Joanne Iddon, Principal - Regional Service Leader (Project and Program Management) of Arup, has over three decades of experience in structural engineering, owner representation and program leadership across the UK and North America. She discusses the contrasts between public and private sector work, the rise of alternative delivery models like design-build, and how political cycles, funding and stakeholder engagement influence major infrastructure programs. Joanne also highlights the importance of collaboration, embracing technology and encouraging early-career exploration to build resilient teams and successful projects.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
03:28 Career growth often involves moving beyond technical disciplines into roles that emphasize strategy, leadership and stakeholder alignment.
05:12 Exposure to diverse roles within the industry can reveal skills and interests that shape long-term professional directions.
06:35 Funding approaches, approval processes and public engagement requirements differ greatly between sectors, influencing timelines and outcomes.
10:12 Alternative delivery methods can improve efficiency, speed and cost-effectiveness when selected thoughtfully for the right context.
13:40 Long-duration programs face hurdles from shifting political landscapes, requiring strong business cases and stakeholder advocacy.
17:12 Collaborative teams that blend varied expertise and technological fluency are better equipped to solve complex problems.
19:12 Leveraging technology and internal data can help organizations access past knowledge, improve decision-making and increase productivity.
20:33 Early-career professionals benefit from exploring multiple disciplines, gaining perspective before committing to a single path.
24:33 Expanding regional teams and capabilities can strengthen an organization’s ability to deliver large-scale programs and meet growing demand.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneiddon/
Arup | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/arup/
Arup | Website
https://www.arup.com/
Long Island Rail Road Third Track project
https://www.mta.info/project/lirr-main-line-expansion
https://www.nyc.gov/site/ddc/contracts/designbuild.page
Jubilee Line Extension (London Underground)
https://www.bechtel.com/projects/jubilee-line-extension/
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
