In this episode, I talk with Michael O'Grady, P.E., chief growth officer at Terracon, about essential strategies to master change management effectively in 2024. To understand the importance of change in implementing successful strategies, this step-by-step guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate and succeed in times of transition.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michael:



Can you provide a quick overview of TerraCon, including their size and the services they offer?

What process did you go through to decide to pursue an MBA, and how has it benefited your career?

Did you speak to others who got an MBA to see how it helped them before making your decision?

Is making a lateral career move a valuable steppingstone, based on your experience with it?

What strategies have you found effective for navigating and leading change?

Could you share a couple of things you've learned from navigating change that have helped you or others through similar situations?

Is it crucial to have a clear plan and align it with broader goals from the beginning to maintain engagement and prevent disconnection from tasks?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Master the Art of Change Management:





Terracon, founded in 1965 in Iowa, has grown into a firm offering geotechnical engineering, construction materials engineering, environmental services, and facilities engineering. Today, it has 6,000 employees across 170 U.S. locations and is entirely employee-owned.

Michael pursued an MBA to gain broader business knowledge while working in strategic planning at Terracon. It improved his leadership skills by enhancing his understanding of strategy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

Before deciding on pursuing an MBA, individuals often seek insights from others who have completed the program. Many find that approximately 70% of the knowledge gained during the MBA proves valuable in their careers.

Taking a lateral career move can be beneficial. For instance, shifting roles within the company provides insights into driving cultural change, which can benefit various areas of business.

To navigate and lead change well, engineers and scientists should embrace diverse experiences, which enhance their leadership skills. Managing diverse teams and tackling varied challenges as they progress in their careers will make them better leaders in both technical and business settings.

Valuable lessons from navigating change include the significance of patience and taking a long-term view. Effective communication about the reasons for change and its benefits for individuals is essential for success in similar situations.

Having a clear plan aligned with broader goals from the start is crucial to maintaining engagement and preventing disconnection from tasks. Breaking down long-term plans into smaller, achievable steps ensures progress remains manageable and keeps teams focused on the overarching objectives.



More Details in This Episode…



About Michael O'Grady, P.E.

Michael O’Grady joined Terracon in 2000. He is the Chief Growth Officer, responsible for directing the strategic growth of the company. This includes expansion of market sectors served, diversification of services, and development of innovative tools and service offerings to drive future growth. He has been a member of the company’s executive operations committee since 2004 and its board of directors since 2013.



During Michael’s more than 23 years with the company, he has served in multiple executive leadership roles and has been instrumental in helping to lead Terracon’s growth and overall strategy during this time,