For his clients, Henry Okraglik says the biggest challenge keeping them up at night is how technology is changing at such a rapid rate, and the uncertainty around how it will impact them.
“New technologies present both a threat and an opportunity. A threat because they tend to disrupt the known universe that we inhabit. An opportunity because maybe there's something that's going to be there for us. There are a lot of maybes.
“Our job is to understand our customers’ needs and guide them to the best technologies that can help solve their problems. At the end of the day, all technology is a means to an end. It makes us faster and more efficient and at its best, enhances the way we work, live and play.”
Challenged but never constrained
When asked to name his favourite aspect of the job and his industry, Henry doesn’t miss a beat.
“That’s easy, it’s having the ability to look at problems from different angles and come up with solutions that wouldn’t have been possible even a few years ago. Sure, I sometimes feel frustrated when tackling particularly tricky projects, but never constrained.”
WSP’s Digital business is engaged in many projects that tackle social issues such as supporting the NSW Government’s Manufacturing for Schools program.
Henry says, “Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), is a great example of how technology has brought about a fundamental shift to how we solve an age-old problem – how we design and construct buildings, better, faster and cheaper without sacrificing great design and engineering.
“It’s kind of like looking at buildings more as Lego blocks rather than bespoke one-offs. With digital technologies at the core, MMC provides a safer, more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods.
“It’ll be critical in Australia's economic and social growth, while also tackling labour and skills shortages. It is potentially particularly valuable in assisting to address the current housing shortage and alleviating rental increases.”
Staying focused and creative
Outside of work, Henry credits taking time out to relax and refocus as the key to staying creative when thinking around clients’ pain points and innovate ways to resolve them.
He enjoys spending quality time with the family, travelling and is an avid motorcycle rider. He is also an exercise fanatic and does five Strength & Conditioning classes a week as well as rowing in a 4x sculls team.
“Riding a motorcycle requires mental and physical engagement, it also keeps you in the moment – my version of mindfulness. My wife and children don’t share my love of technology or motorcycle riding, but they do share my love of nature and we often come together in that setting.
“I recently did a trek with my son in Japan on the Kumano Kodo trail - 85km through the forest from coast to coast. I highly recommend it!”
