‘Machines won’t take over, they will just help us do our jobs better’ – discussing user-driven design and technology in the construction industry with NECA executive director Tauhira Ali #112

“There are a million different solutions out there but how do we get the right solutions into the right hands of the right people?” My guest today is Tauhira Ali, who is the executive director of industry innovation at NECA, which acts as the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry in the US.  Tauhira supports over 4,000 NECA member contractors to find innovative technologies to better the electrical construction industry, which brings power, light, and communication to buildings and communities across America. As a young child, Tauhira struggled with maths and science but that didn’t stop her from going on to achieve, not just one, but two engineering degrees, which have helped shape her career and fascination in robotics. “I loved machines, I was fascinated by how machines think – how you can, not just create something really complex and interesting mechanically, but elevate it to that next level through robotics, automation and artificial intelligence,” she explains. “Machines, robotics, AI allow us to be a lot more intelligent and a lot safer in gathering up information in physically doing the work, but we’re always going to need to have the mental experts…you’ll never be able to wipe out the power that comes from quick expertise, quick decision making.”  We talk more about the man versus robot argument as well as: Gender and diversity inequalities in the technology sphereThe biggest challenges facing the construction industry today and how to solve themHow best to start a career in construction, particularly as a woman You can email Tauhira at [email protected] and you can keep up to date with news from NECA by following @necanet on Twitter. About The Nicole Bremner Podcast: Nicole Bremner is an investor, speaker, writer, and podcaster. After a successful decade building a multi-million property portfolio in London, Nicole was forced by a number of external obstacles to stop, take stock and figure out what really matters in life.  Following a period of healing and reflection, she discovered that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and, so very often, setback is followed by real success. On The Nicole Bremner Podcast, she speaks to others who have triumphed in the face of adversity and explores the lessons they have learned along the way. To find out who’s coming up next on The Nicole Bremner Podcast, follow Nicole on Instagram @nsbremner and facebook or subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can also support the show here. DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. The view and opinions of the guest speakers do not represent that of the host. Always do your own research. Support the showDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. The view and opinions of the guest speakers do not represent that of the host. Always do your own research.

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Nicole Bremner is an investor, certified financial coach, nutritionist, author and mum-of-three. In 2009, having had a successful career in investment banking, like many women who take a ‘career break’ to have children, she found herself at a crossroads, not entirely sure what path to take next. Combining her financial knowledge with her passion for good architecture and design, Nicole was able to build on her experience and expertise to develop a new career, which fit around her children, and spent the next decade building a multi-million property portfolio in London.  Newly relaunched as Health, Wealth & Wisdom, Nicole interviews some of the interesting people she has met while navigating her (sometimes turbulent) voyage through professional and family life. From charity founders and travelling investors to authors and young entrepreneurs, these are the real tales of real people finding their way in business. Join Nicole as she listens to their stories and the lessons they have learned along the way.  Instagram: http://instagram.com/nsbremnerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NicoleBremnerFacebook: http://facebook.com/nicolesbremnerX: https://x.com/nicolebremner/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/NSBremner/