Episode Title: Engineering Alchemy: Designing Transport People Actually Want to Use
Guests: Ashley Merrett — Director | Transport Sector Lead, NDY
Engineering Leadership, Innovation & Designing for Impact with Ashley Merrett
What does it take to lead engineering teams that shape the future of the built environment?
In this episode of BE Inspired, Seton Walsh-Rose sits down with Ashley Merrett from NDY to explore leadership in engineering, the evolving role of technical professionals, and how innovation, collaboration, and purpose are reshaping the industry.
Ashley shares his journey into engineering, the importance of curiosity and continuous learning, and how strong leadership enables teams to deliver smarter, more sustainable outcomes.
This conversation is a practical and honest look at what it means to grow your career while helping shape better buildings, better teams, and a better industry.
Key Dive-Ins
• Ashley’s career journey and leadership pathway at NDY
• The evolving role of engineers in the built environment
• Why curiosity and adaptability matter more than ever
• Leading technical teams through complexity and change
• The importance of collaboration between engineers, architects, and clients
• Innovation, digital tools, and the future of engineering practice
• Developing the next generation of engineering leaders
• How purpose and impact drive long-term career satisfaction
Connect and Follow Ashley Merrett:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-merrett/
Website: https://ndy.com/
Takeaways:
- Leadership is becoming as critical as technical capability
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for project success
- Curiosity, learning, and adaptability drive long-term career growth
- Mentorship and culture shape high-performing teams
- Engineers play a growing role in delivering sustainable, future-ready environments
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to BE Inspired
01:10 Ashley’s journey into engineering
04:20 Early career lessons and leadership influences
08:00 The changing role of engineers in the built environment
12:30 Collaboration across disciplines and project teams
17:45 Leading people in technical environments
23:10 Innovation, digital tools, and industry change
28:40 Skills future engineers need to develop
33:15 Mentorship, culture, and developing talent
37:20 Purpose, impact, and career fulfilment
41:00 Final advice for emerging professionals
Sound Bites / Quotes:
“Technical excellence is important, but leadership is what amplifies your impact.”
“The best engineers stay curious — the industry is changing too quickly not to.”
“Collaboration is where the best project outcomes come from.”
“Your career grows when you step beyond your technical comfort zone.”
“Great teams are built through trust, mentorship, and shared purpose.”
“The future of engineering belongs to people who can adapt, communicate, and lead.”
“Innovation isn’t just technology — it’s how we think and work together.”
Referenced in This Episode:
- NDY (Norman Disney & Young)
Global engineering consultancy delivering sustainable and innovative building services solutions
https://ndy.com - Engineers Australia
The professional body for engineers, supporting standards, accreditation, and professional development https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au - CIBSE – Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
International professional body for building services engineering excellence
https://www.cibse.org - Green Star (Green Building Council of Australia)
Australia’s sustainability rating system for buildings and communities
https://new.gbca.org.au/green-star/ - NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System)
Performance-based sustainability rating for energy, water, waste, and indoor environment quality
https://www.nabers.gov.au - Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Digital collaboration framework enabling integrated design and delivery
https://www.buildingsmart.org - UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Global framework guiding sustainable and responsible industry outcomes
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
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