Navigating the Engineering Landscape with Integrity as Your Compass – Ep 091

In this episode, we talk with Andrew Leung, P.E., president and managing principal at YU & Associates, about the importance of integrity in leadership. He also talks about his management style, and innovations in geotechnical and environmental engineering. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Andrew: Can you describe your management style as the president and managing principal of your company, and explain how it has contributed to the success of your firm? As a leader in geotech environmental services, how do you contribute to maintaining and evolving your firm's culture and values? When considering geotechnical engineering, especially innovations like AI and machine learning, what challenges and advancements do you see in this complex field? For seasoned and new engineers, what key responsibilities and ethical considerations should they be mindful of in the field of engineering and engineering ethics? What are your thoughts on the fact that integrity isn't tied to money, and you don't need a formal education to possess it — either you inherently have it or you don't? What advice would you offer young engineers aiming to make a positive impact in the field of geotechnical engineering? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Navigating the Engineering Landscape with Integrity as Your Compass: When it comes to leading, the key is being flexible in a changing environment. Think of it like three training phases until you're 21: growing physically, understanding emotions, and building up smarts. Different management styles, like coaching or being democratic, are used depending on the situation. Success means the team enjoys their work, realizing there's no one-size-fits-all way to lead. As we go through our professional journey, let's imagine a workplace that's flexible and supportive, like an amoeba. We can make it happen by promoting partnership, respect, and sharing what we know. In geotechnical engineering, there's always more to learn, especially with AI in the mix. Engineers with accurate and predictive modeling skills are in demand, showing our dedication to safety. Let's work together to create a culture where we all flourish. Geotechnical engineering is complex, requiring adaptability and a new approach to challenges. With innovations like AI, there's potential in predicting events such as hurricanes for safety planning. While AI has a future in some geotechnical aspects, it won't completely take over, but rather play a detailed role in solving specific challenges. Is it true that in engineering, you can't precisely model judgment and it comes from hands-on experience? Exploring what music and instruments younger folks are into shows how diverse and creative the art is. Music breaks boundaries, like when famous bands mix different things in cool ways. There's no one-size-fits-all approach — it's a mix of technical skills and artistic expression. British music's impact is big, showing how art keeps changing. Talking about a famous band's creative process drives home how art and innovation go hand in hand. In the end, it's all about everyone enjoying the music. In a diverse career spanning engineering, project management, and team leadership, the crucial factor highlighted is integrity. The focus is on the foundational and increasing significance of integrity, which is particularly crucial for civil engineers with substantial responsibilities. There are things from our youth that aren't liked, like acting like a clown. Offer more understanding to younger individuals and acknowledge their learning process. For more senior engineers, especially regarding integrity, a stricter approach is recommended,