By Ben Tavakoli, Technical Director – MEP, 9E Global
Growth is a word we celebrate often in the engineering industry. It is measured in headcount, turnover, and project wins. Yet growth, in its truest form, is not simply about expansion. It is about freedom, the autonomy to choose wisely, to innovate boldly, and to align work with a purpose greater than the organisation itself.
The journey of growth often unfolds in stages, each marked by a different relationship with freedom. Recognising these stages provides a valuable perspective on progress, not just for individual careers, but for organisations and the industry as a whole.
Beginnings Under Constraint
With a reputation established, opportunities begin to expand rapidly. Suddenly, there is no shortage of projects, and the capacity exists to take on larger, more complex work. Abundance, however, brings risk. The temptation to overcommit, to take on more than can realistically be delivered, becomes a real threat.
A single poorly chosen project can undermine reputation, profitability, and team confidence. At this stage, restrictions are few, but the ability to make consistently meaningful choices is still developing.
The Crossroads of Aspiration
Greater maturity brings even more choice. Opportunities appear limitless, yet this abundance often poses a deeper challenge: deciding which path to pursue. Some projects offer recurring, predictable business but little inspiration. Others open the door to uncharted territory, promising growth yet presenting unfamiliar obstacles.
Freedom to choose is fully present, but the ability to navigate the unknown is still forming. This stage is where growth becomes intentional; not about doing more, but about choosing with purpose.
Freedom with Purpose
The most liberating stage is one where external restriction no longer dictates direction. Parameters are self-defined, and challenging, unconventional projects are pursued not for prestige, but to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in the built environment.
This is freedom with purpose. Choices are guided not by availability, but by meaning. It is at this point that innovation thrives.
The Deeper Lesson
Growth for its own sake is a false target, while expansion undertaken merely to meet demand risks leaving an organisation restless and unsatisfied. Purpose always provides the anchor. Embracing the sacrifices made for the greater good creates stability that no external factor can shake. Purpose safeguards autonomy even as markets, trends, and client demands evolve.
True freedom in the engineering industry is not about scale for its own sake, but about choosing wisely, innovating with conviction, and building a legacy that endures beyond any single project. That is the true measure of success.
MEP Middle East: https://www.mepmiddleeast.com/opinion/9e-ben-tavakoli-mep-growth-roadmap
