Shows
The Unboxing ProjectMonica Wilson"A strong work ethic, integrity and a curious mind can take you far." This is the ingrained mindset of Monica Wilson. She is an environmental scientist, biophilic, and runway model. As a digital nomad herself, she has clients all around the world that seek her out to create spaces that are environmentally conscious and invite nature indoors. She is passionate about the ways in which cities are developed, technology and improved environments and how these things can change one's life trajectory. She holds a degree in environmental science and sustainability from the University of Virginia. She was exposed to the ef...
2021-12-2344 minThe Unboxing ProjectJarrett HardyJarrett is an architect specializing in facade design. Essentially, he explores parametric and free form design and frequently finds himself pushing the edge on innovation in an effort to create beautiful, creative, work of art buildings. Violent geometry is his playground. As a person deeply rooted to the earth and nature, Jarrett is intrigued by complex patterns found in nature and frequently uses these as inspiration in his design work. He is a people connector and loves enhancing lives through design. He has his own podcast, The All Nighter where he and his co-hosts explore all things architectural and educa...
2021-12-1351 minThe Unboxing ProjectHolly ElbertHolly is a licensed mechanical engineer specializing in building design and a business partner with BBS Architects l Engineers. She balances business ownership with engineering design and several hobbies including bicycling, music, smoking meats and home remodeling projects. Co-ops, internships and electives helped her hone in on her passions and favorite path in mechanical engineering. No two days are the same which keeps things challenging and interesting. Holly loves interacting with end users and sharing her expertise so that they can do their jobs better. Listen to Holly's insight on how business ownership is an exercise in wearing many hats...
2021-12-0752 minThe Unboxing ProjectAaron GranquistAaron is a people person. At one point he was the spokesman for media for the Iowa Section of ASCE and pulled it off like a seasoned news reporter. He is engaging and driven to propel to the next level, always. While at the University of Iowa, Aaron was a division one football athlete, had a job, and earned bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Civil Engineering. He later went on to get his MBA from the University of Iowa. The grit developed during this time serves Aaron to this day. He is always striving to grow and challenge himself. He curr...
2021-08-2051 minThe Unboxing ProjectJennifer LynJennifer Lyn is a successful Indie Blues-Rock musician and structural engineer. Her band, Jennifer Lyn and Groove Revival is just getting ready to release their third album, Nothing Holding Me Down. As if writing, recording and producing a new album isn't a big enough undertaking, she is also finishing up the spring semester as the Department Chair of Geomatics, Engineering and Mathematics and Associate Professor of Engineering at Bismark State College. Oh and she also coaches soccer. Jen has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in civil-structural engineering and a master's degree in fire protection engi...
2021-05-2842 minThe Unboxing ProjectSidney MaySidney May lives in color. We met at a conference several years ago and bonded over our cute shoes. In an engineering fashion sea of grey, we both see and live in color. No polos or khakis for us. Sidney is a published author, instructor, entrepreneur, engineer and visual artist. She has bravely crafted a life that is unique and authentic to her. She is a fervent learner, constantly curious and always seeking out different and creative things in all aspects of her life. Asphalt and art are two of her main passions. Enjoy this conversation!https://www.sidn...
2021-05-1341 minThe Unboxing ProjectKelly AltesKelly is a structural engineer and one of the best relationship curators that I have ever met. She values her clients as individuals and has found a way to connect with them in a very meaningful way. She has worked at the same company since college graduation but her role has changed drastically throughout the years, largely in part to her willingness to take on new risks and challenges. Listen as Kelly talks healthy competition, building a team and connecting with clients. #theunboxingproject #stem #structuralengineer #imegcorp
2021-04-2248 minThe Unboxing ProjectAaron SvennesWhile earning his BS in Computer Science, Aaron started his career as a web developer. He currently works for the State of Minnesota on a website that receives tens of thousands of hits every month. If something happens with that site, he hears about it instantly. But even more important, are his roles as a father and husband. He firmly believes that the lasting legacy that he is instilling in his kids is far more important than any career contribution. Also, he is my brother so I hope you enjoy our humorous (to us) family dynamics.#theunboxingproject #gojack...
2021-02-0456 minThe Unboxing ProjectEva BordenEva started her career as an actuary and has evolved into the Vice President of Behavioral Health at Evernorth, a subsidiary of Cigna Healthcare. She leads a team of 1500 people towards a common goal, mostly from her home office in Iowa. She has lived in Iowa and worked remotely for the Connecticut based company for over a decade, all while climbing the corporate ladder of a large corporation. You will see that she is very passionate about math and curious about learning. Also, a side note, she summited four Colorado 14ers (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet) in one day last sum...
2021-01-2959 minThe Unboxing ProjectDr. Caroline Boehnke-BeckerCaroline is a driven achiever with two demanding and accomplished careers. She is brave and has forged a path that is uniquely true to her but looks unlike anyone else's. She has been passionate about helping people since she was a little girl and is constantly curious. She is always learning something new and is happy to share her expertise regarding faith and medicine. Pastor Caroline's perspective regarding God and faith always helps me to see things in a different way and unlocks new ideas in my own mind. Enjoy this talk about things close to the heart!#th...
