Future Leader of the Year Award Winner 2026

We would like to congratulate Paul McGoldrick, Principal Consultant at Arup who won Future Leader of the Year at the Partnerships Awards in May 2026!

We asked Paul a few questions to get to know him a little better:

• IPFA: What part of your current role excites you the most and why?

What excites me most is the opportunity to help shape infrastructure projects that have a lasting impact on communities and society. Working on international projects at different stages of their PPP lifecycle means no two days are the same. I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams, solving complex challenges and finding innovative ways to move projects forward. Knowing that the work contributes to long-term economic, social and environmental benefits makes it particularly rewarding.

• IPFA: Tell us about a contribution you’ve made to your workplace/society that you’re truly proud of.

I’m proud of helping clients develop and deliver infrastructure projects that create real benefits for people and communities. Seeing projects progress from an initial idea through to delivery, knowing they will improve lives for decades to come, is incredibly fulfilling. I’m also proud of supporting colleagues in their professional development. Mentoring younger professionals and helping them build confidence and develop their careers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my own journey.

• IPFA: Who had the biggest impact on you early in your career, and what’s something they taught you that stuck?

Early in my career, my current team leader gave me the opportunity to join her team for just a couple of days each month to help out. Over time, that developed into a full-time role and led to opportunities to work on fascinating projects around the world.

What really stood out was her ability to combine technical excellence with genuine empathy. She taught me that success isn’t just about having the right answers, it’s about asking the right questions, listening carefully and bringing people with you. That’s a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I work with colleagues and clients today.

• IPFA: What is a piece of advice you have received that you’d never pass on or tell others?

One piece of advice I’d never pass on is: “Stay in your lane.” Some of the best opportunities in my career have come from stepping outside my comfort zone, being curious and taking on challenges that weren’t necessarily part of my job description. Growth often happens when we’re willing to embrace uncertainty, learn new skills and collaborate with people from different disciplines.

• IPFA: What are you currently reading or listening to that you’d recommend?

I try to keep a healthy balance by reading and listening to things that aren’t work-related. I’m a big fan of fiction books and true-crime podcasts, and I usually choose books based on recommendations from family and friends. One book I’ve enjoyed recently is ‘First Lie Wins’ by Ashley Elston, it’s a fast-paced and entertaining thriller that I’d definitely recommend.