In this episode, I talk with Indhira Figuereo, Senior Vice President and National Aviation Market Leader at WSP USA, about her journey in civil engineering, focusing on aviation. She talks about managing busy aviation spaces and balancing technical work with customer service and business development, and emphasizes the need for aviation sustainability in infrastructure projects and effective communication with various stakeholders. The video version of this episode can be viewed here. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Indhira: After two decades in civil engineering, especially in aviation, what inspired you to enter this field, and how have you seen your career evolve over the years? Can you provide insights into the most challenging and rewarding aspects of managing high occupancy utilization spaces and aviation projects? How do you balance your technical duties, the necessity for top-notch customer service, and the requirements of business development? How have you integrated aviation sustainability and resilience into your infrastructure projects, and can you provide specific examples? How do you navigate and ensure effective communication and alignment in diverse environments when coordinating with multiple agencies and stakeholders? What has been your experience as a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of civil engineering, and what advice do you have for young women aspiring to enter this industry? What trends or innovations have you observed that are shaping the aviation industry, specifically in terms of infrastructure? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Achieving Aviation Sustainability with Design, Technology, and Collaboration: In the high-stakes world of aviation, where airplanes cost millions, the navigation industry requires exorbitant insurance, making it uniquely exciting. Traditionally male-dominated, the field is witnessing a positive shift with more women, including CEOs, entering the scene. Beyond gender dynamics, advancements in technology and expertise have transformed how airport projects are executed, presenting new challenges, and making aviation work more engaging than ever. Managing high-occupancy spaces like airports poses a significant challenge in maintaining customer satisfaction during construction, as seen prominently in projects like LaGuardia Airport. Navigating traffic issues and aligning diverse teams with different backgrounds and knowledge further adds to the complexity. The ultimate reward comes from seeing completed projects, like flying out of terminals or using roads designed earlier in one's career. Balancing a demanding professional life and family commitments is a significant challenge. Building collaborative client relationships, drawing from past experiences, and managing frequent travel in the aviation role add complexity. A supportive team and family are crucial in finding harmony, with the need to balance priorities rather than striving for a perfect equilibrium between work and personal life. In approaching aviation sustainability and resilience in airport projects, strategies vary based on the project type. Design-oriented projects focus on innovative construction methods, such as optimizing slopes for energy efficiency, aiming to minimize environmental impact. Program management gives priority to sustainable procurement methods and building a forward-thinking team for enhanced efficiency. In master planning, the goal is to envision the entire airport layout, strategically place facilities, and prepare for future technologies, ensuring efficient operations and adaptability. Starting conversations with stakeholders early in the process, well before their specific involvement is needed, is crucial for success.