In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, host Michael Taylor sits down with Mike Austin, founder of Karn Geo, for a deep dive into the journey of starting and running a ground investigation company. Mike shares his experiences, challenges, and strategies that have shaped the early years of Karn Geo, offering insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the geotechnical field.

The conversation covers key topics such as the motivation behind launching the business, the hurdles of obtaining insurance, and the importance of building a strong, skilled team. They also discuss cash flow management and how to navigate client payment terms, along with tips for securing new projects in a competitive industry. Additionally, Mike emphasizes the role of technology, quality control, and environmental considerations in driving the company forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Frustration with career progression can be a catalyst for starting a business.
• A diverse and capable team is essential for achieving business success.
• Insurance requirements pose significant challenges for new companies in the field.
• Strong client relationships are crucial for winning and retaining projects.
• The ground investigation industry presents a variety of growth opportunities.
• Company culture plays a key role in employee satisfaction and retention.
• A structured business plan is necessary for securing insurance and guiding growth.
• Cash flow management is critical, especially with lengthy payment terms from clients.
• Diversifying the client base helps reduce financial risks.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Ground Investigation and Business Journey
02:52 - The Inspiration Behind Starting Karn Geo
06:17 - Challenges in the Early Days of Business
09:21 - Navigating Insurance and Professional Indemnity
13:03 - Securing Clients and Building Relationships
16:46 - Opportunities in the Ground Investigation Industry
19:36 - Roles and Responsibilities within the Team
21:37 - The Importance of a Business Plan
25:36 - Financial Challenges and Cash Flow Management
29:26 - Managing Client Payment Terms
31:34 - Team Structure and Company Growth
38:00 - Future Plans and Expansion

Sound Bites:

• "It's all a fallacy, it doesn't work."
• "We were all a little bit frustrated in our roles."
• "It was hard work and frenetic."
• "It ruins it and you're not allowed back in the house."
• "Health and safety aspects have been possibly the most challenging."
• "It's really important to make sure that before every site we go on to, we have that key talk."

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

In this engaging episode of our podcast, we sit down with Hamish Henderson, an experienced geotechnical engineer from Australia, to discuss the nuances and critical aspects of geotechnical site investigations. Hamish shares his deep knowledge about the AS1726 standard, the backbone of geotechnical investigations in Australia, and walks us through the key steps and methodologies that define successful fieldwork in the discipline. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just curious about the world beneath our feet, this episode offers invaluable insights into the complexities of geotechnical engineering.

What You Will Learn:

• Understanding AS1726: Hamish breaks down the 2017 updates to Australia's geotechnical site investigation standard and its impact on the field.
• Key Steps in Ground Investigations: From pre-investigation data collection to planning and executing site walkovers, learn about the processes that ensure successful site investigations.
• Technology in Geotechnical Engineering: Discover how technologies like geological modeling software and drones are revolutionizing site investigations.
• The Human Element: Hamish discusses the importance of experience and judgment in the field, especially in remote and challenging environments.

Featured Guest: Hamish Henderson

• With years of experience in both consultancy and mining sectors, Hamish brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand insights into the world of geotechnical engineering. His expertise spans across critical infrastructure projects and innovative geotechnical practices.

Timestamps:

• [01:30] Introduction to Hamish Henderson and the topic of geotechnical site investigations
• [01:46] Overview of AS1726 and its significance in Australia
• [04:09] Discussing the key steps in effective ground investigations
• [10:33] The role of advanced technology in geotechnical engineering
• [15:10] How drone technology is changing the landscape of site investigations
• [22:23] Challenges and considerations in coastal and remote site investigations
• [32:49] Environmental and safety considerations in current geotechnical practices
• [42:36] The value of hands-on training and mentorship in geotechnical careers

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

Hamish’s insights not only illuminate the technical intricacies of ground investigations but also highlight the evolving nature of geotechnical engineering. His emphasis on the blend of technology and traditional methods offers a comprehensive view of how the field is advancing to meet modern demands. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the foundation that supports all our infrastructure projects—both literally and figuratively.

