how HDR's employee ownership structure not only attracts and retains top talent but also enhances client relationships through a shared sense of responsibility and pride. This episode provides valuable insights into how HDR's ESOP model empowers employees, promotes financial literacy, and ensures long-term sustainability for future generations of leaders and owners.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, recorded live at the 2024 Annual Fall Conference and sponsored by Bentley Systems. In this episode, we delve into the transformative impact of Bentley's new AI-powered software suite, OpenSite+, on the civil engineering industry.

Join our conversation with Francois Valois, VP of Civil Engineering, and David Settlemeyer, Senior Product Manager at Bentley, as they discuss how OpenSite+ is revolutionizing site design and land development. This groundbreaking software promises to equip engineers to deliver high-quality projects up to 10 times faster than traditional methods by leveraging AI-driven tools.

Discover how OpenSite+ stands out with its unique features, including a co-pilot experience that enhances productivity, automates drawing creation, and optimizes project workflows. Learn about the ethical considerations behind Bentley's data policy and the importance of data security for engineering firms. Explore the software's interoperability with other Bentley products and third-party applications, ensuring seamless integration and data accuracy throughout the project lifecycle.

Find out more about how OpenSite+ is setting a new standard in civil engineering and how firms can participate in its early access program. Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping the engineering landscape, allowing professionals to focus on what they do best—innovative design and exceptional client delivery.

Join us for an insightful episode of Engineering Influence, recorded live from the American Council of Engineering Companies' 2024 fall conference in New Orleans. This episode, sponsored by Bentley, features a conversation with Don Foster, Chief Customer Officer at Panzura.

Discover how Panzura is revolutionizing data management by providing resilient solutions that help organizations handle unstructured data amidst growing cyber threats and evolving work environments. Don shares Panzura's approach to creating a robust infrastructure that ensures data accessibility and security, whether on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid.

Explore the role of AI in enhancing data processes and the steps Panzura is taking to integrate machine learning for threat detection and workflow optimization. Learn how Panzura's innovative tools, such as CloudFS and Panzura Symphony, are empowering engineers to collaborate in real-time and complete projects more efficiently.

If you're interested in learning more about Panzura's offerings, visit their website for blogs, white papers, and upcoming webinars. Tune in to this episode to understand how Panzura is helping businesses thrive in the digital age.

Join us live from the fall conference in New Orleans as we dive into the impactful journey of the ACE Mentor Program with special guests Stephanie Davi McNeely, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, and Art Alzamora from ACE New York. Discover how this initiative, founded in 1994, has shaped the future of over 100,000 students, encouraging diversity and inclusion in engineering, architecture, and construction industries.

Learn about the program's core group mentoring model, its impressive scholarship achievements, and how it supports first-generation college students. Our guests share inspiring success stories, highlight key initiatives focused on alumni programming, and discuss the importance of mentorship in shaping future leaders.

Explore ways to get involved with ACE Mentor and hear about the collaborative efforts with the newly formed Engineering Workforce Consortium. This episode is a testament to the power of mentorship in bridging gaps and building a skilled, diverse workforce for tomorrow.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, recorded live at the 2024 Fall Conference. This special episode celebrates the achievements of our scholarship winners, highlighting the success of the expanded scholarship program by the ACEC Research Institute.

Join us as we chat with Ella Smith, a civil engineering student from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan. Ella shares her journey into the world of engineering, sparked by her love for math and science from an early age. She discusses her interest in geotechnical engineering, influenced by her exposure to public sector infrastructure and urban planning through her mother's career as a city planner.

Ella also talks about the exciting opportunities and technological advancements in the field of engineering today. As she prepares for graduation in May 2025, she looks forward to entering the workforce and finding a firm with a great workplace environment. Tune in to hear more about Ella's aspirations and insights into the evolving engineering landscape.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the future of transportation, focusing on mass transit, with expert insights from Stuart Lerner, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Stantec North America.

With over 30 years of experience in transportation infrastructure and transit-oriented projects, Stuart shares his personal and professional journey in the world of mass transit. He discusses the challenges commuters face and the legendary war stories that have become part of urban folklore. Stuart emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to improve commuting experiences and reduce traffic congestion.

As the discussion unfolds, Stuart highlights the impact of the pandemic and climate change on transportation, particularly in urban centers like New York City. He explores the controversial concept of congestion pricing and its potential to fund mass transit improvements. Stuart also addresses the financial sustainability of mass transit systems and the need for alternative approaches to meet changing commuter demands.

Join us as we explore the possibilities of a hybrid transportation model, incorporating technologies like autonomous vehicles and bus rapid transit. Stuart advocates for embracing new technology to create flexible and reliable mass transit systems that adapt to post-pandemic realities and environmental challenges.

Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of transportation and the role of technology in shaping a more sustainable and efficient commuting experience.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC, broadcasting from our Fall Conference 2024, proudly sponsored by Bentley. In this episode, we spotlight the City of San Diego, the distinguished winners of the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) award. Join us as we delve into a conversation with Claudia Barca, Director of Purchasing and Contracting, and Elif Chetting, Acting Director with Engineering Capital Projects, as they share insights on San Diego's exemplary QBS implementation.

Discover how San Diego has set a national benchmark by prioritizing qualifications over price in architectural and engineering contracts. Learn about the meticulous process that ensures the selection of top-tier professionals, fostering successful project outcomes that benefit both the city and its citizens. Claudia and Elif provide an in-depth look at the criteria considered during the selection process, emphasizing technical expertise, team capabilities, and an understanding of local needs.

Explore the benefits of QBS, from fostering industry partnerships to enhancing community projects, and understand the passion driving public service delivery in San Diego. The episode also highlights opportunities for small local businesses to collaborate on significant projects, contributing to community development and showcasing their capabilities.

Tune in to hear how San Diego's commitment to quality-based selection continues to make a positive impact on the city's infrastructure and its residents. Celebrate the success stories and the rewarding experience of contributing to the community's growth and well-being.