Engineering Influence from ACEC

Rowing Solo, Leading Strong: Debra Searle’s Journey Across An Ocean

In this episode, adventurer and leadership expert Debra Searle takes us inside her extraordinary journey of rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean — a challenge that tested her endurance, mindset, and decision-making in ways few people ever experience. Debra reveals how those months at sea reshaped her understanding of resilience, leadership, and human potential, and how the strategies she relied on in the middle of the ocean can be applied just as powerfully in boardrooms and everyday life.
She breaks down practical, science-backed techniques for staying motivated and productive, even when circumstances feel overwhelming — from habit stacking and using external cues to the power of simple, consistent positive feedback. Debra explains how leaders can use these tools to create energized teams, improve wellbeing, and build environments where people perform at their best.
We also dive into her approaches to decision-making under pressure, navigating periods of isolation, and translating ocean-tested mental habits into effective, results-driven business practices.
If you’re looking for actionable leadership insights, mindset shifts, and stories that prove what’s possible when we push our limits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Making Engineering Visible: Inspiring the Next Generation

At the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference, the Engineering Influence podcast takes a deep dive into an exciting new workforce initiative from ACEC Nebraska and JEO.
The episode highlights their creative outreach program—a collection of short, engaging videos and fully packaged classroom materials designed to introduce students to the many ways engineering impacts daily life. Built around the familiar categories of the Engineering Excellence Awards, each video is paired with downloadable presentations, talking points, and distribution tools that make it easy for teachers, guidance counselors, and engineering firms to bring real-world engineering into schools.
The initiative aims to spark curiosity, strengthen educator–industry connections, and build a clearer pathway for young people to explore engineering careers—ultimately helping grow a stronger, more informed workforce pipeline.

Rethink Engineering: Kaihan Krippendorff on Strategy, AI, and the Fourth Option

At the ACEC 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego, McKinsey alum and OutThinkers podcast host Kaihan Krippendorff discusses how to "think differently" in an era of rapid technological change and AI. He shares his OutThinking framework for strategy and decision-making and explains the importance of the "job to be done" using examples like Apple and the MP3 revolution.
Kaihan argues leaders should redefine what their firm truly does (focus on outcomes, not just technical deliverables), coordinate ecosystem partners, and create cultures that activate internal entrepreneurs. He emphasizes practical steps: imagine different futures, expand option sets, choose and test ideas, and build buy-in while accepting that many bets will fail but a few will pay off.
Practical takeaways include reframing your business around customer outcomes, partnering across the ecosystem, and encouraging experimentation inside the firm. 

Engineering Outlook 2025: Growth, Tariffs & the Workforce Crunch

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Gray of Rockport Analytics. He shares an in-depth look at the economic outlook for the engineering and design industry.
Gray explores how firms are navigating a complex landscape — balancing continued revenue and employment growth with new challenges on the horizon. He discusses the slower-than-expected rollout of IIJA funds, uncertainty surrounding tariffs, and the growing strain of workforce shortages influenced by immigration trends.
The conversation also turns toward the future: how artificial intelligence could become both a productivity catalyst and a transformative force, reshaping how engineering firms manage projects, talent, and technology.
Whether you’re an industry leader, economist, or engineer, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s driving today’s market — and what lies ahead for the business of engineering.

From Curiosity to Impact: How AI Is Transforming Engineering Firms

In this episode, industry leaders from RJC Engineering and OpenAsset explore how forward-thinking engineering firms can embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and tailored to real business needs.
From developing internal AI policies and establishing solid data management frameworks, to launching pilot projects that demonstrate measurable value, our guests break down the key steps firms can take to build trust and momentum across their teams.
They share practical, field-tested insights on:
Governance and change management — ensuring innovation aligns with company culture and client expectations.
Data quality and product design — why clean, well-structured information fuels smarter, more efficient AI tools.
Workflow transformation — how automation and AI can streamline proposals, marketing, and operations, freeing staff to focus on creative, high-value work.
This conversation also highlights how industry-specific tools are paving the way for agent-driven workflows that will reshape how engineering professionals collaborate, deliver projects, and drive business growth.
Whether you’re an engineering leader, marketer, or tech innovator, this episode offers clear guidance on how to start your AI journey with confidence—and prepare your firm for the next wave of digital transformation.

From Family Roots to Flood Relief: Young Professional of the Year – Sarah McEwen’s Engineering Path

Join host Shreya Jain as she delves into the inspiring journey of Sarah McEwen, the ACEC Young Professional of the Year and H&H lead. In this interview, Sarah shares her path into civil engineering, influenced by family and her passion for water resources.
Discover her impactful work mapping the stormwater system in Moss Point, which significantly benefits the community. Sarah also highlights the mentors who have guided her and offers invaluable advice to young engineers: stay curious, learn from mistakes, and never hesitate to seek help. This engaging conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in engineering and personal growth.

Engineering Workforce Playbook: Rebranding the "E"

This episode from ACEC's 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego features Eric Rensel discussing the Engineering Workforce Consortium, the newly released workforce playbook, and how industry and associations are addressing a long-term talent shortage by combining technology with people-focused strategies. He discusses rebranding the engineering profession, creating mid-career on-ramps, integrating data and AI roles, the Engineering Public Works Roadshow, and next steps toward the EWC summit and practical, proven tactics to recruit and retain talent.

Inspiring Leadership with Olympian, Chaunté Lowe at ACEC Fall Conference 2025

In this conversation, ACEC sits down with Olympian and keynote speaker Chaunté Lowe live at the ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, overcome adversity, and strive for excellence — both on and off the field. Lowe opens up about their Olympic journey, the mental and physical challenges faced along the way, and how those same lessons in resilience, teamwork, and discipline apply to the world of engineering and business leadership.
This conversation reminds us that whether you’re competing in the Olympics or designing the infrastructure that shapes our world, success comes from dedication, passion, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.