Engineers Ireland Amplified

Professional engineers often face the constraint of being pigeonholed into specific roles based on demographic factors, yet the most successful teams are those that dismantle these barriers. 
When engineering is embraced as a truly gender-neutral career, it unlocks a powerful diversity of thought that drives innovation and superior project outcomes. Engineering problem solving requires a blend of scientific rigour and creative thinking to deliver impactful results. We explore how to break free from professional boxes, manage complex large-scale infrastructure projects, and incorporate social value into procurement.
 
Joining us is Gemma McCarthy, Vice President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland and Regional Director at Mott MacDonald. Gemma shares her expertise on leading multidisciplinary teams and offers a fresh perspective on how inclusive, gender-neutral leadership paves the way for a more successful and dynamic engineering profession.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Solving the Celtic Interconnector challenge
Engineering as a creative discipline
Managing large infrastructure budgets
Implementing social value in procurement
The future generation of engineers
GUEST DETAILS
Gemma McCarthy is the Vice President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland and a Regional Director at Mott MacDonald. She combines high-level technical direction with strategic leadership in the Irish engineering sector. Gemma is a strong advocate for diverse representation, leveraging her experience to drive professional development and infrastructure solutions for society. She has spent 15 years with Mott MacDonald overseeing major regional operations.
Connect with Gemma:
Website: https://www.acei.ie
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-mccarthy-5681a717/
MORE INFORMATION
Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   
Engineers Ireland Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.
QUOTES
I used to rail against the, are you creative, are you scientific? Engineering is very much the crossover of the two. - Gemma McCarthy
At the end of the day, we're problem solvers. - Gemma McCarthy
We are only as good as the currency of our own skills at the moment. - Gemma McCarthy
KEYWORDS #ProjectManagement #EngineeringTips #InfrastructureProjects #TechnicalLeadership #SystemDesign

Talented engineers often fear that moving abroad means sacrificing hard-earned professional momentum. This mindset overlooks the reality that an engineering qualification is a borderless passport for innovation and personal growth. In this episode of our Global Engineers mini-series, we explore how top international talent selects Ireland as their professional base, bringing fresh perspectives that drive the industry forward.
We discuss how firms successfully integrate these new approaches, the cultural nuances of Irish engineering, and the actionable advice that will empower you to build a thriving career overseas.
Our guests are Munya Bakasa, a South African senior structural engineer spearheading major consulting projects, and Krystyna Dimtchev, a Polish project manager and chair of the Women in Engineering Society.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Choosing to base careers in Ireland
Challenges of technical language barriers
Irish culture of collaboration and trust
Managing complex structural engineering projects
Advice for engineers moving abroad
GUESTS DETAILS
Krystyna Dimtchev is an Associate Programme Manager at Arcadis and the current Chair of the Engineers Ireland Women in Engineering Society. Originally from Poland, she is an IPMA Certified Senior Project Manager with extensive experience in environmental engineering and building services. 
She is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Connect with Krystyna : 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystyna-dimtchev (Associate Programme Manager, Arcadis & Chair of the Women in Engineering Society)
Munya Bakasa is a Senior Engineer at PUNCH Consulting Engineers. Originally from South Africa, he is a key lead on major infrastructural developments. He brings structural and civil engineering expertise to the Irish market and is a strong advocate for active travel infrastructure.
Connect with Munya:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/munya-bakasa (Senior Engineer, PUNCH Consulting Engineers)
MORE INFORMATION
Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   
Engineers Journal Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.
QUOTES
One of the biggest differences I have experienced in Ireland is the emphasis on the collaboration of openness and trust. - Krystyna Dimtchev
You strike a better work-life balance in the local environment, as opposed to back home. - Munya Bakasa
I've learned from them, it's not if you have the book, you have the equations, you have the calculations, but just to understand makes you a true engineer. - Krystyna Dimtchev
Your perspective, both professionally and personally, is broadened beyond what you expect. - Munya Bakasa
KEYWORDS: #GlobalEngineering #IrishCareer #EngineeringAbroad #CareerGrowth #InternationalEngineer

