Word On The Street

Mark and Mick interview Matt Bissett, the president of Atwell, discussing his leadership experiences and strategies for navigating change. Bissett shares insights on the firm's growth from a regional to a national player, addressing challenges such as market diversification, embracing technology, and maintaining a unified company culture amidst rapid expansion. With in-depth discussions on acquisitions, employee development programs like Top Gun, and the impact of financial crises like the 2008 downturn, this episode offers a comprehensive look at leading an engineering and consulting firm through dynamic industry landscapes.

Topics

01:36 Introducing the Special Guest: Matt Bissett

03:24 Matt Bissett's Leadership Journey at Atwell

05:19 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change

11:33 The Impact of Technology and AI on the Industry

13:54 Matt Bissett: The Renaissance Man

14:56 The Art of Acquisitions and Integrations

22:16 Maintaining Positive Energy and Client Engagement

24:12 Maximizing Influence and Leadership

24:33 Top Gun Program and Rodney Williams

28:38 Challenges and Culture at Atwell

32:12 Virtual Reality and Connectivity

39:36 Diversification and Resilience

43:59 Lessons from Sports and Decision Making

Mark and Mick speak with Gayle Packer, CEO and President of Terracon, a leading nationwide employee-owned engineering consulting firm. Gayle shares insights on Terracon's remarkable story of growth and innovation, reflecting on pivotal leadership moments, such as navigating a company-wide crisis and strategically implementing technological advancements. The discussion covers the importance of aligning culture and business plans, promoting employee experience, and the significance of feedback and accountability in driving excellence. Gayle also talks about her personal career journey, strategic planning at Terracon, and future aspirations for the firm. The episode provides key lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and purposeful growth in the engineering consulting industry.

Topics

00:58 Introducing the Guest: Gayle Packer

02:03 Gayle's Recent Travels

05:03 Gayle's Leadership Journey at Terracon

07:38 Terracon's Values and Safety Culture

09:40 Navigating Challenges: Fatality and COVID-19

16:48 The Role of Technology and Innovation

25:00 The Importance of Growth and Employee Experience

27:53 The Rebranding Effort at Terracon

29:23 Career Trajectories and Risks

32:12 Partnerships and Leadership at Terracon

35:34 Aligning a Large Organization

43:11 Technological Innovations at Terracon

46:42 Reflections and Future Plans

51:36 Words of Wisdom

Mark and Mick engage in a compelling conversation with Greg Kelly, CEO of STV, one of North America's leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms. The discussion covers a range of topics, including leadership styles, strategic market decisions, client management, and the intricacies of firm acquisitions. Greg shares his perspectives on the importance of humility, the evolving nature of leadership, and the value of emotional intelligence in team building. The episode also delves into the impact of hybrid work models on leadership development and innovation in the AE industry. Finally, Greg reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave and offers valuable advice for emerging leaders.

More on Greg at https://stvinc.com/person/greg-kelly/

Topics

01:39 Guest Introduction: Greg Kelly

03:29 Discussing Leadership and Strategy

10:13 Market Analysis and Decision Making

22:08 Client Relationships and Expectations

31:20 Leadership Development in a Hybrid Work Environment

37:06 Innovation and AI in the Industry

38:57 Greg Kelly's Legacy and Leadership Lessons

42:37 Conclusion and Farewell

Mark and Mick sit down with Megan Miller, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Deltek, to break down the most compelling findings from the 46th Annual Deltek Clarity Report—featuring insights from nearly 700 AE firms across the US and Canada.

From rising net revenue per employee to shifting industry mindsets, Megan unpacks how the most successful firms are using data, tech, and strategic planning to drive growth. You'll hear what separates firms that thrive from those that fall behind—plus key benchmarks and future-facing trends heading into 2025.

Topics Include:

- Industry performance and financial benchmarks

- AE firms’ adoption of tech and automation

- Strategic use of data for growth

- Project management best practices

- The real cost of lagging behind in innovation

- What to expect at the 2025 M&A Symposium in Vegas

Don’t miss this if you're in leadership, strategy, or biz dev in AE.

Topics

01:05 Guest Introduction: Megan Miller

01:55 Overview of the 46th Annual Deltek Clarity Report

02:27 Key Insights from the Clarity Report

06:34 Industry Sentiment and Trends

10:16 Financial Performance Highlights

16:00 Strategic Use of Data for Growth

20:23 Shifts in Industry Mindset

22:13 Strategic Pursuits in AE Firms

23:25 Integrating New Technologies

25:00 Misconceptions and Costs of Technology

26:18 Genuine Innovation vs. Marketing Hype

30:01 Net Revenue Per Employee Insights

34:33 Industry Outlook and Client Engagement

40:54 Transforming Operations with Deltek Solutions

42:29 Final Thoughts and Wise Words

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Mark and Mick chat with Andra Kidd, CEO of Spheros Environmental. The discussion spans Andra's extensive career, the challenges and strategies of leading a fast-growing environmental firm, and the importance of innovation and digital strategies in the industry. Andra also shares insights on balancing personal wellness and professional responsibilities, the complexities of integrating acquisitions, and fostering a science-forward and employee-centric culture. The conversation highlights the significance of scrutinizing market conditions, strategic thinking, and the power of accountability in leadership.

