Engineering Influence from ACEC

Building Bridges: JEO Engineering's Unwavering Commitment to Infrastructure and Community

Join us on the Engineering Influence podcast for an insightful conversation with Rob Brigham, CEO of JEO Consulting Services, recorded live from the ACEC Spring Convention at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. Discover the journey of JEO, a firm that has been a significant player in the public infrastructure market since 1937, and learn about their commitment to fields like transportation, water infrastructure, and environmental planning.
Rob Brigham shares his unique career path, his leadership during pivotal growth phases within the company, and how JEO has evolved under his guidance. We delve into the significance of engaging in national legislative discussions and how JEO remains an influential voice in policy-making circles.
Get an insider's perspective on the importance of strategic partnerships, the influence of legislative relationships on business operations, and the power of cohesive industry involvement in political advocacy. Aspiring engineering professionals won't want to miss Rob's insights on building impactful careers and the potential opportunities to influence legislative matters.

Unveiling AI's Rapid Evolution with Deltek

Join us live from the annual convention and legislative summit in Washington, D.C., as we welcome Bret Tushaus, Deltek's Vice President of Product Management, for an insightful discussion on AI's rapid advancements. Explore how ChatGPT has been a turning point for AI development, influencing data integrity and the integration of AI in business.
Discover the critical role of a "human in the loop" approach, ensuring AI applications are balanced with human expertise and insights. Bret sheds light on the digital twins, and how AI can transform project management, enhance productivity, and streamline processes in the AEC industry.
We also delve into the evolving workforce landscape, emphasizing the importance of a hybrid worker skilled in both engineering and digital fluency. AI isn't about replacing jobs but augmenting them through innovative solutions, offering partial relief to the industry's workforce challenges.

Navigating Mergers & Acquisitions in Engineering: A Conversation with Ed Alizadeh

Welcome to the latest episode of Engineering Influence, brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies, live from the 2025 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington D.C. In this episode, we dive deep into the business side of engineering with Ed Alizadeh from UES, discussing the evolving role of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity in the industry.
Ed shares his decades of experience and offers insights into how private equity is reshaping firms while maintaining growth and entrepreneurial spirit. He elaborates on the integration challenges and cultural shifts when smaller firms join larger entities like UES, emphasizing the importance of collaborative growth rather than mere financial transactions.
Join us as we explore these transformative industry trends and consider the significance of market intelligence and strategic foresight in navigating the future of engineering businesses.

Engineering in the Age of AI: Navigating Infrastructure and Security

Join us on this episode of Engineering Influence, brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies, as we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the engineering industry. Coming to you from our annual convention in Washington, D.C., we sat down with Nick Decker, Director of Engineering for Egnyte, to discuss transformative trends reshaping the field.
Dive into the impact of artificial intelligence and post-COVID shifts on infrastructure management and collaboration within engineering firms. Discover how companies are navigating tech consolidation to streamline operations and enhance employee productivity, while addressing critical security concerns in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
Uncover strategies to maintain innovation without compromising security, ensuring a bright and efficient future for the engineering industry. Tune in for an informative discussion with insights and predictions for the next phase of engineering evolution.

Mastering Management: Engineers' Path to Leadership

In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Allison Schneider engages in a discussion with Anthony Fasano from the Engineering Management Institute. The episode explores the journey of engineers transitioning into management roles, emphasizing the importance of developing both project management and people leadership skills.
Anthony shares his personal experience, highlighting the need for engineers to acquire communication and leadership skills to stand out in their careers. They discuss the significance of early skill development and how technical professionals can seize opportunities to build their soft skills.
The conversation also delves into common misconceptions about management skills among engineers and the crucial role of public speaking in enhancing communication abilities. Recognizing people skills as essential for interacting with clients, stakeholders, and communities, the episode underscores the need for comprehensive training programs that combine technical and leadership development.
Whether you are in a small or large firm, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a project management culture and investing in the current workforce for sustainable growth. It encourages firm leaders to prioritize a well-rounded skill set for their teams and highlights the resources available through the Engineering Management Institute.

"AI and the Future of Engineering Firms: Insights from the ACEC' Research Institute's Latest Study"

Join us at the 2025 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit as we explore the transformative role of AI in engineering. Our latest podcast features an insightful discussion with Joe Bates, a senior researcher from the ACEC Research Institute, on the pioneering study that delves into AI's impact on the engineering industry. Uncover how AI is set to enhance, not replace, the talent within engineering firms, help bridge workforce gaps, and drive unprecedented efficiency and creativity.With the industry's changing dynamics and the potential AI holds, this episode offers a compelling look at how firms can adapt and thrive in the future. Whether you're already leveraging AI or just beginning to explore its possibilities, this episode is your gateway to understanding AI's evolving role in engineering.

Unveiling the Design-Build Revolution

Welcome to this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, where we delve into the intriguing world of design-build project delivery methods. Our guest, Keith Molinar, joins us to discuss the evolution and growing adoption of design-build techniques in the engineering industry. Discover how this method, originating from the Code of Hammurabi, has evolved to provide increased cost efficiency, enhanced schedule adherence, and improved project performance.
Throughout the conversation, Keith highlights the importance of integrated collaboration among owner, designer, and construction teams to ensure successful projects, reducing disputes and enhancing risk management. With recent infrastructure investments, the design-build method is becoming pivotal in delivering large-scale public projects more efficiently. Listen in to learn more about how design-build is shaping the future of engineering project management.

Harnessing the Power of AI with Autodesk

In this episode, we delve into the intersection of technology and the AEC industry amidst the rapid growth in global infrastructure. Rising material costs, labor shortages, and demand for new projects are presenting significant challenges, but embracing digital tools and innovation can help overcome these hurdles. Our guest, Amy Bunszel, Executive Vice President of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Solutions at Autodesk, discusses how technology can optimize resource allocation and ensure efficient spending in infrastructure projects.
Amy highlights the critical role of technology in transforming design processes, enhancing the digital backbone of projects, and supporting sustainable and effective construction. The conversation also explores how Autodesk approaches AI to address customer challenges, improve project insights, and enhance industry trust in AI solutions.