Podcasts about innovation now

The October edition of the WGI Unleashed Podcast is officially here! Join us as we travel to Austin, Texas, to chat with Coleen Johnson, RPLS, WGI's Director of Geospatial. Coleen's story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for learning. From hand-drafting machine parts in Houston to leading cutting-edge geospatial teams at WGI, her journey proves that sometimes the best career paths are the ones you create yourself. From Small-Town Roots to the Lone Star State Coleen grew up in the rural town of Hannibal, New York, surrounded by rolling hills, dairy farms, and open skies. With four siblings, a farm-loving grandfather, and 21 acres to explore, she learned early on the value of hard work and curiosity. After high school, uncertain about her next step, Coleen made a bold move—she packed her bags and headed to Houston, Texas, chasing opportunity (and maybe a little adventure). She landed a job at an oilfield manufacturing company, working in the warehouse under the blazing Houston sun. Her dedication didn't go unnoticed. The company's owner brought her into the office to learn mechanical drafting by hand—pencil, vellum, and all. That moment changed everything. “It was fun,” Coleen recalled. “And that's how I ended up getting into surveying eventually… through drafting.” Learning by Doing: The Path to Surveying When the oil industry slowed, Coleen moved to Austin with an abundance of ambition but no real plan. She found work with a new civil engineering firm that needed a drafter, and not long after, the firm expanded to start a survey department. Coleen jumped at the chance to join, and from that moment, she was hooked. Surveying turned out to be the perfect fit: a mix of math, mapping, and the great outdoors. While working full-time, she attended Austin Community College at night, earning her land surveying degree after several years of late nights and determination. By then, she was also a licensed professional surveyor—a huge milestone in a field she'd learned entirely on the job. Her advice for others figuring out their path? “It's okay not to know right away,” Coleen says. “Figure out what you love first, then follow it. The rest will fall into place.” A Trailblazer for Women in Surveying Coleen's career took her through just about every side of surveying imaginable. From private developments to public utilities, and even a stint at TxDOT and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), where she surveyed electric transmission lines and the parks surrounding Lake Travis. But her biggest achievements go beyond project work. In 2007, she became the first woman to serve as President of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS)—a major milestone in a profession where women were once few and far between. Today, she continues to pay it forward as a member of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES), mentoring others and shaping the future of the profession. “I love giving back to the field that gave me everything,” she said. Life at WGI: Leading with Vision and Innovation Now celebrating her sixth year at WGI, Coleen leads the Geospatial division in Austin—managing teams, securing contracts, and helping shape how WGI captures and analyzes data across the country. She even landed WGI's first TxDOT Austin District contract, a major win for both her team and the firm. Her role is fast-paced and constantly evolving. “Technology has changed tremendously,” she says. “We've gone from hand-drawing on Mylar to laser scanning, drones, and LiDAR. That's what I love about this field—it's never monotonous. There's always something new to learn.” And Mondays at her office? They start with a safety meeting and breakfast tacos, of course. Life Outside the Grid When she's not overseeing survey crews or reviewing proposals, Coleen enjoys the quiet life on her two-acre property outside Leander, where she lives with her husband and three rescue Dobermans—Prada, Ruby, and Cooper. She's a passionate gardener, cultivating flowers, herbs, and vegetables in raised beds. “Taking care of the yard is actually therapeutic,” she says. “I love mowing, trimming, and just being outside—it's my kind of peace.” A creative at heart, Coleen even sewed her own clothes growing up, a skill passed down from her grandmother, a 4-H teacher for 60 years. She credits that upbringing for her independence, creativity, and love of hands-on work. A Legacy of Leadership Coleen's story is one of grit, gratitude, and growth. From learning drafting by hand to leading a team of geospatial experts, she's built a career defined by curiosity and love for what she does. As for what keeps her excited about coming into work every day? “The people,” she said without hesitation. “I love working with our teams, mentoring others, and watching them grow. That's what makes it all worth it.” Tune In This episode is packed with moments that showcase Coleen's curiosity, grit, and passion for her craft - So, tune in, and as always, stay curious, stay driven, and keep unleashing your full potential! Visit your favorite podcast app now and subscribe to WGI Unleashed to receive alerts every time a new episode drops. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

Mathematically speaking, three thousand is a fairly significant number. And three thousand has a special significance to all of us at Innovation Now.

Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and visit us online at Innovation Now to learn more about these remarkable women.

In Saint James Media's 3rd annual Women Empowering Women Summit, we will really explore what you are poised for and the role you will play in 2021. This summit started off in one context and has expanded; gotten bigger and deeper as we explore and determine together our future, our role, our part in societal change. Our Keynote speaker, Attorney Rita Tucker Williams, joins us today to create with YOU what possibilities we can fulfill on in 2021 and our Summit. Are you Ready and Willing to move forward and use your Imagination, Invention and Innovation NOW? Register on Eventbrite. THIS IS A GAME CHANGER!

To Read This Episode's Transcript: Click Here Back with us again is Andy Gole, of Urgency Based Selling. He’s been helping business owners improve profitable sales for the last 27 years. Andy is also a Vistage member, is the author of “Innovation Now,” and has a storied history in all areas of selling. He has important information regarding sales during Covid to share. In his interview, Andy discusses some reasons why you should still be reaching out to your clients, despite the current crisis. He explains the idea that if you may be able to help them succeed, there is no reason you shouldn’t reach out. Andy gives powerful insight on the power of creating a sense of urgency when selling and discusses the central paradox of selling. Additionally, in light of the increasingly virtual world, Andy also has some tips for more successful email campaigns. Don’t miss out on Andy’s powerful tips that will help you increase your sales. 1-Minute Sections: 5:28-6:32: The central paradox of selling. 7:26-8:28: Payments in Kind and how they can help level the playing field. 10:27-11:31: When you should reach out to your clients, specific to Covid considerations. 16:25-17:21: The economic return and the “Double Slingshot.” We've built a special collection of 20 minute interviews from members of Provisors and Vistage speakers. To see the directory and choose an interview visit ExitCoachRadio.com Are you and your Company Transition-Ready? Click Here for a free report & assessment!  

In honor of one of our favorite American authors, we bring you this special Innovation Now because there really is no place like space!

Dexter does a special on-location episode from the Innovation Now conference in Pittsburgh. He is joined by various conference attendees including Steve Jobs and Heather Hamilton. Plus, Dexter finally sits down with his thought leader crush, Sharon Doyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dexter does a special on-location episode from the Innovation Now conference in Pittsburgh. He is joined by various conference attendees including Steve Jobs and Heather Hamilton. Plus, Dexter finally sits down with his thought leader crush, Sharon Doyle.

In honor of one of our favorite American authors, we bring you this special Innovation Now because --- there really is no place like space!

In honor of one of our favorite American authors, we bring you this special Innovation Now because --- there really is no place like space!