GBA Podcast

Summary On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful! Links to resources referenced in this video: GBA ICC Webinars for Field Professionals NEW Best Practices: Value-Driven Proposals March 3 Podcast Episode: Case History #45, Small Projects Can Create Big Risk March 17 Podcast Episode: Case History #89, Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied Joel’s Message from the AGS Annual Conference in London Embark Class Graduation, March 2026 Ascend Class Information and Application 2026 GBA Annual Conference

GBA Case History Series – Case History #113 - Challenge Yourself...Be a Consultant...Serve your Client...The GBA Story Summary A GBA Member Firm performed construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) services for a new nine-story hospital. Another firm’s geotechnical report recognized the pavement subgrade would include poorly graded soil-rock fill and recommended a bearing ratio that the GBA Member Firm recognized as a “worst case” for design purposes. It became apparent early in the grading process that the fill should produce a higher bearing ratio. This conclusion, based on field observations made during construction, proved to be correct. Despite a lack of precedent, the GBA-Member Firm recognized an opportunity to save the owner a significant amount on asphalt paving costs by reducing pavement section thickness. This resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of savings. The result fostered a great relationship with a new client. Unfortunately, the Member Firm overlooked an opportunity to be fairly compensated for the additional risk and value derived. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Always be sure you're right, then go ahead Understanding the standard of care Share and share alike Confirmation-dependent recommendations The importance of field observation The standard of care isn't static Balance risk with reward Smart testing can turn a conservative design into a real cost saving success Engineering isn't just about building the structures. It's about building trust, saving money, and protecting your client's interests. Calls-to-action: Download Case History #113 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #89 - Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied Summary A GBA Member Firm’s scope of services included a geotechnical engineering study and construction materials engineering and testing (COMET) services for a medical office building in area with old fill, expansive soil, and shale. During construction, the Member Firm was discouraged (“if we want your opinion we will ask for it”) from making suggestions and was only responsible “to enforce the plans and specifications as written and recommend alternative approaches only if specifically requested to do so.” A few months after construction ended, sidewalks began to move due to frost heave. The Member Firm and constructor in charge got the blame, which eventually led to mediation. The client’s former project engineer “spoke highly” of the Member Firm, which got them released from the litigation. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Tim Rodriguez – COO/BSK Associates Tim is the Chief Operating Officer of Geoprofessional Services at BSK Associates, an employee-owned engineering firm. With over 30 years in materials testing and inspection, he oversees six Northern California offices and chairs BSK's Board of Directors. Tim is Past-President of the California Council of Testing and Inspection Agencies. Lessons Learned: A Limitation-of-Liability Provision Is Essential Don’t Use Two Contracts When One Will Do Understand the Personalities Involved: Use Personal Diplomacy Don’t “Go Along to Get Along” Know the Limits of Your Authority to Deviate from the Plans and Specifications Professional Performance Is Essential Document Calls-to-action: Download Case History #82 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tim Rodriguez – COO/BSK Associates Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #45 - Small Projects Can Create Big Risk...Yet Again, and Again and Again... Summary A GBA Member Firm performed an environmental site assessment (ESA) for a commercial real estate developer. After the Member Firm reported the laboratory tests, which indicated unacceptable levels of a contaminant, the prospective purchaser reneged and demanded a return of its deposit. After getting a second ESA from another laboratory, the Member Firm reviewed the second laboratory’s results and agreed that the initial lab did not record the results correctly, and the contamination levels were not as severe. Both the developer and prospective purchaser sued the Member Firm who, in turn, sued the other laboratory. The Member Firm prevailed against the initial lab but recovered less than half the total amount of the settlement it reached with the developer and prospective purchaser. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Exercise Due Diligence When Hiring Chemical Analytical Laboratories Contract Carefully Keep Internal QC in Mind Realize That Small Projects Can Create Big Risks Provide Appropriate Oversight Try Mediation Written Agreements Are Essential Calls-to-action: Download Case History #5 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

Summary On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful! Links to resources referenced in this video: Remembering GBA Past-President David Lourie, P.R., D.GE, F.GBA GBA Ascend Class Information GBA Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program GBA Ascend Class Application Post-Installed Anchors ICC Webinar Board Slate for FY2026-27 2026 GBA Annual Conference

