Leaders of global, multi-sector companies are tackling bigger, more complex challenges in our fast-evolving, highly connected world. During times of greater change and shifts, employees are looking to the C-Suite for even more direction and inspiration. Research by Harvard Business Review reveals that for leaders to be successful now, they need to be versatile, resilient and empathetic to thrive in the relentless pace of global corporate organizations. For this If/When podcast, we speak to two inspiring CEOs who embody these qualities and offer some of their experiences as leaders and collaborators. We explore the importance of key partnerships, shared values, employee engagement and family support and learn how it's all helped shape them in their pivotal roles. My name is Arthur Jones, and the guests for this episode are Bob Pragada, CEO of Jacobs since January of 2023 and appointed Chair of Jacobs Board of Directors the following September and Christian Norris, who became CEO at PA Consulting, a global innovation and transformation consultancy, in August 2023.

Transportation is still the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and one of the greatest carbon contributors globally. Governments and local authorities are continually researching ways to drive positive change through legislation and policy, and a large part of this will come down to urban mobility and transportation planning. To make the right decisions in these fields, we need the right data and measurement tools. Case in point: the Transportation Climate Impact Index by StreetLight Data. Their report uncovers how metros in the U.S. rank across eight key factors and reveals the major mobility trends impacting climate. In this episode, we discuss urban mobility and its role in climate change. We explore how to build a climate-resilient transportation system — one that offers social, environmental and commercial value. Our celebrated guests explain why urban mobility is one of the most critical areas of climate response, and more importantly, how we can better design our cities for greener futures with cleaner air and less traffic. Today, we’re speaking to Dr. Laura Schewel, CEO of StreetLight Data and VP of Transportation Software at Jacobs and Jenny Jones, Head of Transport Planning for Europe at Jacobs.

How can we modernize airports to be better for passengers, communities, balance sheets and our environment? It’s a complex challenge that can’t be solved by talent or policy alone — it also requires the right application of digital tools and technologies. These transport hubs play a vital role in our communities and economies, and to empower a better, more sustainable future for all, we need an elevation in industry-wide innovation and collaboration. Our guests for this episode are leaders in this field: Ersin Inankul, Head of Aviation Digital at Jacobs, and David Miranda, Digital Expert at PA Consulting.

How are PFAS affecting your work and our world? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large class of long-lasting, synthetic chemicals used extensively in industrial and household products. Many PFAS don’t degrade readily on their own, and some are highly mobile in the environment. They can be found worldwide in water, soil, air, plants, animals and even our bloodstreams. We’re still uncovering the full impact of these chemicals on the health of humans and our environment, but here’s what is clear: it’s a complex challenge at scale to remediate these so-called “forever” chemicals. Our guests are defining the solutions for clients and the industry: Sharon Minchak, Global Solutions Director for Remediation and Regeneration at Jacobs, and Dr. Russell Ford, Global Director for Drinking Water & Reuse Solutions at Jacobs.

Transformation has become an over-used buzzword for companies and consultants in the last five years, but the market-proven truth is that companies, and by extension, employees, are now required to be more agile and resilient — and willing to upskill. So, how do large companies manage significant, lasting changes across their operating model during times of transition with organizational performance, innovation and collaboration as priorities? Success is driven by engaged and empowered employees, but it requires the right leadership, corporate culture and silo-busting collaboration. There’s one golden thread that runs through all three: the power of collective purpose. Our guests for this episode: Shelie Gustafson, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Jacobs, and education and leadership development coach Michael Chavez, who is Founder & Managing Director at Broad Vista Partners.

Like most markets and industries globally, the water sector is facing greater and more complex challenges due to climate change, population growth, rising costs and a shortage of incoming talent. The question is: how can water companies deliver the best value for customers by turning these challenges into opportunities for people and places? In this episode, we unpack innovation, core values and close collaboration between Jacobs and Northumbrian Water, which supplies 2.7 million people with water and wastewater services in North East England, and 1.8 million people with water only in Essex and Suffolk. Our inspiring guests for this podcast are Heidi Mottram, CBE, CEO of Northumbrian Water Group, and Kate Kenny, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Buildings & Infrastructure Europe at Jacobs.

How do you build resilient healthcare that benefits patients, health carers and communities? It’s a complex challenge that requires a new approach, one that builds on lessons from the pandemic and introduces evidence-based design, tech-led innovation, cross-sector collaboration and hybrid skill sets. Our guests for this episode are pioneers in these fields: Matthew Holmes, Global Director of Health Infrastructure at Jacobs, and Dr. Diana Anderson, Dochitect and healthcare principal at Jacobs.

The climate emergency is rapidly emerging as one of the biggest global challenges of our time. In response, many organizations have set ambitious sustainability commitments and become focused on doing business more responsibly. Achieving these commitments requires a mindset shift to drive increased employee engagement and adoption, which are vital for long-term success. Organizations are increasingly looking to their employees to do their part to contribute. But if you’ve never worked in sustainability, then where do you begin? In this episode we’ll explore how sustainability can benefit employees and their careers, revealing why sustainability should be embedded into every role and, crucially, how we can do it.

In a world where climate change and ESG are becoming increasingly popular buzzwords and themes for Big Business, how can we ensure that companies truly "walk the talk" on sustainability by taking actions that deliver tangible, impactful results? On this episode of If/When, this question is tackled by Global Solutions Director of Sustainability, Resilience & Climate Response for the Americas Region at Jacobs, Hollie Schmidt, who shares what she's learned in her career around helping organizations move the needle on sustainability and how to avoid pitfalls in their efforts.

On this episode of If/When, Jacobs Vice President and Market Strategist of Global Program Management Jilma Jimenez shares her insights on the factors putting pressure on supply chains today and the strategies that organizations can take to minimize their risks, as well as some examples of emerging technology useful in addressing supply chain challenges in the construction industry.

On this episode, Marc DeSchamp, program manager and a leader in the Transportation Decarbonization practice at Jacobs, shared his insights on trends we’re seeing in green transportation, including some of the challenges that municipalities face when deploying a green transportation program, as well as the opportunities and technologies that are helping to make more sustainable and environmentally-friendly public transportation a reality.

On this episode of If/When, Dr. Peggy Whitson, Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight, discusses the future of human spaceflight and the role that privatized, commercial endeavors will play to help us push the frontiers of human space exploration. Before joining Axiom Space, she enjoyed a storied 37-year career as a NASA astronaut and scientist. Among her accomplishments, Dr. Whitson was the first female commander of the ISS and has flown three long-duration missions to the ISS, has conducted 10 spacewalks and has spent more cumulative time in space than any woman in the world. Upon joining Axiom Space, she commanded the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), becoming the first female commander of a commercial spaceflight mission to the ISS.