ACEC Colorado

“Business Growth 2024: Managing major trends and avoiding the complexity trap” https://ow.ly/Fkmx50Uf41G “Emmer kicked off the day by delving into the major trends that leaders are facing, including economic volatility, technology and AI, climate change, rivalry with China, and geopolitical risks. His key takeaways in each area were designed to help CEOs understand and address issues and challenges. In regards to the economy, key takeaways include: * All roads lead to higher inflation. * Expect stable, low growth in 2025. * Bond yields will provide competition to other asset classes. * Take advantage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions that are scheduled to sunset. * Taxes will be lower in the near term and higher in the long term. * Owners and CEOs should plan their business exit in the 2028-2032 timeframe, which coincides with forecasts and recommendations from ITR Economics.” #2025Trends #BusinessOfEngineering #StrategicPlanning

“How Are Companies Really Using AI? A New Report Has Answers” https://ow.ly/kUbw50Uf3in “Looking Ahead Puntoni said the survey is generally positive about the future of AI, but he did not want to speculate about what the same questions might reveal five years from now. However, he’s sure about one thing: Organizations will keep experimenting with AI to figure out how it works best for them. And as it evolves, so will the other technology required to make it more useable and practical, such as voice interface. “I don’t believe the hallucination problem is ever going to be completely solved, but it’s clear we are making massive progress,” he said. “There’s a lot of gas in the tank in terms of learning how to use this technology and developing complementary innovation.” #AI #BusinessOfEngineering

“Conquer the Year-End Rush: 15 Tips to Maximize Your Productivity at the End of the Year” https://ow.ly/riWQ50UasOf “6. Embrace automation. The secret weapon to tackling repetitive tasks?Automation. You can save time by?automating business tasks?such as: * Scheduling appointments * Social media posting * Sorting and responding to email * Data entry * Invoicing and billing” #BusinessOfEngineering #Productivity

“How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits” https://ow.ly/kKr450UasxJ “Frequent interrupting The first step to breaking a habit of interrupting is to acknowledge it—and then dive into the root cause. “Why am I doing it? Is it because I don’t feel like I'm being heard? Because I have an ego?” says Anne Willkomm, an associate teaching professor in the department of communication at Drexel University. You might realize, for example, that you interrupt during Zoom meetings because you’re eager to contribute and worried you’ll miss your opportunity. To overcome the habit, work on accepting that not all of your ideas will be heard in that specific moment—but you’ll have ample chances to share them later. You could follow up with an email, Willkomm suggests, or schedule another meeting. If you still catch yourself trying to interrupt, get in the habit of apologizing: “I’m sorry, Sandra, I interrupted you. Please finish what you were saying.” If you're the one who finds yourself being interrupted, Willkomm suggests calmly interjecting: “Excuse me, Jim. I'm interested in what you have to say, but I would like to finish my thought.” Expressing that you care about their perspective and plan to listen—once you’ve had your turn—will help them feel less defensive or like they just got their hand slapped, she adds.” #Communication #BusinessOfEngineering #EmotionalIntelligence

This second #TransformationTuesday post highlights the transformations our Senior Leaders are experiencing as they navigate through Module 3 - Foundations of Emotional Intelligence, hosted by AJ Adams, CEO of Brio Training & Consulting. Learn more about ACEC Colorado’s Leadership Series https://ow.ly/m2UI50Uart4 More about the curriculum for Module 3 MODULE 3:? Leading with Psychological Safety and Emotional Intelligence This module is tailored for senior leaders seeking to deepen their expertise in conflict management, fostering psychological safety, and enhancing emotional intelligence. These competencies are essential for leading at the strategic level, influencing organizational culture and navigating complex interpersonal and organizational dynamics. Objectives: 1.???? Conflict Management: Master strategic conflict management techniques to address and resolve complex and high-stakes conflicts within the organization. 2.???? Psychological Safety: Cultivate an organizational culture of psychological safety that encourages innovation, accountability and open dialogue. 3.???? Emotional Intelligence: Enhance emotional intelligence to effectively lead diverse teams, navigate organizational challenges and influence stakeholders. More about AJ Adams As one of the first 150 people to graduate with a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Adams is deeply passionate about helping individuals and organizations flourish. For more than a decade, she has applied her education through teaching leaders and employees empirically validated, cognitive behavioral skills, mindfulness techniques and positive psychology applications that foster resilience to stress, prevent burnout, improve performance and increase overall wellbeing. She has worked with organizations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Wharton Business School and U.S. Air Force, as well as other businesses and nonprofits around the globe. #Leadership #Training #aceccolorado #BusinessOfEngineering

