Mark and Mick speak with Gayle Packer, CEO and President of Terracon, a leading nationwide employee-owned engineering consulting firm. Gayle shares insights on Terracon's remarkable story of growth and innovation, reflecting on pivotal leadership moments, such as navigating a company-wide crisis and strategically implementing technological advancements. The discussion covers the importance of aligning culture and business plans, promoting employee experience, and the significance of feedback and accountability in driving excellence. Gayle also talks about her personal career journey, strategic planning at Terracon, and future aspirations for the firm. The episode provides key lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and purposeful growth in the engineering consulting industry.
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Topics
00:58 Introducing the Guest: Gayle Packer
02:03 Gayle's Recent Travels
05:03 Gayle's Leadership Journey at Terracon
07:38 Terracon's Values and Safety Culture
09:40 Navigating Challenges: Fatality and COVID-19
16:48 The Role of Technology and Innovation
25:00 The Importance of Growth and Employee Experience
27:53 The Rebranding Effort at Terracon
29:23 Career Trajectories and Risks
32:12 Partnerships and Leadership at Terracon
35:34 Aligning a Large Organization
43:11 Technological Innovations at Terracon
46:42 Reflections and Future Plans
51:36 Words of Wisdom
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51:41
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51:41
Greg Kelly, CEO of STV
Mark and Mick engage in a compelling conversation with Greg Kelly, CEO of STV, one of North America's leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms. The discussion covers a range of topics, including leadership styles, strategic market decisions, client management, and the intricacies of firm acquisitions. Greg shares his perspectives on the importance of humility, the evolving nature of leadership, and the value of emotional intelligence in team building. The episode also delves into the impact of hybrid work models on leadership development and innovation in the AE industry. Finally, Greg reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave and offers valuable advice for emerging leaders.
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More on Greg at https://stvinc.com/person/greg-kelly/
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Topics
01:39 Guest Introduction: Greg Kelly
03:29 Discussing Leadership and Strategy
10:13 Market Analysis and Decision Making
22:08 Client Relationships and Expectations
31:20 Leadership Development in a Hybrid Work Environment
37:06 Innovation and AI in the Industry
38:57 Greg Kelly's Legacy and Leadership Lessons
42:37 Conclusion and Farewell
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42:53
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42:53
How AE Firms Can Win with Tech, Data, and Strategy – Deltek’s Megan Miller
Navigating Leadership and Innovation with Andra Kidd
Mark and Mick chat with Andra Kidd, CEO of Spheros Environmental. The discussion spans Andra's extensive career, the challenges and strategies of leading a fast-growing environmental firm, and the importance of innovation and digital strategies in the industry. Andra also shares insights on balancing personal wellness and professional responsibilities, the complexities of integrating acquisitions, and fostering a science-forward and employee-centric culture. The conversation highlights the significance of scrutinizing market conditions, strategic thinking, and the power of accountability in leadership.
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Topics
01:50 Insights from Alaska Experience
07:27 Leadership and Accountability
09:56 Challenges and Strategies in Leadership
13:26 Balancing Personal Interests and Professional Life
15:40 Building Effective Leadership Teams
18:02 Differentiating in the Environmental Consulting Market
18:37 Vision and Mission of Spheros
19:28 Recruitment and Acquisitions Strategy
19:37 University Connections and Acquisitions
20:53 Assessing Company Culture
21:57 Digital Strategies and Innovation
25:22 CEO's Role in Acquisitions
26:53 Travel and Personal Organization
28:59 Partnership with Union Park
29:55 Market Opportunities and Strategic Services
35:17 Integration and Collaboration
36:37 Balancing Business and Science
39:12 Final Thoughts and Advice
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40:39
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40:39
The importance of building trust: Neil Churman, President/CEO of Woolpert
Topics
01:16 Introducing the Guest: Neil Churman
01:27 Neil's Background and Career Journey
04:09 Leadership Insights and Building Trust
15:11 Creating a Positive Work Environment
24:58 Navigating Global Time Zones
25:15 Building a Culture of Connectivity
25:40 Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration
25:57 Global Delivery and Efficiency
26:09 Creating Connection Points
26:56 Understanding Cricket and Rugby
27:43 Focus on Collaboration and Collegiality
29:06 Challenges of Integrating Diverse Teams
32:37 The Role of AI in the Industry
35:12 Adapting to Market Trends
37:36 Global Expansion and Acquisitions
44:30 Characteristics of the Right Firm
47:36 Completing the Cycle of Cash Flow
50:21 Words to the Wise: Thriving Firms
51:32 Conclusion and Farewell
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