Advertise on podcast: Ambition Theory: Women in Construction

In this episode, Dr. Giovanna Brasfield (Popularly known as Dr. G), the CEO and Principal Consultant at Brasfield Associates, discusses her journey in the construction industry, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. G is an award-winning diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) advocate and changemaker with over 18 years of experience in leadership consulting and DEI program development, training, education, and outreach for the construction industry and construction-related trades. At Brassfield & Associates, she offers inclusive strategies for large infrastructure projects and supports employee resource groups with a keen focus on developing sustainable actions for employee engagement and retention. Dr. Brasfield shares her passion for construction and how her work integrates communities often overlooked, ensuring they have an equal voice in projects.  The conversation delves into the importance of allyship, the evolution of DEI efforts from project-driven to organization-wide initiatives, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of inclusion.  Her insights highlight the significance of listening tours, employee feedback, and strategic DEI planning in addressing the talent shortage and improving workplace culture. Highlights 00:00 Dr. Giovanna’s journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry. 03:12 Focusing on the positive impact that the construction industry has on communities. 09:08 Diversity, equity, and inclusion in large infrastructure projects and construction. 14:52 Tackling the talent retention and shortage conundrum in the construction industry. 28:21 The best ways to start and manage diverse employee resource groups. 33:35 How the Great Resignation affected the construction industry and the labor market in general. 37:05 Programs that organizations can implement to attract and retain talent. Links Download the Building Better Report - https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details - https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Resources Mentioned Diversity Wins and How Inclusion Matters By McKinsey & Company Dr. Giovanna Brasfield’s Website - https://drgiovannabrasfield.com/ Connect on LinkedIn Ambition Theory - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/ Andrea Janzen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/ Dr. Giovanna Brasfield - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-giovanna-brasfield-0a90a78/

In this episode, Beth Tubbs, the Chief Fire Protection Engineer at ICC, shares her journey of growth, both personally and professionally, within the construction and engineering sectors.  She delves into the significance of building codes for public safety and energy efficiency, her role in developing these codes, and how she finds purpose in her work.  Beth also discusses the impact of attending an Ambition Theory workshop, which catalyzed her to take bold steps towards leadership within her organization and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.  Her story is a testament to the power of asking questions, seeking growth opportunities, and embracing change with confidence. Tune into the episode to discover how Beth Tubbs navigated challenges, overcame self-doubt, and leveraged her expertise to ascend to new heights in her career, all while contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of building standards. Highlights 00:00 Beth Tubbs’ distinguished career in fire and life safety in the built environment. 01:49 What she loves about writing and working on building code. 02:57 How an Ambition Theory workshop helped Beth advance in her career. 09:39 The strategy she used to get her boss to support her in developing her leadership potential. 15:49 Why it’s important to have a sense of purpose in your career. 17:25 Navigating challenges at work and how teamwork helps. 20:06 Tips for staying motivated as a leader. 21:56 The experience she had being the President of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). 24:57 How you can build up your confidence as a leader. Links Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/ Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap Connect on LinkedIn Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/ Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/ Beth Tubbs https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-tubbs-b611aa4a/

In this episode, Kathryn Payne, a Project Executive with LeChase Construction, shares her inspiring journey in the construction sector. Kathryn fell in love with the field early on at Clemson University, and her passion for problem-solving and creating has driven her career. Sponsors have played a crucial role in Kathryn's growth, facilitating opportunities for her and others. She believes in investing in and empowering future leaders through sponsorship. During our conversation, Kathryn delves into the launch and impact of the Employee Resource Group for Women at LeChase. This group actively works towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment by addressing gender disparities in the workplace. Kathryn highlights the benefits of sponsorship both for her role as a project executive and for her journey as a protegé. She shares personal stories of how sponsorship has positively influenced her own growth and helped her overcome challenges to get to where she is today. She also provides valuable insights on how businesses can leverage sponsorship.  Kathryn emphasizes the importance of goal setting and curiosity in career development. She encourages individuals to explore new opportunities, take risks, and continuously seek growth. Highlights 00:00 Kathryn Payne's Construction Journey  00:24 The Role of Sponsorship in Kathryn's Career 00:34 Launch and Impact of the Employee Resource Group for Women at LaChase Construction 00:50 Personal Stories and Benefits of Sponsorship  01:08 Insights on Leveraging Sponsorship for Business Growth 01:14 Importance of Goal Setting and Curiosity in Career Development  Links:  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Kathryn Payne https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryntaylorpayne/ 

Doreen Bartoldus is the past national president of the National Association of Women in Construction and one of the 2023 Construction Power 100 for New York City. She is a certified construction manager recognized by the  Construction Management Association of America with the Champion Coins of Excellence award. Doreen is a trailblazer in the construction industry, someone who holds the door open for those coming behind her and has used her influence to make the industry better for the women coming up behind her.  Highlights  How to navigate an industry that wasn’t made for women.  The progress that has been made to advance women and the work that still needs to be done.  The tools that are essential to advancing to a leadership position.  Links:  NAWIC Leadership Academy https://nawicleadershipacademy.org/  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  NAWIC https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-women-in-construction/  Doreen Bartoldus https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreen-bartoldus-pe-ccm-693835b/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.  

