The Ground Investigation Podcast

Join us on a captivating journey into the world of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering as we dive deep into the experiences and insights of a seasoned professional, Luisa. In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Luisa shares her remarkable trajectory in the industry, unravelling her background, her passion, and the significant projects that have shaped her career.

With a solid foundation in Earth Science from the University of Glasgow, Luisa's academic journey paved the way for her success. Her 8-year journey as an engineering geologist has been marked by significant milestones, from being involved in pioneering projects like HS2 and the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme to her critical role in the A9 Dualling project.

As a Senior Engineering Geologist at Story Contracting Limited, Luisa doesn't just excel in technical prowess; she's also a dedicated mentor and coach for young engineers. Her dedication to skill development and mentorship shines through as she delves into the importance of guidance and growth within the geotechnical field.

But Luisa's influence doesn't stop there. With a thriving online presence, boasting an impressive 167k Instagram followers and 20k TikTok followers, she has harnessed the power of social media to bring geoscience to the forefront. Luisa's online journey is a testament to her commitment to bridge the gap between her profession and a wider audience.

https://www.instagram.com/scottishgeologist/

https://www.tiktok.com/@scottishgeologist?lang=en

In this episode, we delve into the technical intricacies of her projects, the balance between expertise and project management, the future of geotechnical engineering, and the unexpected doors that her online presence has opened. Join us as we uncover the layers of Luisa's inspiring career, and gain valuable advice for aspiring geotechnical professionals who want to make their mark in this dynamic field.

For more information on what was shared in this episode and to connect with Michael head to https://girec.co.uk/

Make sure you subscribe to the show to join host Michael Taylor as he discusses the ups and downs of running a business in the GI industry, getting geological experts to share their learnings and lessons as well as their plans for the future, highlighting what they think will improve the ground investigation industry moving forward.

Welcome to The Ground Investigation Podcast, the show featuring interviews and insights from leaders in the geotechnical and geo-environmental business world.

In this episode we are joined by Mark Lindahl, Director of Site & Ground Investigation at Bridgeway Consulting LTD.

This episode Michael and Mark speak about how he ended up working in ground investigation after being discharged from the Royal Engineers. Mark discusses how he built his career in the industry and the issues he's seen along the way. He shares his advice on what new people to the industry should do in their first few years.

In this episode you will learn:

• How Mark got in to Ground Investigation
• What Mark did to help the companies he has worked for grow
• Mark’s advice to people who are new to the Ground Investigation industry

For more information on what was shared in this episode and to connect with Michael head to https://girec.co.uk/

Make sure you subscribe to the show to join host Michael Taylor as he discusses the ups and downs of running a business in the GI industry, getting geological experts to share their learnings and lessons as well as their plans for the future, highlighting what they think will improve the ground investigation industry moving forward.

"Chalk Beginnings to Geological Frontiers" is a riveting episode that unveils the compelling narrative of Dr. Ursula Lawrence, a renowned technical director of engineering geology with over three decades of pioneering contributions to the field. From her initial fascination with geology, sparked by a simple piece of chalk, to her influential role in major infrastructure projects like HS2 and Crossrail, this episode offers an intimate look into the professional journey of a geotechnical maestro.

Episode Breakdown:

• Introduction to Dr. Ursula Lawrence
  • Overview of her 30+ years in engineering geology.
  • Highlight of her roles in major infrastructure projects, such as HS2 and Crossrail.
• Early Inspirations
  • The story of how playing with chalk led to a lifelong passion for geology.
  • Reflections on growing up near the London clay outcrop and the discovery of a fossil that sparked her career interest.
• Educational Journey and Early Career
  • Transition from pure geology to engineering geology.
  • First job experience with Kent County Council Highways Laboratory and the influence of the oil industry downturn on her career path.
• Significant Projects and Roles
  • Detailed discussion on her involvement in HS2 and Crossrail, including technical challenges and leadership strategies.
  • Insights into the complexities of geotechnical design and risk management.
• Challenges in Geotechnical Engineering
  • Exploration of specific challenges faced during her career, including managing construction risks and groundwater issues.
  • Strategies for overcoming obstacles in infrastructure projects, illustrated with real-world examples.
• Mentorship and Leadership
  • The importance of mentorship in her career and advice for young engineers.
  • Discussion on leadership roles and the balance between technical oversight and team development.
• Future of Engineering Geology
  • Dr. Lawrence’s perspective on the evolving field of geotechnical engineering.
  • The importance of innovation, continuous learning, and adaptation to future challenges.
• Personal Reflections and Advice
  • Dr. Lawrence reflects on her career, the evolution of her interests, and the satisfaction derived from her work.
  • Advice for aspiring geotechnical engineers on staying curious, engaging with the community, and pursuing lifelong learning.
• Conclusion
  • Recap of key takeaways from Dr. Lawrence’s journey and contributions to engineering geology.
  • Invitation for listeners to explore the depths of their own interests in geology and engineering.

