The Other Side of Mission Critical with Tim Shukri
About this episode
In this episode of Inside Commissioning, host Cal Blair sits down with Tim Shukri, General Manager of Cornerstone Commissioning, to explore his journey from mechanical engineering graduate and commissioning intern to leading the organization. Tim shares how he accidentally discovered commissioning, why he nearly walked away from the industry during his first few months, and the moment he realized the impact commissioning professionals have on owners, contractors, and mission-critical facilities. Together, Cal and Tim discuss the evolution of Cornerstone Commissioning, the unique demands of life science and biocontainment projects, and the lessons that data center commissioning teams can learn from other mission-critical industries. They also discuss: • How Tim went from commissioning intern to leading Cornerstone Commissioning • The early project experiences that shaped his confidence and career growth • How Cornerstone was founded after 9/11 to support critical biocontainment facilities • The impact of COVID-19 on life science construction and BSL lab development • Why mission-critical environments require a different commissioning mindset • The similarities and differences between life science and data center commissioning • How commissioning processes vary across industries and project types • Why direct involvement during pre-functional checks creates stronger project outcomes • How technology, commissioning software, and AI are improving efficiency • The role of AI in generating test protocols and supporting project delivery • Why Cornerstone focuses on hiring and developing junior engineering talent • The importance of communication, humility, and soft skills for commissioning professionals • How company culture helps retain talent in a competitive industry • Why building long-term client relationships is essential for future growth Tim also shares his thoughts on the future of commissioning, the potential expansion into data centers, and why the best commissioning professionals combine technical expertise with curiosity, teamwork, and the willingness to keep learning. Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-shukri-pe-ccp-b434256a/ Links and Resources Website: www.baselinecx.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-blair-talent
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