This #TransformationTuesday post highlights the transformations our Mid-Level Leaders are experiencing as they navigate through Module 3 - Navigating Interpersonal Dynamics, hosted by AJ Adams, MAPP, CEO of Brio Training & Consulting. The attendees for the Mid-Level Leaders gained insights into the foundation of Emotional Intelligence (EI), Psychological Safety (PS), and Conflict Management. Learn more about ACEC Colorado’s Leadership Series https://ow.ly/KMwQ50UaqLz More about the curriculum for Module 3 This module is to help participants to enhance their abilities in conflict management, fostering psychological safety and cultivating emotional intelligence. These skills are crucial for creating a positive and productive work environment, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, and leading teams with empathy and understanding. Objectives: 1.???? Conflict Management: Understand and manage conflicts within teams using effective communication and negotiation techniques. 2.???? Psychological Safety: Create an environment of psychological safety where team members feel secure to express themselves. 3.???? Emotional Intelligence: Enhance emotional intelligence by recognizing and managing one's own emotions and understanding those of others. More about AJ Adams As one of the first 150 people to graduate with a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Adams is deeply passionate about helping individuals and organizations flourish. For more than a decade, she has applied her education through teaching leaders and employees empirically validated, cognitive behavioral skills, mindfulness techniques and positive psychology applications that foster resilience to stress, prevent burnout, improve performance and increase overall wellbeing. She has worked with organizations such as GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Wharton Business School and U.S. Air Force, as well as other businesses and nonprofits around the globe. #Leadership #Training #aceccolorado #BusinessOfEngineering

#SaveTheDate for Tuesday, Dec. 3 for the next Coffee at CDOT. CDOT hosts an informational coffee with changing discussion topics. The?intent of these meetings is to foster?communication between CDOT environmental staff and consultants working on (or potentially working on) CDOT projects. Learn more https://ow.ly/KMb850U5KEY It is a way for CDOT to?give?updates on policies, regulations, processes, issues, statutes, work plans, etc. Participants should bring discussion items related to the topic. Coffee and snacks will be supplied by members of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). #Infrastructure #IndustryPartner #Transportation

?? Event Recap: ACEC Colorado's North Area Meeting Thank you to Lamp Rynearson for hosting our members last Wednesday! We had a great turnout with 15 members joining us in person to gain valuable insights into current grant opportunities and to review the election results. ?? Key Presentation: Alison Pegg, Regional Grant Navigator with Upstate Colorado Economic Development, presented "Looking for Opportunities with the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act & Inflation Reduction Act Grants." Attendees received an in-depth look at navigating and maximizing these grant opportunities. ?? Meeting Highlights: North Director, Pat Hillyer, PE (Lamp Rynearson), and President, Dave DiFulvio, PLS, (Farnsworth Group, Inc.), shared updates from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Fall Conference, walked members through our candidate endorsement process, and discussed recent election results. Thank you to all who joined us for this insightful session. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow! #ACECColorado #ConsultingEngineering #Infrastructure #GrantOpportunities #BusinessOfEngineering

“I encourage all of us to be involved and to continue to support bringing on that next generation of engineers and scientists.” ~ Karlene Thomas, P.E., FACEC ( Pinyon Environmental, Inc.), during her acceptance speech of her award for being inducted into the National College of Fellows. This took place during ACEC Colorado Engineering Excellence Awards at the Hyatt Regency Denver last Friday, Nov. 8. #stemeducation #Stem #NextGeneration

“Karlene really embodies the spirit of giving back” ~ Dave Merritt, PE (AECOM), Vice President of ACEC Colorado’s board, in his speech to recognize Karlene Thomas, P.E., FACEC, (Pinyon Environmental, Inc.) induction to the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National College of Fellows this year. Congratulations once again, Karlene, for all that you do for our industry both here in Colorado and at the national level. This special recognition presentation took place last Friday, Nov. 8, at ACEC Colorado’s Engineering Excellence Awards.