Jaidev Sankar, Transit Strategy and Growth Lead for the US East and LATAM of AECOM, reflects on a career shaped by mega projects, public-sector leadership and a willingness to say yes. He shares lessons from the Big Dig — the Second Avenue Subway — and his time on the owner side at Amtrak, offering a candid look at how collaboration, trust and emerging delivery models are reshaping rail and transit programs.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:09 Finding balance between work, family and personal passions shapes long-term career fulfillment.

06:13 Early technical interests and constraints often guide engineers toward their true strengths.

10:17 Long-duration mega projects accelerate learning across design, construction and delivery.

12:55 Building an organization from scratch requires comfort with uncertainty and iteration.

19:08 Being honest about what you want helps ensure the right role fit for both sides.

24:10 When trust exists, collaborative delivery improves alignment on scope, budget and schedule.

30:26 AI should be used to increase efficiency and help owners do more with limited funding.

34:48 Infrastructure funding and policy decisions require long-term thinking and public engagement.

36:53 Saying yes to varied opportunities builds perspective across disciplines and career stages.

Resources Mentioned:

Jaidev Sankar

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaidev-sankar-9aa35269/

AECOM | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/

AECOM | Website

http://www.aecom.com

Amtrak

https://www.amtrak.com/

Second Avenue Subway

https://aecom.com/projects/second-avenue-subway-phase-one/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Big Dig (Central Artery/Tunnel Project)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dig

Tren Urbano (Puerto Rico)

https://tutrenpr.com/

New York City Congestion Pricing Program

https://congestionreliefzone.mta.info/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Join us as Anthony Pastore, East Regional Director of STV, reflects on a career built through persistence, trust and leadership. Anthony shares his path from union carpentry to leading some of New York City’s most complex public works projects, including the World Trade Center. He discusses why communication, decision making and investing in people matter more than titles and how construction remains a powerful way to serve communities.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

06:10 Growing up in a blue-collar environment shaped early exposure to construction and work ethic.

08:03 Balancing full-time field work with night school builds discipline and long-term commitment.

14:14 Leadership effectiveness depends on clear communication and shared understanding.

17:48 Advanced planning and steady decision-making are critical on complex projects.

22:16 Public works projects are uniquely rewarding because they serve communities long term.

28:06 Trust and integrity are essential to maintaining strong professional relationships.

32:20 Chasing challenges and continuous learning matter more than titles for career growth.

39:05 Project delivery is growing more complex while the industry faces increasing skilled labor challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

Anthony Pastore

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-pastore-b804091b7/

STV | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/stv/

STV | Website

https://www.stvinc.com

Fordham University

https://www.fordham.edu

Institute of Design and Construction

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Design_and_Construction

“Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown

https://www.danieljamesbrown.com/the-boys-in-the-boat

Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)

https://cmaanet.org

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Jared Green, Principal and Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, reflects on a 23-year career in geotechnics shaped by early STEM curiosity, steady mentorship and community service. He shares why AEC can feel intimidating at first yet stays welcoming, how practical math and science teaching excites students and how leaders build safe rooms where new voices grow.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

05:26 A career feels meaningful when learning connects to real-world outcomes.

10:02 Early curiosity and hands-on learning often shape long-term interests.

16:05 Supportive peers and mentors make it easier to enter demanding industries.

18:12 Students stay engaged when math and science feel practical and relevant.

28:44 Taking a chance before feeling ready can open important doors.

34:38 Strong teams communicate by asking questions early and making time to support each other.

40:24 Progress in professional communities is made possible through shared effort and support from others.

44:45 Long careers benefit from caring for mental health and asking for support.

Resources Mentioned:

Jared Green

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

Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/langan-engineering-environmental-services/

Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | Website

http://www.langan.com

Salvadori Center

https://www.salvadori.org/

National Science Foundation Engineering programs

https://www.nsf.gov/eng/programs

American Society of Civil Engineers

https://www.asce.org/

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

On this episode, Eric Alemany, Senior Director, Supplier Relationship Management of the New York Power Authority, shares his 27-year journey in public power. We cover how supplier relationships drive execution, why patience and resilience matter, and how NYPA supports communities through accessibility, diversity and forward-looking energy initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

05:39 A sustained career path demonstrates continuous learning and adaptability.

10:29 Strong supplier relationships enable efficient project delivery.

