Engineering Reimagined

What's possible when partnership, trust and an optimistic mindset come together under pressure? Aurecon CEO Louise Adams and Perenti CEO and Managing Director Vanessa Torres speak about how they connected over their shared passion for the role of optimism. Learn about the role optimism played in transforming the GEMCO wharf from catastrophe to rebuilt and operational in 14 months – a process that could have taken three to five years. 

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What does it take to lead when the world is changing faster than your experience can keep up? Aurecon’s Tracey Ryan speaks with Ron Boire about how to lead through constant disruption while keeping people at the centre. Ron argues that leaders need to get closer to the action. He also shares his "51% rule" and explains why curiosity, vulnerability and trust are becoming more important than having all the answers.

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Trust in science and engineering has never mattered more. Aurecon's Tanya de Hoog speaks with Sir Peter Gluckman about the evolving role of science and engineering in addressing the world's most complex challenges. They discuss the value of remaining open to opportunity throughout your career, the importance of systems thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, and how emerging technologies such as AI are reshaping the way knowledge is created and shared.  

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What communications skills do engineers and scientists need most right now? Recorded live at the CAETS conference, Aurecon's Lorna Bishop sits down with one of Australia's most celebrated science communicators, Tanya Ha. Together they explore how to tailor your message for different audiences, and how to leverage AI in communications without diluting personality. This episode of engineering Reimagined was recorded live at the CAETS conference. 

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In this episode, Tanya de Hoog, Aurecon's Chief Engineering, Eminence and Innovation Officer, speaks with robotics expert and former geochemist Sue Keay about the intersection of robotics, human ingenuity, and the future of our planet. 

They discuss lessons from mining and manufacturing, where robotics has improved safety and unlocked unexpected efficiencies, and how these insights can be applied to construction.  

Tanya and Sue also emphasise the enduring value of human skills: creativity, judgment, and connection. Reminding us that rather than replacing people, robotics offers the potential to augment human capability at scale – if we choose to deploy it thoughtfully. 

This episode of Engineering Reimagined was recorded live at the 2025 CAETS conference. 

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How much has changed in AI during the last two years? Aurecon’s Dave Mackenzie revisits a past conversation he had on the Engineering Reimagined podcast with Nomic CEO Andriy Mulyar. They discuss how AI adoption in complex infrastructure environments has evolved from early experimentation to practical implementation. This episode also considers how roles are changing, with engineers increasingly acting as orchestrators, and reflects on the skills and capabilities needed for future-proofing.

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Explore how climate leadership measures should be a routine part of decision-making with Emeritus Professor Mark Howden and Aurecon’s Dr Ben McGarry. Together they discuss the role engineers play in shaping a low-carbon and resilient future; and why starting with values, incorporating systems thinking, and highlighting long-term benefits all matter when engaging stakeholders and delivering meaningful change. This episode of Engineering Reimagined was recorded live at the 2025 CAETS conference. 

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Bushfires are becoming more frequent, intense, far-reaching and complex. How can we reimagine bushfire resilience with a more proactive, systems-based approach? In this episode of Engineering Reimagined recorded live at the CAETS conference, Aurecon’s Santiago Estrada sits down with Dr Marta Yebra, a Professor at the Australian National University and Director of the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence. Dr Yebra shares how engineering-led innovation is transforming the way we predict, prepare for and respond to fire and other natural hazards.

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Explore the science behind optimism. Aurecon's CEO Louise Adams speaks with clinical neuropsychologist Dr Kim Hazendonk about how choosing a positive mindset can help us to reshape the way we think, lead and build resilience. Find out how we can re-train our brains for optimism, despite the negativity bias all around us. 

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Welcome to the 2025 season finale of Aurecon’s Engineering Reimagined podcast. Let’s look back on some of our favourite episodes of the year that all have one thing in common – the evolving technologies that affect or impact three critical areas of interest, including decision-making in the age of distraction, the energy transition and data centres. 

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