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GBA’s Winter Reading List for Geoprofessionals

At the 2024 Annual Conference, GBA hosted the always popular Business Round Tables. One of the most popular discussions was at the “Books We Love” table. It was so popular, we decided to launch a GBA Book Club and introduce the club’s mascot, Pebbles Diggs Knowledge (Pebbles D. Knowledge or Pebbles for short!).

Whether reading for pleasure, for personal improvement, with a group, or on your own –

it’s clear that reading is a favorite pastime of GBA members.

Here is GBA’s official 2024-25 Winter Reading List to provide practical advice, inspiration, entertainment, or a fresh perspective. (We’re including Amazon links to purchase the books but don’t forget to check your local library for borrowing options!)

Super Deciders: The Science and Practice of Making Decisions in Dynamic and Uncertain Times
Studies suggest that company executives spend 40% of their time making decisions. In this book, researchers and business advisors deliver an application of the latest advances in neuroscience to effectively making the most difficult decisions.

 

 

 

The Fine Art of Small Talk
With practical advice and conversation cheat sheets, this book will help you learn to feel more comfortable in any type of social situation, from lunch with the boss to an association event to a cocktail party where you don’t know a soul.

 

 

 

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know
This book delves into the science of rethinking and persuading others to rethink. It examines the biases and assumptions that influence our decisions and offers strategies for fostering a mindset of lifelong curiosity. It also happens to be the book that the newly launched GBA Book Club is reading and preparing to discuss at their first meeting on January 23, 2025 (sign up to attend!).

 

 

The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever
From the Bestselling author of “The Coaching Habit,” The Advice Trap goes deeper into the behavior change needed to turn curiosity into your superpower. Tame the behaviors that get in the way of staying curious longer, and open the doors for “Future You” and your next level of leadership.

 

 

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
This New York Times bestseller brings readers deep into a world of treachery and betrayal, where the lines bleed between the personal and the professional, and one man’s hatred of communism had the power to change the future of nations.

 

 

 

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
The modern world has given us stupendous know-how. Yet avoidable failures continue to plague us. This book makes a compelling argument that we can do better, using the simplest of methods: the checklist.

 

 

 

 

The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World’s Fastest-Growing Sport
This book tells the riveting saga of how Formula 1 broke through in America, detailing the eclectic culture of racing obsessives, glamorous settings, gearheads, engineering geniuses, dashing racers, and bitter rivalries that have made F1 the world’s fastest growing sport.

 

 

Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization
Within each corporation are anywhere from a few to hundreds of separate tribes. In this book, authors demonstrate how these tribes develop—and show you how to assess them and lead them to maximize productivity and growth.

 

 

The Forensic Geology Series
Investigators use their geological skills to track evidence found at scenes of crime and environmental crisis in this fictional series. They go from the lab to the field and into outdoor adventure. Along the way, they cover some very rough ground.

 

 

 

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
This author’s highly personal inquiry into the catastrophe provides a great deal of insight into what went wrong. The author takes great pains to provide a balanced picture of the people and events he witnessed and gives due credit to the tireless and dedicated Sherpas.

Unleash the Potential of Your Future Leaders

GBA is excited to launch the Career Continuum Program starting with the inaugural Early Professional Class in January 2025. This first Early Professional Class will include approximately 25 representatives of GBA member firms that have less than four years of geoprofessional experience but have high potential as consultants and business leaders within your firms. Applications are now being accepted through January 10, 2025 (or until the Class is full).

If you are looking to accelerate the growth and unleash the potential of your future leaders and your firm, GBA can help by:

• Building your Early Professional’s business acumen by providing introductions to key consulting fundamentals with a time- and cost-efficient approach.
• Optimizing your future leader’s business performance through interaction and training with other top-notch professionals.
• Exposing your Early Professionals to the wide array of GBA benefits and resources.
• Increasing your future leader’s awareness of risk management.

The topics covered in the Early Professional Class include communication, documentation, ethics, standard of care, contracts, dispute resolution, and staying current.

Who should attend?

• College graduates or staff in early career (0-4 years of consulting experience) looking for and introduction to professional practice.
• Pre-project management stage staff.
• Field staff that may be rising to a professional staff career pathway.

Class Overview

• 10 live virtual sessions moderated by an experienced GBA speaker and facilitated by an expert adult education instructor.
• Classes held biweekly January 30-June 5, 2025.
• Classes are 60-75 minutes in length or less.
• Applications accepted December 15, 2024 through January 10, 2025 or until the Class is full.
• Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.
• Fee of $250 (includes all 10 sessions) will be required upon registration.