Ireland's energy transition demands a new calibre of engineering leadership and talent to secure its critical infrastructure for the future. The challenge is not just technical; it is about cultivating a culture of safety, innovation, and diverse perspectives across the sector.
This episode explores the pivotal role of engineers in making high-stakes decisions, transforming safety from a rule to a core value, and addressing the persistent gender imbalance in the industry. Learn how a varied background and holistic thinking are key to solving the complex problems of tomorrow, from power generation to the energy demands of artificial intelligence.
Joining us is Majella Henchion, Technical Capability Manager at ESB, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. Majella shares her three decades of experience, transitioning from managing iconic sites like Turlough Hill to leading the strategic recruitment of the next generation of engineers.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Overcoming professional imposter syndrome.
Managing high-risk power plant operations.
Making safety a deeply human value.
Why engineering needs more women.
Developing future holistic engineering talent.
GUEST DETAILS
Majella Henchion is the Technical Capability Manager at ESB, responsible for ensuring the utility possesses the personnel required to drive the energy transition. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland, her career spans three decades in pivotal leadership roles. Her key achievements include managing the Turlough Hill pumped storage station and leading critical safety assurance programmes.
Connect with Majella:
Website: https://www.esb.ie
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majellahenchion/?originalSubdomain=ie
MORE INFORMATION
Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   
Engineers Ireland Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.
QUOTES
Imposter syndrome comes back every time you take on a new challenge, and what I began to realise was I liked that challenge. – Majella Henchion
If you can put that trust in people, they will repay you double fold. – Majella Henchion
We need our engineers to be more holistic in their thinking. – Majella Henchion
KEYWORDS #ElectricalEngineering #BehaviouralSafety #EnergyTransition #GenderDiversity #HolisticProblemSolving

Many talented engineers hesitate to move abroad, fearing they will lose career momentum and disconnect from the vibrant Irish engineering community. However, an Irish engineering degree is in fact a global passport, opening doors to innovation on an international scale while maintaining strong Irish roots.
This special mini-series explores how Irish engineers successfully navigate international markets, secure funding, overcome the fear of failure, and leverage their qualifications to build thriving careers overseas. They also discuss how the Irish engineering community supports them abroad.
Joining the conversation is Joseph Mooney, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree at the forefront of US energy research, and Sinéad Conneely, a Structural Director and Engineers Ireland Chartered Engineer of the Year finalist.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Choosing to leave Ireland and where
Irish engineering qualifications are valued globally
Why Irish engineers are natural risk-takers
Funding differences between US and Ireland
Practical advice for moving abroad earlier
GUESTS DETAILS
Joseph Mooney is the Co-Founder of WattAir and a Research Engineer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, recently named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Energy. 
Connect with Joseph:
linkedin.com/in/josephpmooney
Sinéad Conneely is a Director and Structural Engineer at Simple Works in London, a finalist for the Engineers Ireland Chartered Engineer of the Year, and a leader in the UK construction industry.
Connect with Sinéad:
linkedin.com/in/sinéad-conneely-9b847139
MORE INFORMATION
Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   
Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

Mega projects often struggle under their own sheer weight, leading to massive budget overruns, stakeholder conflict, and unmanaged complexity. The challenge lies in managing change ruthlessly while maintaining safety and quality across vast, long-term undertakings.
This episode explores the disciplined mindset required to deliver major infrastructure on time and on budget, focusing on "right-to-left" planning, risk ownership, and the crucial role of collaboration. 
We also look at how digital tools like BIM and AI are revolutionising project delivery and safety in the construction sector.
Our guest is Carl Devlin, Capital Works Director at MTR Corporation. His three decades of experience include senior leadership on iconic projects such as London Heathrow Terminal 5 and upgrading 40 per cent of the London Underground network
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Driving career with big goals
Right-to-left planning and requirements
Minimising change on mega projects
Leading rail expansion in Hong Kong
Using AI for construction safety
GUEST DETAILS
Carl Devlin is the Capital Works Director at MTR Corporation. He oversees new railway projects and major upgrades for Hong Kong's sophisticated transport network. 
His core expertise includes navigating the immense complexity of mega-projects, balancing technical excellence with strategic stakeholder demands, and spearheading digital transformation in construction.
Connect with Carl Devlin:
Website: https://www.mtr.com.hk
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-devlin
MORE INFORMATION
Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. 
https://www.engineersireland.ie/   
Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.
QUOTES
When you're managing change, you have to look holistically at the whole system, not just at the components that you're actually accountable for. - Carl Devlin
Change is the thing that drives mega projects off course, because once you've committed a supply chain... and you change one of the requirements, it can have a huge knock on impact on the project.  - Carl Devlin
I keep saying to my team, if you were spending the money out of your wallet, would you do this?   - Carl Devlin
KEYWORDS #MegaProjects #ProjectManagement #EngineeringLeadership #DigitalConstruction #InfrastructureInvestment