Today we’d like to introduce you to John Reilly.
Thanks for sharing your story with us John. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been involved in major infrastructure and transportation mega-projects in several countries, starting in Australia, then the United States, followed by Canada, UK, Germany, China and most recently Peru. For the first 20 years this involved design and construction of mega-projects such as the Washington DC Metro, Boston’s Southwest Corridor and future planning of Logan Airport. In 1987, I formed my international consultant company working on the management and delivery of US and international projects – involving travel, making new friends and colleagues and developing new ways to manage and understand the needs of these complex projects. In addition to new technologies, this means also new management systems and working on the more human side of things.
I have contributed to professional associations as President of the American Underground Construction Association. (Also a Chair of two International Tunneling Association Committees.) This has enabled me to advance our state of knowledge and interact with colleagues around the world and at home.
At this point in my career, I am spending more time on research and have reduced business consulting to a lower level, leaving more time for family and our grandchildren.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been an interesting road, with personal and professional transitions as I evolved my understanding and capabilities, looking for new opportunities to deliver complex projects which involved working with a range of people with different goals, viewpoints, capabilities and values. I would say that I like to solve complex problems (e.g. “wicked problems” – a wicked problem is a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize.) This takes vision, insight, technical capability and tenacity – usually with a psychological component and to be able to “align” the project staff in a teamwork environment.
Some years ago, implementing the team alignment process for a complex mega-project we took a capability/psychological analysis – for me it showed that I was working in an area that I was good at, had come across significant challenges that were, for the most part, solved well, and which increased capability and confidence for future such challenges.
Struggles involved many elements but the most basic struggle is where to do your job and to deliver the advice and recommendations, you have to identify issues that are significant challenges to the current personnel or management – which means to do your job. You may have to be prepared to lose it – or the consulting assignment.
John Reilly International – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
For over 50 years, I have worked on a multitude of projects including large, complex infrastructure programs, highways, transit systems, airports, cities, vehicle manufacturing, buildings and underground facilities.
Expertise includes management, strategic and organizational planning, partnering, team-building and team-alignment, disputes resolution boards, expert and peer review panels, strategic advisory panels, management oversight and management assistance, contracting and delivery methods, risk workshops, risk identification and risk response and probabilistic cost estimating.
I am known for dedication, capability, integrity and persistence to deliver a result.
Some real comments:
“….We are so very fortunate to have you on the team… You are amazing! Thanks.”
“….Besides the great expertise, you bring to the project I’ve especially appreciated the mentoring and coaching support you’ve provided.”
“….Thanks, John! You’re a great team member…..would not be here without your insights and expertise.”
“….John has done sterling work in support of the industry and has highly relevant subject matter for improved planning and execution of tunnel projects that is applicable all over the World.”
“….Thank you, John. I often reflect upon your wisdom.”
“….A wonderful job, under very difficult circumstances…you’ve done a great service.”
I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve on a National and International level to advance the profession, the projects and to help people with their work along the way, in a manner that was respectful, insightful and valuable.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Do good, have fun, get paid. Be recognized by others for good work done.
Criteria, markers involve: achieve the client’s goals and objectives, add value, introduce innovation, get positive feedback from co-workers and clients, listen and understand.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1101 Worcester Road, Suite 5c Framingham MA 01701
- Website: www.JohnReilly.us
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