Develop Strong AEC Leadership Skills for Impactful Projects – Ep 362

November 24, 2025

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Get your project managers certified

In this episode, I talk with Daven Oswalt, Water Business Group Director at GFT, about essential AEC leadership skills. He shares invaluable insights from his three decades of experience leading complex water and infrastructure programs globally. Discover how to build high-performing teams, effectively communicate project value, and navigate constant change in the AEC industry to achieve significant impact. This conversation offers actionable strategies for technical professionals aspiring to leadership.

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About AEC leadership Skills:

Articulating the value of clean water investment involves engaging regulators, policymakers, private investors, and the community effectively. You must emphasize that clean water is crucial for public health and economic productivity.
Complex infrastructure programs demand strong program management to achieve efficiency, value, and results through collaborative delivery. You will find that seamless collaboration between consultants and clients is essential for successful program execution.
Effective program leaders possess strong communication, collaboration, and outreach skills to unite diverse teams and stakeholders toward common goals. Strategic planning and early wins are vital for successful program delivery and team cohesion.
Cultivate high-performing technical teams by prioritizing mentorship, mission alignment, and clear career paths for all team members. Invest in your team by setting clear expectations and providing consistent accountability.
In an industry facing constant change, leaders must overcommunicate and address challenges transparently with their teams. You should build strong relationships and empathetic connections to navigate uncertainties and maintain a positive team culture.
Leaders can significantly grow by observing and learning from successful professionals, treating project pursuits like strategic campaigns to win and deliver for clients. You must continuously engage with clients and teams even after project wins, embodying a long-term commitment to success.

About the Guest

Daven Oswalt

Daven Oswalt is a seasoned infrastructure and water-resources leader with more than three decades of experience guiding complex programs across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. He serves as Executive Vice President and Executive Director of GFT’s Water, Energy & Environment business group, leading about 850 professionals in delivering resilient, technically advanced water solutions. Prior to joining GFT, Daven held executive roles at AECOM, Parsons, and MWH (now Stantec), where he drove growth initiatives in the water, environmental, and federal sectors — including high-visibility programs such as San Francisco’s Sewer System Improvement and HRSD’s SWIFT project.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado Mesa University and completed the Senior Managers in Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School. Daven is active in professional societies, including the American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, NACWA, and ACWA.