About the GBA Career Continuum

The Early Professional Class is the first deliverable of GBA’s Career Continuum Program. The program leverages existing GBA programs and resources to supply member firms with a consistent, career-long stream of efficient, easy-to-access training and development.

Meet Your GeoHeroes: New Podcast Episode Featuring Charlie Head

Top Gifts for Geoprofessionals

A geoprofessional’s day on the job is often dynamic, with investigations, report writing, demanding projects, and critical deadlines. They tackle tasks that require a mix of art and science. Constraint and creativity. If you’re still looking for a gift for your team members, friend or family in the industry, or you’re making your own wish list, we hope these items help you find what you need!

For the Problem Solver
Mechanical Puzzles
Give geoprofessionals a complex problem to solve and watch them go to work! These puzzles present the player with a problem that can be solved by manipulating the pieces and using logic, insight, dexterity, or reasoning.

20-in-1 Multitool
This budget-friendly, versatile stainless steel multi-tool includes 20 essential tools to handle almost any task at the jobsite or at home. Always be prepared!

The Conundrum Box
Part Escape room, part choose-your-own adventure, players will wind their way through fun and exciting narratives by solving puzzles and ciphers. There are other at-home escape room games available but with this Cratejoy product, you can sign your geoprofessional up for a subscription and have a unique adventure with 1.5 to 3 hours of gameplay sent each month.

For the Explorer
Virtual Travel
With a VR headset, geoprofessionals can immerse themselves in new locations all around the world! Explore natural wonders, ancient civilizations, and awe-inspiring landmarks. Many of the virtual experiences listed are available on the Meta Quest 3 VR headset. You could say these games are a blend of professional research and personal relaxation!

For the Reader
Creating the Intangible Enterprise: The Critical Skills to Thrive in an AI-Driven World
Book by 2025 GBA Annual Conference Keynote Speaker KP Reddy

Creating the Intangible Enterprise explains how AI will fundamentally change the landscape and, most importantly, shows leaders how to leverage the uniquely human skills-like emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication-that will become even more valuable in a world where the transactional aspects of work are handled by technology.

Sign up to see more from KP at the GBA Annual Conference

Think Again
Book by Adam Grant

This book delves into the science of rethinking and persuading others to rethink. It examines the biases and assumptions that influence our decisions and offers strategies for fostering a mindset of lifelong curiosity. It also happens to be the book that the newly launched GBA Book Club is reading and preparing to discuss at their first meeting on January 23, 2025.

Sign up for the first meeting of the GBA Book Club

For the Field
Portable Personal Body Fan
Give your geoprofessional their own personal breeze for those hot days in the field with this portable waist fan!

All-Weather Field Notebook
Available in beige or green, this notebook is built to survive water, sweat, grease, and mud. As an earth-friendly bonus and unlike synthetic waterproof paper, this wood-based notebook is completely recyclable after the notes are digitized. Pair it with this pen for a complete all-weather package. Rain or shine, your data stays secure.

Laser Distance Measure
This user-friendly laser measure is perfect for quick, accurate measurements on the go.

For the Health-Minded
A Full-Body Workout on the Road
It’s difficult to maintain any type of fitness routine on the road. But with this all-in-one TRX Suspension Trainer, you’re ready to work out anywhere.

Smart Water Bottle
That’s right – even water bottles are smart now! The integrated sensor on this bottle tracks every sip you take and will glow when you need to hydrate. The bottle’s Hydration Equation calculates your daily water goal using your own personal factors, like age, height, weight, sex, elevation, exercise and more. Great for geoprofessionals – great for everyone!

For the Learner
Thousands of Free Online Courses
Check out this list of websites that offer thousands of free online courses.

For the Office
Geode Magnetic Fidget Set
From the makers of the world’s most satisfying desk toys, each geode set contains 12 pentagons or triangles that align and snap into the perfect sphere.

For the Connected
Rocketbook Smart Notebook
Streamline note taking and boost productivity by magically transforming your writing to digital text. Rocketbook is a reusable notebook that will connect with your favorite cloud services to level up your organizational skills.

Noise-Canceling Earbuds
With these noise-canceling earbuds, geoprofessionals can drown out the world and focus on what really matters—designing the future.

Need more ideas? See last year’s list for more than 40 additional items to choose from!

New GBA Business Brief: Beyond gINT

One of the ways GBA helps member firms confront risk and optimize performance  is by serving as a resource for navigating a rapidly evolving landscape of technology in the geoprofessional industry. Arguably, no technology is more widely used than geospatial logging software to prepare test hole or test pit logs.

With news that widely used geotechnical software gINT from Bentley will provide no further support or updates starting January 2026, numerous companies are racing to service the market. The capabilities of the applications they offer vary widely and are rapidly evolving.

