The Main Pain for Engineering Companies
Engineering Companies, Project Management, Actionable Tools….This Week on The Water MBA.
New Episode
Our new episode to be released next week focuses on project management aspects. Believe me, I witness every day how skilled professionals with strong technical expertise struggle when it comes to management skills.
This is one of the main sources of dissatisfaction in their work, especially when management capabilities are required. In today's world, it’s increasingly difficult to avoid the need for these skills.
To bring momentum to our Project Management chapter, we’ve invited Shurya as our guest for this episode. Shaurya, from Jacobs—arguably the leading engineering company in the world—is quite young but already has a strong community backing him.
Despite the challenge, he has graciously agreed to share his insights into the importance of cash flow and risk control in engineering companies.
Additionally, we’re addressing what is perhaps the biggest pain point for engineering companies or departments: changes in input data.
These changes often lead to uncontrolled consumption of resources, time delays, strained relationships with stakeholders, a defensive mindset, and, ultimately, a poor reputation.
All of this detracts from the most important outcome: achieving a satisfied client who wants to engage with you on future contracts.
Another crucial aspect that every water professional must consider is the need to make our work profitable. Companies must earn money to sustain and grow. This is why setting clear boundaries and mastering management are absolutely essential.
When navigating the mix of client pressures, budget constraints, unforeseen project challenges, and a genuine desire to leave a positive impact, we often face difficulties.
One of the biggest challenges is learning how to say "no" in a friendly and strategic way without harming the relationship with the client.
Balancing these elements is no easy task. It’s a complex juggling act that requires adaptability and skill. However, mastering this balance is key to both personal and professional success in our industry.
If you’re interested in the topic of project management, remember, you may also check out our episode #17 on Productivity and Time Management. It’s highly relevant and resonates with many professionals.
#17 Project Management | Productivity | Equist | English - The Water MBA
Explore and Connect
Knowledge isn’t confined to a single source—not even The Water MBA. That’s why I aim to bring you insights from congresses, webinars, channels, and other courses or training resources I follow. If The Water MBA serves as a door that opens many others for you, I’ll be delighted. This week…
For our Spanish-speaking community, this week we published a comprehensive review of available courses, conferences, and other training opportunities for 2025. This review stems from weeks of research to help you navigate the market.
For example:
WWTP Training: CEDEX offers one of the best courses in wastewater treatment.
Desalination Training: AEDyR in Alicante, Spain, provides what is likely the world’s leading course in desalination, starting this January.
In the video below, we highlight the pros and cons, pricing, and other key details to provide clarity about the current offerings in the market.
Water Knowledge Shorts
We’re excited to announce the launch of a new channel on our platform, featuring short-form videos that we’ll be updating regularly over the coming months.
What’s the purpose? These dynamic episodes—ranging from just a few seconds to a few minutes—will share stories, fascinating data, and bite-sized insights to strengthen your knowledge foundation in the water industry.
For example, as the trailer for the channel, we’ve uploaded a brief explanation of the water cycle.
Did you know that most people, even some water professionals, don’t fully understand it?
Many don’t realize (including own water professionals) that the water we drink today is the same water that existed in the time of dinosaurs.
The total amount of water on Earth is fixed—it never increases or decreases.
This unique aspect of water sets it apart from other resources.
Unlike oil, water will be always with us.
Water Knowledge Shorts - The Water MBA
HCIS Security Directive
One subscriber showed a strong interest in this topic and pushed me to start because his project is about to begin soon. That’s why I’ve already uploaded the first two episodes on HCIS Security.
Every water project in Saudi Arabia is subject to this directive. As I shared on LinkedIn, I faced a $4 million loss simply due to not managing this system properly.
That cannot be allowed to happen again.
HCIS Security - Step by Step - The Water MBA
Actionable Tools
In addition to video on demand content, throughout the year, I’ll be sharing actionable tools exclusively for our paid subscribers.
These tools—spreadsheets, templates, and other resources—are designed to help you implement solutions in your daily work and business.
New Project Management Channel
In 2025, we’re launching a dedicated Project Management channel. Check the video trailer at the below link. More details coming soon.
Project Management Channel Trailer - 2025 - The Water MBA
Send a Gift
If you’re reading this and not yet a subscriber, chances are you’re ahead of the curve in our industry and may not yet see the value of joining our community.
However, I’m sure you know professionals and friends who could benefit greatly from it.
That’s why we’ve made it easy to share the gift of learning. Just like gifting a book—even if the recipient doesn’t read it right away—you know its value can make a difference.
If you believe continuous learning in our field can help someone you know, consider sending them a gift subscription!
It could be for 1 month, 2 months, or even a full year—who knows how impactful it might be!
Below is the link to access the platform. Remember, the subscription is fully flexible, and there’s a 3-day free trial. If any episode piques your interest, the cost won’t stand in your way.
That’s all for today.
See you next week.