GBA Case History Series – Case History #5 - If the Bus Driver Doesn't Have a License, Get Off the Bus Summary An architect for a church retained a GBA member firm to perform a limited-scope geotechnical study for a federally funded retirement home. Only boring logs and a brief letter report to the structural engineer were needed for the design of a pile foundation. Unfortunately, the design was not within the budget and the structural engineer refused to change the design and withdrew from the project. The replacement structural engineer redesigned the foundations and satisfactory load tests were performed but the federal agency balked until a geotechnical study was provided for the revision. A new geotech was retained but after the agency reviewed their report, the agency directed that a mat foundation be used. The church filed suit against the original member firm for the new costs. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Professional Firms Must Respond in a Professional Manner Professional Firms Need to Be Compensated Appropriately Take Heed When Others Withdraw Cheap Can Be Expensive Develop a Deliverables-Issuance Protocol Writing-Skills Improvement Should Be an Important Element of Professional Development Calls-to-action: Download Case History #5 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #1 - Beware! A Friend's Small Project Can be Hazardous to your Firm's Health Summary The GBA member firm performed a preliminary geotechnical study to estimate foundation-construction costs for a small housing development. The project stalled and years later the developer sold the land with the geotechnical report to another developer. The new owner retained a different firm for a geotechnical study for the new project. When the new geotechnical firm identified problematic soils necessitating a deep foundation system, the new owner filed a $650,000 claim against the member firm alleging negligent misrepresentation. Adamant that the suit was unjustified, the member firm’s CEO finally acquiesced and accepted a $70,000 settlement offer from the new owner rather than risk the uncertainty of a jury trial. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Some Preliminary Studies Can Be Dangerous Make a Study’s Limitations Clear Use the Term “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations” Project Risk Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size and Complexity Construction-Cost Estimates Claims Are a Business Issue Calls-to-action: Download Case History #1 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #41 - Don't Worry. We Don't Plan to Build There Summary The Member Firm performed a geotech study for a housing development and observed grading of the site during the construction of ten buildings. Six years after construction, the developer built two additional units but, because the Member Firm could not provide a representative to monitor the earthwork construction, they recommended another geotech firm. The second geotech firm monitored the placement of at least four feet of fill but without reviewing the Member Firm’s report. Four years after the second phase was completed, settlement problems arose and the developer sued the two geotechs, the civil engineer, and the earthwork constructor. After claims were dropped against the civil engineer and constructor, the geotechs settled with the developer for nearly $1,000,000. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Small Projects Can Create Big Risks Geoprofessionals Who Act as Their Own Attorneys Have Fools as Their Clients Operating without Professional Liability Insurance Is Foolhardy Understand the Risks and Take Appropriate Preventive Measures: If It Isn’t in Writing It Didn’t Happen Use Caution When Serving Housing Developers Assume Nothing Provide Effective Guidance Experience Pays Don’t Trust What You Don’t Check Calls-to-action: Download Case History #41 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #91 - Is There Value in Value Engineering? Beware of Panic Mode! Summary Member Firm conducts forensic evaluation of mold in a crawl space of a 180 unit nursing home and gives an “Engineering Opinion of Probable Cost” for the remediation of mold condition. When the owner investigated the construction records, it was found that the constructor- in- charge was at fault. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Follow-up Is a Professional Essential Effective Communication Is Essential Emphasize the Value of Construction-Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Services Cheap Engineering Can Be Expensive Residential Projects Create Elevated Risks Use Important Information about This Geotechnical-Engineering Report Risk and the Go/No-Go Analysis Understand Why You Should Not Issue Cost Estimates Be Cautious When Design-Team Members Lack Experience Calls-to-action: Download Case History #91 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

12 Days of GBA – Day 1: Most Downloaded Document Summary Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. The final episode of GBA's 12 Days of GBA series reveals 2025's most downloaded document: Crane Pad and Working Platform Design and Inspection. This isn't a technical design guide—it's comprehensive risk reduction guidance developed collaboratively by Geotech and CoMET committees. The document addresses preventing catastrophic crane and drilling rig failures by defining clear roles across all parties: geotechnical engineers, contractors, inspection firms, crane operators, and engineers of record. Key topics include thorough geotechnical evaluations, information sharing protocols, liability limitations, field observation templates, and reinspection requirements after weather events. Bottom line: reducing risks, clarifying responsibilities, and ensuring everyone goes home safe. Members-only download available. Links Download Crane Pad and Working Platform Design and Inspection The 10 Most-Used Tools in the GBA Library Top 10 Most Downloaded Case Histories Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tiffany Vorhies – Principal, Vice President/SME Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

