E16: Breaking Ground and Stereotypes: Tessa Steward's Engineering Story

The Ground Investigation Podcast

In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, we dive into the world of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering with our guest, Tessa Steward. Tessa shares her inspiring journey, professional growth, and challenges faced in the field. She also sheds light on the impact of her ADHD diagnosis on her career and her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Episode Highlights:

Tessa's background and journey in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering.

Her initial attraction to the field and roles at Amey Consulting, RPS, and Geobind.

Balancing geotechnical and geoenvironmental projects.

Insights into her current transformation project at Amey in South Wales.

Professional Growth and Challenges:

Influence of her BSc in Exploration and Resource Geology on her career.

Exploring mineral and oil exploration interests.

Key takeaways from her MSc in Applied Environmental Geology.

Tessa's continuous learning and professional development.

Overcoming challenges and advice for recent graduates.

Project Highlights and Technical Insights:

Challenging projects and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Standout projects and achievements.

Factors and considerations in successful geotechnical/site investigation projects.

Ground investigation data interpretation for design decisions.

The role of field experience in Tessa's success.

ADHD Diagnosis and Career Impact:

Tessa's personal journey with a later ADHD diagnosis.

How ADHD affected her career and her strategies for overcoming challenges.

Supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, especially women.

Tessa's involvement in neurodiversity and women in engineering committees.

Promoting diversity and inclusion in the engineering field.

Women in Engineering and Industry Insights:

Tessa's role within the Women in Engineering group.

The importance of gender diversity in the ground investigation industry.

Fair chances and opportunities for newcomers.

For more information on what was shared in this episode and to connect with Michael head to https://girec.co.uk/

Make sure you subscribe to the show to join host Michael Taylor as he discusses the ups and downs of running a business in the GI industry, getting geological experts to share their learnings and lessons as well as their plans for the future, highlighting what they think will improve the ground investigation industry moving forward.