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🎧 Episode Overview (EP 220)
If you’ve ever felt that the engineering profession is misunderstood, undervalued, or overlooked by the public — this episode is for you.
Dr. James Bryant sits down with Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer, Assistant Vice President for Economic Inclusion at Kins, who has spent more than three decades helping engineers, architects, and builders be seen, valued, and understood. Lizzie brings a fresh, compelling perspective on how technical brilliance translates into societal impact — and why communication, inclusion, and storytelling are now essential leadership skills for every engineer.
They explore the role engineers play in shaping daily life, the importance of broadening the industry’s talent pipeline, and how leaders can communicate the human impact behind their work. Lizzie also opens up about raising three boys while navigating demanding roles in the AEC industry — and what it really looks like to win at work and at home.
Even if you’re not in infrastructure or construction, this episode will challenge how you think about engineering leadership, communication, and the future of talent in the profession.
🧭 What You’ll Learn
- Why engineers struggle to communicate their value to the public
- How to translate technical work into human-centered impact
- Why inclusion initiatives strengthen the entire industry
- How engineering leaders can inspire the next generation
- The real reason engineers need stronger storytelling skills
- Practical ways to balance demanding work with family life
- How AI and climate change are reshaping engineering roles
- Why enthusiasm, clarity, and presence matter in leadership conversations
🔩 Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
00:55 – Why Lizzie calls herself an “infrastructure groupie”
03:55 – Childhood influences that sparked her love for engineering and architecture
06:01 – Communication: why engineers struggle and how to bridge the gap
08:19 – Inclusion, small-business access, and building a stronger talent pool
11:29 – Helping engineers communicate their impact to society
13:49 – Inspiring young people through programs like ACE Mentor & Salvadori
20:39 – Winning at work and at home: Lizzie’s story of integrating family
23:29 – Lizzie’s questions for Dr. Bryant: AI, climate change, and the future
💬 Guest Bio — Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer is the Assistant Vice President for Economic Inclusion at Kins, where she leads initiatives that expand access, opportunity, and participation for historically underrepresented groups in major infrastructure and construction projects. With over 30 years of experience in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries, Lizzie has held leadership roles in marketing, client development, PR, and inclusive business outreach for organizations including Turner Construction, DeBerry, and Tishman.
Known for her passion for engineering and for elevating the voices behind the work, she has been recognized with honors such as Outstanding Woman of the Year, the Pillar Award, and multiple accolades within the New York and New Jersey AEC community. Lizzie is also a sought-after speaker for professional groups like WTS, where she teaches engineers how to communicate their value, tell their story, and build confidence.
Her mission is simple: help engineers be seen — not just for what they build, but for the impact they create in people’s lives.
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Archer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-geary-archer
🎧 More Ways to Connect
Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success Insiders — one story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention.
🔗 engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders
Podcast Hub: sleekbio.com/eyspod
LinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbryant2/
🌟 Engineer Your Success – Dr. James Bryant
Success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about living a life that reflects your values and priorities.
Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders build systems that create clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home.
👉 Visit: www.EngineerYourSuccessNow.com