12 Days of GBA – Day 2: GBA Conferences Summary Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's conferences are where the magic happens—Ryan and Tiffany share why these events are annual highlights. Spring Conference features the Business Snapshot for industry pulse-checks, legendary keynote speakers (Jim Abbott, Rob Samuels, John Acuff), and the invaluable round tables where 6-10 peers tackle real challenges with practical solutions across experience levels. Amazing locations include Phoenix (2026) and Vancouver BC (2027). The Stay and Play tradition caps each conference with memorable adventures—from St. Augustine boat tours to exploring new cities. Fall Leadership Summit focuses on committee work and shaping industry future. Bottom line: connections, content, inspiration, and fun. Links Register for 2026 Spring Conference in Phoenix, Arizona Check out the GBA Event Calendar Past GBA Events Join a GBA Committee Join the GBA Mailing List Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tiffany Vorhies – Principal, Vice President/SME Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

12 Days of GBA – Day 3: Business Briefs Summary Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Business Briefs deliver short, focused reads on timely topics—free for members. Ryan and Tiffany highlight three standouts: Crystal Ball Workshop 2025 (co-authored by Tiffany and Matt Van Rensler) covering AI guardrails, innovation culture, data hygiene, and pricing strategies; Utilizing Artificial Intelligence examining five insurance policies (cyber, general liability, professional liability, D&O, EPLI) and their AI-related coverage gaps; and Beyond gINT, a practical comparison table of geotechnical data management software that Ryan used to evaluate gINT replacements. These briefs provide actionable insights—from talking with your insurance broker to selecting the right technology. Stay updated through GBA's NewsLog, where new Business Briefs are always highlighted. Links Download GBA's Business Briefs Crystal Ball Workshop 2025: Addressing Shrinking Workforce, Demand for Services Utilizing Artificial Intelligence: Is Your Firm Adequately Insured? Navigating New Horizons: Beyond gINT New Era in Geotechnical Data Management Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tiffany Vorhies – Principal, Vice President/SME Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

12 Days of GBA – Day 4: GBA Podcast Summary Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Born from Emerging Leaders Class 4 during COVID, the GBA podcast has evolved into a powerful member benefit amplifier. While episodes are free to the public, GBA members unlock the real value—downloadable resources, best practices, contract clauses, and tools referenced in each episode. Ryan and Tiffany explore how the podcast supports different learning styles when paired with downloadable documents, making lunch-and-learns more effective. Featured series include Encore Performances with keynote speakers, GeoHeroes interviews, DEI discussions, and Case Histories. What's next for the podcast -- expanded video content and a geotechnical startup series. Links Visit GBApodcast.com December First Word with Executive Director, Joel Carson GeoHeroes Interview with Matt Moler Management Best Practices: Professional Goal Setting Leadership Lounge: How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator, with Dan Oblinger Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tiffany Vorhies – Principal, Vice President/SME Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

12 Days of GBA – Day 5: Peer Review Summary Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Peer Review—named by Engineering News Record as one of 125 most innovative developments in 125 years—provides structured, confidential assessment of firm management practices. Tiffany deep-dives into the process, explaining the nine core components: business management, facilities/technical resources, HR, professional development, project management, financial management, marketing/sales, electronic resources, and image/culture. Firms choose onsite or virtual reviews, supported by staff and client surveys. Many insurers offset costs. Recommended cadence: every 4-5 years. The process includes oral feedback plus written reports—actionable improvement tools without grades or certification. Special thanks to David Sauls and Bob Rabeler. Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsaulspe/) GBA Peer Review Webpage Should Your Firm Have a Focused Peer Review? GAI Consultant's Peer Review Experience The Benefits of a Peer Review by Jeff Jaros, President & CEO, NTH Consultants, Ltd. GBA Peer Reviews Improve Geoprofessional Firms Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tiffany Vorhies – Principal, Vice President/SME Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

12 Days of GBA – Day 6: Taboo Words Summary Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Taboo Words document gets its own spotlight because words in your report matter as much as the work itself. Tiffany shares how this resource shaped her writing since 2006. The eight risky words aren't "evil," but opposing counsel can broaden your intent in claims. Ryan and Tiffany deep-dive on "inspect" versus "observe," explaining how legal interpretation can imply authority you never accepted. The takeaway isn't to never use these words, but to choose deliberately and define scope clearly. Simple exercise: highlight these words in a report, rewrite two sentences, instantly level up your team's risk management. Links Best Practices: Taboo Words Taboo Words Certify Defend Determine Inspect Monitor Represent Safety Supervise Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tiffany Vorhies – Principal, Vice President/SME Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC