Who says that you can’t teach and old dog new tricks? As you may have heard, I recently started a new leadership role with the innovative structural engineering firm, GC Robertson & Associates. For five decades, they have delivered innovative structural solutions across East Anglia- and this marks the beginning of an exciting yet challenging chapter in my career. With over 25 years structural and civil engineering experience under my belt, as I embark on this new journey, I am determined to redefine my approach, continue to learn, and most importantly embrace the changes in this rapidly evolving industry.
Stepping into the future
The outset of my journey in this new capacity has been revitalising. Forming new relationships with the team at GCR has been refreshing- they’ve been both professional and supportive in helping me to adjust to the new environment. I also find myself at the beginning of a steep learning curve, surrounded by advanced design software and progressive management techniques. It’s certainly a departure from the familiar paths of my past experiences, and every day presents a fresh opportunity to learn and adapt.
Embracing the Learning Curve
Acknowledging that there’s much I need to learn has been both humbling and invigorating. The transition from conventional techniques to state-of-the-art methods is not without its challenges. It’s like learning a new language or picking up a new instrument- daunting at first, but with patience and persistence, increasingly rewarding.
The Journey Ahead
I am only scratching the surface of what these new tools and approaches can offer. Training sessions have become a regular part of my schedule, and engaging with software that once seemed intimidating is slowly becoming second nature. The more I learn, the clearer it becomes how these tools can lead to better outcomes in our projects and cultivate a more collaborative workspace.
Old Dog, New Tricks
The saying goes, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” but my experience is proving otherwise. Each step forward in this new environment teaches me that adaptability isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about thriving. It’s about showing that with the right mindset, even those of us with decades of experience can innovate and lead effectively in new realms.
A Message of Hope and Encouragement
To my peers in the industry, and indeed beyond, let this be a message of encouragement. No matter how deep your expertise in familiar settings, there is always room for growth and adaptation. Embracing change isn’t just for the young or tech-savvy; it’s for all of us, at any stage of our careers.
Conclusion
I am at the beginning of a journey that I know will be both challenging and rewarding. The journey is about more than just keeping up with technological advancements- it’s about fundamentally transforming how I think about and engage with my work. Here’s to the learning ahead and the many new tricks still to come.