Topics

01:50 Insights from Alaska Experience

07:27 Leadership and Accountability

09:56 Challenges and Strategies in Leadership

13:26 Balancing Personal Interests and Professional Life

15:40 Building Effective Leadership Teams

18:02 Differentiating in the Environmental Consulting Market

18:37 Vision and Mission of Spheros

19:28 Recruitment and Acquisitions Strategy

19:37 University Connections and Acquisitions

20:53 Assessing Company Culture

21:57 Digital Strategies and Innovation

25:22 CEO's Role in Acquisitions

26:53 Travel and Personal Organization

28:59 Partnership with Union Park

29:55 Market Opportunities and Strategic Services

35:17 Integration and Collaboration

36:37 Balancing Business and Science

39:12 Final Thoughts and Advice

Topics

01:16 Introducing the Guest: Neil Churman

01:27 Neil's Background and Career Journey

04:09 Leadership Insights and Building Trust

15:11 Creating a Positive Work Environment

24:58 Navigating Global Time Zones

25:15 Building a Culture of Connectivity

25:40 Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration

25:57 Global Delivery and Efficiency

26:09 Creating Connection Points

26:56 Understanding Cricket and Rugby

27:43 Focus on Collaboration and Collegiality

29:06 Challenges of Integrating Diverse Teams

32:37 The Role of AI in the Industry

35:12 Adapting to Market Trends

37:36 Global Expansion and Acquisitions

44:30 Characteristics of the Right Firm

47:36 Completing the Cycle of Cash Flow

50:21 Words to the Wise: Thriving Firms

51:32 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Word on the Street podcast, hosts Mark Goodell and Mick Morrissey welcome Mike Munn, President and CEO of McAdams, to discuss the management of change in the architecture and engineering industry. Mike shares his insights into McAdams' growth strategy, balancing organic and acquisitive growth, and the significance of branding and mentorship. He also highlights the challenges and strategies of integrating new acquisitions and maintaining a strong company culture. Additionally, the conversation delves into Mike's personal experiences, including his upbringing on a farm, community involvement, and passion for fast cars and powerboating. The episode concludes with valuable advice on the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people.

Topics

00:00 Architects and Change: A Paradox

00:40 Welcome to the Podcast

00:55 Spring is Coming

01:39 Introducing Mike Munn

03:52 Change Management in Architecture

07:21 Navigating the Great Recession

13:32 Balancing Growth Strategies

19:10 Mentorship and Succession Planning

23:28 The Role of Barbecue in Onboarding

24:27 Mentoring and Leadership Development

25:36 Integration and Acquisitions

29:35 Business Development and Community Involvement

32:22 Personal Stories and Work Ethic

35:23 Branding and Market Expansion

45:56 Advice and Personal Interests

The guest is Ernesto Aguilar, President and CEO of Ardurra, highlighting his journey from a 200-employee firm to an 1800-strong workforce. Ernesto discusses the company's growth strategies, emphasizing opportunities seized and organic growth fueled by passionate employees. He shares insights on transitioning from structural engineering to leadership, the importance of company culture, the challenges of mergers and acquisitions, and the evolving work-life balance in today's workforce. Ernesto also touches on the significance of a supportive network and adaptable leadership as essential elements for sustained growth.

Topics

00:00 Introduction and Company Growth

01:43 Introducing Ernesto Aguilar

02:02 Ernesto's Background and Career Journey

08:38 Naming the Company Ardurra

12:29 Growth Strategy and Employee Involvement

18:35 Spotting the Tells: Identifying Genuine Intentions

19:24 Career Milestones: From Powell to PBSNJ

20:52 Balancing Work and Life: Personal Insights

23:23 Generational Shifts in Work-Life Balance

26:48 Scaling Up: From 200 to 1,500 Employees

31:03 Navigating Growth and Risk Management

34:04 The Importance of Networking and Delegation

37:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the inaugural episode of the Word on the Street podcast, hosts Mark Goodale and Mick Morrissey welcome Mike Carragher, the President and CEO of VHB. The discussion explores Mike's journey with strategic planning, highlighting its importance in sustaining growth and guiding the company's vision. Mike shares his experiences and insights on the challenges and successes of implementing strategic plans, the significance of effective communication, and the impact of leadership in motivating teams. The conversation also touches upon Mike's involvement with the ACEC Research Institute and his vision for the future of the industry. Throughout, Mike emphasizes the balance between focusing on people and performance, and the role of storytelling in leadership.

Topics

01:12 Welcoming the Guest: Mike Carragher

02:10 Strategic Planning Insights

04:42 Lessons from Experience

08:36 Industry Challenges and Future Vision

12:44 Balancing People and Performance

19:47 Communicating Vision and Culture

29:03 Final Thoughts and Advice

35:31 Conclusion and Farewell

Welcome to Word on the Street.