Engineering has always been about solving problems—but today’s problems are bigger, greener, and more complex than ever before. From cutting carbon in concrete to tunnelling under major cities, the pressure is on to build infrastructure that’s not just strong, but sustainable.

In this episode, we explore what it really takes to deliver major engineering projects while meeting ambitious climate targets. We’ll hear how to lead under pressure, manage high-stakes decisions, and unlock career-defining opportunities through mentorship and curiosity. Plus, we look at how engineers can drive innovation from within—by asking the right questions, building strong teams, and embracing failure as a pathway to growth.

Our guest brings over 20 years of hands-on experience across some of the UK and Ireland’s biggest civil infrastructure projects, including Crossrail, the Limerick Tunnel, and the Luas Cross City. He’s passionate about decarbonising construction and shaping the next generation of engineering leaders. It’s a pleasure to welcome Ross Cullen, Group Chief Engineer and Head of Engineering Services at Sisk.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• The importance of people skills in the engineering industry
• The challenges in working on engineering projects underground and underwater
• How sustainability and decarbonisation play a role in engineering today
• The need for innovation and continuous improvement in an ever evolving industry
• Career development and ownership, and the importance of being inquisitive.

GUEST DETAILS

Ross Cullen is Group Chief Engineer and Head of Engineering Services at Sisk. He is responsible for developing and leading Engineering strategy for the organisation supporting pre-construction and current projects under construction across Ireland, the UK and Europe. In 2018, Ross established an Engineering Services department in Sisk, growing a business out of the Civil Engineering unit and created an internal consultancy to provide construction engineering consultancy services to the wider Group

Ross is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland and the Institute of Civil Engineers. His background extends from working on complex infrastructure schemes, where he has been central to the design management process. His experience extends across multiple sectors including Infrastructure, Civil Engineering, Marine, Data, Energy, Life Sciences, Commercial and Residential.

Ross is passionate about sustainability and seeking out carbon savings in the construction industry. Ross is chair of the Sisk Low Carbon Concrete working group and is actively involved in several collaborations with industry and academic institutes to support the development of new low carbon concrete solutions.

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

Be inquisitive, ask questions, because people are incredibly generous with their time if you ask the questions and you show an interest. - Ross Cullen

You need to take some ownership for your own career. You need to decide fairly early what you like, what you don't like, because it's important to rule out certain things. - Ross Cullen

You learn from problems. You learn from what's caused you pain. You don't learn from what goes well - Ross Cullen

Coming up with a good idea is the easy bit with anything… sometimes making it better isn't the right thing to do. - Ross Cullen

Construction is a people business, and that's what makes it exciting. You meet different people, different skill sets, extremely diverse. - Ross Cullen

Building a stronger “Ireland Inc” means rethinking how we plan, deliver, and promote our engineering and infrastructure capabilities on a global stage.

Today, we’re diving into how Ireland can overcome some of its most pressing infrastructure delivery challenges—from modernizing procurement strategies to fostering more inclusive and resilient engineering teams. We’ll also explore why staff wellbeing, visibility, and collaboration are now essential pillars of successful project delivery, and examine the persistent barriers facing women in the profession.

Joining us is a chartered engineer and one of the youngest ever Fellows of Engineers Ireland, with over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience. She brings a rare combination of technical expertise and a deep passion for people, policy, and progress. It’s a pleasure to welcome Collette O’Shea, Head of Strategic Procurement for Ireland at AECOM.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• How personal values and purpose can shape career direction
• The role of creativity and continuous learning in engineering success
• Transforming Ireland’s procurement models for infrastructure delivery
• Work-life balance and the reality of burnout in engineering
• Women in engineering and the promise of AI

GUEST DETAILS
Colette O’Shea is Head of Strategic Procurement for Ireland at AECOM, she also holds the role of Project Director on several strategic infrastructure projects. A Chartered Engineer and one of the youngest individuals to attain Fellowship with Engineers Ireland, Colette has over two decades of multidisciplinary experience and has contributed to major public sector initiatives, including projects for the National Development Finance Agency, Irish Water, and Dublin Airport Authority.

Her academic background includes a BE in Civil Engineering from University College Dublin, complemented by further qualifications in project management, law, and coaching. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Colette chairs the Women in Engineering Group at Engineers Ireland, where she works to support and advance women in the engineering profession.

