# 213: ‘The Rise of Tech-Driven Leadership in AEC’, with Jonathan Nelson, Nirva Fereshetian, Heath May, and Shane Burger

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/trxl-889287/213-the-rise-of-tech-driven-leadership-in-aec-with-jonathan-nelson-nirva-fereshetian-heath-may-and-shane-burger
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/trxl-889287/213-the-rise-of-tech-driven-leadership-in-aec-with-jonathan-nelson-nirva-fereshetian-heath-may-and-shane-burger.md
Podcast: [TRXL](https://stenobird.com/podcast/trxl-889287)
Published: 2025-11-25T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://trxl.co/213
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/65d3d3be-0247-4355-b271-85b15694d96c.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3400

## Resource

Jonathan Nelson, Nirva Fereshetian, Heath May, and Shane Burger join the podcast to talk about one of the biggest questions facing our industry: How do design technologists grow into firmwide leaders? What was originally planned as a one-way presentation quickly became a true two-way conversation. Instead of a traditional panel format, we created a space where the audience guided the discussion with thoughtful and challenging questions. The energy in the room elevated the entire session and resulted in one of the most engaging and candid moments of the conference. Joining me on stage are four leaders who all began in design technology roles and now hold significant positions inside their firms: Jonathan Nelson, Global Head of Digital, Populous Heath May, Partner and CEO Elect, HKS Nirva Fereshetian, Principal and CIO, CBT Architects Shane Burger, Chief Design Technology Officer, SOM Together, we explore real pathways into leadership, pivotal career decisions, and how to build credibility inside complex organizations. We discuss what technology adoption conversations look like, how to develop the next generation of talent, how to approach the build versus buy dilemma, and what it takes to secure buy-in for major technology investments. We also talk openly about the cultural friction that continues to challenge firmwide transformation. By capturing and sharing this session on TRXL, we help extend the value and reach of AECtech far beyond the room. These ideas and insights can now be part of a global conversation among AEC professionals and leaders. If you want to understand how design technologists make the jump into senior leadership, what skills matter most, and how the future of practice is being shaped right now, this episode delivers clarity, candor, and inspiration…

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## Transcript

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