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GBA Podcast
GBA Podcast episodes
- First Word - September 2024Summary
On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!
Links to resources referenced in this video:2025 GBA Annual Conference
New Mine Tailings Safety Resources Available
Proposed Best Practices for Engineer of Record for Tailings Dams
Business Brief: Addressing the Issue of Engineer of Record for Tailings Storage Facilities
Important Information About this Tailings Storage Facility Design Report
Fall Leadership Summit Info and Registration
Case History #117: Disaster Averted… The Power of a Peer Review
GBA Photo Contest
GBA Podcast
7 min - First Word - August 2024Summary
On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!
Links to resources referenced in this video:New Member Site
Video: How to Log in to Your Profile on GBA’s New Member Site
2023-2024 Annual Report
Updated Model Access Authorization Form
AI in the Geoprofessions: Superprompts: How to Talk with the Genie and Keep it in the Bottle
GBA NEWSlog
Message from the Executive Director: I was Hacked! Lessons Learned
GBA’s Annual Financial Survey (News story)
GBA’s Annual Financial Survey (Informational webinar registration link)
Fall Leadership Summit Info and Registration
GBA Photo Contest
10 min - First Word - July 2024Summary
On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!
Links to resources referenced in this video:2024 Professional Practice Ethics & Leadership Award Winner
AI in the Geoprofessions: The Ghost in the Machine: Hallucinations
CoMET Tale 1
CoMET Tale 2
New Podcast: Geophysics Provides the Confidence to Build
GBA Podcast
GBA Photo Contest
GBA NEWSlog
7 min - #114 - Case History - Geophysics Provides the Confidence to BuildGBA Case History Series – Case History #114 - Geophysics Provides the Confidence to Build
Summary
In this episode, we explore how Siemens Associates turned an “unbuildable” site into a construction-ready plot using advanced geophysical exploration. Initially, a school’s building plan hit a roadblock when a non-GBA member firm’s study flagged variable surface conditions and air-filled voids, rendering the site unfeasible. However, the drilling method used was unreliable, causing uncertainties.
Enter a second geotechnical and geophysics firm with a fresh perspective, Siemens Associates. They executed a high-resolution electrical resistivity survey, followed by traditional drilling. This savvy approach cut drilling costs and pinpointed problem areas with surgical precision. The 3D survey unveiled a clear subsurface picture, showing only minor anomalies within the project footprint. Sonic drilling validated the presence of pumicite, a fickle rock, but no alarming voids.
This meticulous assessment flipped the initial verdict, proving the site buildable. Tune in to discover how cutting-edge geophysics and diligent geotechnical work transformed a seemingly doomed project into a roaring success.
Our Host
Elizabeth Brown, PE – National Practice Manager - Geotechnical/Atlas Technical Consultants Atlas Technical Consultants (Link to Profile) -
Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.
Our Guest
Andy Siemens, PE, GE – Principal Engineer /Siemens & Associates (Link to Profile)
Andy Siemens is the Principal Engineer at Siemens Associates, renowned for his expertise in structural and civil engineering. With a degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license, he oversees complex projects, manages teams, and ensures high-quality outcomes. Andy excels in client interaction, innovative problem-solving, and mentoring young engineers. His notable achievements include multiple awards, industry publications, and contributions to high-profile infrastructure projects, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in engineering.
Lessons Learned
- Reliance on traditional subsurface investigation methods aren’t always effective.
- Novel uses of lesser-known, geophysical methods can effectively guide traditional exploration, leading to confident geotechnical recommendations.
- In this case, it was clear that incorporating a geophysical component offered significant benefits early on, in the exploration/planning stage.
- Explore different drilling methods and be strategic with the location of borings. A strategic boring pattern is crucial to preserving the exploration budget, especially when dealing with proposed rectangular footprints.
- Before starting traditional exploration, consider how effectively you’ll be able to interpret conditions between borings. If this seems challenging, it might be time to consult with a geophysicist.
- Assess if your site has sensitive terrain, difficult access, or other challenging conditions for wielding or tracking equipment.
- Geophysics can be accomplished anywhere you can walk or float, often more economically than building special access or obtaining permits.
- Engage geophysics services with care and consideration.
