64. Why Gen Z is Reshaping Engineering & Construction with Carina Nixon

Building Doors with Lauren Karan

In this episode of The Building Doors Podcast, host Lauren Karan sits down with Carina Nixon, an engineer and sustainability advocate, to discuss the future of engineering, the changing workforce, and why knowledge transfer is critical to success in construction.

With a background spanning renewable energy, hydrogen technology, and supply chain decarbonization, Carina is a passionate leader who believes that younger generations hold the key to industry transformation.

She’s also tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: How do we ensure a smooth transition between an aging workforce and the next generation of engineers, project managers, and construction professionals?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Changing Workforce & Industry Evolution:

• Why five generations in the workforce create both challenges and opportunities.
• How Gen Z learns differently—and why that’s reshaping knowledge transfer.
• What companies must do to retain young talent in a competitive market.

Sustainability & Innovation in Construction:

• How supply chains are evolving for a greener future.
• The role of renewables, hydrogen energy, and decarbonization in the industry.
• Why small-scale projects might be the key to long-term success.

The Role of Technology & AI:

• How artificial intelligence is changing the way young engineers work.
• The risk of over-reliance on automation—and what that means for learning.
• Why human oversight in AI-driven decision-making is crucial for safety and innovation.

Bridging the Generation Gap in Leadership:

• Why Gen Z values purpose, flexibility, and innovation in their careers.
• How mentorship and knowledge sharing will shape the next era of construction.
• The case for giving young leaders a voice at the boardroom table.

About Our Guest

Carina Nixon is an engineer, sustainability leader, and former CEO of Youth Without Borders. She has worked extensively in renewable energy, decarbonization, and future-focused engineering solutions.

Carina is a strong advocate for bridging the gap between older generations and Gen Z, ensuring that the construction and engineering industries retain knowledge while embracing innovation.

A world champion in whitewater rafting, she brings the same fearless, strategic mindset to her career, helping to reshape industries and push boundaries in sustainable engineering.

Key Quotes from Carina Nixon

• “Gen Z doesn’t just want a job. We want a career that aligns with our values and makes an impact.”
• “If we don’t rethink how we pass down knowledge, we risk losing decades of expertise as our workforce retires.”
• “The best way to future-proof the industry is to invest in smaller projects where young engineers can fail, learn, and innovate.”
• “AI isn’t replacing senior engineers—it’s replacing young engineers who are still learning. That’s a huge risk.”

About Your Host

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of The Building Doors Podcast, is a recruiter and development coach passionate about helping professionals unlock their potential. Through this podcast, Lauren shares real stories and actionable insights to empower listeners to create opportunities in their careers.

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