Construction Leaders Podcast

In this episode, hosts Nick Soto, Carly Trout, and Evan Hendershot from CMAA are joined by Daphne Bryant, executive director of the ACEC Research Institute, and Dr. Keith Molenaar, of the University of Colorado Boulder, to unpack the growing momentum behind Progressive Design-Build (PDB). Drawing from the ACEC report "Progressive Design-Build: Practice, Perceptions, and Potential," the conversation highlights how PDB fosters transparency, collaboration, and stronger outcomes compared to traditional delivery methods. The discussion also explores what’s driving adoption across sectors, how risk is more effectively managed, and the qualities that enable lasting owner–design builder partnerships. This episode is sponsored by HNTB. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot with CMAA sit down with Chuck Ainsworth, Founder and Chief Coaching Officer, and Ed Palpant, Chief Construction Specialist at Epic Rivers Leadership. Together, they explore the significance of having tough conversations in the construction industry, from giving effective feedback to navigating conflict and building trust. Chuck and Ed unpack their down-to-earth approach to leadership development—one that encourages slowing down, asking the right questions, and fostering stronger collaboration across teams. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in the workforce and why emotional intelligence is becoming just as essential as technical skill on today’s job sites. This episode is sponsored by Parsons.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot from CMAA talk with Tim Singleton, PMCM business leader at Jacobs, and Ai Kurokawa, architect and principal at Isgenuity. Together, they explore what it takes to build high-performing teams in the construction industry. The conversation highlights the value of resilience, diversity, and psychological safety in driving successful project outcomes. Drawing from their own professional journeys, the guests share practical insights and strategies for fostering continuous improvement and team excellence in every phase of a project. This episode is sponsored by MindForge. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Evan Hendershot from CMAA are joined by members of CMAA’s Technology Subcommittee—including Jarvis Alridge, CCM, project controls department manager at HNTB; Marty Turner, CCM, director of projects for Turner & Townsend; and Vincent Testa, PE, CCM, director of strategic growth at Procon Consulting—for a forward-looking conversation on the role of artificial intelligence in construction management. The discussion covers how AI is being used on job sites for safety monitoring, progress tracking, and real-time data collection with tools like sensors and 3D cameras. The guests dispel common myths, emphasizing that AI is meant to support—not replace—human expertise. They also explore AI’s administrative advantages, from automated reporting to improved communication workflows. Looking ahead, the panel predicts a sharp rise in AI adoption as firms seek a competitive edge, with more AI capabilities being embedded directly into construction management platforms. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Carly Trout and guest host Evan Hendershot from CMAA talk with Jim McConnell, a seasoned expert in corporate security and CEO of Ask McConnell. The conversation dives into the concept of converged security, integrating physical protection, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and more. Jim unpacks the critical differences between safety and security, explains why clearly defined accountability matters, and shares actionable strategies to boost security on construction sites. From risk awareness to staff training, this episode offers essential guidance for construction professionals looking to safeguard their teams and projects. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA talk with Marcia Alvarado, a structural engineer, professional model, activist, former NCAA athlete, and founder of The Alvarado Experience. They discuss the power of authentic leadership in the construction industry. Marcia shares how her diverse experiences have shaped her leadership style, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, trust, and transparency in high-stakes environments. She explores the role of resilience, empathy, and personal growth in building strong teams and lasting connections, both professionally and personally. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leading with authenticity and making a meaningful impact. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA chat with Andrea Janzen, CEO of Ambition Theory, and Doreen Bartoldus, PE, CCM, a member of the Construction Manager Certification Institute Board of Governors and past chair of the National Association of Women in Construction. They dive into the value of leadership training, the role of mentorship, and the importance of cultivating an inclusive culture in the construction industry. Tune in to explore the effective strategies for fostering gender diversity and career growth in construction. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with Jonathan Cinelli, host of the People First Leadership Podcast and partner of The Construction Life Podcast. Jonathan shares his journey from electrician and project manager to coach and author, emphasizing the power of human-centric leadership. The conversation explores how leaders can foster trust and connection while navigating the challenges of a multi-generational workforce, the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, and the importance of curiosity and active listening in building stronger teams. He also dives into the impact of toxic and transactional workplace cultures and offers practical strategies for creating a healthier, more productive work environment in the construction industry. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In the season 4 premiere of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA welcome Thomas Gannon, Raoul D. Ilaw, PE, CCM, FCMAA, and Emma Davies of Fortitude Advisory, a non-profit organization focused on mentorship and education in the construction industry. Together, they explore the founding of Fortitude, the transformative impact of its mentorship initiatives, and the Global Cohort Program. The conversation also delves into university partnerships and Fortitude’s vision for fostering a diverse, global network to develop the next generation of construction leaders. