Irvin Bishop Jr. leads with curiosity and purpose, inspiring innovation across every level of the organization. As a business enablement leader, his forward-thinking approach and commitment to collaboration are shaping the future of digital transformation at Burns & McDonnell.

Growing up in both Washington, D.C., and Alabama, Irvin’s passion for technology began at an early age and continues to drive his passion for technology’s power to connect and create opportunities. With more than 35 years of global experience in IT and digital transformation, he has led initiatives that merge data, strategy and innovation to drive lasting impact for clients and communities alike.

In the community:

Irvin is passionate about giving back and empowering future generations through service and mentorship. He supports organizations including:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America, national trustee (Southwest Region)
• Habitat for Humanity, volunteer
• STEM/STEAM mentoring programs, volunteer

What inspired you to pursue your career?

It started with curiosity and an old computer. I was a kid at the Boys & Girls Club, that donated machine opened a whole new world to me. That sense of discovery never left me. Every career step since then has been about using technology to make the world work better. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

I’d call my leadership style “empowered innovation.” My goal isn’t just to lead projects. It’s to light sparks in people. I believe in creating environments where curiosity is rewarded, experimentation is encouraged, and everyone feels a sense of ownership of the outcome. I’m big on collaboration, candor and fun, because when teams are having fun doing hard things, that’s when real breakthroughs happen. 

How do you and your team make the world a better place?

We make the world better by helping it work smarter. Every project we touch, from energy systems to transportation networks to digital twins, affects how people live and connect. By bringing together technology, data, innovation, and engineering, we’re creating solutions that are more sustainable, more resilient and more human-centered. I like to think of it as tech with a purpose: innovation that serves, not just impresses. 

What inspires you each day?

I’m inspired by possibility. Every day brings a new challenge and a new chance to make something better: a process, a project, a person’s perspective. I wake up thinking about how we can innovate and utilize emerging technology to solve meaningful problems and end the day reflecting on what I learned. And I’m constantly inspired by the people around me: innovators, builders and dreamers who remind me that when you combine purpose with imagination, anything is possible.