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Engineers Journal AMPLIFIEDKeep pace with the engineering industry in Ireland and abroad with Engineers Journal, the voice of the engineering community in Ireland and beyond. Author: Engineers Journal Ireland
Keep pace with the engineering industry in Ireland and abroad with Engineers Journal, the voice of the engineering community in Ireland and beyond. Each episode brings you thought-provoking one-on-one discussions with industry leaders who share stories on favourite projects and greatest challenges, what the future may hold for the industry and advice on how to progress your career. Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Rethinking Ireland Inc | Colette O’Shea, AECOM
Episode 43
Monday, 7 July, 2025
Building a stronger “Ireland Inc” means rethinking how we plan, deliver, and promote our engineering and infrastructure capabilities on a global stage.Today, we’re diving into how Ireland can overcome some of its most pressing infrastructure delivery challenges—from modernizing procurement strategies to fostering more inclusive and resilient engineering teams. We’ll also explore why staff wellbeing, visibility, and collaboration are now essential pillars of successful project delivery, and examine the persistent barriers facing women in the profession.Joining us is a chartered engineer and one of the youngest ever Fellows of Engineers Ireland, with over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience. She brings a rare combination of technical expertise and a deep passion for people, policy, and progress. It’s a pleasure to welcome Collette O’Shea, Head of Strategic Procurement for Ireland at AECOM.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTHow personal values and purpose can shape career directionThe role of creativity and continuous learning in engineering successTransforming Ireland’s procurement models for infrastructure deliveryWork-life balance and the reality of burnout in engineeringWomen in engineering and the promise of AIGUEST DETAILSColette O’Shea is Head of Strategic Procurement for Ireland at AECOM, she also holds the role of Project Director on several strategic infrastructure projects. A Chartered Engineer and one of the youngest individuals to attain Fellowship with Engineers Ireland, Colette has over two decades of multidisciplinary experience and has contributed to major public sector initiatives, including projects for the National Development Finance Agency, Irish Water, and Dublin Airport Authority. Her academic background includes a BE in Civil Engineering from University College Dublin, complemented by further qualifications in project management, law, and coaching. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Colette chairs the Women in Engineering Group at Engineers Ireland, where she works to support and advance women in the engineering profession. https://ie.linkedin.com/in/colette-o-shea-8178391a MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/ Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESWhile there are rules in engineering, it's about applying them to the situation in front of you, which is different all the time. - Colette O’SheaI don't know if it's a problem. I think I prefer to think of it as a challenge. - Colette O’SheaWe need to make the industry sustainable, and certainly in the infrastructure space, to make it attractive for companies. - Colette O’SheaOne of the main things that I learned from burnout was that having it and experiencing it was the complete opposite of failing at my job. - Colette O’SheaYou can make any mistake once and we will learn from it, but if you make the same mistake twice and don't learn, we'll have an issue. - Colette O’SheaKEYWORDS#Infrastructure #engineering #procurement #inclusivity #wellbeing #visibility #water #AI #burnout, #energy