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/colette-o-shea-8178391a

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

While there are rules in engineering, it's about applying them to the situation in front of you, which is different all the time. - Colette O’Shea

I don't know if it's a problem. I think I prefer to think of it as a challenge. - Colette O’Shea

We need to make the industry sustainable, and certainly in the infrastructure space, to make it attractive for companies. - Colette O’Shea

One of the main things that I learned from burnout was that having it and experiencing it was the complete opposite of failing at my job. - Colette O’Shea

You can make any mistake once and we will learn from it, but if you make the same mistake twice and don't learn, we'll have an issue. - Colette O’Shea

KEYWORDS

#Infrastructure #engineering #procurement #inclusivity #wellbeing #visibility #water #AI #burnout, #energy

What does it take to stay at the cutting edge of technology while also fostering innovation, sustainability, and personal growth?

Today, we explore how one global powerhouse continues to reinvent itself in Ireland through groundbreaking projects, strategic acquisitions, and a deep investment in people. From historic feats like the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric scheme to the rise of digital and AI, this episode covers the past, present, and future of engineering excellence. We’ll uncover how digitalization is revolutionizing infrastructure, and why a culture of continuous learning and collaboration is now more critical than ever.

Our guest began his journey as an apprentice electrician and rose through the ranks to help shape the future of one of Ireland’s most innovative engineering and technology companies. Now serving as General Manager and Head of Fire and Security Solutions at Siemens Ireland, it’s a pleasure to welcome Joe Walsh to the podcast.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• How the Ardnacrusha legacy still matters today’s engineering landscape
• Building a career from apprentice electrician to General Manager of Siemens Ireland
• Leveraging AI, digital twins, and automation to transform infrastructure
• Tackling global challenges like sustainability and resource efficiency
• Culture, collaboration & lifelong learning: a people-first approach

GUEST DETAILS
​Joe Walsh is the General Manager of Siemens Limited in Ireland, a role he has held since November 2021. He also heads the company's Solutions and Services division, overseeing areas such as fire safety, electronic security, building automation, and smart lighting .​

Joe is deeply committed to advancing sustainable and digital technologies, playing a pivotal role in projects like the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme and initiatives aimed at decarbonizing data centers through renewable energy and green hydrogen solutions . His leadership extends to standardization efforts, serving as Chair of the NSAI TC16 Working Group on Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, where he has been instrumental in modernizing Ireland's fire safety standards .​

Known for his authentic leadership style, Joe emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation. His dedication to these principles has been central to Siemens' century-long presence and ongoing success in Ireland .​

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/joewalsh1965

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

Where is my passion? It's to take the current business that we have and the model that we have and bring it into the future. - Joe Walsh

We work really hard to create a sense of belonging and ownership. - Joe Walsh

It's not what you know today. It's more about how you learn. That's the real trick. - Joe Walsh

We have a term we use in Siemens, if Siemens knew what Siemens know. Experience is the sum of your mistakes. - Joe Walsh

KEYWORDS

#engineering #challenges #Siemens #infrastructure #fire #AI #digitaltwins #sustainability #innovation #leadership

Building in highly dense city centers presents a unique set of challenges—tight spaces, heavy traffic, and the need to preserve historical structures while meeting modern safety and sustainability standards.

Today we hear from an experienced engineer turned project manager who is an expert in navigating these complex logistics, from coordinating material deliveries with precision to ensuring that construction doesn’t disrupt the surrounding urban landscape. We hear how to safely excavate deep beneath a centuries-old building and what it takes to integrate modern engineering solutions into historic sites, along with the ever-growing importance of sustainability in engineering.

Our guest today has nearly 30 years of experience in construction across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and large-scale commercial projects. He is a regional director at PJ Hegarty, John Gavigan.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Diverse and challenging projects keep work interesting
• Mastering logistics in city-center construction
• Blending modern engineering with historic structures
• Making safety the number one priority of any build
• The evolving role of sustainability in construction

GUEST DETAILS
John Gavigan joined PJ Hegarty in 1996 as a graduate engineer. He progressed within the company embracing new responsibilities and roles, completed several projects as Contracts Manager and was appointed as Regional Director in 2023. John’s experience includes projects across several sectors: pharmaceutical, city centre commercial, healthcare, semi-conductor, logistics, education, retail and PPP bids. He was the site lead for 10 Molesworth Street and Tropical Fruit Warehouse in Dublin city centre and the Zoetis project in Tullamore.

