Exploring Leroy Clarke's Project Portfolios

How I developed and applied my skills in digital tools and systems to deliver value for clients and society

Hi, I'm Leroy Clarke, a digital innovation consultant and project manager currently at Beca Ltd, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy in New Zealand. In this blog, I want to share with you some of the highlights of my career journey, the skills I have learned and applied, and the projects I have been involved in that showcase the power and potential of digital tools and systems. I hope you find this blog interesting and inspiring, and I welcome your feedback and comments.

Since joining the corporate workspace in 2011, I have been fascinated by technology and how it can transform how we work, live and play. I completed my bachelor's degree while working full-time because that’s what my much smarter brother told me to do. It all worked out apart from the fact I spent my time and money on a marketing degree and quickly worked out (after 8 years) that technology was really where I could see myself flying.

After completing a number of years in technology sales and account management, I joined Beca as a Senior Digital Consultant (without really knowing what a consultant was), I quickly got to work on a variety of projects across different sectors and domains, such as transport, water, energy, buildings, and environment. I learned how to use and combine various digital tools and systems, such as GIS, BIM, IoT, AI, and cloud, to create awesome solutions that meet our clients' and stakeholders' needs and expectations. I also learned how to manage projects well, from scoping and planning to execution and delivery to monitoring and evaluation, using agile and lean methods and best practices.

One of the projects that I am most proud of is the Landslides Database, a web-based platform that collects, stores, and visualises landslide data from multiple sources, such as satellite images, aerial photos, field surveys, and citizen reports. The platform lets users access and analyse landslide data in an interactive, user-friendly way and helps with decision-making or risk management for land use planning, infrastructure development, and disaster response. The platform was developed in collaboration with Toka Tū Ake EQC and Auckland Council, and it has been recognised as a finalist in the New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards 2023 and shortlisted at the Ground Engineering Awards 2023. Now hosting over 140,000 landslide records, it will continue to grow steadily into the future.

Another project that I am excited about is the Callaghan Industry 4.0 Network, a Network that connects and supports New Zealand manufacturers in adopting and implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and practices, such as smart sensors, robotics, automation, data analytics, and digital twins. The network gives manufacturers access to information, resources, tools, and services that help them assess their readiness, identify opportunities, and implement solutions for Industry 4.0. The network also enables collaboration and knowledge sharing among manufacturers, researchers, and service providers and showcases New Zealand's capabilities and achievements in Industry 4.0. The program was developed in partnership with Callaghan Innovation, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Beca Ltd, EMA and most recently, LMAC.

Presenting at EMEX for Callaghan Industry 4.0 Network (Photography Ignite 4.0)

Through these and other projects, I have developed and demonstrated my skills in digital innovation, project management, and strategic direction, which are essential for delivering value for clients and society in the digital age. I have also participated in numerous bids for high-value commercial and government clients. I have contributed to developing proposals, presentations, and demos showcasing Beca's digital capabilities and solutions. I have enjoyed working with a diverse and talented team of colleagues, clients, and partners who have supported, challenged, and inspired me so far...

This is the end of my blog post about my awesome projects in digital innovation and project management. I hope you had fun reading it and learning more about my capabilities. If you have any comments, questions, or stories to share, please drop them below. I'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to check out more of my blogs.