Redefining the role of Future Leaders through Ctrl+Alt+Delete

The Covid-19 pandemic has set in motion an unprecedented rate of change globally. The consultancy and engineering industry, however essential, has not been immune to the challenges experienced as a result of the global economic recession and the shut-down and subsequent “reopening” of the world for business as a result of Covid-19.

Over the past few months, whilst many firms looked to technology and creativity to maintain business and mitigate job losses, the dire need for the redefinition of the role of future leaders in the infrastructure development value chain has become increasingly important and vital, particularly in developing countries.

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed several vulnerabilities in firms of different sizes, the issues were showing albeit in the background for some time. Some of these challenges included:

• An acknowledgement of the critical role of engineers to the infrastructural aspirations of countries and the multiplier effect of infrastructure development on a country’s economy.

• The need to improve the wider procurement of professional services, including the improvement of skills across the supply chain.

• The commoditization of quality and professional engineering services on a cost basis and the heavy reliance on the tendering system for work.

• The use of improper project structures and financial mechanisms and project implementers resulting in unmatched priorities of various stakeholders particularly in basic infrastructure projects in developing countries.

• The lack of emphasis on securing engineering skills in a way that creates a stable pipeline through which skills are retained which is at the expense of the development of future graduates and future leaders.

Whilst these challenges have strained the industry, Future Leaders and their involvement in projects and firms offers a fresh perspective and new opportunities. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, envision a sustainable world through a green rebuild with the opportunity to “ctrl+alt+delete”.

This brings with it the opportunity to control the impacts of our actions, to alter our thoughts and behaviour and to delete the things that did not work in the past. Applying the green economy recovery to the challenges experienced in consulting engineering pre-pandemic, potential solutions post-pandemic includes:

• Active promoting and engaging with decision-makers to ensure the development and use of quality professional engineering professionals who act responsibly with sustainable development as the cornerstone of the profession;

• Helping clients and governments to develop their procurement frameworks so that professional engineering services can elevate and deliver better value through the delivery and value chain.

• The consultancy and engineering sector should expand its understanding and thinking on the type and impact we have with various stakeholders including initiators, funders, innovators and annuity partners in long-term infrastructure projects. In particular taking a more active role in operation and maintenance, to deliver whole-life cycle project delivery.

• Be mindful of project structuring as this is as important as the outcome and physical infrastructure created. This includes capacity building of the local engineering professionals and contractors, the use of indigenous and local materials to stimulate the micro-economy whilst utilizing appropriate solutions and technology for the beneficiary communities.

• Recognizing the value that Future Leaders bring to a firm and the industry at large. A 2019 UNICEF article xv likens employing young talent to a fresh coat of paint for the workplace. Whilst baby boomers and Generation X’s have a valuable role in consulting engineering organizations, the rapidly evolving global landscape and disruption desperately needed, the skills and mindsets of Millennials and Generation Z to navigate the uncertainty with unique vision, agility of thought and action to take the industry into the new normal.

Adapting and improving a business “unusual” approach hinges on capitalizing on the factors that we can influence within our organizations. Future leaders bring new energy and perspective, flexibility in adapting to and creating new culture and strategy, offer a balanced leverage of resources with varied qualifications and experience, opportunities to drive business forward with technology advancement and early adoption, adaptability, agility and high levels of social awareness and corporate citizenship whilst prioritizing diversity and inclusion. Albert Einstein said: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them” xvi . To solve the problems, rather engage those who already think differently.

Jeshika Ramchund, South Africa

Jeshika Ramchund has 12 years of experience in the planning, design and implementation of water, wastewater and integrated developments projects. She has extensive experience in working with infrastructure development in informal settlements in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. She has been involved in the planning and concept designs of several large private developments in KZN. She is currently involved in growing Bosch Projects’ involvement in the smart, sustainable and integrated developments space.

Jeshika serves as an Executive Committee Member of FIDIC Africa, a member of the FIDIC Future Leaders Steering Committee, Chairperson of Consulting Engineers South Africa’s (CESA) Gender Diversity Committee, a member of FIDIC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, immediate past Chairperson of FIDIC Africa Future Leaders, past Chairperson of CESA’s YPF, a CESA Council and Board Member.

Jeshika was recently appointed to the University of Kwazulu-Natal’s Industry Advisory Board for the School of Civil Engineering. Jeshika serves as Bosch Holdings Group Co-ordinator for the Bosch Interact Young Professional Development programme, an in-house initiative for empowering Bosch’s young professionals.

She represented FIDIC at COP25 in Madrid, Spain on adaptation of infrastructure to climate change.