The Trailblazers Presented by BST Global

Hosted by The Trailblazers

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

In this industry-focused podcast, AEC experts and technology innovators discuss emerging trends and how they affect our industry. Listen in as BST Global leaders, AEC experts and industry innovators explore the latest ideas, strategies and transformational technologies that are redefining the built environment and the world as we know it.

Listen to episodes

25 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 2631 min

Future Focused With AtkinsRealis' Jack Li

Jack Li, Global Future Focus and AI Director at AtkinsRéalis, sits down with Eileen M. Canady, Chief Marketing Officer at BST Global, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the AEC landscape and redefining what it means for firms to be prepared for the future. Drawing on a career path that spans consulting, finance and startups, Jack explains how his diverse background sharpened his ability to anticipate disruption and help large organizations navigate rapid technological shifts. He breaks down his current role, which involves monitoring emerging innovations and guiding the business toward the opportunities with the greatest impact. Jack also examines the rising presence of major tech players in the AEC industry, the importance of unlocking siloed data and the growing necessity of human + AI collaboration. He highlights why critical thinking, curiosity and people‑centered skills are becoming even more essential as AI accelerates technical work. Jack closes by outlining the core ingredients of a future‑ready firm: skilled teams, flexible processes and strong data foundations that enable AI to deliver meaningful value. Tune in to hear Jack’s full perspective on where the industry is headed next.

November 10, 2025Episode 2520 min

Bridging the Built & Natural Environments With GHD’s Paul Murphy

In the latest episode of The Trailblazers podcast, GHD’s Chief Information Officer, Paul Murphy, and Eileen M. Canady, Chief Marketing Officer at BST Global, explore important AI and AEC industry topics, including: How GHD is upskilling its people across the firm Why humans should be in control when AI is involved How AI will link the built and natural environments Paul talks about build-by-partner as a strategy and why creating specialty solutions from scratch is not always the best course of action for engineering firms. He also expresses his hope for a future in which AI-powered technology solves the most pressing and complex environmental problems to make our planet safer for humanity. We also learn why Paul thinks being in leadership is like stand-up comedy and how that piece of wisdom has served him throughout his career. Find out what else Paul shares when you listen to the full episode.

October 27, 2025Episode 2432 min

Thinking Beyond Tech With Stantec’s Lalitha Krishnamoorthy

In this episode, Lalitha Krishnamoorthy, Vice President of Data & Artificial Intelligence at Stantec, joins BST Global’s Chief Marketing Officer, Eileen M. Canady, for a compelling discussion on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the architecture, engineering and environmental consulting (AEC) sector. Lalitha highlights a generational shift in the workforce, where emerging professionals are entering the field with AI already embedded in their education. She explains that these new designers and architects don’t need to be introduced to AI but instead should be given space to innovate with it. She outlines how Stantec is adapting its culture and infrastructure to support this new wave of AI-fluent talent. The conversation also dives into the potential of neuro-symbolic AI to bring greater transparency and accountability to complex models, making them more understandable for project teams, regulators, and decision-makers alike. Looking ahead, Lalitha recognizes that AI is becoming less about technology and more about business and how it can help generate value.

October 13, 2025Episode 2322 min

Start Small to Win Big With Parsons Corporation’s Ricardo Lorenzo

It’s the second time The Trailblazers podcast is featuring Ricardo Lorenzo, Chief Technology Officer at Parsons Corporation. In this episode, Ricardo sits down with BST Global Chief Marketing Officer Eileen M. Canady to talk about the delicate balance between risk and reward in a rapidly changing technological environment. Ricardo explains his approach to risk management: think holistically. That means focus on the real-world implications, start early and small, include everyone from the beginning and always be transparent. As the discussion continues, Ricardo reveals that firms can achieve big wins by using data they collect to bring unexpected value to their clients. His best piece of advice to AEC leaders is to let employees “go wild” but first establish guardrails to minimize risk. Ricardo also tells Eileen that he’ll choose passion over just about anything else when it comes to investing in people.

September 29, 2025Episode 2219 min

Building a Skills-Powered Organization With Arcadis’ Freek Matheij

In this episode, Freek Matheij, Global Director of Citizen Development & AI at Arcadis, joins Eileen M. Canady, Chief Marketing Officer at BST Global, for a dynamic conversation about empowering employees through citizen development and strategic upskilling. Freek shares how Arcadis is fostering a culture of innovation by encouraging staff to engage with coding and development tools within clear governance frameworks to ensure responsible use. The discussion also explores Arcadis’ goal to become a skills-powered organization where employees are supported in shaping their career paths based on personal strengths and aspirations. This skills-first approach not only fuels individual growth but also gives leadership valuable insights into workforce capabilities. On the topic of AI, Freek underscores the power of turning the lens inward, focusing on how AI can enhance internal processes and productivity. As he puts it, “It’s really thinking about how you can use AI and how it amplifies your work.” Listen to the full episode to hear more from Freek.

