After 20 years in the industry, here's what matters most to Rasyad

When you've spent more than two decades in engineering, it's easy to think you've seen it all. Rasyad has come closer than most.

Over the course of his career, he has worked from almost every side of the industry. He has been part of a vendor organisation, worked as a consultant, supported fabrication activities, and experienced projects from the client side. Few professionals get the opportunity to see projects unfold from so many different perspectives.

It's an experience that has shaped not only how he approaches his work, but also how he thinks about leadership, collaboration, and long-term career growth.

Today, as a Professional Engineer with a Practising Certificate, a Project Management Professional (PMP), and an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer, he brings more than 20 years of experience to his role at AtkinsRéalis. But if there's one thing he's learned throughout that journey, it's that successful projects are never about one person or one discipline alone.

Seeing projects from every angle

Most people experience a project through a single lens. Rasyad has had the opportunity to see what happens behind several of them.

Working for vendors, consultants, fabricators, and end users exposed him to different priorities, challenges, and ways of thinking. Each role offered valuable lessons about what success looks like from a different perspective. That breadth of experience helped him develop a deeper understanding of project execution and the realities faced by different stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

It's also one of the reasons he enjoys working in multidisciplinary environments, where different perspectives come together to solve complex problems.

Why he joined AtkinsRéalis and chose to stay

Having joined AtkinsRéalis more than two years ago, Rasyad has worked alongside colleagues from a wide range of disciplines while contributing to challenging and rewarding projects.

What stands out most is the culture. He describes an environment where people are trusted to do their best work, where expertise is valued regardless of title, and where employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and perspectives. That openness creates stronger collaboration and helps people feel engaged in the work they do.

"We have a transparent and open work culture where employees are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives, regardless of their position within the organization."

For someone who has worked across many different types of organisations, that culture of trust makes a difference.

The leadership lesson that stayed with him

Ask Rasyad what makes a great leader and his answer isn't about authority. It's about creating opportunities for others.

"A good leader is someone who empowers their team, encourages collaboration, and creates an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas."

The best leaders, in his view, don't simply provide direction. They help people grow. They challenge teams to think differently, encourage new ideas, and support individuals in reaching their full potential. It's an approach that has influenced his own leadership philosophy and one he has seen demonstrated by leaders throughout his career.

A different way of thinking about work-life balance

After 20 years in the industry, Rasyad has also developed a clear perspective on what sustainable success looks like.

For him, work-life balance isn't about working less. It's about working smarter. It starts with planning, prioritisation, and being trusted to manage responsibilities effectively. He appreciates that AtkinsRéalis focuses on outcomes rather than simply measuring how much time employees spend in the office. Flexible working arrangements, open communication with managers, and a culture of accountability allow people to balance professional commitments with personal priorities.

Outside of work, he enjoys travelling with his family and spending time on the golf course with friends. Those moments away from work help him recharge, maintain perspective, and return with renewed energy and focus.

Still learning after 20 years

Despite his qualifications and extensive industry experience, Rasyad doesn't see learning as something that ever stops. In fact, it is one of the themes that runs throughout his entire career.

His advice to anyone aspiring to leadership is simple: stay open to new experiences, seek out mentors, and don't be afraid to step forward when opportunities arise.

"Leadership is a journey of continuous learning and growth."

For him, growth comes from listening to different perspectives, learning from setbacks as well as successes, and being willing to continually challenge yourself.

Looking ahead

After more than two decades in the industry, Rasyad still finds value in learning, collaboration, and working with talented people who bring different perspectives to the table.

Perhaps that's the biggest lesson from his career so far. No matter how much experience you gain, there is always something new to learn from the people around you.

If you're looking for a career where you can learn from experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and grow in an environment that values both expertise and people, explore our current opportunities and discover where AtkinsRéalis could take you.