GeoHeroes - Kurt Fraese

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kurt Fraese, exploring Fraese's career journey, from his childhood interests to his leadership roles at various firms, including his time as CEO of GeoEngineers. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, preparedness, and a long-term vision. Fraese also discusses the future of the geoprofession, emphasizing the need for embracing technology and strengthening community engagement. Finally, he shares advice for aspiring geoprofessionals, focusing on the interconnectedness of businesses, clients, and communities.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Kurt Fraese has provided consulting services to clients in the Energy, Development, Transportation, Federal Government and Water and Natural Resource markets since beginning his career with Woodward-Clyde Consultants in 1983, serving in their geophysics division and later in their dams and tunnels group. Kurt joined GeoEngineers in 1988, became CEO/President in March of 2007 and retired from the firm in April 2017. His technical expertise is primarily focused on assessment and remediation of hazardous substances in various media. He has served as project manager and/or principal in charge of over 1200 site studies. His business experience includes strategic planning, mergers/acquisitions, market intelligence, client feedback/engagement, ownership/leadership transition, executive coaching, conflict resolution, professional development and peer review.

Fraese and Associates provides business facilitation, advisory, and coaching services for organizations and executives.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Kurt's Journey

Early Life and Influences:

Early Life and Formative Years
Early jobs
Firefighting Experience

Career Path:

Career at Woodward Clyde and GeoEngineers
Leadership and Communication Skills

Life After "Retirement":

Post-Retirement Activities
The Geoprofessions: Current State and Future
Global Perspective and Long-Term Thinking
Community Service and Involvement

Insights on the Geoprofession

Looking Ahead:

Future of the Geoprofession

Personal Reflections

Life Lessons and Perspectives:

Preparation and Advice for the Future
Speed Round
[BOOK] Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
[BOOK] Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace by Gordon MacKenzie
Conclusion

Calls-to-action:

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 to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC

GeoHeroes - Kurt Fraese

Fraese and Associates provides business facilitation, advisory, and coaching services for organizations and executives.