Molesworth Street project https://www.pjhegarty.ie/projects/10-molesworth-street/

Tropical Fruit Warehouse project https://www.pjhegarty.ie/projects/tropical-fruit-warehouse/

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

The challenges are the things that you remember. That's what keeps it interesting. - John Gavigan

Getting concrete trucks into the city centre location in the middle of the day during business hours, was very challenging. - John Gavigan

It's knowing how to judge when there's an opportunity. - John Gavigan

As an engineer who has evolved as a project manager in my career, you learn different problem solving techniques, you develop analytical skills. - John Gavigan

KEYWORDS

#engineering #city #projectmanagement #construction #logistics #trafficmanagement #safety

The engineering industry thrives on innovation and problem-solving, yet it continues to struggle with one persistent challenge—gender diversity. Women remain underrepresented, particularly in leadership roles, leaving many aspiring female engineers wondering how to break through.

Today, we tackle this pressing issue head-on with insights from one of Ireland’s leading engineering voices. We uncover practical strategies for empowering more women into leadership, explore how inclusive teams drive better results, and reveal lessons from high-pressure projects like the London Olympics.

Our guest leads one of Ireland's most progressive engineering and design consultancies, and is a chartered engineer with a passion for change. It's a pleasure to welcome Atkins realis Managing Director, Martina Finn.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Meeting impossible deadlines on huge projects
• Necessary disruptions to provide long-term infrastructure
• Promoting diversity and inclusion in engineering
• Embracing AI with correct policy implementation
• Self-development and the power of reverse-mentoring

GUEST DETAILS
Martina Finn is Managing Director at Atkins Realis and a Chartered Engineer with over 20years experience in the construction industry. She has been with Atkins since 2001.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-finn-a7400812/

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

With every major progression we do, there has to be some disruption and some sacrifice. - Martina Finn

The percentage of women in engineering globally has fallen since 2020 from 15% to 13.7%. - Martina Finn

The more diverse our workforce is, both culturally and in gender diversity, then the better solutions we can deliver for our clients and our communities. - Martina Finn

For anybody entering a company, get into a mentorship programme. - Martina Finn

KEYWORDS

#Engineering #diversity #inclusion #mentorship #careerdevelopment #AI #projectmanagement #education #gender

Often in engineering we focus on the technical, production parts of a project, but it is the people who make the projects. As a leader, learning to support those people is vital.

Today we hear from a prominent engineer who through his work in ground engineering, consulting, operations, HR and business, has gained many skills in managing and leading people. He believes safety, quality, inclusion and collaboration should be at the forefront of every project and combining that with purpose-led business creates the ultimate best outcomes.

Our guest today has almost 30 years of experience with one of Ireland’s leading construction companies and believes in adapting the construction industry to support diversity and sustainability. He is BAM UK & Ireland’s Executive Director of Ireland, Alasdair Henderson.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Transitioning from managing projects to leading people
• Approaching safety with prevention instead of reaction
• Working on public infrastructure such as the National Children’s Hospital
• Sustainable design to support a net zero future
• Planning diversity and inclusion to create an accessible society
• AI, robotics and material innovations for the future of engineering

GUEST DETAILS
Alasdair Henderson is BAM UK & Ireland’s Executive Director of Ireland.

Alasdair joined BAM as a graduate engineer in 1996 and has worked his way up through a variety of operational and business leadership roles across BAM.

He is well known as an advocate of purpose-led business, believing that the best and most sustainable financial results are achieved when the things we build add value to society. He holds safety, quality, inclusion, and collaboration as key tenets of what makes a good business and is delighted that he sees all these things on a daily basis at BAM.

Alasdair is actively involved in policy development in the industry and is a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, a fellow of the Institute of Quarrying, and a visiting professor at the University of Strathclyde.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alasdairehenderson

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

The time you spend thinking most about safety is normally immediately after an accident. - Alasdair Henderson

It's one of the largest buildings in Europe. - Alasdair Henderson

If you start with a misaligned scope, it never gets better. It just gets worse and worse and worse. - Alasdair Henderson

You can absolutely make those environments safer, warmer, more welcoming by changing the way you design that infrastructure. . - Alasdair Henderson

Our industry is addicted to concrete and steel. If we want to get to net zero, we're going to have to do something around that. - Alasdair Henderson

KEYWORDS

#Engineering #construction #BAMIreland #NationalChildren'sHospital #publicprocurement #sustainability #diversity #digitalization

Building skyscrapers is an incredibly complex task. From the complexities of designing foundations to considering wind forces, and working with multi-disciplinary teams in busy urban areas.

