Women in AEC: Wine After Work

Bryce Batts
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Wine After Work is designed for women who are ready to embrace their autonomy and take full ownership of their careers. Join us as we learn from one another and dive into meaningful conversations. In a landscape where women remain underrepresented across various industries! While I focus on the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction sectors, our discussions feature an incredible lineup of women from diverse fields—female founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and inspiring trailblazers. Hosted by Bryce Batts, this podcast inspires and empowers you to attract and retain top talent!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    A different take on Leadership in Construction

    Guest: L.R. (Lee) Weeden, CM-Lean, LCI-CPC What We Discussed: Lee's journey into construction leadership and lean thinking Why continuous improvement matters in project delivery and teams How lean principles shift focus from firefighting to intentional progress What resilience looks like in busy project environments The intersection of process, people, and leadership in built work Lessons from building teams as much as buildings Why It Matters: Lee brings a systems mindset to an industry that moves at the pace of relationships and momentum. His experience especially in healthcare projects, shows how intentional process and team dynamics make the difference between chaos and predictable outcomes.  Key Highlights: Continuous improvement isn't a buzzword it's a set of choices and habits Leadership in construction happens on the ground as much as in meetings Lean principles are human, not just technical Follow Lee on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lrweeden/  where he posts regularly about leadership and lean in construction.

    30 min

  2. 11 MAR

    Breaking the Approval Addiction: Why Engineers Struggle With Autonomy in Leadership

    In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Elif Acar-Chiasson, P.E., founder of OPLE Leadership and former COO with over 30 years in the AEC industry. Elif built her consulting practice after living inside what she calls a "broken autonomy model." Brilliant engineers are promoted into leadership roles, then trapped in approval culture where every decision climbs uphill for permission. The leader becomes the bottleneck. The team stops growing. Everyone burns out. Together, Bryce and Elif unpack: • Why technical excellence and leadership requirements are often in conflict • The hidden addiction to approval and control inside engineering firms • Why autonomy is not "do whatever you want," but clear decision ownership with guardrails • How emotional intelligence supports decision-making under pressure • What stepping away from a COO role taught Elif about fit and courage • Why leading with both head and heart is not weakness but maturity • What competitive ballroom dancing at 50 revealed about starting over and discomfort Elif shares a systemic approach to leadership. Instead of coaching one overwhelmed leader in isolation, she looks at the entire decision architecture of a team. Who owns what? Where decisions stall. How trust is built or broken. Her core belief: the most critical structural integrity is not in buildings. It is in teams. About Elif: Elif Acar-Chiasson, P.E., is a Professional Engineer and founder of OPLE Leadership. After 12 years as an executive, including 8 as COO at CSRS/Westwood, she now works with technical professionals who are exceptional at their craft but struggling in leadership roles. She translates emotional intelligence into engineering frameworks and helps teams redesign how decisions are made so leaders are no longer the bottleneck. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Elif brings a multicultural lens to leadership and challenges the idea that "people skills" are separate from technical rigor.   https://www.elifchiasson.com/

    36 min

  3. 4 MAR

    The Courage to Pivot: From Attorney to AEC Executive Leadership

    Success isn't always linear and sometimes the bravest move is walking away from something you worked incredibly hard to build. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Sharla Toller, J.D., Senior Vice President and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CannonDesign, to talk about courage, career pivots, and redefining what success really means. Sharla's journey to executive leadership in the AEC industry didn't follow a straight path. A former practicing attorney with a J.D. from Howard University School of Law, she made the bold decision to leave litigation behind to pursue work aligned with her passion: building inclusive, people-centered workplaces. Since joining CannonDesign in 2021, she has: Led implementation of the firm's DEI Strategic Framework Directed the DEI Council and Employee Resource Groups Launched firmwide training programs Deepened partnerships with organizations like National Organization of Minority Architects Co-authored the children's book Deja the Dynamo Been named one of the Top 50 DEI Professionals in the OnCon Icon Awards (2025) She also holds a Master of Professional Studies in HR Management/Diversity & Inclusion from Georgetown University and is a single mother who has intentionally shaped a career aligned with both passion and parenthood. In this episode, we discuss: Leaving a prestigious profession to follow purpose How DEI work impacts retention, talent acquisition, and engagement in AEC What real executive leadership looks like Building a career that supports your life — not competes with it The courage required to pivot This conversation is about alignment, authenticity, and redefining success on your own terms. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs the reminder: it's never too late to pivot toward what inspires you. If you enjoy the episode, please rate and review Wine After Work — it helps us continue elevating powerful voices in AEC.

    34 min

  4. 25 FEB

    Money with Intention: Wealth, Strategy, and Long-Term Thinking

    What does it really mean to build wealth — not just earn money? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Doug Kinsey, founding member of the Sweater Cashmere Fund and partner at Artifex Financial Group, for a grounded conversation about wealth, investing, and long-term strategy. With more than 25 years of experience in wealth management and investment strategy, Doug works with individuals and organizations to align financial decisions with real life goals — not just short-term performance. Holding a master's degree in management and strategy from Harvard and a certification as an Investment Management Analyst, Doug brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to building and protecting wealth. In this conversation, we discuss: The difference between income, success, and true wealth Common mistakes high earners make with investing and retirement planning How to think about private assets and long-term strategy Why clarity and intention matter more than timing the market Building financial confidence as your career and responsibilities grow This episode is especially valuable for professionals who've focused on building their careers — and are now asking bigger questions about sustainability, freedom, and long-term security.