"Welcome to our podcast, where we dig deep but keep it light, exploring the fascinating world of geotechnical engineering. Today's special guest is [Guest Name], the mastermind behind towering wind projects and the guardian of the sea floor at Wood Thilsted. With 20 years under their belt—spanning continents, climates, and considerable challenges—[Guest Name] has more tales than a seasoned pirate. So, let's unearth the secrets of offshore wind and maybe find some buried treasure in the wisdom of renewable energy."

In this episode, you'll gain insights into:

1. Career Path and Personal Development

   • Simon discusses his unconventional entry into geotechnical engineering and his rise to leadership, illustrating how diverse experiences can shape effective project management strategies.

2. Challenges and Technical Insights

   • Discover the unique challenges of conducting offshore geotechnical investigations across different regions, including Taiwan compared to Europe and Australia. Simon sheds light on managing logistics and integrating geotechnical phases with broader project lifecycles in offshore wind development.

3. Legislation, Safety, and Quality

   • Learn how Simon navigates the complexities of international and local legislation and the critical role of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) standards in maintaining project integrity and safety.

4. Workforce Development and Leadership

   • Gain insights into the strategies for recruiting and developing young talent in Taiwan's offshore wind industry, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in building effective teams.

5. Project Management and Business Development

   • Simon discusses his approach to budgeting, contract management, and the key factors necessary for successful business development within the geotechnical and offshore wind sectors.

6. Local Expertise and Project Success

   • The importance of local knowledge and expertise is highlighted, along with strategies for integrating these elements into successful project execution.

7. Industry Trends and Future Outlook

   • What trends are shaping the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific? Simon shares his predictions for future developments in geotechnical engineering related to renewable energy projects.

Resources:

• Link to Wood Thilsted’s website

Connect with Simon Faulkner:

• LinkedIn Profile

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed our deep dive into the world of geotechnical engineering, please leave us a review and share this podcast with your colleagues in the industry. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes where we uncover the technical and personal journeys of industry leaders.

Stay curious and inspired, just as our guest Simon does, and keep exploring the geological frontiers that await in the exciting world of offshore wind energy.

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

"Chalk Beginnings to Geological Frontiers" is a riveting episode that unveils the compelling narrative of Dr. Ursula Lawrence, a renowned technical director of engineering geology with over three decades of pioneering contributions to the field. From her initial fascination with geology, sparked by a simple piece of chalk, to her influential role in major infrastructure projects like HS2 and Crossrail, this episode offers an intimate look into the professional journey of a geotechnical maestro.

Episode Breakdown:

• Introduction to Dr. Ursula Lawrence

  • Overview of her 30+ years in engineering geology.
  • Highlight of her roles in major infrastructure projects, such as HS2 and Crossrail.

• Early Inspirations

  • The story of how playing with chalk led to a lifelong passion for geology.
  • Reflections on growing up near the London clay outcrop and the discovery of a fossil that sparked her career interest.

• Educational Journey and Early Career

  • Transition from pure geology to engineering geology.
  • First job experience with Kent County Council Highways Laboratory and the influence of the oil industry downturn on her career path.

• Significant Projects and Roles

  • Detailed discussion on her involvement in HS2 and Crossrail, including technical challenges and leadership strategies.
  • Insights into the complexities of geotechnical design and risk management.

• Challenges in Geotechnical Engineering

  • Exploration of specific challenges faced during her career, including managing construction risks and groundwater issues.
  • Strategies for overcoming obstacles in infrastructure projects, illustrated with real-world examples.

• Mentorship and Leadership

  • The importance of mentorship in her career and advice for young engineers.
  • Discussion on leadership roles and the balance between technical oversight and team development.

• Future of Engineering Geology

  • Dr. Lawrence’s perspective on the evolving field of geotechnical engineering.
  • The importance of innovation, continuous learning, and adaptation to future challenges.

• Personal Reflections and Advice

  • Dr. Lawrence reflects on her career, the evolution of her interests, and the satisfaction derived from her work.
  • Advice for aspiring geotechnical engineers on staying curious, engaging with the community, and pursuing lifelong learning.

• Conclusion

  • Recap of key takeaways from Dr. Lawrence’s journey and contributions to engineering geology.
  • Invitation for listeners to explore the depths of their own interests in geology and engineering.