Closing Remarks:

• Encouragement for listeners to follow their curiosity and passion in their professional pursuits, inspired by Dr. Ursula Lawrence’s story.

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

"Welcome to our podcast, where we dig deep but keep it light, exploring the fascinating world of geotechnical engineering. Today's special guest is [Guest Name], the mastermind behind towering wind projects and the guardian of the sea floor at Wood Thilsted. With 20 years under their belt—spanning continents, climates, and considerable challenges—[Guest Name] has more tales than a seasoned pirate. So, let's unearth the secrets of offshore wind and maybe find some buried treasure in the wisdom of renewable energy."

In this episode, you'll gain insights into:

1. Career Path and Personal Development
   • Simon discusses his unconventional entry into geotechnical engineering and his rise to leadership, illustrating how diverse experiences can shape effective project management strategies.
2. Challenges and Technical Insights
   • Discover the unique challenges of conducting offshore geotechnical investigations across different regions, including Taiwan compared to Europe and Australia. Simon sheds light on managing logistics and integrating geotechnical phases with broader project lifecycles in offshore wind development.
3. Legislation, Safety, and Quality
   • Learn how Simon navigates the complexities of international and local legislation and the critical role of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) standards in maintaining project integrity and safety.
4. Workforce Development and Leadership
   • Gain insights into the strategies for recruiting and developing young talent in Taiwan's offshore wind industry, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in building effective teams.
5. Project Management and Business Development
   • Simon discusses his approach to budgeting, contract management, and the key factors necessary for successful business development within the geotechnical and offshore wind sectors.
6. Local Expertise and Project Success
   • The importance of local knowledge and expertise is highlighted, along with strategies for integrating these elements into successful project execution.
7. Industry Trends and Future Outlook
   • What trends are shaping the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific? Simon shares his predictions for future developments in geotechnical engineering related to renewable energy projects.

Resources:

• Link to Wood Thilsted’s website

Connect with Simon Faulkner:

• LinkedIn Profile

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed our deep dive into the world of geotechnical engineering, please leave us a review and share this podcast with your colleagues in the industry. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes where we uncover the technical and personal journeys of industry leaders.

Stay curious and inspired, just as our guest Simon does, and keep exploring the geological frontiers that await in the exciting world of offshore wind energy.

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

Welcome to The Ground Investigation Podcast, the show featuring interviews and insights from leaders in the geotechnical and geo-environmental business world.

In this episode, we are joined by Matt Ewing, Business Development Manager for BAM Ritchies.

Matt talks about his personal experience of why he never wanted to work for a contractor and how he found his passion for working on tunnelling projects. They discuss the importance of flexible working conditions in the engineering industry and Matt shares details of his time excavating a former factory and the challenges that came along with it.

Matt emphasises the importance of knowing what you're going to present and knowing what you don't know in the field of engineering. He also sheds light on the significance of carrying out a thorough ground investigation before starting any project.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why flexible working conditions are so important
• What it’s like to work on tunnelling projects
• The importance of a thorough ground investigation

For more information on what was shared in this episode and to connect with Michael head to https://girec.co.uk/

Make sure you subscribe to the show to join host Michael Taylor as he discusses the ups and downs of running a business in the GI industry, getting geological experts to share their learnings and lessons as well as their plans for the future, highlighting what they think will improve the ground investigation industry moving forward.