    31 min

  5. 18 FEB

    Leading Without a Technical Playbook: Growth, Community, and Women in HVAC

    What does leadership look like when your path isn't linear — and your industry wasn't built with you in mind? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Gwen Smothers, a long-tenured leader at Piedmont Service Group, to talk about career pivots, people-centered leadership, and the power of community in the HVAC industry. Gwen began her career in accounting before transitioning into business systems and leadership roles — a move that required confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to step into discomfort. With more than two decades at the same organization, she shares what has kept her engaged, how the industry has evolved, and what leadership really requires beyond technical expertise. In this conversation, we explore: Navigating leadership without a technical background Building confidence when stepping outside your comfort zone Long-term career growth inside one organization Co-founding and leading the Women in HVAC peer group at Service Logic Why visibility, voice, empowerment, and community matter — especially in male-dominated fields Gwen also reflects on mentorship, culture, and what the HVAC industry must do to attract and retain diverse talent in the years ahead. This episode is a powerful listen for anyone leading through change — or considering a career path that doesn't fit the traditional mold.

    33 min

  6. 11 FEB

    Breaking Barriers, Leading Boldly, and Redefining Success

    What does it really take to lead boldly in spaces where women are still the exception — not the norm? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Toni Will, trailblazing leader, keynote speaker, and author, for a candid conversation about leadership, courage, and choosing a life aligned with your values. As the first female general manager in the history of the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, Toni knows what it means to break barriers and lead authentically in male-dominated environments. She shares lessons from her journey in professional sports, the realities of high-visibility leadership, and how redefining success — including choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle — transformed both her career and personal life. In this conversation, we explore: Leading confidently in male-dominated industries Navigating pressure, visibility, and imposter syndrome What authentic leadership really looks like behind the scenes Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle and challenging cultural norms Redefining success on your own terms Toni also talks about her work as a keynote speaker, her podcast Women In…, and her upcoming book (releasing March 1, 2026), all rooted in one mission: inspiring women to lead with courage, clarity, and authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning old definitions of success — and ready to write their own. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/ https://www.toniwill.com/

    37 min

  7. 4 FEB

    From Construction to Couture Interiors: A Woman in a Man's World Carving Her Own Lane

    What does it look like to build a career that blends technical mastery with creative freedom? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Nicole Roe, founder of R. Nickson Interiors, to talk about her unconventional path from construction to couture-level interiors — and what it takes to carve your own lane in a male-dominated industry. With more than 15 years of experience across construction and design, and a degree in Building Construction from Georgia Tech, Nicole brings a rare blend of technical credibility and expressive creativity. She shares how her background allows her to design spaces that aren't just beautiful, but deeply functional and aligned with how her clients actually live. In this conversation, we cover: Transitioning from construction into high-end interior design Building confidence and credibility as a woman in male-dominated spaces Why understanding the full construction process changes how you design Scaling a boutique design firm with operational control (including launching a warehouse and receiving space) Designing homes that support real life, not just aesthetics Nicole also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, creativity with structure, and ambition with authenticity — all while raising four energetic boys and building a design brand that refuses to fit into a single box. If you're navigating a career pivot, building a business, or redefining success on your own terms, this episode will resonate. https://rnicksoninteriors.com/   https://www.instagram.com/rnicksoninteriors/

    30 min

  8. 28 JAN

    Leadership That Actually Works in AEC

    What happens when technical excellence is no longer enough to lead? This week on Wine After Work, Bryce is joined by Kirby Lee, Professional Engineer, third-generation HVAC construction professional, and AEC leadership expert, for a candid conversation about what leadership really requires in today's AEC industry. With more than 23 years of experience spanning consulting engineering, owner's representation, HVAC construction, and equipment sales, Kirby brings a rare, holistic perspective on the pressures facing AEC leaders today. He shares how his engineering background — combined with decades in the field — led him to recognize a critical gap in traditional leadership development programs. In this episode, Bryce and Kirby discuss: Why most leadership training fails AEC professionals The transition from technical expert to people leader How emotional intelligence shows up on real projects What resilient leadership looks like in an evolving AEC workforce Why the industry needs leadership systems designed for AEC, not borrowed from elsewhere Kirby also shares insights from his work with ASHRAE and how service, mentorship, and intentional leadership shape stronger teams and better outcomes. If you're an AEC professional navigating leadership, growth, or transition — this episode will resonate.

    36 min
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Wine After Work is designed for women who are ready to embrace their autonomy and take full ownership of their careers. Join us as we learn from one another and dive into meaningful conversations. In a landscape where women remain underrepresented across various industries! While I focus on the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction sectors, our discussions feature an incredible lineup of women from diverse fields—female founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and inspiring trailblazers. Hosted by Bryce Batts, this podcast inspires and empowers you to attract and retain top talent!

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