Transform – Tomorrow’s thinking, today

The cost of clarity: Shared challenges in infrastructure data   The importance of data systems is clear to both public and private sectors. The challenge is turning data into workable insights.  In this episode of Transform, GHD’s Tom Bedeman (Data Insights Business Group Leader) and Jon Jarritt (Data & Insights Market Leader) explore the common challenges in data infrastructure, drawing on their work across the UK and a recent trip across Australia, where they spoke with 27 infrastructure clients across multiple asset sectors. This episode tackles a fundamental question: when everyone is investing in similar technology, why do results still vary so widely? Some of these gaps are foundational. When systems use different or unclear definitions for the same data, results become harder to trust. Another gap is treating data investment as a one-off capital expense rather than the ongoing operational capability it needs to be.  Part one of a three‑part series on data foundations, this conversation explores why technology alone isn’t the answer and why leadership and shared meaning matter more than ever. Find out more about Transform by GHD here: https://www.ghd.com/en/campaigns/transform---tomorrows-thinking-today

Designing safer roads must include an understanding of how people drive on them. In this episode GHD’s Frank Penry (Senior Traffic Project Manager) and Sarah Dods (Technical Director – Advanced Analytics) explore how driver behaviour data is changing the way we identify risk and improve road safety. Drawing on observations from Australia and the United States, they unpack how drivers in both countries respond differently to speed limits, congestion and emerging hazards, and why approaches that work in one country can fall short in another. The conversation encourages listeners to look beyond crash data alone, using near‑misses and braking events to help reveal patterns of risk earlier and test whether safety interventions are actually working. Listen for a practical perspective on how driver behaviour insights can support safer transport decisions. Find out more about Transform by GHD here.

With water increasingly sitting at the intersection of economic, environmental and social outcomes, collaboration and long-term thinking are becoming essential capabilities for water leaders.In this episode, we explore how water planning is evolving, from taking a more holistic view of water’s role across industry and community, to the growing importance of adaptability and partnership. Drawing on insights from the Connected by Water conference and examples across Western Australia, the conversation examines how organisations can avoid locking into the wrong solutions too early, including how tools like adaptive pathways planning can help decision makers keep options open as conditions change. GHD’s Sophie Barton is joined by Petja Albrecht (Industrial Water Leader, GHD) and Daniel Visser (Technical Director – Water Treatment & Desalination, GHD) to reflect on what these shifts mean for industrial water planning in Western Australia and around the world. Find out more about Transform by GHD here

