InfraTalk America

InfraTalk America

By InfraTalk AmericaBusiness
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InfraTalk America episodes

  • Dara Wheeler: Harnessing Leadership Support

    Leadership support is often the special component needed to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. In this episode, ITA Publisher Gregory Nadeau sits down with Dara Wheeler, chief of Research and Innovation at Caltrans. As the agency's point person for innovation, Dara leads several state and national committees that are dedicated to advancing the adoption of new technologies. She also oversees the programs Caltrans has in place to expedite digital project delivery and fund research. Because of her leadership, the agency has been at the forefront of mainstreaming transformational technologies.

    Listen in as they discuss:

    • How Caltrans is leading the way in the application of innovative technology
      • The importance of collaboration within the private sector
        • The way policymakers and local agencies can work together to support and celebrate successes

        • 42 min
        • Janet Treadway: Revolutionizing Construction Operations

          In this episode Janet Treadway, AASHTOWare Project Business Administrator at the Ohio Department of Transportation, explores the transformative power of e-Ticketing in construction operations, specifically highlighting its impact on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Beyond just managing materials, the benefits of e-ticketing extend to streamlining processes and enhancing overall efficiency.

          This episode is guest hosted by Dr. Ann Schneider, former secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation and a member of our Board of Advisors.


          Listen in as they discuss:

          • Janet’s role on the National e-Ticketing Task Force and the industry perspective she provides,
          • The significance of adopting new technologies to engage and retain younger generations,
          • And the challenges of attracting women to a male-dominated industry as well as the importance of diverse perspectives.
          • 28 min
          • Kat Weisner: Every Day Counts

            The COVID-19 pandemic helped push for nationwide implementation of e-Ticketing, a Federal Highway Administration Every Day Counts (EDC) round six initiative. In this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast, ITA Publisher Gregory Nadeau interviews Kat Weisner, senior construction and contract administration engineer for the Federal Highway Administration's Resource Center.


            Listen in as they discuss:

            • The Resource Center's role in encouraging state and local agencies to consider new technologies and solutions
            • The Every Day Counts (EDC) program's success in promoting innovation and digital solutions
            • How e-Ticketing has revolutionized the project delivery process as well as the industry

            • For more information on e-Ticketing, check out the National e-Ticketing Task Force's website here: https://e-ticketingtaskforce.org

              52 min
            • Sara Stickler: Empowering Women

              This special Women’s History Month episode features President & CEO of WTS International Sarah Stickler. As a former educator, Sarah came from a career where women dominated the field. However, upon transitioning to associations and the transportation industry, she was confronted by a severe lack of women in decision-making roles. This episode is hosted by InfraTalk America Communications Advisor, Karyn Le Blanc.

              Listen in as they discuss:

              • Sarah’s unique transportation story,
              • Emerging trends and challenges for women in transportation,
              • The importance of mainstreaming innovations for future generations,
              • WTS’ mission to create a more diverse, equitable industry.
              • 43 min
              • Chasing Innovation Crossover Episode

                This crossover episode was produced and hosted by Infotech and Trimble, and is presented as a follow-up to InfraTalk America's Chasing Innovation roundtable webinar, which can be found at https://infratalkamerica.com/social-sustainability-and-the-path-toward-a-stable-technologically-literate-workforce/. In the latest episode of Let's Be Civil, a panel of experts from Trimble, HDR, and Infotech discuss how adopting a holistic, people-first mindset can maximize connection, collaboration, and innovation in our industry. Social sustainability. Workforce development. Technology adoption. These areas may feel distinct, but they all center around the same essential thing: people. 

                Hosts: Nate Binder, Infotech & Matt Sprague, Trimble

                Guests:

                Tara Blythe, Infotech

                Ev Tripolitis, Trimble

                Jennifer Steen, HDR

                57 min
              • Audrey Copeland: e-Ticketing Revolution

                e-Ticketing has revolutionized project delivery in the transportation infrastructure industry. In this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast, ITA Publisher Gregory Nadeau sits down with Audrey Copeland, president and CEO of the National Asphalt Pavement Association.

                Listen in as they discuss:

                • How the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of e-Ticketing in the asphalt industry,
                • Ways companies within the industry can leverage the technology to address the chronic workforce shortage,
                • The asphalt pavement industry’s The Road Forward program, a commitment to go net zero by 2050,
                • And how warm mix asphalt can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
                • 39 min
                • Shanté Hastings: Leading the Way

                  The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has been leading the nation in the implementation of digital project delivery innovations and advancing the state of practice. In this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast, ITA Publisher Gregory Nadeau sits down with Shanté Hastings, deputy secretary and chief engineer at DelDOT.

                  Listen in as they discuss:

                  • DelDOT’s leadership in implementing e-Ticketing,
                  • How mainstreaming new technology requires buy-in,
                  • And the role AASHTO’s Innovation Initiative has in advancing the use of new technologies throughout the industry.

                  • To learn more about e-Ticketing, check out the National Construction Materials e-Ticketing Task Force website here: e-ticketingtaskforce.org

                    40 min
                  • Victoria Sheehan: Mainstreaming Technology

                    In this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast, ITA Publisher Gregory Nadeau sits down with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner and incoming Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board Victoria Sheehan at the 2022 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference.

                    Listen in as they discuss:

                    • The barriers state DOTs face in mainstreaming new innovations,
                    • Pragmatic solutions to overcoming these barriers,
                    • And how the implementation of new technology can help retain and attract talent.
                    • 33 min
                    • Introducing The InfraTalk America Podcast

                      Each episode of the InfraTalk America Podcast brings you in-depth conversations with transportation and infrastructure industry experts. Topics include the latest innovations in digital project delivery, safety policies, and the future of sustainable practices. The first season will feature a mini-series titled, Women Paving the Way in Transportation Infrastructure Innovation. Join us in these vital discussions as we talk about how innovation has transformed the way we do business and what the future is for infrastructure in America. 

                      3 min

                    About InfraTalk America

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                    InfraTalk America is a multi-media platform dedicated to the proposition that every innovation begins with a conversation. Each episode of the InfraTalk America Podcast brings you into the…