In this “Conversation with” we spoke to Manu Leach, a Project Engineer based in our UK office.
Manu brings curiosity and adaptability to his work in the growing water and wastewater sector. He talked to us about what drew him to Atmos, how he’s helping shape new ways of working, and why asking good questions plays a big part in how he approaches his role.
Manu answers questions about:
- His journey to Atmos
- What his biggest achievement is to date
- What a typical day looks like and what he’s currently working on
- The three words he’d use to describe his role
- If he could switch jobs with someone, who it would be
- What he’d like to achieve in the next five years
- His biggest professional challenges
- Who he’d choose as his mentor if he could choose anyone
- If he could go back and speak with himself as a 16 year-old, what he’d tell himself
- What he likes most about his job
- What advice he’d give to recent new entrants
- His motto or personal mantra
- The blogs and websites he follows
- His favorite country to visit
What was your journey to Atmos?
I joined Atmos straight after finishing my degree in Mathematics. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and during my final-year project I realized how much I liked applying that skill in a practical way. That led me into project engineering, which turned out to be a great fit.
What is your biggest achievement to date - personal or professional?
Professionally, it’s moving into the water side of the business. It was a big opportunity, one I know a lot of people were interested in, and it felt like recognition that I was doing something right. It’s exciting to be part of a growing area and apply my skills in a new context.
What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?
Every day is a little different, which I really like. For example I recently came back from Atmos’ water and wastewater conference, which isn’t a typical day in the life of an engineer but it was great speaking with other water industry professionals as well as regulators, consultants and pipeline operators from across the world.
Most days I’m working on data analysis for rising sewer mains, checking the information and reporting anything that stands out. Outside my work in the water industry, I might be tuning Atmos Pipe or Atmos Wave systems for oil and gas, speaking to customers, delivering trainings or working with our development team to help improve our products.
What three words describe your role at Atmos?
Dynamic. Interesting. Collaborative.
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?
Probably Our R&D Director Andy Hoffman. He’s involved in such a range of things and gets to experiment with all sorts of ideas. It seems like a really varied role, which I’d enjoy. Right now we’re working closely together and I’m keeping him very busy!
What would you like to achieve in the next five years at Atmos?
I’d love to continue playing a key role in the continued growth of Atmos’ work in the water and wastewater industries. In five years, I hope to still be in project engineering, but fully focused on water-related work and continuing to support its growth within the business.
What are your biggest professional challenges?
One challenge has been adjusting to how different the water industry is compared to oil and gas. The core science might be similar, but the way systems are set up and the expectations around them can be very different.
With oil and gas, there are decades of established practices, but in water we’re still shaping what those practices look like. I think it helps that I still work across both as it gives me a useful perspective when we’re deciding what’s practical in the water industry and what might need to be repurposed based on our oil and gas experience.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
I’m fortunate in that I already have two great mentors: Senior Project Engineers Josh Tinsley and Oliver Port. I didn’t come from an engineering background, but I’ve learned so much from them and I’d say I’m a solid engineer now because of their support.
If you could go back and speak with the 16 year-old you, what would you tell yourself?
Be confident, ask questions and don’t be afraid to be wrong or not know something.
Sometimes the most helpful questions are the ones that seem simple, either because they help you learn or because they challenge assumptions and lead to better solutions.
What do you like most about your job?
Solving problems and definitely the people. I work with a great team at Atmos.
What advice would you give to recent new entrants?
Ask questions because everyone’s always happy to help. I learned a lot just by being curious and talking to people across the business.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Ask questions. It’s the thread that runs through everything I do.
What’s your favorite blog or website you follow?
I’m a subscriber to the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) E+T Magazine. It’s a great resource.
What’s your favorite country to visit?
Italy, specifically northern Italy because my family has a home away from home there.
It’s remote and peaceful, tucked away in a small village where the permanent population is approximately 1-3 people. We go in the summer and it’s beautiful, even if we spend a lot of the time doing house upkeep!
Find out more about what life is like at Atmos