Calls-to-action:
- Download Case History #114: https://www.geoprofessional.org/product/gba-case-history-no-114/
- Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/
- An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms.
- Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
- Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
- Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
- Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
- Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
- Elizabeth Brown, PE – National Practice Manager - Geotechnical/Atlas Technical Consultants
21 min - First Word - June 2024Summary
On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!
Links to resources referenced in this video:President’s Letter to Membership
Watch 2024 Annual Conference Recordings on Demand
Best Practices: Initial Curing of Concrete Test Specimens in the Field: Who is Responsible for What?
Committee Corner
Join a GBA Committee
Best Practices: Working Safely Outdoors in Warm Climates
GBA NEWSlog
GBA website
Fall Leadership Summit
2025 Annual Conference
2025 Annual Conference Call for Abstracts
8 min - First Word - May 2024Summary
On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!
Links to resources referenced in this video:AI in the Geoprofessions, Article 2: How LLM Works: In a Nutshell
New GBA Technology Brief: Improve Your Drone Strategy
2025 Annual Conference Call for Abstracts
GBA NEWSlog for May 1, 2024
GBA Board of Directors 2024-2025
How to download GBA resources
Contact GBA with any questions
6 min - First Word - April 2024Summary
On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!
Links to resources referenced in this video:GBA Podcast Leadership Lounge Episode #1
Contact GBA with questions about the Ambassador program: [email protected]
Case History #116 – Went Fishing, Caught a Whale!
AI in the Geoprofessions, Article #1
Annual Conference Registration and Details
6 min - #1 - Leadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage NegotiatorLeadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator
About This Episode
In this episode, we learn from a master negotiator about how to communicate more effectively through building cultures founded on emotional communication, active listening, and relationship-based negotiations. It doesn't matter if you are left-brain dominant, you can learn the right-brained skills necessary to become a better communicator. Dan talks about how every conversation is a negotiation, why storytelling is important in communication, and finally, he provides some practical advice to start developing and implementing these skills immediately.Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.About Our Guest
Dan Oblinger – Consulting Negotiator/LeadercraftDan Oblinger is a hostage negotiator commander, author, international keynote speaker, and consulting business negotiator. He specializes in working with architects, engineers, and construction managers. Whether speaking at conferences, facilitating workshops for active listening and negotiation skills, or coaching and consulting with companies to build strong agreements, Dan loves to share his craft and enhance culture.As a workshop trainer, Oblinger is a cornerstone of emerging leader programs for American Council of Engineering Companies chapters in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, North Dakota, New Jersey, Iowa, and Georgia. He regularly speaks for NSPE, ACEC, AIA, SMPS, AGC, SEI Reunions, Surety/Risk Management, and other specialty design/build audiences.
Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSMEProject management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.Lessons Learned:
- WARNING The story of threatened self harm (with a positive outcome) [29:48 - 35:06]
- Introduction [2:03]
- Negotiating value [3:53]
- Every conversation is a negotiation [6:29]
- Get comfortable talking about money/payment [10:10]
- False attribution bias [11:31]
- Relationships, what are we talking about? [14:21]
- Emotional intellegiance, right-directed skills for left-directed thinkers [18:38]
- Do you avoid? [22:37]
- Storytelling [24:18]
- Virtuous cycle [27:11]
- Importance of discovery [38:00]
- The client lied to me [39:36]
- If you want to be lied to, ask a question [41:42]
- Don't ask a question, make a gentle observation [43:23]
- Even transactional relationships benefit from active listening [46:45]
- Industry outlook [51:02]
- Life or Death Listening: A Hostage Negotiator’s How-to Guide to Mastering the Essential Communication Skill
- The 28 Laws of Listening: Best Practices for the Master Listener
- Negotiation Mythbusters: Rethinking Everything You Know About Building Strong Agreements
Calls-to-action:
- Connect with Dan Oblinger: LinkedIn | Website
- Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
- Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
- Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
- Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
- Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
- Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
1 hr 2 min - #1 - Management Best Practices - How to Have Tough ConversationsManagement Best Practices - How to Have Tough Conversations
About This Episode
If tough conversations have the power to bring about positive change, why are they often associated with feelings of discomfort? Join GBA’s Jennifer Sanborn and Leadership Development Coach Jen Bell as they explore how to facilitate better one-on-one discussions.“Our aversion to difficult conversations comes from the inherent potential for conflict associated with corrective actions,” Bell says. “But through a well-prepared, strategic approach, we can address pressing concerns amicably and simultaneously build a culture of mutual understanding.”
