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. 4 DAYS AGO

    Leadership, Retention, and What AEC Firms Are Still Getting Wrong

    FMI's founder once said: "You don't build a business, you build people, and then people build the business." Julie Witecki has spent her career helping leaders in the built environment actually live that out — and in this conversation with Bryce, she gets specific about where most firms fall short. Julie advises executives and ownership teams across construction and AEC on leadership development, talent strategy, people systems, and organizational growth. She brings a perspective shaped by years inside some of the industry's most complex firms, and she's not here to give comfortable answers. This episode covers what firms are still getting wrong about why people leave, how leadership behavior drives retention more than compensation ever will, and what the next generation of leaders in the built environment actually needs to look like. This episode is for firm owners, principals, and anyone in AEC who has ever said "people are our greatest asset" and then wondered why the good ones keep leaving. About Julie Witecki: Julie Witecki is a consultant and advisor at FMI, one of the most trusted management consulting and investment banking firms serving the built environment. She works with leaders across construction, architecture, and engineering on leadership development, people strategy, talent, and organizational growth. Julie is a recognized voice on leadership, culture, and women in the AEC industry. Website: www.fmicorp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewitecki/ What We Cover: Introduction and Julie's career arc advising leaders across the built environment What "trusted advisor" actually means at FMI and how those relationships are built How the definition of leadership success has shifted over the last decade in AEC Doc Fails' founding philosophy — "you build people, and people build the business" — and what that looks like inside firms today Where leaders struggle most when developing people, especially as firms scale What separates firms that say people are a priority from those that actually operate that way How strong leaders balance accountability with empathy in high-pressure environments What firms are still getting wrong about why people leave How employee expectations have shifted post-pandemic and who is adapting well Why leadership behavior drives retention more than compensation, flexibility, or benefits The biggest strategic blind spots holding firms back right now Hard conversations leaders are avoiding that they need to be having What progress for women in construction looks like — and where the work is unfinished How organizations can support women leaders without performative DEI What qualities will define the most effective leaders in AEC over the next decade Julie's one piece of advice for a principal or executive listening today How Julie defines success at this stage of her own career Key Takeaways: Leadership behavior is the number one driver of retention — more than comp, flexibility, or benefits. Firms that don't understand this will keep losing people and blaming the market. There is a difference between saying people are your priority and building systems that prove it. Most firms are still operating on the former. The hard conversations leaders are avoiding — about performance, direction, and accountability — are exactly the ones their teams are desperate to have. Supporting women in leadership isn't a DEI initiative. It's a business decision. The firms that treat it as the latter are the ones making actual progress. The next generation of AEC leaders will need to hold technical credibility and people leadership simultaneously. Firms that only develop one are building a gap.

