Digital Professionals Unplugged: A Panel Discussion on the Value of the Digital Role

Description

Key Learnings

• Discover the crucial role of digital professionals in the construction industry and how to nurture these in your business.
• Explore strategies for leading invisible digital transformations and overcoming resistance to change.
• Explore and assess effective tools used by digital pioneers to drive successful technology implementations.

Speakers_many

• JM

  Joey Matla

  Joey Matla is a Construction Customer Success Manager with extensive experience in the construction industry. As a CSM, Joey plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Autodesk's innovative construction solutions and the needs of its clients. Joey's career in construction began with a strong foundation in project management and field operations after which he moved into the world of digital transformation. His hands-on experience in the field as well as digital transformations has given him a deep understanding of the challenges and intricacies involved in digital construction. At Autodesk, Joey focuses on ensuring that customers gain maximum value from their investments in construction technology. He engages with a variety of stakeholders, from executive leaders to project managers and BIM coordinators, to understand their unique requirements and challenges. Joey's goal is to help them leverage Autodesk's comprehensive suite of construction tools—such as Autodesk Build,—to streamline their processes and achieve project success.
• DS

  Daniel Smith

  Daniel has worked in the Construction Sector for close to 18 years, in various roles ranging from technical consulting to BIM/VDC Management. During this time, he has had exposure to a range of project sectors in the AEC market throughout the years and a number of diverse and interesting projects. Daniel has worked for Hansen Yuncken for over 10 years managing digital engineering across a diverse project portfolio and leading digital strategy across the business. His experience and core focus has always been on utilisation of the broader range of construction technologies, and as a result, his role at Hansen Yuncken has evolved to look at the broader operational IT landscape, key reporting and emerging innovations. Daniel is now focused on delivering the strategy, along with the businesses CFIO, to "balance the bookends" by driving economic and efficient returns to the business through technology.
• EE

  Emily Edelstone

  Emily Edelstone, a seasoned Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, brings a wealth of experience garnered over a decade within the construction industry. Emily has a strong background in estimating, planning, and managing complex and large-scale projects. She has worked with some of the leading companies in the sector, where she contributed to the delivery of high-quality and innovative solutions for clients across various markets. Leveraging her extensive knowledge base, she excels in guiding stakeholders in the construction sector towards optimal technology solutions, spanning the entire project lifecycle. Renowned as a trusted advisor within the industry, Emily is dedicated to assisting all in overcoming their most significant challenges. Her commitment lies in enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing rework, and optimizing cost savings for her clients. Actively engaged in both national and local industry events, Emily demonstrates a strong commitment to staying on top of industry trends. Additionally, her involvement extends to community service where she sits on the technology committee for San Diego ABC. Emily also has been working to educate others on technology through @designbuildladies on all social media platforms.
• 

  David J Cusano

  As a Technology & Digital Design Lead for the Energy market at Ramboll, David plays a crucial role in driving and managing the integration of technology and digital design within the market and across various geographical Country Market Units. He has the responsibility of collaborating with the Innovation & Digital Transformation Director to build and develop efficient governance and organizational structures, empowering the organization to excel in the technological and digital realms. This involves the management of technology tools and E&A tools portfolios, ensuring that business-critical tools and applications are expertly organized and supported. David's role requires active participation in cross-market collaboration, contributing to a shared vision and execution within Technology & Digital Design. David's position demands a strategic oversight for the standardization and streamlining of work processes, best practices, and methodologies, ensuring they are developed, agreed upon, and maintained across the market. Technology & Digital Design Leads are mandated with fostering a professional digital design network to facilitate common standards and the adoption of digital design practices. They are pivotal in driving the implementation of standardized processes, supporting projects in digital design to success, and aligning digital design processes with the global market. This includes the implementation and training of digital design across the market, thereby reinforcing Ramboll's commitment to innovation and digital transformation. The role requires an acute understanding of the market-specific challenges, and opportunities presented by Technology & Digital Design, along with a deep knowledge of the industry trends and vendor roadmaps.
• MA

  Maribeth Achterberg

  Maribeth Achterberg holds the position of Chief Information & Technology Officer at the Boldt Group, where she is a member of the executive leadership team. Her purview encompasses the entire technology spectrum across all Boldt Group entities, including The Boldt Company, Boldt Holdings, Eprix, and Calnin & Gaus. Prior to her tenure at Boldt, Maribeth has enriched her professional portfolio with roles at Molson Coors, Johnson Controls, Schneider National, Sodexo, Verity Management Solutions, and Knowledge InterSpace. She is an alumnus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, where she earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management. Maribeth's credentials are further bolstered by her certifications in Private Company Governance, Lean Practitioner, and as a Zachman certified Enterprise Architect. Her commitment to advancing technology and leadership is evident through her past participation on the state board of Women in Technology Wisconsin, as a nominating committee member of MWi., and as a member of the Society of Information Management Wisconsin, the Professional Directors Association, and the IT United Way TechforGood program as a guest CIO and on the CXC Advisory Board for Autodesk Construction Cloud. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board. As a published author and recognized public speaker, Maribeth's discourse spans a wide array of topics, including lean agile methodologies to the strategic value of data. Her insights and thought leadership continue to shape the technology landscape, reflecting her dedication to innovation and excellence in the field.
• MM

  Michael Murphy

  Michael has 26 years construction industry experience working across various sectors from Semi-Conductor to Civil Engineering for Designers, Clients, and General Contractors. He has been undertaking Digital enablement roles over the last 17 years, 10 of which have been with BAM. Michael's current area of responsibility is information management and data analytics for BAM UK & Ireland's construction and civil engineering projects.