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An Unplanned Path to Construction Leadership

In this episode, Laura Korte, Vice President of Construction at VR Mechanical, shares her unique career journey. Starting with aspirations of becoming a doctor, Laura's path changed drastically after taking a temporary job in construction. Discover how her background in health sciences unexpectedly led to a passion for construction and project management. Laura discusses her early career challenges, the importance of asking questions, the role of mentorship, and the dynamics of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. She also touches on the significance of work-life balance, leadership principles, and the value of meaningful projects. As Laura reflects on her achievements and future goals, she provides invaluable advice for young professionals considering a career in construction.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

04:23 First Experience in Construction

10:20 Career Growth and Opportunities

23:49 Supporting the Site Team

26:33 Creating a Supportive Work Culture

28:13 Navigating Career and Motherhood

33:12 Current Role and Responsibilities

45:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Fields with Nour Hachem

In this episode, Diane interviews Nour Hachem, President and Founder of the national not-for-profit 'Build A Dream'. Nour talks about her background and childhood and moving from Lebanon to Canada. She shares her journey from aspiring to be a human rights lawyer to discovering her passion for the not-for-profit sector, leading her to establish Build A Dream. Nour discusses the challenges and successes in promoting women's engagement in male-dominated sectors such as skilled trades, STEM, and leadership roles. She also emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments for women and the collective effort required to foster a more equitable society. Highlighting powerful personal and professional anecdotes, Nour illustrates the transformative impact of economic independence and the importance of empowering both women and men to break traditional molds and embrace their full potential.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

03:52 University Challenges and Career Shift

05:43 Founding Build A Dream

10:32 Mission and Impact of Build A Dream

25:08 Challenges and Solutions in Male-Dominated Fields

36:20 Success Stories and Future Goals

47:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Empowering Women in Skilled Trades: Diane Finnegan's Journey

In this episode, Diane Finnegan, CEO of The Dirty Seahorse, shares her inspiring journey from being a retail sales manager to founding a company that makes women's workwear for skilled trades. Diane describes how her daughter's challenges in finding suitable workwear sparked the idea, leading her to create a business focused on durable, functional, and comfortable workwear for women. Diane discusses overcoming obstacles like imposter syndrome, learning essential skills from sewing to fabric sourcing, and the importance of community and feedback from women in trades. The company aims not only to produce quality workwear but also to support and advocate for women in trades, highlighting issues like suitable daycare and employer hiring practices. Diane expresses her commitment to changing the industry for the better and her plans for future growth, including a potential storefront.

00:00 Meet Diane Finnegan: CEO of The Dirty Seahorse
03:22 The Birth of The Dirty Seahorse
07:33 Building the Business and Overcoming Doubts
10:26 Community Feedback and Product Development
19:32 Supporting Women in Trades
22:06 Challenges in the Trades
26:11 Social Media and Outreach
27:12 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
31:13 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

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Breaking Barriers: Pat's Journey in Construction and Leadership

In this episode, Pat, shares her inspiring journey from Southeast London to becoming the VP of Major Projects for Bird in Vancouver. Starting with a childhood dream of becoming a policewoman, she pivoted to the construction industry, building a successful 35-year career spanning multiple countries. Pat discusses her early challenges, including her entry into the workforce, and navigating a male-dominated industry. She highlights her career's milestones and later her move to Canada to lead major P3 healthcare projects. Pat also emphasizes the importance of being genuine, working hard, and the value of teamwork. She reflects on her role as executive sponsor of the Women@Bird ERG and shares her aspirations to reach the C-suite level to continue making a positive impact in the industry.