14:37 Guided onboarding helps partners navigate complex procurement systems.

19:22 Supplier diversity initiatives expand opportunity for businesses.

21:29 Public assets strengthen community engagement and local economies.

24:27 Accessibility programs increase inclusion across statewide services.

27:43 Resilience and collaboration turn disruptions into progress.

35:54 Innovation and AI improve operational efficiency and planning.

43:40 Success means creating lasting impact through growth and empowerment.

Resources Mentioned:

Eric Alemany

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

New York Power Authority | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-power-authority/

New York Power Authority | Website

http://www.nypa.gov/

New York State Canal Corporation

https://www.canals.ny.gov/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Ahad Ghadimi, CEO and Founder of forums@work, discusses vulnerability, psychological safety and the story behind his book “Turnaround Artist: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps.”

In today’s discussion, we uncover Ahad’s entrepreneurial roots, we look at culture change in practice and delve into how peer forums strengthen trust and communication across teams.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:58 Turning people into leaders strengthens culture and creates momentum for sustained growth.

09:09 Clear purpose provides direction for change and aligns effort across the organization.

13:12 Structured peer groups encourage reflection, accountability and consistent professional growth.

17:05 Openness and vulnerability foster trust and elevate team performance over time.

22:33 Trust and connection improve resilience and reduce friction in demanding environments.

27:41 Consistent practice addresses skepticism and builds genuine commitment to new habits.

31:04 Equal airtime and attentive listening create safety and improve decision quality.

40:42 Leaders grow by asking for help and practicing self-compassion.

44:11 Environments that encourage growth empower people to bring their best selves forward.

Resources Mentioned:

Ahad Ghadimi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahad-ghadimi/

forums@work | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/forumsatwork/

forums@work | Website

http://www.forumsatwork.com

“Turnaround Artists: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps” by Ahad Ghadimi

https://www.amazon.com/Turnaround-Artists-True-Story-Creating-Workplace/dp/057880512X

"The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional-Personal/dp/0142001104

YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization)

https://www.ypo.org/

Vipassana Meditation

https://www.dhamma.org/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Jessica Sherman, Vice Chair and Principal of The Douglaston Companies, discusses family-rooted leadership, community-first development and how character, accountability and partnerships shape impact in New York real estate.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

04:49 Family inspiration drives purpose-driven work across building, management and community.

08:39 Integrity and a strong moral compass guide decisions, relationships and long-term reputation.

13:47 Collaboration with public partners expands housing while aligning with neighborhood needs.

16:32 Policy and financing dynamics define feasibility, scale and project pacing.

21:12 Community connection elevates design choices, services and the everyday resident experience.

24:17 Proactive outreach and relationship building unlock guidance and opportunities.

25:37 Continuous improvement comes through reflection, feedback and avoiding repeated mistakes.

29:32 Reputation compounds over time through consistency and fairness.

Resources Mentioned:

Jessica Sherman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-sherman-78049120/

The Douglaston Companies | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedouglastoncompanies/

The Douglaston Companies | Website

https://www.douglastondevelopment.com/

City of Yes (NYC zoning initiative)

https://www.nyc.gov/content/planning/pages/our-work/plans/citywide/city-of-yes-housing-opportunity

NYCHA Public-Private Partnerships (PACT)

https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/about/pact.page

“Principles” by Ray Dalio

https://www.principles.com/

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/

“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel

https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

In this episode, Michael Shamma, New York Metro Executive of TYLin, talks about leading major infrastructure projects in New York. He shares the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks, the mentors who shaped his leadership and how engineering can connect communities and improve lives. Michael also shares insights on moving between public and private sectors, navigating organizational change and how technology can expand opportunities for the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

05:06 The power of curiosity in choosing a career path.

07:15 Overcoming challenges while pursuing education and career growth.

09:44 Lessons learned from resilience during difficult times.

15:25 Values of hard work and kindness carried into leadership.

20:18 Building trust and relationships to deliver successful projects.

26:08 Leading teams through change and organizational transitions.

32:11 How technology can expand access and opportunity.

37:05 Advice for students on curiosity, adaptability and growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Michael Shamma

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-shamma/

TYLin | Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tylin/

TYLin | Website

http://www.tylin.com

RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

https://www.rpi.edu/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast