In this special Halloween episode of Burnout Banter, we’re trading burnout for bone-chilling banter as we share real-life horror stories from the trenches of AEC marketing. From cursed proposals to ghosted deadlines and inboxes that just won’t die, these are the terrifying tales that linger long after the final submission.

Whether you’ve ever sacrificed sleep to a “quick revision,” watched a file freeze at 98% with seconds to spare, or questioned reality while updating org charts from the passenger seat—this one’s for you. It’s all in good fun (sort of), but it’s also a reminder of how unsustainable some of our industry’s expectations can be.

So pour your favorite fall drink, dim the lights, and join us… if you dare.

Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at burnoutbanter@gmail.com.

As Q4 ramps up, everything suddenly feels urgent. Deadlines move closer. Teams scramble to "finish strong." And somewhere along the way, urgency becomes the default operating mode—whether it's necessary or not.

In this episode of Burnout Banter, Jeff and Rachelle explore the seasonal pressure that hits many AEC professionals in the fall. The push to hit year-end metrics, wrap up key initiatives, and juggle increasingly complex schedules can leave teams running on fumes before the holidays even start.

We'll unpack the difference between true urgency and manufactured urgency, why leaders often (accidentally) escalate pressure, and how to spot when you're caught in a frenzy that's doing more harm than good. Most importantly, we'll share strategies to slow the spin, prioritize what matters, and lead without panic.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels like the calendar flipped to October and suddenly everything became a fire drill.

Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at burnoutbanter@gmail.com.

Even the most experienced professionals in the AEC industry—people who manage complex projects and navigate high-stakes deadlines—still struggle to hold their boundaries. It’s not a time management issue. It’s a culture, communication, and identity issue.

In this episode, Jeff and Rachelle explore why boundaries feel so elusive, even for high performers. They dig into how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and unspoken team norms wear down even the clearest intentions. From vague client expectations to the “hero” mentality of being the one who always steps in, AEC professionals are often rewarded for boundary-breaking behavior—and punished (implicitly or explicitly) for pushing back.

You’ll hear real-world examples, practical communication scripts, and a mini coaching framework to help redefine boundaries not as limitations—but as strategies for aligned leadership and long-term sustainability.

Whether you’re burned out from always being “the fixer,” or just need a better way to protect your time and energy, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and reinforce what matters most.

Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at burnoutbanter@gmail.com