September 15, 2025Episode 2138 min

Storytelling With Gensler’s Joseph Joseph

On this episode of The Trailblazers, Joseph Joseph, Partner and Chief Digital Officer at Gensler, joins BST Global Chief Executive Officer Javier A. Baldor for an inspiring conversation in which he reveals the moving stories behind his approach to leadership, design and AI. Speaking candidly about his personal journey, Joseph shares what fuels his passion for technology, design and meaningful innovation. He dives into the pivotal role digital transformation is playing in the AEC industry, the growing impact of AI and the importance of storytelling in shaping spaces that truly serve people. Javier and Joseph also contemplate what the future holds for the built environment, maintaining that human experience must factor into every design decision. It’s a masterclass in resiliency, foresight and the power of storytelling. Listen to the full episode to hear more of Joseph’s insights.

September 2, 2025Episode 2019 min

Elevating People With Mott MacDonald’s Nasrine Tomasi

In this episode, BST Global’s Chief Marketing Officer Eileen M. Canady sits down with Nasrine Tomasi, Head of AI at Mott MacDonald, for a dynamic conversation about how artificial intelligence can empower (not replace) AEC employees. Nasrine shares her passion for using AI as a tool to elevate people, praising Mott MacDonald’s commitment to a people-focused approach. She spotlights the company’s Emerging Leaders program as a transformative initiative that supports growth and innovation from within. The conversation also dives into real-world applications of AI, including SafeSwim — a project in New Zealand that predicts flooding using historical data. It’s just one example of how data-driven insights can create safer, smarter communities. Nasrine also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Mott MacDonald is driving digital transformation. From robust governance to cross-functional teamwork, she details the practical strategies helping the organization embrace AI responsibly and effectively.

August 18, 2025Episode 1930 min

Driving Value With Stantec’s Shankar Kalyana

On this episode of The Trailblazers, Shankar Kalyana, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Stantec, joins BST Global Chief Executive Officer Javier A. Baldor for a compelling conversation about the evolving role of digital transformation in the AEC industry. Drawing on his 40-year tech career — in which he held the prestigious title of IBM Fellow — Shankar emphasizes that meaningful transformation is rooted in solving real-world challenges, not just adopting new technologies. As the interview continues, Shankar explores how AI, data and automation are revolutionizing infrastructure, from compressing design cycles to enabling predictive, self-regulating operations. He stresses the need for a true fusion between digital innovation and engineering expertise and highlights the opportunities as well as the risks tech and consulting firms entering the AEC space bring. During the discussion, Shankar also dives into the critical role of robust data infrastructure, governance and workforce development in enabling sustainable digital transformation. While he acknowledges the potential downsides of AI, he remains optimistic about humanity's ability to use it as a force for good. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on how engineering firms can adapt, innovate and lead in a digitally driven future.

August 4, 2025Episode 1827 min

Multiply Brilliance With WSP’s Chadi Habib

In this episode, WSP Chief Technology Officer and Head of Business Solutions Chadi Habib joins BST Global CEO Javier A. Baldor for a candid conversation on the future of the AEC industry. Fresh off the stage at BST Global’s AI Summit 2025, Chadi examines how AI is reshaping the way AEC firms tackle some of their most complex challenges. From generative AI and large language models to agentic systems, Chadi shares how emerging technologies are streamlining repetitive engineering tasks, accelerating knowledge transfer and unlocking new levels of innovation. He proposes that, eventually, junior engineers could tap into the collective brilliance of retired experts, envisioning a future where institutional knowledge is not just preserved but amplified. The discussion also explores how democratizing access to data can empower teams and support a shift toward more outcome-driven business models across the industry. Tune in for insights, inspiration and a glimpse into the AI-powered future of AEC.

July 21, 2025Episode 1723 min

The Future We Choose With Arup’s Tembi Hommes

Tembi Holmes, Global Chief Data Officer at Arup, joins Eileen M. Canady, Chief Marketing Officer at BST Global, for an engaging conversation on The Trailblazers podcast. Together, they explore the rapid pace of change in the AEC industry, the evolving landscape of data governance and ethics, growing client expectations, and how Arup is leading with purpose in the age of AI. Tembi highlights how Arup has dramatically accelerated its digital and data transformation over the past year under its bold new strategic vision, “The Future We Choose.” This strategy signals a deep commitment to leveraging data and technology to drive impactful, future-focused change. She also shares Arup’s impressive momentum in AI adoption — more than 4,000 employees are currently using the firm’s internal platform, AI for Everybody, with plans to scale that to 20,000 employees by year’s end. The conversation also covers shifting client demands, as organizations seek faster, more cost-effective and data-informed solutions. AI is playing a key role in meeting expectations around sustainability, predictive maintenance and long-term infrastructure value. Watch the full episode for more insights from Tembi on leadership, innovation and the future of the built environment.