GeoHeroes - Ed Alizadeh

GBA Podcast

GeoHeroes - Ed Alizadeh

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ed Alizadeh, a Director at UES and former CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. The conversation covers his career journey, from his upbringing with engineer parents to his leadership roles in prominent firms and the eventual sale of Geotechnology. Alizadeh discusses the challenges and rewards of his profession, including navigating family expectations, balancing work and education, and leading through periods of growth and loss. He offers insights into the future of geoprofessionals, emphasizing the importance of technological adaptation, workforce development, and highlighting the crucial societal impact of their work. Finally, he shares career advice and reflects on his key accomplishments and lessons learned.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Ed Alizadeh, P.E., is a Director at UES and was formerly the CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. Ed graduated from the University of Tulsa with a B.S. in petroleum engineering and from St. Louis University with a JD in 1996. Mr. Alizadeh is a strong believer in giving back to the community and served on the Board of Kids in the Middle and Habitat for Humanity St. Louis and currently serves on the Board of Pedal the Cause. Ed has also served the engineering profession; he served as President of GBA in 2008-09, as Chairman of ACECMo from July 2011 to June 2012 and on the Executive Committee of ACEC National from 2020-2022. Mr. Alizadeh was recognized as the Engineer of the Year in Private Practice by the St. Louis Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers in 2013.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

• Introduction [0:00-2:22]

Ed's Formative Years: [2:23-9:13]

• Growing up in St. Louis [2:23-3:21]
• Focus on education [3:22-4:42]
• "Tough love" parenting [4:43-5:36]
• Early jobs and love of sports [5:37-7:51]
• Experiencing prejudice after the Iranian Revolution [7:52-8:44]
• Choosing a career path [8:45-9:13]

From Petroleum Engineering to Geotechnology [9:14-16:34]

• First job prospects and working in the oil industry [9:14-13:45]
• Transitioning to Geotechnology and the environmental business [13:46-16:34]

Leading Geotechnology and the Decision to Sell [16:35-23:14]

• Challenges and growth at Geotechnology [16:35-18:06]
• Decision to go to law school [18:07-19:48]
• Working with his father [19:49-20:51]
• Growth trajectory and decision to sell [20:52-23:14]

The Future of Geoprofessionalism [23:15-30:00]

• Opportunities and challenges [23:15-26:21]
• The evolving workforce [26:22-27:46]
• The importance of purpose and impact [27:47-28:41]
• Anticipating changes in the profession [28:42-30:00]

Speed Round [30:01-38:00]

• Favorite books [30:01-31:55]
• [BOOK] The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson
• [BOOK] First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham
• Optimism index for the future: 4-5 [31:56-32:57]
• Biggest career impact: Helping others grow and develop [32:58-33:51]
• What he would change: Nothing, embraces learning from experiences [33:52-36:13]
• Advice for new professionals: Say yes to opportunities [36:14-37:24]
• Conclusion [37:25-38:00]

Say Yes More Often

Calls-to-action:

• Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
• Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
• Contact us at [e-mail] with any podcast-related questions or comments

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

• Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC