Mastering Mega Projects: Communication and Leadership Insights with Pratheesh (Prat) Nair

Speak In Flow

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Speak in Flow with your host, Melinda Lee! In today's episode, we dive into the world of large-scale construction and transportation projects with our fabulous guest, Pratheesh (Prat) Nair, P.E., Vice President of Operations at Fisk Electric. Prat brings over 18 years of industry experience and a wealth of knowledge that will leave you inspired and informed.

About Our Guest: Pratheesh (Prat) Nair, P.E.

Prat Nair is a powerhouse in the construction industry, boasting a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Professional Engineer license. With a career spanning hydropower projects, tunnel construction, water treatment plants, transportation infrastructure, mining operations, and rail projects, Prat has managed it all. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Operations at Fisk Electric, focusing on operational excellence and project efficiency.

Fun Facts:

- Prat loves playing volleyball and pickleball.

- His family hikes and travels to a new country every year.

- Former Division 1 track team member at Fresno State and soccer player at West Virginia University.

- Prat's career in construction was inspired by a Discovery Channel documentary on Tunnel Boring Machines during his early days at a coal mine in West Virginia.

Key Points:

1. Mega Project Management:

Prat delves into his role at Fisk Electric, managing mammoth transportation projects like the California high-speed rail and the LA Metro Purple Line. He sheds light on the complexities, challenges, and the meticulous coordination required to keep these projects on track.

2. Leadership Challenges and Strategies:

The conversation takes a deep dive into the primary challenges within the rail industry, including workforce shortages and maintaining engineer motivation over extended projects. Prat shares his strategies for engaging employees, providing feedback, and ensuring open communication.

3. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership:

Prat’s leadership style revolves around being approachable, supportive, and emotionally intelligent. He emphasizes the importance of understanding employees' personal and professional lives, celebrating small victories, and fostering a culture of empathy and communication.

4. Industry Insights and Future Prospects:

Looking ahead, Prat offers insights into the future of the rail industry, including ongoing and upcoming projects, especially in preparation for the 2028 Olympics. He discusses the stability and growth potential within this specialized field, driven by the continuous demand for infrastructure development.

5. Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion:

Prat passionately talks about the growing involvement of women in construction and the benefits of a diverse workforce. He shares how he inspires his daughters to consider careers in this field and the importance of creating an inclusive environment that values all team members' unique strengths.

Connect with Prat:

- **Company Website:** [www.fiskcorp.com](http://www.fiskcorp.com)

- **LinkedIn Profile:** [Pratheesh (Prat) Nair, P.E.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratheesh-prat-nair-p-e/)

Join us for this enlightening episode as Prat Nair takes us through the highs and lows of managing mega projects, leading with empathy, and shaping the future of the rail industry. Tune in, get inspired, and discover how to succeed in the fast-paced world of construction!

Stay fabulous, Melinda

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

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