By embracing discomfort as a catalyst for positive change, we pave the way for enhanced collaboration, improved relationships, and a resilient, forward-thinking workplace.
Series Summary
Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors.Our Host
Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.After 20 years of being part of and leading environmental engineering project teams, Jenn currently leads career development, learning, employee engagement, and culture initiatives at Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. Jenn continues to lead a small number of projects, conducting environmental assessments and cleanup under the USEPA Brownfields program. Jenn is passionate about staff development and seeing those around her succeed. As a supervisor, she enjoys the opportunity to mentor staff and guide their career development. She is also a member of Sanborn Head’s Board of Directors.About Our Guest
Jen Bell – Leadership Development Coach/True North Culture AdvisorsJen is a passionate, Boston-based leadership coach who joined True North Culture Advisors in 2018. She possesses 25 years of experience and approaches client engagements with empathy and discernment to uncover new leadership insights for various professionals in different industries. For over 20 years, Jen has worked extensively in both international non-profit ministries and corporate America. Her work has focused on developing leadership teams, executive and leadership coaching, and optimizing organizational strategies. Her relationship development skills, coupled with her strong operational acumen, have helped her develop more productive teams across the organizations she’s led.Lessons Learned:
- Leaders must make an effort to become skilled in tough conversations.
- Creating an environment where such discussions feel normal is crucial.
- Lack of accountability can lead to organizational dysfunction.
- Failing to hold people accountable limits growth and development (aka leadership sacrilege!).
- Trust is crucial for corrective, hard conversations.
- Earning the right to address tough issues is essential.
- Rules without relationships lead to rebellion.
- Indicators that a tough conversation needs to be had include big offenses and violations of core values.
- Strategies involve being well-prepared, clear, compassionate, and inviting response.
- So-called stop conversations address unacceptable behaviors, while switch conversations change perspectives.
- Grow conversations provide opportunities for learning and improvement.
- Documentation and facts are essential for effective grow conversations.
Calls-to-action:
- Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
- Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
- Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
- Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
- Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President of Talent/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.
- Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
1 hr 6 min - #6 - Audio Education - Briefing and Being BriefedGBA Audio Education Series – Briefing and Being Briefed
Episode Summary
In this episode, hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White examine the importance behind daily field reports and regular briefings. It begins with a dramatization between field techs Tyler and Charlie. Upon returning to work, Tyler catches up with Charlie who reveals that covering his sites in the interim was challenging. We discover that Tyler failed to provide Charlie with adequate field notes or a proper briefing, hampering Charlie’s ability to carry out his tasks. But daily field reports offer geotechnical teams with other valuable benefits, which Tiffany and Ryan say help safeguard against unforeseen events and keep clients satisfied.Series Summary
Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White recently uncovered a treasure trove of valuable content, GBA's outstanding audio-education series. In order to make this more accessible, they turned these into a podcast series. This series was originally available as downloadable audio files, designed for one-on-one listening by field representatives, or as material to spur discussion during brownbag seminars or other informal training sessions. Like other GBA audio education programs, Fundamentals of Field Representation uses dramatization to make its points. The roles are played by professional actors, supplemented by sound effects. In each episode, Tiffany and Ryan play the original audio and follow up with a discussion, including their own personal lessons learned from many years of experience in the industry as both field reps and technical leaders.GBA Resources
GBA Audio Education: Fundamentals of Field Representation - Effective Reporting
Model Daily Field Report for Geotechnical Field Observation
Model Reporting Forms for Geoenvironmental Field Observation
Subscribe
- Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
- Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2 – Vice President/SME
- Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
- Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Project Director/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.
- Elizabeth Brown, PE - Geotechnical Services Manger/Atlas Technical Consultants
- Diego Torres - Senior Writer/Atlas Technical Consultants
32 min
About GBA Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to the GBA Podcast, where we present information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe to provide you with wisdom and insight to help in your pursuit of knowledge. GBA…
was founded over 50 years ago to serve geotechnical, environmental, and other geoprofessionals by giving them proven tools to achieve business success by confronting risk and optimizing performance.