Quick Chat with James Phillis, 2017-18 Engineers Australia, Sydney Deputy President.
James Phillis FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER brings almost 30 years’ experience to the Division Committee as a director, senior executive and manager with large private and public engineering consultants. Commercially, James has led technical engineering businesses with turnovers in excess of $250m. James holds an Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering from Sydney University, a Masters in Business Administration from Southern Cross University and he attended the Stanford Executive Programme at Stanford University in the U.S.
What is your current job title and function?
I am the Regional Director for SMEC Australia, responsible for our operations in NSW and the ACT, with five offices and over 400 staff across the region.
Why did you pursue engineering as a career?
A curious mind, a strong practical bent and a fascination for science saw me study chemical engineering at Sydney University.
What are you working on now?
These are exciting times in NSW and the ACT. SMEC is currently engaged in some way with almost every major infrastructure project in the region, including the Canberra Capital Metro, WestConnex, NorthConnex, the Sydney Metro and the completion of the Pacific Highway. I currently sit in governance roles on a number of these significant projects.
What is the most challenging or interesting project you’ve ever worked on?
We are currently working on two of the three Sydney Metro North West Design and Construction packages, one of the largest projects ever developed in Australia. The scale and complexity are both fascinating and challenging. It is great to see good teams working together to get good results.
What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the engineering profession?
Maintaining relevance and leadership of the profession in a rapidly changing world, where technology can make the complex seem simple.
Engineers can save the world. Who would you want on your project team with you?
I believe I already have the best teams at SMEC – I’d take them with me every time…with one addition – Elon Musk, for his amazing and bold creativity, and so we can talk about his electric cars.
If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Jack Nicklaus, the world’s greatest ever golfer.
What is the most recent book you read?
The Magnificent Masters, telling the story of Jack Nicklaus’ famous 1975 victory at Augusta, Georgia.
What is the best piece of advice your parents gave you?
Go to university and get a qualification first, and then decide if you still want to be a professional golfer!
What inspires you?
Unexpected success and the joy it brings to people who try very hard and persevere.
What are your hobbies?
I have played golf since I was quite young. I love the game and play to quite a good standard. I wish I had more time to practise and play!
How do you achieve work/life balance?
This is a work in progress and something I’m always trying very hard to keep in check! My key is not working weekends and trying to be fully disconnected when not at work.
Image: James Phillis FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER, Deputy President of Engineers Australia, Sydney and Regional Director for SMEC NSW/ACT.