A timely new Business Brief from the GBA Business Technology Committee contains information from several vendors and products to help members identify which options best suit their needs. Information included is each vendor’s history, vision for their software, and key features and functions. The information is presented in a simplified manner and will be revised and re-issued as software options evolve.

This new downloadable resource from GBA is intended to serve as a starting point and is for information only. It’s up to firms to verify features and determine which products to further investigate and implement.

Business Briefs are exclusively available at NO COST to GBA members.

 

 

Expert Insight on Professional Goal Setting

Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices podcast series from GBA highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them.

The second episode of the series, “Professional Goal Setting,” is now available on the GBA Podcast website or anywhere podcasts are heard. In this episode, host and Environmental Project Manager Craig Hill (GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee, Kleinfelder) and guest, Senior Project Manager Marcus Dudley (Kleinfelder), discuss effective goal-setting strategies for managers and employees.

The discussion covers various goal-setting frameworks, highlighting the need for measurable, time-bound goals with regular check-ins and manager facilitation, but ultimately emphasizing employee self-motivation and ownership.

A few of the lessons listeners will learn from this episode include:

• Distinguishing between career goals and performance goals
• Clarifying accountability for goal achievement
• Navigating inappropriate goal submissions
• Nurturing goal adherence in new staff members

This episode was produced by Craig Hill and Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee, PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC).

In addition to Management Best Practices, the GBA Podcast offers the following series:

• GeoHeroes
• Leadership Lounge
• Audio Education for Field Representatives
• Case Histories
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

You Are a GeoHero! GBA Launches New Podcast Series

 

With more than 14,000 downloads, the GBA Podcast is becoming a leading industry tool in helping geoprofessionals become better consultants. The best news? It’s completely free!

In a new series called “GeoHeroes,” GBA President Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, will interview past, present, and future industry leaders 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.

In the first episode of the series, Marcozzi speaks with Mark Kramer, P.E., F.GBA, CEO and Chairman of the Board of SME, and winner of GBA’s 2024 President’s Award.

Kramer discusses the challenges and rewards of the geotechnical engineering profession, offering advice to aspiring professionals on building confidence and communication skills. He also shares his perspectives on technological advancements, particularly AI, and its potential impact on the field in the coming decades.

This episode was produced by Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC), a member of GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee.

In addition to the GeoHeroes, the GBA Podcast offers the following series:

• Leadership Lounge
• Management Best Practices
• Audio Education for Field Representatives
• Case Histories
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Announcing the GBA Book Club!

Cassandra Langley Promoted to Communications Director

GBA Welcomes Rachel Neth as Database Administrator

GBA is pleased to announce the addition of Rachel Neth to the staff in the role of Database Administrator. In this new GBA role, Neth will oversee the day-to-day administration of the organization’s new member database (access your member profile and benefits here!) to ensure accuracy and security. She’ll generate reports to provide insights into membership trends, event attendance, and other key performance indicators for the Association.

Rachel brings to the GBA team a strong background in non-profit and database/document administration, process management, workflow optimization, and training. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Western New England University and has studied Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University.

“In my spare time, I enjoy doing one of my numerous hobbies, including crocheting and journaling, spending time with friends and family, learning new things, traveling, and going to musicals,” Rachel said.

Neth will work from her home office in New Hampshire.

WELCOME RACHEL

 

Your Voice Matters: 2025 State of the Workplace Industry Survey

Powerful insights for strategic planning are at your fingertips with the 2025 State of the Workplace Industry survey, presented by GBA in partnership with The Employee Engagement Group (EEG).

This annual survey is designed to glean meaningful data and important trends in the current workplace landscape, focusing on issues that affect recruiting, retention, compensation, benefits, and employee engagement. Your participation will contribute valuable market intelligence that can guide your firm’s strategic decisions for 2025 and beyond.

Your Input Matters
This survey allows GBA members to weigh in on a range of timely issues that are driving workplace culture and transformation. The results will be a vital tool to benchmark your firm’s practices against industry standards. Survey topics include:
• Workforce Engagement: Learn how your organization’s employee engagement compares with the industry.
• Recruiting and Retention: Discover the top sources of candidates and the factors that influence potential hires.
• Compensation and Benefits Trends: Find out where your pay and benefits packages stand relative to others, with insights into 401(k) matching, health benefits, and time-off policies.
• Workplace Flexibility: Assess the growing importance of remote work and flexible schedules to both your employees and candidates.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Understand how DEI priorities are evolving and what candidates expect from your organization.

This is a unique opportunity to see how your firm compares with others in the industry. All responses are confidential, and everyone who participates will receive a summary report that provides comprehensive data on these critical topics.

Gain access to comprehensive data to help you make informed decisions about the future of your firm – complete the survey by Friday, December 6, 2024.

