GBA Podcast

GeoHeroes - Vic Donald

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GeoHeroes - Vic Donald

About This Episode

In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Vic Donald Vic Donald, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 46 years of experience. Vic shares his journey from the Deep South to becoming an engineer with a passion for geotechnical innovation. He discusses his educational background at LSU, early career experiences, and the formative influence of mentors. They delve into Vic's perspectives on the challenges of commoditization, the importance of safety in engineering, and the continuous need for professional development. Vic emphasizes the vital role of passion, mentorship, and adaptability in the evolving landscape of geotechnical engineering, offering valuable insights into the future of the profession and its intersection with technology and data management.

Series Summary

In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest

After obtaining a BS and MS in Civil Engineering for Louisiana State University, Vic Donald P.E., has served for over 45 years as a geoprofessional consultant. In the 1980s, '90s and 2000s Vic built an excellent geoprofessional practice in the Southeast United States. He eventually merged his firm into Terracon, and he served for a decade as the geotechnical service line director for Terracon, leading visionary strategy and championing quality for the largest geotechnical consulting practice in the U.S. Now Vic works as a Sr. Consultant, working with Terracon to advance innovative ideas and solutions for their nationwide practice.

Our Host

Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    • Early Life and Education

    • 00:13 Vic Donald's Early Life and Education
    • 01:41 Growing Up in the South
    • 02:29 High School Years and Early Jobs
    • 04:12 Discovering Engineering

      • Career Path

      • 06:37 College and Early Career
      • 09:17 Building a Career in Geotechnical Engineering
      • 12:36 Joining and Growing with Terracon

        • Leadership

        • 18:32 Challenges and Mentorship

          • The Geoprofessional Landscape

          • 21:43 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
          • 23:34 The Art of Geotechnical Engineering
          • 25:31 Embracing Technology in Engineering
          • 29:33 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
          • 33:32 The Value of Mentorship and Career Reflections

            • Speed Round

            • 35:58 GeoHero Speed Round
            • [BOOK] Divided Highways by Tom Lewis
            • [BOOK] Bible
            • [BOOK] Good To Great by Jim Collins
            • [BOOK] A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink
            • [BOOK] The Innovator's Dilemma by Clay Christensen
            • 33:13 Earnest Hemingway quote, "When people talk, listen completely. Don't be thinking what you're going to say. Most people never listen."
            • 36:48 Personal Insights and Advice
            • 39:20 Optimism index
            • 40:43 Biggest accomplishment
            • 42:40 What would you change if you had it to do over again
            • 44:19 Advice to someone entering the profession
            • 46:18 Best advice you've received

              • Final Thoughts

              • 44:14 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Engineers
                • 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:
                    • Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
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