    28 min

  2. 13 MAY

    Your Company Brand Is Talking Whether You Are or Not

    Most architecture, engineering, and construction firms are so focused on building things that they forget to build their brand. Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman, the powerhouse duo behind Brand Groupies, have spent their careers fixing exactly that. In this episode, Bryce sits down with both women to talk about what strategic communications actually looks like for leaders in the built environment — and why getting it right changes everything. Carey and Lauren bring a combined perspective that's rare: luxury brand storytelling from Gucci and Hublot meets insider knowledge of the construction and design world. They've used that combination to build a nationally recognized communications firm and a podcast network that ranks in the top 5-10% globally. This conversation covers how leaders in AEC can claim their story, show up with authority, and use podcasting as a real business development tool. This episode is for firm owners, principals, and anyone in the built industry who knows their work is exceptional but struggles to articulate why it matters to the people they want to reach. About Carey Balogh: Carey Balogh is the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Brand Groupies, a women-owned strategic communications agency serving the built industry, which she founded in 2015. With a background working with luxury brands including Gucci and Hublot, and years of experience abroad and in New York City, Carey brings a global, high-end brand perspective to architecture, design, and real estate. She also launched the Brand Groupies Podcast in 2018 and previously co-founded Frolic!, a children's play space later acquired by the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandgroupies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careybalogh/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/brand-groupies/id1336590849 About Lauren Sleeman: Lauren Sleeman is Chief Executive Officer of Brand Groupies, joining in 2020 after running the fashion and lifestyle divisions at one of New York City's top PR firms. Her experience with legacy fashion brands including Hermès and Burberry, combined with her family's roots in construction and design, gives her a rare dual fluency in brand storytelling and the built environment. Under her leadership, Brand Groupies has grown from a boutique agency into a nationally recognized communications firm. She has been recognized on the New York Real Estate Journal's "Rising Stars" list. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-sleeman-11437982/ What We Cover: Introduction — who Carey and Lauren are and how Brand Groupies came to be What strategic communications actually means for firms in the built environment Why most AEC firms are underselling themselves and how to fix it What luxury brand storytelling from Gucci and Hermès taught them about the built industry Podcasting as an executive visibility and business development tool How to identify what sets your firm apart when you're too close to see it What it looks like to build a brand that outlasts any individual project or client Where to find Brand Groupies and what working with them looks like Key Takeaways: Your brand is already telling a story — the question is whether you're the one telling it Podcasting isn't just content; it's a relationship-building tool that traditional PR can't replicate The firms that win future work are the ones that make their expertise visible before someone needs to hire them What makes luxury brand storytelling transferable to AEC: specificity, consistency, and knowing exactly who you're talking to You don't need a massive marketing budget to build authority — you need clarity and consistency

    35 min

  3. 6 MAY

    Leading from the Top: Executive Performance, Reclaiming Your Time, and Building a Legacy

    There's a version of leadership that looks good from the outside and feels like chaos on the inside. Corinne, founder of The Gav Group, has built her entire practice around helping C-Suite leaders close that gap. In this conversation, she and Bryce dig into what it actually means to perform at the executive level — not just deliver results, but lead in a way that builds something lasting. Corinne's XTR framework — the Executive Table Read — is unlike anything in the traditional executive coaching world. It's a thought-partnership model designed for leaders who are already successful and ready to go further. This episode gets specific: how leaders lose time without realizing it, what it looks like to operate with certainty in a landscape that gives you none, and the moment most executives realize something has to change. This one is for leaders at any level who feel like they're working harder than they should have to — and suspect the answer isn't more hours. About Corinne: Corinne is the founder and CEO of The Gav Group and creator of the XTR (Executive Table Read), a thought-partnership model for C-Suite leaders. She works with executives to help them reclaim their time, gain a performance edge, and lead with more certainty in an uncertain corporate world. Her clients include leaders who are high performing by every external measure and ready to go deeper. What We Cover: Introduction and Corinne's background What The Gav Group is and who it's for The XTR — what the Executive Table Read is and why she created it What it means to truly reclaim your time as a senior leader The difference between being busy and being effective at the C-Suite level How leaders build certainty when everything around them is uncertain What legacy actually means and why most leaders don't think about it early enough Where to find Corinne and what working with her looks like Key Takeaways: Busy and effective are not the same thing — most high performers confuse the two for years Certainty at the executive level isn't a feeling you wait for; it's a practice you build Legacy isn't what you leave behind — it's what you're building right now in how you lead your team Time reclamation starts with knowing which decisions only you can make and which ones you're holding onto for the wrong reasons The leaders who grow fastest are the ones willing to be honest about where they're stuck Resources + Links: The Gav Group: https://www.thegavgroup.com/ Corinne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinnegavlinski/ Career Collective: https://www.mycareercollective.com Bryce Batts Consulting: https://brycebatts.co

