GBA Podcast

Geoprofessional Business Association

Welcome to the GBA Podcast, where we present information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe to provide you with wisdom and insight to help in your pursuit of knowledge.   GBA was founded over 50 years ago to serve geotechnical, environmental, and other geoprofessionals by giving them proven tools to achieve business success by confronting risk and optimizing performance.

  1. Jul 14

    #13 - Case History - Litigation For Collections...A Lose-Lose Scenario

    GBA Case History Series – Case History #13 - Litigation For Collections...A Lose-Lose Scenario Summary The Member Firm provided two oral proposals for geotech studies to the architect for a 10-story building – one assuming spread footings beneath the one-story basement while the other proposed deeper borings for possible deep foundations. The owner authorized the former and the firm provided appropriate recommendations plus mentioned an alternative for deep, drilled-and-underreamed piers to potentially save money although excavation and construction problems might develop. Construction of deep drilled piers began and caving problems developed requiring multiple but smaller piers for which the owner suggested the Member Firm help with the additional costs. The Member firm pushed back and the owner dropped the issue. Months later, the same owner began a second project and after submitting the geotech report, the owner went silent. The Member Firm filed a claim against the owner to collect their fee and the owner, in response, filed a claim against the Member Firm for negligence on the first project. The Member Firm and owner settled with the owner accepting “defense costs” and paying the Member Firm their fee. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Do Not Submit Oral Proposals Do It Right or Don’t Do It at All Insist on Effective Communications How Dare They! Does Not Apply Professional Firms Should Respond Professionally Don’t Rely on Others to Protect You Use the “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations” Label When Appropriate Do Not Sue a Client to Collect Money Owed Calls-to-action: Download Case History #13 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. 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 info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

    #13 - Case History - Litigation For Collections...A Lose-Lose Scenario

  2. Jul 1

    First Word - July 2026

    Summary On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful! This Episode As part of GBA's commitment to innovation, the July edition of The 1st Wordis delivered using AI-powered avatar technology—one example of how we're exploring new ways to share valuable information with members in a format that is informative, engaging, and easy to consume. Links to resources referenced: GBA Embark Class Graduation Career Continuum Information Women’s Group Learn More ChatGBA Podcast Podcast Reaches 30,00 Downloads GBA Fall Leadership Summit

    First Word - July 2026

  3. Jun 30

    #10 - Case History - Case History #10 - It Can Be A Costly Dam, Shame If Clients Won't Take Your Advice

    GBA Case History Series – Case History #10 - It Can Be A Costly Dam, Shame If Clients Won't Take Your Advice Summary The local governmental agency asked the GBA Member Firm to assist during final design and construction of a recreational lake system but then restricted the Member Firm’s scope to only geotechnical engineering. A variety of problems plagued the project and the recommendations of the Member Firm were routinely rejected. Ultimately the governmental agency filed suit against the designers and constructors culminating in a 5½-year legal ordeal with the Member Firm settling for just short of $1MM. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Trust Your Gut Instincts Be Wary When Geoprofessional Services are Assigned to or Assumed by Others Protect Yourself; Don’t Rely on Others Calls-to-action: Download Case History #10 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. 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 info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

    #10 - Case History - Case History #10 - It Can Be A Costly Dam, Shame If Clients Won't Take Your Advice

  4. Jun 16

    #2 - Case History - Client's Who Don't Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else's Client

    GBA Case History Series – Case History #2 - Client's Who Don't Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else's Client Summary The GBA Member Firm performed a geotechnical study for a repeat client, a custom-home builder, to identify potential groundwater problems for construction of a two-story home near the flank of a ridge. It was a hand-shake deal. Despite recommendations for drainage provisions and construction monitoring, the client went silent. Two months after completion, the basement began experiencing cracking, buckling, and water seepage. While admitting he ignored important recommendations, the client representative wanted the Member Firm to contribute money to help pay for repairs. In exchange for a full release, the Member Firm contributed a token amount for the repairs and quickly walked away. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Residential Projects Pose High Risk • Foolish Clients Create Risks • Lack of a Written Agreement Creates Risk • Use the Term “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations” • Settle and move on • Be Wary of Groundwater Issues Calls-to-action: Download Case History #2 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. 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 info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

    #2 - Case History - Client's Who Don't Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else's Client

