Choosing optimism to build resilience

Bushfires are becoming more frequent, intense, far-reaching and complex. How can we reimagine bushfire resilience with a more proactive, systems-based approach? In this episode of Engineering Reimagined recorded live at the CAETS conference, Aurecon’s Santiago Estrada sits down with Dr Marta Yebra, a Professor at the Australian National University and Director of the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence. Dr Yebra shares how engineering-led innovation is transforming the way we predict, prepare for and respond to fire and other natural hazards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the science behind optimism. Aurecon's CEO Louise Adams speaks with clinical neuropsychologist Dr Kim Hazendonk about how choosing a positive mindset can help us to reshape the way we think, lead and build resilience. Find out how we can re-train our brains for optimism, despite the negativity bias all around us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 2025 season finale of Aurecon’s Engineering Reimagined podcast. Let’s look back on some of our favourite episodes of the year that all have one thing in common – the evolving technologies that affect or impact three critical areas of interest, including decision-making in the age of distraction, the energy transition and data centres. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we match the right technologies to the right problems, while balancing speed with quality, and prioritising human factors that shape meaningful progress? Aurecon's Chief Operating Officer, Scott Powell, speaks with Professor Marcus Holgersson from Chalmers University of Technology. Together they explore the interplay between risk, innovation, efficiency and adoption, and how organisations can repeatedly unlock new value safely, be that through AI or other technologies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurecon’s chief engineer Tanya de Hoog sits down with Silicon Valley pioneer Chandrakant Patel. They explore how imagination fuels innovation and why engineering fundamentals like rigour, creativity and systems thinking are as important today as they have ever been. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurecon’s Director for Eminence and Sustainability, Evelyn Storey, speaks with Kylie Walker, CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). They discuss the need for stronger representation in leadership, why we must celebrate incremental innovation, and how building resilience and networks can empower the next generation of engineers and scientists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we make better decisions in an era defined by distraction, cognitive bias, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence? In the second instalment of this two-part series, Aurecon’s Todd Battley continues his thought-provoking conversation with Professor Jason Mattingley from the Queensland Brain Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore how digital distractions are draining our energy and fragmenting our attention, making it harder to engage in the deep, focused work that leads to breakthroughs. Join Aurecon’s Chief Executive for Australia Todd Battley and Professor Jason Mattingley from the Queensland Brain Institute for this first part of a two-part series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the opportunities and considerations of AI in the water sector in this special episode of Engineering Reimagined, recorded at the Ozwater'25 conference. Aurecon’s Dr Ryan Signor moderated a panel discussion with guests including the Honourable Karlene Maywald, Pierre Pauliac, Amanda Lewry and Dave Mackenzie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurecon’s Simon McFadden joins Bree Miechel from Ashurst to explore the vital role of data centres. They discuss the growing demands they place on energy and water resources, and the critical engineering strategies being employed to enhance efficiency and sustainability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.