    32 min

  4. 29 APR

    Building the Next Generation of the Trades

    The conversation around talent shortages in construction is everywhere—but what if we're starting too late? In this episode, Bryce sits down with Kate Glantz, Co-Founder and CEO of Move Over Bob, to explore how early exposure, storytelling, and representation shape the future of the workforce. After completing a carpentry pre-apprenticeship herself, Kate saw firsthand how few girls had access to visible role models in construction. That experience led her to launch Move Over Bob, a media company focused on reshaping how young women see the skilled trades. Now distributed to hundreds of schools and youth organizations, Move Over Bob is creating new pathways into construction, manufacturing, and apprenticeship careers. If you're thinking about talent, workforce development, or the future of AEC—this episode offers a fresh and important perspective. What we cover: Why the talent pipeline problem starts earlier than hiring  The role of representation and visibility in career choice  How storytelling can influence workforce development  Barriers young women face entering the trades  Creating real, accessible on-ramps into construction careers  What industry leaders can do to support the next generation  About Kate: Kate Glantz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Move Over Bob, a media company reshaping how girls and young women see construction and the skilled trades. Through storytelling, hands-on workshops, and partnerships with industry and education, she is creating new on-ramps into construction, manufacturing, and apprenticeship pathways for the next generation. Before launching Move Over Bob, Kate spent 15 years working across social impact, marketing, and economic inclusion in the public and private sectors. She led social impact at Luma Pictures, directed economic empowerment programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and built transportation access initiatives at Lyft. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania and Senegal. In 2024, after completing a residential carpentry pre-apprenticeship, Kate partnered with award-winning carpenter and trades advocate Angie Cacace to launch Move Over Bob Magazine, now distributed free to more than 400 Arizona schools, libraries, and youth organizations.

    35 min

  5. 22 APR

    Rethinking Talent: How to Scale Without Burning Out Your Team

    Hiring in AEC is harder than ever—and many firms are feeling the strain. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Micaela Socci, co-founder and CEO of Wemoter, to explore a new way of thinking about team building, hiring, and scalability. Instead of relying solely on traditional hiring models, Micaela shares how firms can integrate pre-vetted remote talent alongside their internal teams to increase capacity, reduce hiring friction, and maintain quality. They discuss the mindset shift required to embrace hybrid teams, the operational benefits of combining on-site and remote talent, and how this model is helping firms grow faster without overextending their people. If you're trying to scale your team—or struggling to keep up with demand—this episode offers a fresh, practical perspective. What we cover: Why traditional hiring models are breaking down  The benefits of hybrid teams (on-site + remote talent)  How to scale project capacity without increasing headcount  Overcoming trust and control concerns with remote teams  The role of systems and structure in making hybrid work  A new approach to talent strategy in AEC  About Micaela: Micaela F. Socci is the Co-Founder & CEO of Wemoter, where she helps AEC firms scale through people-powered growth and smarter talent strategies. With a background in International Trade and a deep passion for people management, she bridges the gap between global talent and the unique needs of architecture and engineering firms. Through Wemoter, Micaela has helped AEC firms grow up to 20% year-over-year, reduce hiring time by 40%, and scale project workloads by 2–3x without expanding internal headcount. She is passionate about helping firms adopt new ways of working—integrating remote and in-house teams to create more flexible, efficient, and scalable businesses. Her mission is to make insourcing the new standard for architect-led firms and to help studios grow without compromising quality or wasting time on misaligned hires.