2021-01-2133 minThe Unboxing ProjectHope Trory"My success is my client's my success. And my client's success is society's success." Hope has a vested interest in each of her clients and ultimately, a vested interest in society as a whole. She has been passionate about architecture since a young age and figured out a way to craft a career perfect for her. She earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University, worked in private practice while also doing social media work on the side and eventually merged the two together by providing online marketing support for architectural companies. Her unique skill set makes her a real...
2021-01-1442 minThe Unboxing ProjectKiersten HathawayKiersten is a goal oriented and driven Ironman triathlete and mechanical engineer. In 2013 she started showing signs of Lyme Disease which turned out to be her greatest life challenge. She is overcoming this challenge, persevering and considers it her mission to spread awareness. Talk about inspiring. Learn more at www.texaslymealliance.net and www.ilads.org#stem #theunboxingproject #lymediseaseawareness
2021-01-0734 minThe Unboxing ProjectDimitrius LynchDimitrius is a humble visionary. His personal mission includes creating an equitable world through design. He creatively implements his mission as Founder and Principal of an architectural firm, Lynes, and by hosting the Spaces Podcast which dives into conversations pertaining to the spaces in which we inhabit. He is also the Chief Creative Officer of Gabl Media which is a platform for a variety of content creating entities within the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. Dimitrius is flipping the script on industry norms and using his voice for change and a more informed general public when it comes to a...
2020-10-221h 13The Unboxing ProjectDr. Nadim WehbeDr. Wehbe wins the award for the most influential professor of my college career. He expertly integrates real world experience into his instruction. He is able to take very complex engineering concepts and deliver them in clear, concise, and engaging ways. He takes a vested interest in each of his students and genuinely believes in them. It was so much fun to sit down with him, almost 20 years later, and see that he hasn't changed one bit. Enjoy this conversation and get ready for some unexpectedness too! #theunboxingprojectwww.theunboxingproject.com
2020-10-1529 minThe Unboxing ProjectMarsia Geldert-MurpheyMarsia found her passion for engineering at an early age when she asked her parents to take her to a public meeting to learn more about water quality implications imposed by a local gold mine. She is a people person with many speaking engagements to her credit including testifying to Congress on behalf of small businesses. Marsia is a true advocate for the engineering industry and the youngest generation of engineers as she serves on multiple boards and committees of professional organizations and college advisory panels. I met Marsia several years ago at a conference where she was speaking...
2020-10-0834 minThe Unboxing ProjectEmily BlockEmily moved from Panora, IA to New York City at the beginning of a global pandemic to start her career as a Neonatal Physician Assistant in a NICU. She is a risk taker and an adventure seeker. It has been so fun to see her grow up from a babysitter for my kids to a healthcare professional, establishing herself in her field of expertise. She also has an artistic side and is always in the middle of a project. Enjoy this conversation! #theunboxingproject
2020-10-0125 minThe Unboxing ProjectRai TokuhisaRai is a fusion of intuition and logical implementation. Their passion for the environment, the hydrologic cycle and wanting to help people led them to the field of civil engineering. Rai is also a taekwondo instructor, volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and a karaoke jockey. Rai is one of the bravest people I know. And also a deep thinker and unique in the fact that they are able to zoom out and think of the big picture and global impact. I can't help but think that this characteristic is a major asset and deeply appreciated by Rai's clients. Enjoy...
2020-09-2440 minThe Unboxing ProjectKate ArnestKate is a licensed architect and brings a wide range of experience to her projects. She has lived in Rome, California, Colorado and now back to Iowa. She has taken pieces of aesthetic, experience and style from each of these places. Kate is also very passionate about mentoring to students and serves on the board of direction for the Professional Women in Building, Des Moines as the Scholarship Chair. When I think of Kate, I think of a very optimistic, big idea, free spirit architect that is driven to give her clients a space that fully reflects who they are...
2020-09-1717 minThe Unboxing ProjectDr. Andy McCoyAndy is a national expert in fluid mechanics and computational modeling pertaining to surface water. He also has a social media presence under the hashtag #fluidmechanicsinthewild. Andy is the co-founder of BTC200, which is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to human trafficking issues and raises funds for victim restoration. What originally started as an annual bike ride from Des Moines to Okoboji, IA has now grown into multiple events in multiple states, all with the same mission of breaking the cycle of human trafficking. Super smart and passionate about making the world a better place. That's how I woul...
2020-09-1025 minThe Unboxing ProjectDr. KN GunalanKancheepuram Gunalan (Guna) grew up in India, met the love of his life, Duru, moved to Texas to work on his PhD and stayed in the US. He is the President of an international society of 150,000 members (ASCE) but you may not guess it at first encounter. He is approachable, personable and also very humorous. Ethics, the future of the civil engineering profession and his family top his list of priorities. You will have to wait until the end of the interview to find out his go-to karaoke song.www.theunboxingproject.com
2020-09-0334 minThe Unboxing ProjectIntro to The Unboxing ProjectNow that we are four episodes in, I figured it was time to actually introduce this as a podcast! I'm so glad you are here. www.theunboxingproject.com
2020-09-0303 min