Engineering Reimagined Podcast

How much has changed in AI during the last two years? Aurecon’s Dave Mackenzie revisits a past conversation he had on the Engineering Reimagined podcast with Nomic CEO Andriy Mulyar. They discuss how AI adoption in complex infrastructure environments has evolved from early experimentation to practical implementation. This episode also considers how roles are changing, with engineers increasingly acting as orchestrators, and reflects on the skills and capabilities needed for future-proofing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore how climate leadership measures should be a routine part of decision-making with Emeritus Professor Mark Howden and Aurecon’s Dr Ben McGarry. Together they discuss the role engineers play in shaping a low-carbon and resilient future; and why starting with values, incorporating systems thinking, and highlighting long-term benefits all matter when engaging stakeholders and delivering meaningful change. This episode of Engineering Reimagined was recorded live at the 2025 CAETS conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bushfires are becoming more frequent, intense, far-reaching and complex. How can we reimagine bushfire resilience with a more proactive, systems-based approach? In this episode of Engineering Reimagined recorded live at the CAETS conference, Aurecon’s Santiago Estrada sits down with Dr Marta Yebra, a Professor at the Australian National University and Director of the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence. Dr Yebra shares how engineering-led innovation is transforming the way we predict, prepare for and respond to fire and other natural hazards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the science behind optimism. Aurecon's CEO Louise Adams speaks with clinical neuropsychologist Dr Kim Hazendonk about how choosing a positive mindset can help us to reshape the way we think, lead and build resilience. Find out how we can re-train our brains for optimism, despite the negativity bias all around us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 2025 season finale of Aurecon’s Engineering Reimagined podcast. Let’s look back on some of our favourite episodes of the year that all have one thing in common – the evolving technologies that affect or impact three critical areas of interest, including decision-making in the age of distraction, the energy transition and data centres. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we match the right technologies to the right problems, while balancing speed with quality, and prioritising human factors that shape meaningful progress? Aurecon's Chief Operating Officer, Scott Powell, speaks with Professor Marcus Holgersson from Chalmers University of Technology. Together they explore the interplay between risk, innovation, efficiency and adoption, and how organisations can repeatedly unlock new value safely, be that through AI or other technologies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurecon’s chief engineer Tanya de Hoog sits down with Silicon Valley pioneer Chandrakant Patel. They explore how imagination fuels innovation and why engineering fundamentals like rigour, creativity and systems thinking are as important today as they have ever been. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurecon’s Director for Eminence and Sustainability, Evelyn Storey, speaks with Kylie Walker, CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). They discuss the need for stronger representation in leadership, why we must celebrate incremental innovation, and how building resilience and networks can empower the next generation of engineers and scientists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we make better decisions in an era defined by distraction, cognitive bias, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence? In the second instalment of this two-part series, Aurecon’s Todd Battley continues his thought-provoking conversation with Professor Jason Mattingley from the Queensland Brain Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore how digital distractions are draining our energy and fragmenting our attention, making it harder to engage in the deep, focused work that leads to breakthroughs. Join Aurecon’s Chief Executive for Australia Todd Battley and Professor Jason Mattingley from the Queensland Brain Institute for this first part of a two-part series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the opportunities and considerations of AI in the water sector in this special episode of Engineering Reimagined, recorded at the Ozwater'25 conference. Aurecon’s Dr Ryan Signor moderated a panel discussion with guests including the Honourable Karlene Maywald, Pierre Pauliac, Amanda Lewry and Dave Mackenzie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurecon’s Simon McFadden joins Bree Miechel from Ashurst to explore the vital role of data centres. They discuss the growing demands they place on energy and water resources, and the critical engineering strategies being employed to enhance efficiency and sustainability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the trends impacting the biggest capital deployment we have ever seen for energy infrastructure. Aurecon’s Paul Gleeson and Ashurst’s Elena Lambros and Dan Brown discuss the current state of the energy transition, energy mix options including gas, hydrogen and nuclear and the economic choices that markets, investors and companies are making around the transition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our first episode in this Engineering Reimagined series on ‘Engineering change’ in which we talk to engineers who are changing our world, Aurecon’s Tanya de Hoog sat down with John Hilton. They discussed John’s 50-year engineering career, how technology has changed over his half century in the industry and the seven personal traits they believe make an eminent engineer. Discover how John’s childhood curiosity in understanding ‘how things worked’ led him to a career in engineering and the one big project he’s most proud of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Holz speaks with Hugh Possingham and Paul Leader about the erosion of biodiversity and its effect on wildlife. They also discuss how cities and the natural world can co-exist in harmony and how appropriate planning for major infrastructure projects can have a nature positive outcome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To be human is to live in a state of constant transition. In our final episode of season 6 of Engineering Reimagined we revisit a few conversations that focus on transition, from developing leadership skills at any stage of your career, to the economy challenges and opportunities of the energy transition and the AI boom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Globally, and specifically in Aotearoa New Zealand, there is a long-standing infrastructure deficit that many governments are trying to address within inflationary environments. In this episode of Engineering Reimagined, Aurecon’s Cameron Law and Laura Harris from Mafic Partners, discuss how alternative funding models used successfully across the world could help solve some of New Zealand's biggest infrastructure challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Tanya de Hoog, Aurecon Chief Engineering, Eminence and Innovation Officer and 2024 President of IStructE interviews celebrated structural engineer Dr. Mike Cook. They discuss the importance of collaboration, finding the confidence to speak up early in your career and how the human element of engineering is vital to maintain with the rise of AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2009 the United Nations Climate Change Conference, better known as COP15, was held in Copenhagen with public interest swelling behind the climate debate. In this episode of Engineering Reimagined, Michael Nolan speaks with Nicolas Buchoud, about the intention of COP15 and its impact on subsequent global decisions, the growing importance of resilient infrastructure and sustainable finance, and how major global events like the Olympic Games can reshape infrastructure for a host city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While AI undoubtedly has many benefits, the technology’s potential to change the way we work forever can feel unnerving. This episode of Engineering Reimagined features some of the brightest minds in the industry who spoke on a recent panel about what keeps them up at night about AI; the ethics around usage and data privacy; and the risks and benefits that organisations need to be aware of.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.