On this episode of The Trailblazers, Shankar Kalyana, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Stantec, joins BST Global Chief Executive Officer Javier A. Baldor for a compelling conversation about the evolving role of digital transformation in the AEC industry. Drawing on his 40-year tech career — in which he held the prestigious title of IBM Fellow — Shankar emphasizes that meaningful transformation is rooted in solving real-world challenges, not just adopting new technologies. As the interview continues, Shankar explores how AI, data and automation are revolutionizing infrastructure, from compressing design cycles to enabling predictive, self-regulating operations. He stresses the need for a true fusion between digital innovation and engineering expertise and highlights the opportunities as well as the risks tech and consulting firms entering the AEC space bring. During the discussion, Shankar also dives into the critical role of robust data infrastructure, governance and workforce development in enabling sustainable digital transformation. While he acknowledges the potential downsides of AI, he remains optimistic about humanity's ability to use it as a force for good. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on how engineering firms can adapt, innovate and lead in a digitally driven future.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related