Engineering Influence from ACEC

In this special Market Edge episode of ACEC’s Engineering Influence podcast, host Diana O’Lare is joined by GHD’s Victor Tirado, Americas Market Sector Lead for Maritime & Coastal, and Michael Vanderbeek, North American Maritime & Coastal Planning Lead, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the global ports market.
With decades of international experience, Victor and Michael unpack the trends driving change in port planning and design — from the growing role of ports as energy hubs in the global decarbonization effort to the adoption of alternative fuels. Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness.
The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of port financing, as public authorities hit debt capacity limits and increasingly rely on federal, state, and private sector partnerships to deliver billion-dollar projects. Victor and Michael share perspectives on the uncertainty created by tariffs and trade diversification, the pause in offshore wind development, and how ports are adapting to unpredictable market and policy shifts.
Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation in the maritime space, the realities of labor and regulatory constraints, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness. This episode offers practical insights and forward-looking analysis for engineering firms navigating change in one of the world’s most vital and complex markets.

Music.In this episode Andrea Beaty—STEM graduate and author of Rosie Revere, Engineer—joins the show to discuss how storytelling encourages curiosity, resilience, and a sense of identity in young children that can lead them toward STEM careers. She explains how Rosie’s story of failure and persistence helps kids see themselves as engineers and scientists.Andrea highlights the importance of early exposure, literacy, community programs, and industry partnerships to attract and retain more young people in STEM. Practical ideas include supporting book distribution, hands-on projects, and inclusive local mentoring that lets kids contribute to real community problems.

Author Andrea Beaty discusses how her STEM background and storytelling created Rosie Revere, a character who teaches children that failure is part of inventing and learning. The episode explores ways to attract and retain young people in STEM—starting early with books, community programs, and hands-on projects—and the importance of showing kids they belong in science and engineering.Beaty shares examples of how narrative helps children identify as engineers and scientists, mentions literacy and local partnerships as effective strategies for industry involvement, and highlights related resources like project books. She also previews her new picture book "Billie Jean Pete, Athlete," emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and the idea that every experience builds useful skills for the future.

Allison Schneider talks with Dave McIvor, CEO of Lamp Rynearson, about leading engineering firms with purpose, centering people, and designing infrastructure that serves communities for generations.
They discuss building trust, inclusive community engagement, values-driven culture, and sustainable leadership practices that pair technical excellence with empathy and long-term impact.

NAWE President Carl Bentzel joins the Engineering Influence Podcast to explain the role of marine terminal operators, current trends shaping ports, and the policy challenges affecting trade and infrastructure.
Topics include the impact of trade policy and tariffs, Chinese dominance in ship-to-shore cranes, import volume volatility, technology and space constraints at urban ports, rail connectivity and mergers, and the critical role engineers play in modernizing the waterfront.

In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we’re joined by Eileen Canady, CMO of BST Global, to discuss the groundbreaking findings from the 2025 Global AEC AI & Data Insights Report. From AI adoption trends to workforce transformation, we explore how engineering firms are embracing AI, overcoming challenges, and reshaping the future of the industry.
 
🔹 Key Topics Covered: Why AI is set to transform the AEC industry within 5 years The readiness gap: firms’ belief vs. actual preparedness How leadership buy-in drives successful AI adoption The surprising role of firm size in AI readiness Workforce evolution: reskilling engineers and the rise of prompt engineering Predictive modeling and how AI is improving project outcomes The importance of data governance, security, and leadership roles in AI strategy.
📊 Download the full AI & Data Insights Report 2025: bstglobal.com/ai
🔹 Download more episodes of the Engineering Influence podcast at https://www.acec.org/resources/podcast/

In this episode, dive into the intricate details of the recently passed tax reconciliation package, a significant legislative achievement for the engineering and business communities. Join Katharine Mottley, ACEC's VP of Tax and Workforce Policy, and Jake Triolo from Capital Tax Partners as they explore the key provisions of this sweeping legislation.
Discover how ACEC's advocacy efforts have led to major tax benefits such as the permanency of the 199A, 20% pass-through deduction, and the permanent 21% corporate tax rate.
Learn about the implications for R&D amortization and other significant changes affecting engineering firms across the country. Stay tuned as we discuss the nuances of the bill and its future impact on the industry.

Join us on the Engineering Influence Podcast as we dive into leadership development within engineering firms, featuring insights from Brian Walch, founder of Shift Focus Consulting. Discover how to cultivate managers who not only handle projects but also mentor talent and foster a thriving company culture.
Brian shares his expertise on creating self-aware, innovative management systems tailored for today’s complex, tech-driven environment. Whether you're guiding a new project leader or enhancing a seasoned principal’s skills, gain practical tools and frameworks to drive growth and success in your firm.
Explore the challenges and opportunities posed by decentralized teams and AI technology, and learn how to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and innovation at all levels of management. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to enhance the way you approach leadership and organizational development.