Word On The Street

Embracing Change with Matt Bissett of Atwell LLC

Mark and Mick interview Matt Bissett, the president of Atwell, discussing his leadership experiences and strategies for navigating change. Bissett shares insights on the firm's growth from a regional to a national player, addressing challenges such as market diversification, embracing technology, and maintaining a unified company culture amidst rapid expansion. With in-depth discussions on acquisitions, employee development programs like Top Gun, and the impact of financial crises like the 2008 downturn, this episode offers a comprehensive look at leading an engineering and consulting firm through dynamic industry landscapes.
 
Topics
01:36 Introducing the Special Guest: Matt Bissett
03:24 Matt Bissett's Leadership Journey at Atwell
05:19 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
11:33 The Impact of Technology and AI on the Industry
13:54 Matt Bissett: The Renaissance Man
14:56 The Art of Acquisitions and Integrations
22:16 Maintaining Positive Energy and Client Engagement
24:12 Maximizing Influence and Leadership
24:33 Top Gun Program and Rodney Williams
28:38 Challenges and Culture at Atwell
32:12 Virtual Reality and Connectivity
39:36 Diversification and Resilience
43:59 Lessons from Sports and Decision Making

Gayle Packer, CEO and President of Terracon

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.
 
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

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.
 
More on Greg at https://stvinc.com/person/greg-kelly/
 
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

How AE Firms Can Win with Tech, Data, and Strategy – Deltek’s Megan Miller

Mark and Mick sit down with Megan Miller, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Deltek, to break down the most compelling findings from the 46th Annual Deltek Clarity Report—featuring insights from nearly 700 AE firms across the US and Canada.
 
From rising net revenue per employee to shifting industry mindsets, Megan unpacks how the most successful firms are using data, tech, and strategic planning to drive growth. You'll hear what separates firms that thrive from those that fall behind—plus key benchmarks and future-facing trends heading into 2025.
 
Topics Include:
- Industry performance and financial benchmarks
- AE firms’ adoption of tech and automation
- Strategic use of data for growth
- Project management best practices
- The real cost of lagging behind in innovation
- What to expect at the 2025 M&A Symposium in Vegas
 
Don’t miss this if you're in leadership, strategy, or biz dev in AE.
 
Topics
01:05 Guest Introduction: Megan Miller
01:55 Overview of the 46th Annual Deltek Clarity Report
02:27 Key Insights from the Clarity Report
06:34 Industry Sentiment and Trends
10:16 Financial Performance Highlights
16:00 Strategic Use of Data for Growth
20:23 Shifts in Industry Mindset
22:13 Strategic Pursuits in AE Firms
23:25 Integrating New Technologies
25:00 Misconceptions and Costs of Technology
26:18 Genuine Innovation vs. Marketing Hype
30:01 Net Revenue Per Employee Insights
34:33 Industry Outlook and Client Engagement
40:54 Transforming Operations with Deltek Solutions
42:29 Final Thoughts and Wise Words
 
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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.
 
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

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

Embracing Change in Architecture: Mike Munn, CEO of McAdams

In this episode of the Word on the Street podcast, hosts Mark Goodell and Mick Morrissey welcome Mike Munn, President and CEO of McAdams, to discuss the management of change in the architecture and engineering industry. Mike shares his insights into McAdams' growth strategy, balancing organic and acquisitive growth, and the significance of branding and mentorship. He also highlights the challenges and strategies of integrating new acquisitions and maintaining a strong company culture. Additionally, the conversation delves into Mike's personal experiences, including his upbringing on a farm, community involvement, and passion for fast cars and powerboating. The episode concludes with valuable advice on the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people.
 
Topics
 
00:00 Architects and Change: A Paradox
00:40 Welcome to the Podcast
00:55 Spring is Coming
01:39 Introducing Mike Munn
03:52 Change Management in Architecture
07:21 Navigating the Great Recession
13:32 Balancing Growth Strategies
19:10 Mentorship and Succession Planning
23:28 The Role of Barbecue in Onboarding
24:27 Mentoring and Leadership Development
25:36 Integration and Acquisitions
29:35 Business Development and Community Involvement
32:22 Personal Stories and Work Ethic
35:23 Branding and Market Expansion
45:56 Advice and Personal Interests

Building an Empire: Ernesto Aguilar and Ardurra

The guest is Ernesto Aguilar, President and CEO of Ardurra, highlighting his journey from a 200-employee firm to an 1800-strong workforce. Ernesto discusses the company's growth strategies, emphasizing opportunities seized and organic growth fueled by passionate employees. He shares insights on transitioning from structural engineering to leadership, the importance of company culture, the challenges of mergers and acquisitions, and the evolving work-life balance in today's workforce. Ernesto also touches on the significance of a supportive network and adaptable leadership as essential elements for sustained growth.
 
Topics
 
00:00 Introduction and Company Growth
01:43 Introducing Ernesto Aguilar
02:02 Ernesto's Background and Career Journey
08:38 Naming the Company Ardurra
12:29 Growth Strategy and Employee Involvement
18:35 Spotting the Tells: Identifying Genuine Intentions
19:24 Career Milestones: From Powell to PBSNJ
20:52 Balancing Work and Life: Personal Insights
23:23 Generational Shifts in Work-Life Balance
26:48 Scaling Up: From 200 to 1,500 Employees
31:03 Navigating Growth and Risk Management
34:04 The Importance of Networking and Delegation
37:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Strategic Leadership Insights with Mike Carragher of VHB

In the inaugural episode of the Word on the Street podcast, hosts Mark Goodale and Mick Morrissey welcome Mike Carragher, the President and CEO of VHB. The discussion explores Mike's journey with strategic planning, highlighting its importance in sustaining growth and guiding the company's vision. Mike shares his experiences and insights on the challenges and successes of implementing strategic plans, the significance of effective communication, and the impact of leadership in motivating teams. The conversation also touches upon Mike's involvement with the ACEC Research Institute and his vision for the future of the industry. Throughout, Mike emphasizes the balance between focusing on people and performance, and the role of storytelling in leadership.
 
Topics
01:12 Welcoming the Guest: Mike Carragher
02:10 Strategic Planning Insights
04:42 Lessons from Experience
08:36 Industry Challenges and Future Vision
12:44 Balancing People and Performance
19:47 Communicating Vision and Culture
29:03 Final Thoughts and Advice
35:31 Conclusion and Farewell

Word on the Street

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