  5. Jun 2

    Geoprofessional Women's Group

    Geoprofessional Women's Group Summary: The GBA Geoprofessional Women's Group (GWG) podcast features a panel of women with 5–30+ years of experience discussing the group's founding, purpose, and vision. GWG aims to address ongoing isolation, retention, and leadership gaps for women in the geoprofessional industry. Panelists discuss mentorship, career pivots, work-life balance, imposter syndrome, and the power of cross-firm networking. The group, already 40 members strong, aspires to become a recognized resource for women's leadership in the AEC industry. Takeaways: Women still frequently face isolation, even as industry gender gaps narrow Dedicated peer networks improve retention more than internal firm resources alone Mentorship across career stages benefits mentors and mentees equally Career pivots are normal and do not represent failure or wasted experience Parenthood builds transferable leadership skills, not career liabilities Imposter syndrome often signals growth, not inadequacy Women tend to understate accomplishments; visibility requires intentional practice In-person connection builds trust virtual meetings cannot easily replicate GBA's cross-firm openness uniquely enables honest, competitive-barrier-free dialogue Early initiatives include a retention playbook, mentorship matching, and school outreach Steering Committee The GWG is guided by a steering committee of engaged women leaders across GBA member firms, including: Liz Brown, PE (JLT Consultants) Shana Carroll, PE, LEED BD+C (D.W. Kozera) Catherine Ellis, MBA, PE, GE (Shannon & Wilson) Cassandra Langley (GBA) Keri Nutter, CPG (DOWL) Laura Register, PE, F.GBA (Terracon) Carrie Rodriguez, PE, GE (BSK Associates) Calls-to-action: Learn More About the GWG 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 info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tim Rodriguez – COO/BSK Associates Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

    Geoprofessional Women's Group

  6. Jun 1

    First Word - June 2026

    Summary On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful! Links to resources referenced: GBA Safety Committee GBA Podcast GBA Podcast Episode: Communication Basics—Intentional and Inclusive Communication GBA Podcast Episode: Case History #4, Compromise Must be a Part of Your Business Strategy GBA Podcast Episode: Case History #3, If Your Client Won't Listen...Get Out Your Checkbook 2026 GBA Fall Leadership Summit 2027 GBA Annual Conference Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program Class (Embark and Ascend) Information and Applications

    First Word - June 2026

  7. May 5

    Communication Basics: Intentional and Inclusive Communication

    Communication Basics: Intentional and Inclusive Communication Summary The GBA Inclusion Advancement Committee explores why communication is more than a soft skill—it’s a core competency in the geoprofessional industry. Moderator Rob Howard and panelists Dee Watson, Kent Bannister, and Margaret Panatera discuss how intentional and inclusive communication can reduce friction, strengthen collaboration between disciplines, and support healthier project teams. Through real‑world examples from geotechnical, environmental, and engineering practice, the panel highlights practical techniques for better listening, navigating tone, and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Our Moderator: Rob Howard, PE - Vice President/Geo-Technology Associates, Inc. (GTA) Our Panel: Dee Watson, B.A.Sc., SHRM-CP – Human Resources Administrator/Geotechnincal Consultants Inc. Kent Bannister – President, CEO/Trek Engineering Margaret Panatera - Principal/GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Lessons Learned: Communication is a mutual responsibility — speaker and listener both own it Always assume positive intent going into conversations Tone shapes the message as much as words do Aim for awareness and growth, not perfection Experience gaps create hidden breakdowns — don't assume shared context Stay curious with questions; defensiveness closes conversations Pause before reacting — in person or in writing Inclusive culture must be modeled by leaders first Calls-to-action: The Power of Words: Inclusive Language in the Geoprofessions 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 info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Brad Nielsen, PE – Project Manager/Kleinfelder Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

    Communication Basics: Intentional and Inclusive Communication

  8. Apr 28

    #4 - Case History - Compromise Must be a Part of Your Business Strategy

    GBA Case History Series – Case History #4 - Compromise Must be a Part of Your Business Strategy Summary The Member Firm performed a geotechnical engineering study for a major structure and recommended drilled shafts that would require permanent casing. The drilled-shaft constructor offered an innovative “value-engineered” approach to remove the casing and save money. Unfortunately, construction problems developed and resolution required extensive investigation, testing, redesign, and big dollars. Surprisingly, by sharing responsibility and costs, litigation was avoided. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Looks can be deceiving High risk procedures often go awry Compromise can often just be the smartest solution Calls-to-action: Download Case History #4 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. 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 info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

    #4 - Case History - Compromise Must be a Part of Your Business Strategy
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About

Welcome to the GBA Podcast, where we present information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe to provide you with wisdom and insight to help in your pursuit of knowledge.   GBA was founded over 50 years ago to serve geotechnical, environmental, and other geoprofessionals by giving them proven tools to achieve business success by confronting risk and optimizing performance.

Information

  • Creator
    Geoprofessional Business Association
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Geoprofessional Business Association
  • Show Website
    GBA Podcast