In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino sits down with Annie Goodchild, a passionate advocate for inclusivity in major projects. As a trans, non-binary professional in the infrastructure industry, Annie shares insights on industry resilience, stakeholder management, and the value of diverse perspectives in shaping successful projects. The duo discusses all this, plus the role of public inquiries in major projects. 

Annie Goodchild brings a wealth of experience in communications and stakeholder outreach, driving strategic initiatives for complex infrastructure projects across Canada. As the Director of Communications and Stakeholder Outreach at Kiewit, they currently lead efforts on Ottawa’s Confederation Line extensions, focusing on building essential relationships for project success. Known for their commitment to teamwork, learning, and connection, Annie believes that true progress happens when everyone moves forward together.

“We are the eyes and ears in many ways of how the project's going to do everywhere else, but in the very boardroom that it's executed from, and that those outside forces, the climate around the boardroom affects the boardroom more than sometimes they'd like. So let us help. Let us be in the room. Let us share our understanding of what's coming and help us plan a mitigation around any problems we might see, because that's our ultimate benefit to the major project." – Annie Goodchild

Key Takeaways:

• Annie’s journey into major projects and the importance of diversity in creating resilient teams.
•  How proactive and transparent stakeholder management can build trust and transform community relationships, revealing insights that could redefine your approach to major projects.
• How embracing diverse perspectives enhances the problem-solving capabilities of major projects.
• The role of allies in creating a more inclusive and supportive industry for marginalized groups, from a trans perspective.

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Mentioned Links:

• How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner

The conversation doesn’t stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: 

• Follow Annie Goodchild on LinkedIn
• Follow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedIn
• Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn 
• Read Riccardo’s latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com

Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.