Save the Date: Survey Insights Webinar on December 12
Join us on Thursday, December 12 at noon Eastern Time for a complimentary webinar where GBA Executive Director Joel Carson and EEG President Bob Kelleher will present the survey results, with expert insights and actionable guidance for navigating the changing landscape of geoprofessional workplaces.

Inspiring Leaders to Bring Out the Best in Their Teams

Welcome to GBA’s Leadership Lounge – a podcast series that will teach you how to elevate your team – but only if you tune in!

 In the latest episode of this GBA Podcast series, we catch up with executive coach Val Ries, author of “Chief Inspiration Officer.” Ries emphasizes the importance of communication, acknowledging and validating, and understanding different communication styles through DISC assessments.

Val is the founder of Executive Muse, which offers leadership development coaching and training programs. She is also a past guest on GBA’s 4thFriday40 Leadership Series and led a session on “Emotional Intelligence 101: How Our Reactions Impact Engagement” at GBA’s 2015 Fall Conference.

Listen in as Ries highlights the significance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership and offers practical advice for becoming a more effective leader, including the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and understanding one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.

LISTEN NOW.

 

In the GBA Podcast Leadership Lounge, hosts Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP (SME) and Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC) pick the brains of business coaches who share tools, insights, and practical tips to elevate geoprofessional teams. Success in business is a team sport, and our guest coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

Other podcast series include Management Best Practices, Case Histories, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

 

 

15 Geotechnical Engineering Applications of Large Language Models

In the ever-evolving landscape of the geoprofessional industry, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to drive innovation, efficiency, and curiosity. GBA’s Business Technology Committee produced a six-part series to educate GBA members on the implications of AI on the geoprofessions. The articles, written by Enrique Farfan, Ph.D., P.E. ENV SP (HDR), explore how this technology works and its potential uses.

The sixth and final article in the series provides a list of large language model (LLM) applications for geotechnical engineers.

This comprehensive exploration of how LLMs can assist in geotechnical engineering presents a wealth of applications across various stages, including:

• Code compliance and standards
• Risk analysis and hazard assessment
• Enhanced collaboration and communication.

The article provides specific examples of prompts and responses, utilizing an LLM to read from drawings, generate a markdown-based mind map, outline a technical report, and provide step-by-step instructions on complex calculations in Excel, such as estimating clay layer consolidation based on Terzaghi’s theory.

Though AI offers immense possibilities, it’s vital to approach this technology cautiously, without closing the doors to its potential uses. Depending solely on AI without human intervention may result in oversights. A balanced blend of human know-how and AI-guided perspectives is key to achieving optimal outcomes using this new technology. The future of AI in the geotechnical engineering field is promising.

READ “APPLICATIONS OF LLM IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING: USE IT OR LOSE.”

See the previous articles in the series:
AI Unveiled: The Wizardry Behind Chatbots and Intelligent Systems
How Large Language Models Work: In a Nutshell
The Ghost in the Machine: Hallucinations
Superprompts: How to Talk with the Genie and Keep it in the Bottle
Role-Play Your Way: How to Talk with Terzaghi

Call for Submissions! 2025 GBA Project Excellence Award

Building the Teams That Build Your Projects

Have you ever wondered how a skilled business coach can help you or your firm? If so, you’re in the right place. Welcome to GBA’s Leadership Lounge – a podcast series that will teach you how to elevate your team – but only if you tune in!

In the latest episode, GBA Podcast hosts catch up with Sydne Jacques, P.E., CSP, a business coach who specializes in leadership and team development, particularly within the engineering and construction industries. Jacques discusses her career journey, her coaching philosophy, and several frameworks she uses to improve team communication, address conflict, and foster a positive work environment.

Sydne, the CEO of Next Level Leadership, is a professional engineer turned professional speaker and consultant who is often referred to as “the engineer with a personality.”

Listeners will learn about the power of frameworks and the Upper Arrow model; Sydne’s foundational philosophy of human connection; how to address conflicting perspectives; and the HIPP Model: A Framework for Feedback.

LISTEN NOW.

The GBA Podcast is available to everyone, while GBA members get the special benefit of hearing even more from Sydne by reliving her presentation at GBA’s 2023 Fall Conference: WATCH NOW.

In the GBA Podcast Leadership Lounge, hosts Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP (SME) and Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC) pick the brains of business coaches who share tools, insights, and practical tips to elevate geoprofessional teams. Success in business is a team sport, and our guest coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

The GBA Podcast was the brainchild of GBA’s Emerging Leaders Class 4 in 2020 and contains information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe. Podcast series include Management Best Practices, Case Histories, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Leadership Lounge.