Closing Remarks:

• Encouragement for listeners to follow their curiosity and passion in their professional pursuits, inspired by Dr. Ursula Lawrence’s story.

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

Welcome to The Ground Investigation Podcast! Get your ski gear ready because today we're hitting the slopes with Alex Nikolic! When he's not carving through fresh powder, Alex is the Director of A-squared Studio, a niche geotechnical and structural engineering consultancy. With a passion for skiing and engineering, Alex brings the same precision and thrill-seeking attitude to both his runs and his projects. So, whether he's navigating black diamond slopes or complex substructure schemes, Alex is always ready for an adventure. Let's strap in and explore the exhilarating world of foundations and geotechnical engineering!

Topics Covered in this Episode:

Foundation Reuse:

• Evolution of "substructure reuse"
• Challenges and considerations with superstructure reuse
• Balancing client/architectural aspirations with technical and commercial aspects

Industry Evolution:

• Evolution of the industry over the past two decades
• Opportunities for growth
• A-squared Studio's transition to a one-stop-shop approach

Foundation Reuse Lifecycle:

• Phased approach from project conception to detailed design
• Integration of new foundations with existing ones
• Navigating liability and warranties

Transition in Design Approaches:

• Shift from permissible stress approaches to limit state design
• Adoption of partial factoring and serviceability assessments
• Notable improvements in project outcomes with shallow foundation systems

One-stop Shop Approach:

• Streamlining collaboration between parties
• Impact on project timelines
• Challenges and successes in transitioning to an in-house approach

Project-specific Foundation Reuse Lifecycle:

• Flexibility of a customized approach
• Unexpected positive outcomes and innovative solutions
• Adaptability of the foundation reuse strategy report

Mixing and Matching Foundations:

• Effectiveness in enhancing overall structural capacity
• Role of advanced analytical methods
• Advice for professionals hesitant to embrace this approach

Liability and Warranties:

• Proactively addressing issues during project development stages
• Criticality of early attention to liability and warranties
• Lessons learned in ensuring clarity and fairness in agreements

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

Links from the show

https://www.a2-studio.com/urban-redevelopment

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-squared-studio/

Welcome to another episode. In today's geotechnical journey, we're joined by Tim Swavley, a true Aussie rock star in the field of engineering geology. Tim takes us through his impressive career milestones, from graduate level to senior engineer, and shares insights into his current role at Macquarie Geotechnical in Central NSW, Australia.

Tim's Geotechnical Journey

• Tim reflects on key milestones shaping his professional development.
• Tim's diverse field experience across Australia and unique challenges faced.
• Notable projects and achievements that have shaped Tim's geotechnical career.

Humanitarian Engineering and Slope Stability

• Tim sheds light on "humanitarian geotechnics" and his involvement in such initiatives.

Drones

• The role of drones at Macquarie Geotechnical and their value to geotechnical consultancy.
• Comparing the cost-effectiveness of drones versus traditional surveying methods.

Photogrammetry

• Exploring photogrammetry and its application in geotechnical projects.
• Tim discusses non-drone-based photogrammetry and its benefits.

Digital Transformation in Geotechnical Engineering

• Tim explains the concept of digital transformation and its impact on ground investigation projects.
• Identifying other technologies poised to transform the geotechnical industry.
• The role of AI, machine learning, and data analytics in Australian geotechnical engineering.
• Importance of geotechnical data management and AGS adoption in the digital transformation journey.
• Envisioning the future of geotechnical engineering with advancing digital technologies.
• Tips for adopting digital tech and essential skills for geotechnical engineers in the digital age.

Career Advice and Future Trends

• Tim offers advice for aspiring geotechnical engineers and career transitioners.
• Future trends and developments in ground investigation and engineering sectors.

As we wrap up this insightful episode, we thank Tim Swavley for sharing his expertise and experiences in the world of geotechnical engineering. Join us next time for another deep dive into the realms of innovation and exploration!

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

Links from the show: https://3d.macgeo.com.au/projects/CapabilityDemo/3mTestPit/App/index.html#%2F

https://www.linkedin.com/company/engineering-ministries-international-emi-/