00:00 Meet Patricia: Childhood Dreams and Early Career

05:33 First Steps in Construction

07:03 Career Milestones and Growth

18:14 International Career Moves

26:14 Role at Bird Construction

30:56 Advice for Women in Leadership

32:24 Importance of ERGs

36:16 Reflecting on a 35-Year Career

37:31 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

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Renae Sams: Building a Path for Women in Construction

In this episode, Diane interviews Renae Sams, founder and executive director of Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in construction. Renee shares her journey from dreaming of working for NASA to becoming a leader in the construction industry. She details the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating a career without an initial exposure to construction from site administrator to senior project manager on missions critical projects. Renee discusses the importance of visible female role models and her motivation to help other women feel they belong in the industry. She also talks about her book, which includes writing prompts to encourage reflection and growth, and her efforts to create a supportive community through her nonprofit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:11 Childhood Dreams and Early Influences

03:38 Journey into the Construction Industry

06:02 First Steps in Construction

08:20 Challenges and Growth in the Industry

13:29 Founding Build-Her.org

18:20 The Importance of Representation

38:28 Advice and Future Aspirations

43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Notes:

Norman, Don. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded ed., Basic Books, 2013.

The Arbinger Institute. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. 3rd ed., Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018.

build-her.org

Build-Her. (2024, April 10). Build-Her Be Heard: Creating space for women in construction with Renae Sams.

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Jessica Luczycki: Redefining Construction Administration Through Part3

In this episode, we meet Luczycki, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Part3. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring teacher to tech entrepreneur in the architectural and construction industry. She discusses her educational background, initial career at EllisDon, and transition into architectural contract administration. Jessica reveals how frustrations in her job led to founding Part3, a software solution designed to streamline construction administration. Alongside her husband and co-founder, she navigated startup challenges, balancing parenthood and raising funds to build a solution now widely embraced by the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, transparency, and customer-centric innovation in driving Part3's success. Additionally, Jessica touches on the future of AI in construction, and how it can become a tool for time consuming tasks. Tune in to hear her insights and inspiring story of perseverance and innovation.

00:00 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings

06:31 Switch to Contract Administration

11:17 Founding Part3

21:04 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood

23:15 Team Growth and Belief in the Mission

25:15 Challenges in Construction Administration

27:17 Recognition and Networking

38:37 AI in Construction and Future Plans

43:19 Advice for Women in Construction

45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Chelsea Fenton: Pioneering Women in Construction

In this episode, Chelsea Fenton (@thatunionlaborer), a 32-year-old union laborer from Western Massachusetts, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring to be a firefighter to excelling in the construction industry. Chelsea discusses the challenges she overcame, including being denied entry into the apprenticeship program twice before finally being accepted. She explains how her father’s support and the invaluable mentorship from seasoned colleagues helped her succeed. Chelsea also talks about her significant role in cofounding Western Mass Tradeswomen to support and connect women in the construction trades. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of persistence, finding mentors, and maintaining work-life balance. Chelsea is actively involved in outreach and education to attract more women to the trades, underscoring her dedication to the future of the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

02:04 Career Aspirations and Challenges

11:41 Union Involvement and Growth

18:54 Forming Western Mass Tradeswomen

27:00 Challenges Women Face in Construction

29:02 Retention Challenges and Mentorship

30:39 Becoming a Foreman

35:56 Social Media Influence

42:12 Family and Personal Life

44:09 Future Aspirations and Advice

https://www.wmtradeswomen.org/

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The Journey of Mercedes Byers: From environmental science to co-founding a thriving sustainability consulting business.

In this episode, Mercedes Byers shares her inspiring journey from her early dreams of becoming an actor to establishing herself in the sustainability consulting field. She talks about her childhood, academic pursuits, and how a serendipitous environmental science class at the University of Toronto pivoted her career from medicine to environmental science. Mercedes recounts the early challenges and milestones during the founding of Pratus Group, her partnership, and their eventual merger with Quasar Consulting Group. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful work culture, providing opportunities for younger employees, and balancing professional responsibilities with personal life as a mother of three. Tune in to hear her insights on leadership, overcoming industry challenges, and what drives her continued passion for sustainability in construction.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:17 Early Life and Childhood Dreams

03:50 Academic Journey and Career Beginnings

05:03 Transition to Environmental Science

07:21 First Steps in the Construction Industry

11:03 Founding Pratus Group

31:06 Fostering a Positive Work Culture

35:16 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family

39:19 The Quasar Partnership

44:03 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Goals