Meet a Civil Engineer

In this episode of Workplace Confessions Behind Closed Doors, hosts Elsa Barbi and Dawn Andrews welcome an anonymous engineer who takes listeners on a candid journey through his career. The conversation kicks off with stories of youthful ambition and the lessons learned from a first job as a paperboy, before delving into the realities of working in the field of engineering. The guest opens up about the challenges of building transportation infrastructure in a car-centric society, the importance of public service, and how family influences shaped his path.

The discussion explores the highs and lows of engineering: the difficulty of negotiating with stakeholders, the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life, and the surprising necessity of soft skills for success. The guest shares hard-earned insights about leadership, resilience after setbacks, and the value of collaboration across disciplines. The episode doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable, including a frank reflection on a disturbing workplace incident and the need for stronger action and empathy from leaders.

Listeners also hear about the persistent lack of diversity in engineering and the changing stereotypes of the profession. With humor and honesty, the episode provides both cautionary tales and moments of inspiration for anyone navigating the world of work. Tune in for real stories, unexpected confessions, and a reminder that every career has secrets, and lessons, behind closed doors.

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