Engineering Influence from ACEC

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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.

In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, Diana O'Lare, Senior Director of Market Intelligence at ACEC National, introduces an exciting new training program designed for mid to senior-level technical staff in AEC firms. The program, spanning from September 11th to November 5th, features five modules focusing on business development strategy, soft skills and sales techniques, proposal writing, client networking and relationship management, and client interviews. These modules aim to equip participants with essential skills to enhance their firm's growth, market share, and overall performance. Accompanied by expert speakers, the program also offers up to 10 professional development hours for credit. Don't miss the opportunity to empower your team and drive success.

Register Now: https://www.acec.org/education-events/education/online-education/seller-doer/

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we explore the innovative Saddle Creek High Rate Treatment Basin project in Omaha, a groundbreaking initiative by Wade Trim that has earned one of the prestigious ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Awards. Join host [Host Name] as he talks with Dave White, Senior Vice President of Wade Trim, and Jim Theiler, Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Omaha, about how this $94 million project is revolutionizing water quality in the area.

Discover the challenges and triumphs of constructing this unique facility on a former landfill site, the technological ingenuity of its gravity-based water flow, and its positive impacts on local communities and educational initiatives. Tune in to learn more about the remarkable engineering feats and community benefits that this project represents.