Eimon Smith: champion of well-being, eager collaborator and environmental leader at Mott MacDonald

On top of providing environmental planning, project management, and compliance support on some of the leading transportation and transit projects in North America, Eimon Smith is an eager learner who believes there’s something to learn from everyone. We spoke with Eimon about what her typical day looks like, how active listening empowers collaboration, and her advice to professionals looking to grow their careers.

What do you do at Mott MacDonald and what are you currently working on?

I am the Southwest environmental team lead, and in my role, I provide project management, environmental planning, and compliance support across our projects. Currently, I work on some exciting transportation projects, including supporting the review of the publicly released environmental documents for the LA to Anaheim segment of the California High-Speed Rail.

What does a typical workday look like at Mott MacDonald?

A typical day at Mott MacDonald is not typical—it’s dynamic. I usually work on a mix of project and business development tasks, but each day is different, which is really rewarding. I am constantly learning, and I think that helps me stay engaged and excited about my role here at Mott MacDonald.

What opportunities have you had to grow your specialism or develop your career here?

Recently, I was invited to participate in a business development training cohort, which is a wonderful opportunity to help support the growth and development of our business. It’s an exciting initiative at Mott MacDonald designed for collaboration and intended to empower our business and drive success.

At work, how do you manage your well-being and safety?

For me, well-being starts with understanding boundaries—both sharing mine and knowing what my team members need. On top of managing my time, I think it’s important as a project manager to work with my team members to make sure they feel supported.

Regarding safety, I think it comes down to education and awareness. For every project, we have safety awareness plans, and it’s important that we follow them to ensure a safe and effective work environment for everyone.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald?

For me, trust is equivalent to respect. The leadership at Mott MacDonald and my teams have consistently encouraged my involvement and trusted my knowledge and expertise. It’s an acknowledgment of my experience and a motivation to deliver impactful work, knowing that my contributions make a difference. We’re working on some truly amazing projects here, and being able to contribute to them is incredibly rewarding.

How do you collaborate with colleagues to achieve common goals?

For me, collaboration begins with active listening. I always want to understand everyone’s perspectives and skill sets. After we understand our collective skills, it becomes much easier to determine assignments and make sure our team is successful.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel empowered and supported?

When I first joined Mott MacDonald, even as a new employee, I was brought into meaningful conversations. My colleagues and leaders encouraged me to share my insights and perspectives and contribute to the decision-making process. By being given authorship and a voice, I felt empowered and valued for my skills, experience, and expertise.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career with Mott MacDonald?

Don’t turn down an opportunity to work on a project, in a service area, or in a location that is new to you. These will be invaluable experiences to learn new things, work with new people, and help you in your professional advancement.