    34 min

  6. 15 APR

    Building Better Teams: Purpose, Mentorship, and Meaningful Work

    What does it really take to build a company where people feel supported, challenged, and connected to their work? In this episode, Bryce sits down with Daniel McCaulley, founder of Ultimus Engineering, to talk about leadership, mentorship, and building a culture rooted in purpose and community. As a family-owned, faith-based firm, Ultimus takes a different approach to growth—one that prioritizes trust, development, and giving people the space to step into ownership of their work. Daniel shares lessons from building and scaling his firm, mentoring younger engineers, and creating an environment where people can do meaningful work while continuing to grow. If you're thinking about culture, retention, or leadership—this conversation will give you a practical and refreshing perspective. What we cover: Why most companies misunderstand culture  The connection between mentorship and retention  Creating ownership vs. assigning responsibility  Building trust within teams  Supporting growth at different career stages  What purpose-driven leadership actually looks like  About Daniel: Daniel McCaulley, P.E. is the founder of Ultimus Engineering, a faith-based, family-owned engineering firm based in Texas. With over 13 years of experience, he leads a team that delivers MEP, structural, and aquatics engineering services across the U.S., all 100 percent made in America. Ultimus Engineering exists to "Create Engineering Solutions to Build Better Communities" and is known for delivering better, faster, and more cost-effective results by cutting out unnecessary overhead. Daniel brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and business acumen, holding a master's degree in mechanical engineering along with an MBA. His perspective is shaped by hands-on experience as a staff engineer and as a leader in national engineering and business organizations. That combination of field experience and strategic leadership has made him a trusted partner to architects, general contractors, developers, and franchise groups who value transparency, communication, and consistent quality. https://ultimus.engineering/

    37 min

  7. 8 APR

    Designing a Life and a Space That Actually Works for You

    Your home isn't just where you live—it's shaping how you think, feel, and function every day. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Ashleigh Clark, CEO and Lead Designer of IDG, to talk about the real impact of interior design—beyond just how things look. From new builds to large-scale renovations, Ashleigh has worked with high-performing clients to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also deeply functional and aligned with their lifestyle. They dive into how your environment influences your energy, productivity, and overall well-being—and why so many people are living in spaces that don't actually support them. If you've ever felt like your home doesn't match your life, this conversation will change how you think about design. What we cover: • How your environment impacts your mindset and daily performance • The biggest mistakes people make in home design and renovations • Why functionality matters just as much as aesthetics • Designing for real life (especially as a busy professional or parent) • How to create a space that reflects you and supports your lifestyle About Ashleigh: Ashleigh Clark is the CEO and Lead Designer of IDG, an award-winning interior design firm recognized as Cleveland's "Best in Interior Design" for two consecutive years. Specializing in new builds, large-scale renovations, and full-scope furnishings, Ashleigh works with executives, entrepreneurs, and local leaders to create spaces that are both elevated and deeply livable. Born into the industry and raised around design, Ashleigh developed her passion early—eventually studying interior design at Ursuline College and later being recruited as an adjunct professor. Her work has been featured in HGTV, Cleveland Magazine, and Homes & Gardens. Through her designs, Ashleigh blends high-end aesthetics with real life—creating homes that feel personal, functional, and effortlessly refined. https://www.ashleighclarkidg.com/

    35 min

  8. 1 APR

    Beyond Hearing: How Great Leaders Build Trust Through Communication

    Communication is one of the most talked about leadership skills and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Emma Collyer, executive coach and founder of Aspire Executive Coaching, to unpack what's really happening beneath the surface of workplace communication. From feedback conversations that fall flat to teams that feel disconnected, Emma shares how a lack of trust and the inability to truly listen—are often the root cause. Together, they explore how leaders can shift from one-way communication to meaningful, two-way conversations that build stronger teams and better results. If you've ever felt like your message isn't landing… or your team just isn't fully engaged this episode is for you. What we cover: Why employees feel unheard (even when leaders think they're communicating clearly)  The connection between feedback and trust  Common communication habits that damage team dynamics  How to give feedback that actually lands  The power of active listening in leadership  Simple ways to turn tough conversations into growth opportunities  About Emma: Emma Collyer is the owner and principal coach of Aspire Executive Coaching, where she helps leaders turn everyday interactions into powerful, two-way conversations that spark trust, creativity, and results. Known for her down-to-earth approach and energy in the room, she transforms "tough talks" into growth moments that bring teams closer together. A certified ICF-ACC coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner based in Canada, Emma works with leaders around the world—helping them communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and enjoy the ride along the way.

    31 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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