Getting more women into leadership roles is important for every industry but especially for manufacturing. The sector lags behind others in terms of representation, particularly in the C-Suite. What does it take to attract women to the industrial space? What can companies do to retain these women? What guidance do current women leaders have for the next generation to improve their chances for a successful career in manufacturing? Kristin Graybill shares the results of the Manufacturers Alliance Research report called In Her Own Words: Breaking The Glass Ceiling Is Good For Business.   Highlights  The real story behind Rosie The Riveter  How to be more intentional with your hiring and interview process The return on investment of having a strong culture  Links:  Manufacturers Alliance Research Report: In Her Own Words https://www.manufacturersalliance.org/research-insights/in-her-own-words  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Manufacturers Alliance https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturersalliance/  Kristin Graybill https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgraybill/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Sponsorship is one of the most powerful tools to advance women in the construction industry. Once you learn about this concept, it’s easy to want to implement it. But it isn’t always straightforward. There’s no sign-up sheet or 3-step plan; it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Rachael Ferrera from Zachry Construction unpacks how sponsorship has shown up for her over her 15-year career - even though she couldn’t recognize it then. She shares how she’s intentionally leveraging these relationships and sponsoring the next generation of leaders.  Highlights  How sponsorship creates value for a company.  What a Sponsorship - Protegé relationship looks like. How you can sponsor the next generation of leaders.  Links:  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Rachael Ferrera https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-ferrera-58b5167/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

There’s a labor shortage in the construction industry today, which has started a trend of companies wanting to attract more women. While the motivation may have started with getting more people in the door, the truth is that women bring a ton of value to the industry. Today, much of this value is untapped and isn’t leveraged. Dr. Tim Taylor from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) talks about the findings of their research report In her own words: improving project outcomes.  Highlights  The value that women bring to the job site.  How women influence the culture of job sites  The return on investment of having women on your project team  Links:  National Center for Construction Education and Research In Her Own Words Report: https://www.nccer.org/research/in-her-own-words/  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  NCCER https://www.linkedin.com/company/nccer/  Tim Taylor https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-taylor-1b5819231/  Special thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

It's actually not all about the money. Well, salary might get women in the door. What they really want as they progress is a clear path to career advancement. This episode is an excerpt from Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Building Better Report.   Highlights:   What women want when they are looking for career opportunities  Why women don’t advance at the same rate as the men they work with  What you can do to retain women at your company  Links:  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

The best way to start implementing sponsorship as a tool to advance women is to start by modeling sponsorship behaviors. Cultural transformation is really about behavior change, and all it takes is one person to start, and others will follow.  This episode is an excerpt from Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Building Better Report.   Highlights:   The mindset shift from mentorship to sponsorship  What sponsorship behavior looks like  The quick wins companies can get when they start implementing these behaviors  Links:  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Investing in your women employees' leadership development is an excellent retention tool. But knowing what kind of training you should invest in can get overwhelming.  Andrea Janzen reads a Forbes Coaches Council article in this episode to show you the difference between 1:1 and group coaching.  Highlights:   The difference between coaching and traditional leadership training   The outcomes you can expect when you invest in coaching  How to set up employees for success in a coaching program  Links:  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Transactional leadership involves providing direction, giving praise, and offering critical feedback. On the other hand, transformational leadership involves sharing a vision and inspiring people to contribute to that vision. In the construction industry, you need to leverage both styles of leadership.  Andrea Janzen reads a Forbes Coaches Council article in this episode to show you how to leverage your transformational leadership skills to motivate your team.  Highlights:   Why do employees not take initiative  The difference between internal and external motivations  How to leverage your employees' internal motivations so that they can become self-motivated  Links:  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

In 2019, Andrea Janzen wrote a series of articles in the Forbes Coaches Council about the difference between sponsorship and mentorship. The hypothesis then was that sponsorship, not mentorship, would become the answer to advancing women in the construction industry. Fast forward to today, and Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research have quantitative research that validates this. In this episode, Andrea Janzen shares how you can start implementing sponsorship at your company.  Highlights:   The difference between sponsorship and mentorship  How to build a sponsorship culture  Why sponsorship needs to start at the top  Links:  Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/  Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall  Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap  Connect on LinkedIn:  Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/  Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/  Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.