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In our season 3 finale of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA welcome Randy Britt, Chair of CMAA's Sustainability Committee, and Smitha Radhakrishnan, Executive Vice President of Planning, Development, and Maintenance at Tampa International Airport, to explore the increasing role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in construction. The conversation highlights ESG as a cornerstone for long-term business success, environmental responsibility, and meaningful community engagement. Randy and Smitha share actionable insights on gaining leadership buy-in, ensuring clear communication, and leveraging third-party verification to strengthen ESG initiatives. They also dive into cutting-edge trends such as electrification, advanced air mobility, and achieving zero waste goals. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with Tammy McConaughy, Director of Education & Certification for the Lean Construction Institute; Katie Wells, Vice President of Project Delivery with Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC; Christopher Vine, Project Superintendent with Hensel Phelps; and John Zachara Integrated Facilities Solutions and Leader Emeritus with LCI's Chicago Community of Practice (CoP), to discuss lean construction, emphasizing its principles of continuous improvement and collaboration. They discuss the benefits of lean construction, such as higher efficiency, better quality, and improved project outcomes. They highlight the importance of breaking down industry silos, fostering a positive culture, and valuing team input. Challenges include resistance to change and the need for trust. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with Kyle Grandell, CCM, founder and CEO of Dell Management, to discuss the company’s innovative approaches to project management and dedication to delivering top-tier results. They delve into the critical role of capital management, the impact of cutting-edge technology like augmented reality, and strategies for navigating supply chain disruptions. Kyle also highlights the importance of mental health awareness, leadership development, and the value of hands-on experience and industry certifications. Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA chat with Michael Bempah, PE, president and CEO of Pinpoint Precision Engineering, and Kevin P. Nolan, PE, CCM, senior associate at STV Incorporated. They explore the workforce challenges facing the construction industry and highlight the critical importance of resilience and continuous learning. The conversation underscores the need to attract more young professionals and discusses strategies for staying innovative and competitive, including the use of technology and cultivating a culture of learning and adaptability. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with members of CMAA's Technology Subcommittee, including Brian Tracy, PE, CCM, director of construction management at Ausonio; Marty Turner, CCM, director of projects for Turner & Townsend; and Vincent Testa, PE, CCM, director of strategic growth at Procon Consulting. The discussion centers on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in construction management, highlighting its applications, benefits, and associated risks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader applications of AI, the necessity of high-quality data, and the expertise required to interpret accurate information. The guests also delve into the potential impact of AI on professional services, underlining the crucial role of human expertise and ethical considerations in the implementation of AI technologies. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Lucian Niemeye, CEO of Building Cyber Security, a non-profit organization that aims to improve physical security and safety. They discuss the importance of investing in cybersecurity to maintain building safety throughout its lifecycle, the potential of artificial intelligence and digital twins in the construction industry, and the risks associated with connected devices. Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Justin Ganschow with Caterpillar Safety Services. Together, they discuss psychological safety in the construction industry, focusing on the need to create an environment where workers feel safe in sharing concerns and speaking up about unsafe practices. Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Coty Fournier, a professional talent development and growth strategist in the construction industry. Explore invaluable insights drawn from Coty's 30-year journey in construction management, including the pivotal role of mentors, effective strategies for career advancement, and navigating the transition from operations to business development. Gain actionable tips for firms seeking to stand out in a competitive landscape and empowering advice for women and minorities in the industry. This episode is sponsored by STV. Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Penny Tilghman, senior advisor of infrastructure with the Embassy of Switzerland. Join them as they they dive into the challenges, successes, and future outlook of Switzerland's ambitious infrastructure projects. Gain insights into the coordination and strategies required for managing similar large-scale programs. This episode is sponsored by STV. Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Brian Cresenzi, senior resident engineer at Gannett Fleming. Join them as they explore the intricacies of quality management in construction. The discussion covers the importance of seamless communication, managing unexpected challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and the significance of incorporating feedback into the quality assurance process. This episode is sponsored by MindForge. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and guest host Kenzie Durrell chat with Anne Timmermans, a senior consultant from Parametrix, and Adam Walkowiak, associate vice president at Michael Baker International. Together, they explore the crucial topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the construction industry. Gain insights into CMAA's proactive efforts in promoting diversity within the profession, as the guests share their experiences and perspectives on fostering an inclusive environment in the construction sector.