We’re asking whether collaboration and real-time data can truly transform our transport networks and what it takes to deliver smarter, safer and more inclusive mobility for all. In this episode of Transform, GHD’s Divya Sarin sits down with Darren Henderson, Technical Director, GHD, and Declan Lucas. Vice President of Business Development, Transmax, to explore the urgent challenges facing global transport systems. The conversation covers how digital technology and bold leadership are reshaping the way we plan, move and connect.  They also dive into the power of partnership, the role of AI and real-time data in optimising networks and why equity and community engagement must be at the heart of transport innovation. Listen now for insights on future-proofing transportation infrastructure.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re asking whether data centres can thrive beyond the grid, and how regional infrastructure is unlocking new possibilities for AI and digital equity. In this episode of Transform, GHD’s Andrew Morrison (Australian Market Leader for Property and Buildings, GHD) continues the conversation with Tai Hollingsbee (Head of Sustainability, Asia Pacific), Samuel Benson (Co-Founder, OceanBit) and Harqs Singh (CTO and Co-Founder, InfraPartners). This time, the focus shifts to the future — regional data centres, sovereign AI models and ultra-low latency infrastructure.  They explore how decentralisation is changing the investment landscape, why regional hubs are critical to closing the digital divide and how sustainable innovation is driving new forms of community value. Listen to hear insights on the next wave of data centre development and what it means for the future of intelligence, infrastructure and inclusion.     Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re exploring how infrastructure constraints are reshaping the future of data centres, and why innovation is breaking rules to keep up with demand. In this episode of Transform, GHD’s Tai Hollingsbee (Head of Sustainability, Asia Pacific) is joined by Andrew Morrison (Australian Market Leader for Property and Buildings, GHD), Samuel Benson (Co-Founder, OceanBit) and Harqs Singh (CTO and Co-Founder, InfraPartners). Together, they unpack the challenges of powering data centres in a world of limited grid access, rising AI demand and evolving sustainability expectations.  From behind-the-meter energy solutions to prefabricated construction and offshore data centres, the conversation dives into how the industry is responding with bold, unconventional strategies. Listen now, the race to innovate is just beginning.     Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are examining how AI and emerging technologies can support deeper connections, enhance insight, and enable community leaders to make more informed, evidence-based decisions. In this episode of Transform, host Divya Sarin is joined by Emily Gallant, Technical Director of Engagement, Innovation and Partnerships, GHD, and Daniel Fusca, Manager of Public Consultation, Parks and Recreation Department, City of Toronto, to examine how our engagement processes are transforming across industries. From qualitative data analysis to deliberative dialogue, they discuss how innovation is opening new doors to building trust and fostering collaboration. Tune in to hear insights on the shifting culture of engagement, the balance of technology with human connection and the challenges of integrating AI into traditional practices.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, emergency response planning is entering a new era - one powered by data, simulation, and collaboration. In this episode of Transform, host Divya Sarin (Senior Manager – Digital Strategy and Innovation at GHD) is joined by Enrico Ronchi (Associate Professor at Lund University), Dan Stockdale (Senior Advisor – Movement Strategies, GHD), and Kamryn Kubose-Peutz (Transportation Planner, GHD) to explore how climate change is reshaping emergency management. From the challenges of evacuating communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) to the development of cutting-edge simulation tools like WUI-NITY, the conversation dives into how technology, planning, and community engagement are converging to build more resilient futures. Tune in to hear the role of VR and AI in planning and the cultural and policy shifts needed to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traditionally risk-averse and slow to adopt emerging technologies, the water sector hasn’t seen the same AI momentum as other industries. In this episode of Transform, we bring the AI-in-water conversation to the forefront - exploring the real-world value AI can deliver and what’s needed for its responsible, ethical integration. Host Divya Sarin (Senior Manager - Digital Strategy and Innovation at GHD), is joined by Satish Tripathi (Managing Engineer at City of Houston) and Freddie Guerra (Digital Water Market Lead at GHD) to unpack what it takes to build an AI-ready water industry. From predictive maintenance to digital twins, the conversation dives into the practical insights, pilot successes and the cultural shifts necessary to unlock AI’s full potential in water management. Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is AI ethical? How can it be tamed and used for good? The technology is moving so fast that big business must create an AI framework and learning culture around it. So, what is the responsible approach and what are the benefits to the community if done well? Harm Ellens, Director of Virtual Ink Australia and Sarah Dods, GHD Digital’s Southern Hemisphere Region Leader for Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, have been advising and implementing AI systems for many years. They're also involved in the development of international standards for AI. Both Harm and Sarah join host, Kumar Parakala to discuss.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global digital landscape is evolving rapidly before our eyes. Innovative infrastructure, technology and strategic collaborations are essential as both business and society embrace these changes. The trio of visionaries joining podcast host and GHD Digital President, Kumar Parakala, to discuss all of this and more are Sonia Adams, Chief Client Officer at GHD, Rai Fergusson, Chief Digital & Data Officer at Infrastructure Australia and David Murphy, Director of Transformation and Innovation on Level Crossing Removal Project – LCRP.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With lightning speed, AI has shaken the foundations of how we use technology. So what opportunities are there for business, what are the dangers, and how can we avoid them? In this first episode of Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today, generative AI is the focus, as President of GHD Digital, Kumar Parakala explores the topic with Dr. Maria Singson, VP of APAC Customer Success at IBM and Grant Stewart GHD Digital’s Southern Hemisphere Practice Director - Digital Intelligence.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital Transformation, is becoming one of the biggest digital shifts in a decade But what is it and what does it actually mean for businesses and communities? Well, Kumar Parakala, President of GHD Digital and host of Transform, explores these questions with industry leaders, Claire Rutkowski, CIO at POWER Engineers and Steven Lennon, Global Client Services Director at GHD Digital.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With escalating data breaches and cybercrime across the globe, how do you protect large-scale, critical infrastructure assets from being attacked and prevent a disastrous fallout? Well, to discuss this and so much more, Kumar Parakala, President of GHD Digital and host of ‘Transform’ is joined by Paul Forney, Director of Cyber Security from Schneider Electric, and Sunil Sharma, GHD Digital’s, Acting Southern Hemisphere Practice Director and Digital Risk and Cybersecurity Leader.   Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With lightning speed, AI has shaken the foundations of how we use technology. So what opportunities are there for business, what are the dangers, and how can we avoid them?  In this first episode of 'Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today', generative AI is the focus, as GHD Digital’s President Kumar Parakala explores the topic with Dr. Maria Singson, VP of APAC Customer Success at IBM and Grant Stewart, GHD Digital’s Southern Hemisphere Practice Director - Digital Intelligence.    Transform - Tomorrow's thinking, today is produced for GHD Digital by: SoundCartel+61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.