"Mistakes are not fatal, but don't keep them to yourself.”
- Mike Makris
About our Guests:
Originally from Washington, Duncan Robertson has spent the past six years honing his marketing and public relations expertise and now brings those skills to the design industry. After earning a Communication degree with a business emphasis from Boise State University, he dove straight into his career, channeling his versatile communication background to connect with diverse audiences. Duncan’s passion and creativity in marketing and PR continue to shine, fulfilling his early aspirations in this dynamic field. Go Broncos!
Mike Makris is an engineer who has spent nearly a decade at the heart of the AEC industry, driven by a desire to act as a change agent within both his organization and the field at large. He focuses on employee development, innovative fee billing structures, and forward-thinking marketing strategies that keep the industry ahead of the curve. Revered for his efforts to foster productive conversations and elevate professional standards, Mike takes pride in contributing to these ever-evolving discussions.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn teams up with Luke Carothers to spotlight two of the AEC industry’s brightest emerging professionals: Mike Makris and Duncan Robertson, both recognized with the Rising Stars Award from Zweig Group. From engineering and land development to marketing and business growth, Mike and Duncan share real-life perspectives on innovation, leadership, and the career impact of earning such a notable distinction. If you’re looking to strengthen your firm’s approach to talent development—or seeking first-hand insight into accelerating your own career—this discussion provides practical strategies and lessons learned from two award-winning paths. Join us to discover how these rising talents are shaping the future of the AEC industry and what it means for your own professional journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Mentorship is Essential: Establish genuine mentorship relationships within firms to support and guide young professionals.
- Embrace Diverse Roles: Successful AEC firms recognize the value of both technical and non-technical roles in achieving growth.
- Navigate Imposter Syndrome: Open communication and strong leadership support help new entrants overcome self-doubt.
- Innovate Beyond Conventional Paths: Encourage flexibility and exploration in career choices within the AEC industry to fulfill personal and organizational goals.
All this and more in this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
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