Today we’re joined by an engineer who worked on the design of Western Europe’s tallest tower, The Shard. We delve into the unique challenges she came across and the top-down construction method that was used for maximum efficiency, along with what she learned about the importance of relationships in the engineering space.

Our guest is an engineer, physicist, author and presenter with almost 15 years experience in the industry. It’s a pleasure to have Roma Agrawal, MBE.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• The historical significance of The Shard design
• Challenges of building a skyscrapers foundations
• Considering factors such a local disruption and wind force
• Collaboration and team-work across multiple disciplines
• Why we need to shout louder about engineering success

GUEST DETAILS
Roma Agrawal is an engineer, author and presenter who is best known for working on the design of The Shard, Western Europe's tallest tower. She studied at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford. Roma has given lectures to thousands at universities, schools and organisations around the world, including TEDx talks. She has also presented numerous TV shows for the BBC, Channel 4 and Discovery, and hosts her own podcast, Building Stories.

Her first book, BUILT (2018) won an AAAS science book award and has been translated into eight languages. Roma is passionate about promoting engineering and technical careers to young people, particularly those from minority groups, and has won international awards for her technical prowess and for her advocacy for the profession, including the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering's Rooke Award. She was appointed an MBE in 2018 for services to engineering.

https://www.romatheengineer.com/

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

I really love the idea of responding to what's there. This building could only have been on this particular site. - Roma Agrawal

There's lots of different systems that have to work together to make sure that a big skyscraper stays stable. - Roma Agrawal

A building like The Shard, we predict might move about half a metre. What's key as a structural engineer is to make sure that we don't feel that. - Roma Agrawal

As a student, I don't think I ever understood how essential the skill of being able to work with other people is to be an engineer - Roma Agrawal

I think being enthusiastic about what you do is a big thing. I think we're all too modest. - Roma Agrawal

KEYWORDS

#construction #theshard #site #management #wind #design #collaboration #engineering

From the rise of AI to the implementation of 3D printing and robots, the world is changing rapidly and can leave some engineers questioning their place in it all.

Today we hear from an engineer who is not only adopting, but embracing these new technologies as the leader of one of Ireland’s top manufacturing research organisations. We learn about emerging tech that is changing the game in manufacturing and why although this change can seem overwhelming, adapting is the best way forward.

Our guest has over 15 years Directing and Leading Organisations both in MNC environments and new organisational start-ups and is currently CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research, Barry Kennedy.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Keeping Ireland competitive with new technologies and automation
• IMR connecting cutting-edge manufacturing technology with Irish industries
• Creating a positive environment for innovation
• Lateral thinking and problem solving methodologies
• The benefits robots and humans working side by side

GUEST DETAILS
Barry Kennedy is the CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and is responsible for setting the strategy, objectives, goals and direction of the company. He is responsible for the overall centre and staff. He also owns modelling and setting of the company’s culture, values, and behaviour. He is responsible for building and leading the senior executive team and for allocating capital to the company’s priorities; for example, deciding where IMR spends its time and resources.

Barry has over 15 years Directing and Leading Organisations both in MNC environments and new organisational start-ups from working in the following organisational roles including; CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research, Director in IIOT division, Intel, CEO of both Irish Centre for Manufacturing Research (ICMR) Ltd & Innovation for Irelands Energy Efficiency (i2e2) Ltd, Department Manager and senior manager of Manufacturing Quality in Intel, Chair and Director on several boards including volunteer boards such as Chair of the school board.

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/barry-kennedy-a9a127b

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

QUOTES

If we're going to survive and thrive over the next number of years, we're going to have to adopt these new technologies so that it'll drive efficiencies in our manufacturing organizations and keep ourselves profitable, or we're going to be left behind. - Barry Kennedy

It is important for companies and senior leadership to ensure that they're creating enough space for their engineering teams to be able to think about how to solve the problems. - Barry Kennedy

I have seen that in a lot of companies over the years, where they haven't resolved problems. They've band aided them. - Barry Kennedy

I'd never seen the technology come in and transform so fast as AI has just done over the last 18 months. - Barry Kennedy

Engineers need to be prepared now to have lifelong learning. And that's the way life is going to be, because what we were doing today, in five years time is going to be very different, most likely. - Barry Kennedy

KEYWORDS

#AI #transformation #engineering #manufacturing #technology #digital #robotic #3Dprinting #innovation