GeoHeroes - Vic Donald

GeoHeroes - Vic Donald About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Vic Donald Vic Donald, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 46 years of experience. Vic shares his journey from the Deep South to becoming an engineer with a passion for geotechnical innovation. He discusses his educational background at LSU, early career experiences, and the formative influence of mentors. They delve into Vic's perspectives on the challenges of commoditization, the importance of safety in engineering, and the continuous need for professional development. Vic emphasizes the vital role of passion, mentorship, and adaptability in the evolving landscape of geotechnical engineering, offering valuable insights into the future of the profession and its intersection with technology and data management. Series Summary In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. About Our Guest After obtaining a BS and MS in Civil Engineering for Louisiana State University, Vic Donald P.E., has served for over 45 years as a geoprofessional consultant. In the 1980s, '90s and 2000s Vic built an excellent geoprofessional practice in the Southeast United States. He eventually merged his firm into Terracon, and he served for a decade as the geotechnical service line director for Terracon, leading visionary strategy and championing quality for the largest geotechnical consulting practice in the U.S. Now Vic works as a Sr. Consultant, working with Terracon to advance innovative ideas and solutions for their nationwide practice. Our Host Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations. Discussion Topics: Introduction 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Early Life and Education 00:13 Vic Donald's Early Life and Education 01:41 Growing Up in the South 02:29 High School Years and Early Jobs 04:12 Discovering Engineering Career Path 06:37 College and Early Career 09:17 Building a Career in Geotechnical Engineering 12:36 Joining and Growing with Terracon Leadership 18:32 Challenges and Mentorship The Geoprofessional Landscape 21:43 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering 23:34 The Art of Geotechnical Engineering 25:31 Embracing Technology in Engineering 29:33 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering 33:32 The Value of Mentorship and Career Reflections Speed Round 35:58 GeoHero Speed Round [BOOK] Divided Highways by Tom Lewis [BOOK] Bible [BOOK] Good To Great by Jim Collins [BOOK] A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink [BOOK] The Innovator's Dilemma by Clay Christensen 33:13 Earnest Hemingway quote, "When people talk, listen completely. Don't be thinking what you're going to say. Most people never listen." 36:48 Personal Insights and Advice 39:20 Optimism index 40:43 Biggest accomplishment 42:40 What would you change if you had it to do over again 44:19 Advice to someone entering the profession 46:18 Best advice you've received Final Thoughts 44:14 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Engineers Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC