In this episode: Angela Gardner and Christi Powell discuss the significant impact of the Women Construction Owners and Executives (WCOE) organization. Christi shares her profound experiences and the benefits of attending WCOE conferences, highlighting the organization's 40-year history of advocating for women business owners in the construction industry. They delve into WCOE's mission to provide business connections, education, and advocacy, and its role in shaping policy and creating a supportive network for women in construction. Christi also touches on how WCOE has helped her personally and professionally, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking, and the diverse opportunities for women to grow their businesses within the construction industry. Additionally, the hosts discuss upcoming events, the organizational structure of WCOE, and how to get involved, encouraging listeners to leverage this powerful platform for their growth and success in the construction sector.

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as construction and aviation. Our special guest, Michelle 'MACE' Curran, a former fighter pilot and combat veteran, shares her journey from a small town in Wisconsin with no aviation background to becoming a fighter pilot and a solo pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds. Curran emphasizes the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and pushing limits both in aviation and life. She discusses the role of fitness in achieving peak performance and highlights the increasing number of women in aviation, attributing it to greater exposure and inspirational figures. Curran's transition from military to civilian life as an author and keynote speaker is driven by her desire to inspire and give back to the community. The episode also features a discussion on the key to successful teamwork and the essential nature of building trust among team members. Mace's insights are aimed at motivating students and women to believe in their potential and pursue their ambitions, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.

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In this episode: Christi Powell & Angela Gardner feature Brittany Gentilhomme, an Assistant Superintendent from R. C. Matthews, discussing her unconventional path to the construction industry. With a degree in communication and diverse job experiences, including landscaping and fashion merchandising, Brittany shares how each role contributed to her problem-solving and leadership skills in construction. She emphasizes the role of storytelling in advocating for women and young people to pursue careers in construction and outlines her involvement with NAWIC and Crew Collab. Brittany also highlights the importance of listening, organization, and a fresh perspective on job sites. Additionally, the podcast touches on Brittany's personal achievements and her passion for changing landscapes and lives through construction.

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In this episode: Angela and Christi discuss fostering inclusivity and effective leadership in the construction industry with their special guest, Jason Blair, CEO at TAL Building Centers. They explore Jason's unique approach to creating a welcoming environment for both women and men in a traditionally male-dominated field. Jason shares insights into his daily CEO responsibilities, emphasizing the variability and breadth of tasks he manages. He highlights the proactive steps taken to ensure 70% of his staff are women, emphasizing the importance of diversity and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and included. The conversation also delves into the Oz Principle and its impact on cultivating an accountability culture that attracts female talent. The importance of giving everyone a voice, regardless of gender, and the positive outcomes of such leadership practices on the company's overall success are also explored.

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Christi Powell and Angela Gardner discuss the significance of Women in Construction Week, International Women's Day, and Women's History Month. Despite the challenges and exhaustion these observances can bring, they emphasize the importance of showcasing women's achievements in the industry. Angela shares her packed schedule of events and advocacy efforts, highlighting the impact of visible support for women in non-traditional sectors. The episode also touches on the role of male allies in advancing gender equality within the construction industry. Additionally, Christi and Angela explore how to balance high-energy advocacy work with everyday responsibilities, underscoring the continual need to support and uplift women throughout the year. Thanks for listening!

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner engage with Dena Cordova Jack and Thea Dudley, founders of Women of LBM (WLBM), to discuss their roles and initiatives focused on uplifting women in the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry. They delve into the celebration and outcomes of Women in Construction Week, sharing personal experiences and highlighting the importance of mentorship, diversity, and community in fostering career advancement for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. The discussion also covers the significance of WLBM's efforts toward providing education, leadership skills, and networking opportunities for women in the industry. Dena and Thea share their career journeys, the motivation behind WLBM, and advice for women aiming to enter or progress within the LBM sector. This podcast underscores the transformative impact of diversity and mentorship in driving innovation and growth while inviting listeners to engage with WLBM's mission and resources.

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are joined by special guest Tori Neiman, the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development at Clemson University. The conversation covers a variety of topics, starting with personal reflections from the hosts and guest on their current states of mind, and moving into an in-depth discussion about the initiatives and programs at Clemson aimed at supporting the personal and professional development of student-athletes. Tori shares insights into how Clemson Athletics is leading in areas such as leadership development, community service, and career preparation, emphasizing a holistic approach to student-athlete growth. The discussion highlights Clemson's unique position in offering these programs, Tori's professional background, and how other institutions can adopt similar practices for holistic student-athlete development. The episode concludes with details on how listeners can learn more about and support these initiatives at Clemson University.

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In this episode of 'Women Talk Construction', hosts Christi Powell and Angela Gardner interview special guest Joycelyn Fankhauser, the manager of Boulder County Housing and Human Services for disaster. Fankhauser discusses her unique role in disaster management, a field where women are uncommon. She shares her journey of mentoring others, regardless of gender, to prepare for her eventual retirement. Additionally, Fankhauser talks about the joy of teaching her grandson to ski, exemplifying her passion for both her professional work and personal life. The discussion then delves into her career path, how she created her own job description to step into her role, and her involvement in managing various disasters in Boulder County, including floods, fires, a mass shooting, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Fankhauser highlights the importance of preparedness and community support in disaster management, especially in facing challenges like the influx of immigrants and the recovery from urban fires. The episode emphasizes the significance of paving one's own path and the impact of women in non-traditional roles. Thanks for Listening!

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