The Secret to Aligning AEC Teams on Massive Projects

In this episode, K.D. Warach, PE, DBIA, MBA, Vice President & Texas Division Manager at Atlas, shares what it takes to lead billion-dollar transportation projects when complexity, pressure, and uncertainty are part of the job. We explore how leaders keep large project teams steady when challenges arise, how alternative delivery models like P3 and Progressive Design-Build are changing the way infrastructure teams operate, and what the growing workforce shortage means for the future of project delivery. If you’re managing complex projects or preparing to lead at a higher level, this conversation offers practical insights into building resilient teams and delivering results when the stakes are high. #TransportationLeadership #Megaprojects #ProjectManagement 00:00 Preview 00:43 Intro 01:27 AEC PM connect 02:02 K.D.’s Journey from PE to Leading Atlas’s Texas Division 04:15 What It Takes to Lead a Mega Transportation Project 06:10 AEC PM Certification 06:51 Aligning Technical Teams with Business Goals 10:00 Workforce Development Challenges in Transportation Infrastructure 13:24 How Alternative Delivery Changes Leadership Demands 18:27 Maintaining Trust Throughout Long-Term Infrastructure Projects 22:03 How Technology Is Changing Transportation Leadership 24:25 The Career Benefits of an MBA for Engineers 27:09 Leadership Training That Drives Real Impact 30:52 Outro ***You can view the show notes for this video here ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04tRScK0 ⭐ Get AEC PM Certified ➜ Enroll now at https://hubs.la/Q04g3f-80 ⭐ Don’t Miss Our In-Person AEC PM Connect Event ➜ Register now at https://hubs.la/Q04g3f-W0 ★ EMI TRAINING PROGRAMS ★ People Leadership Accelerator™ ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3g5J0 Project Management Accelerator™ ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3g650 ★ FREE ENGINEERING CAREER BOOSTER PODCASTS ★ ACTIVE PODCASTS The AEC Leadership Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3dn60 The AEC Project Management Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3dpV0 AEC AI & Tech Strategy Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3dns0 The Civil Engineering Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3dDm0 The Civil Engineering CEO Show ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3dDT0 Blog ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3dGF0 PAST PODCASTS The Structural Engineering Channel Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3fB30 The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3fHn0 The Engineering Quality Control Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3fZp0 Women in Engineering Podcast ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3fZB0 Engineering Management Lessons ➜ https://hubs.la/Q04g3fW70 🕮 CAREER ENHANCEMENT BOOK FOR YOU 🕮 Beyond PM Training: How to Build a Scalable AEC Project Management Ecosystem https://hubs.la/Q04g3g5k0 Engineer Your Own Success: 7 Key Elements to Creating an Extraordinary Engineering Career, Updated and Expanded 1st Edition https://hubs.la/Q04g3g560 ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL ⚑ https://hubs.la/Q04g3g750 Thanks for watching - we appreciate it and don't forget to Engineer Your Own Success! Anthony Fasano, PE, AEC PM, F. ASCE #EngineeringManagementInstitute