Engineering Influence from ACEC

Navigating Uncertainty: Insights from ACEC's Q2 2025 Business Sentiment Survey

In this episode of Engineering Influence, we delve into the latest findings from the American Council of Engineering Companies Research Institute's Q2 2025 Business Sentiment Survey with Joe Bates. Recorded during the 2025 Convention and Legislative Summit, we explore the current and future economic sentiment within the engineering industry.
The survey reveals a softening in economic sentiment, with the lowest industry sentiment reading on record, though still positive. We discuss the crucial themes of uncertainty in political, economic, and legislative landscapes, and highlight actionable steps Congress can take, like extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to provide stability.
Join us as we analyze the pulse of market sectors including data centers and energy utilities, and address challenges such as tariffs and interest rates affecting real estate and infrastructure investment. Learn about the upcoming introduction of mid-quarter updates to track the rapidly evolving business environment.

Engineering Harmony: John Ondrasik on Music and Innovation

Join us for an inspiring conversation with John Ondrasik, also known as Five for Fighting, as he shares his unique connection to the engineering world. With a family background in both engineering and music, Ondrasik discusses how creativity and problem-solving are at the core of both fields. Discover how his father's work at JPL and family business influenced his musical journey and hear about the overlap between songwriting and engineering.
 

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.

From Classrooms to Stadiums: Inspiring Future Engineers

Join us for an engaging episode of Engineering Influence, where we explore ACEC Arizona's revolutionary initiative, STEM Game Day. Discover how this award-winning program is making waves by immersing middle school students in the engineering world through the excitement of a football game. Chris Bridges, Executive Director of ACEC Arizona, and Nicolai Oliden, Board Member and Workforce Development Chair, share their inspiring journey of addressing workforce challenges by sparking early interest in STEM careers.
Listen as they walk us through the program's inception, its exponential growth from reaching 120 to over 1,500 students across Arizona, and the impactful collaborations with universities and professionals that make it all possible. Find out how ACEC Arizona's efforts are creating pipelines for future engineers and fostering community ties, all while providing invaluable learning experiences for students, volunteers, and the engineering sector alike.

Navigating Economic Turbulence with Sarah Wolfe

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast, where we delve into the complexities and opportunities in today's economic landscape. Hosted by Diana O' Lare, Director of Market Intelligence for the American Council of Engineering Companies, this episode is part of our new series, The Market Edge.
We are joined by Sarah Wolfe, a Senior Economist and Strategist at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. With a wealth of experience and insights, Sarah discusses pivotal topics such as tariffs, inflation, immigration, and their impact on various sectors including construction and manufacturing. Gain an understanding of the possible recession implications and how firms can navigate these challenges.
Dive in to explore the broader economic effects of current policies, potential positive catalysts like tax negotiations, and the global trade dynamics affecting engineering firms. Don't miss this insightful conversation aimed at empowering engineering businesses to adapt and grow in an ever-changing market.

Honoring Pittsburgh's Bridge Legacy: The Three Sisters Bridge Restoration Project

Join us as we delve into the remarkable rehabilitation project led by Michael Baker International on Pittsburgh's historic Three Sisters Bridges. These unique side-by-side bridges, named the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges, have been pivotal landmarks of the city since the 1920s. Discover the challenges and innovative engineering solutions implemented to preserve their structural and historical integrity while extending their lifespan by another 50 years.The episode features an insightful conversation with Aaron Colorito, the Technical Manager for Bridges at Michael Baker International, who shares his personal and professional journey working on this critical project. Learn about the modern techniques and sustainability efforts applied in the rehabilitation process, ensuring these iconic structures continue to serve the Pittsburgh community effectively.

Empowering Public Infrastructure with AI: A Microsoft Partnership

In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Thomas Grogan engages with Vidhu Shekhar, Microsoft, Interim SLG Business Strategy Leader – Critical Infrastructure, Transportation & Public Finance, to explore the transformative role of technology in public infrastructure. With a focus on AI and cloud computing, the discussion delves into how Microsoft aids government and AEC firms in tackling complex challenges in infrastructural development and maintenance.
The conversation touches upon lessons learned in deploying AI, data privacy considerations, and the pivotal role of technology in upcoming global events. Additionally, Vidhu shares insights on workforce development in this new AI era, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach between technology and human talent.

Forging the Future: UConn and Connecticut DOT's Workforce Initiative

Welcome to a new episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we explore the dynamic partnership between UConn School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, aiming to tackle workforce development challenges.
Join us as we discuss with Eric Jackson, research professor and executive director of the Connecticut Transportation Institute, and Carlo Leone, Director of Workforce Development at the Connecticut DOT. Discover how collaborative efforts are reshaping engineering education to meet the real-world demands of infrastructure development.
From curriculum adjustments to technology integration, learn about the strategies being implemented to prepare the next generation of engineers, and the long-term impacts these changes promise for Connecticut and beyond.