Ambition Theory: Women in Construction

Andrea Janzen
Ambition Theory: Women in Construction

The Ambition Theory Podcast focuses on strategies and thought leadership around creating a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone can thrive. We're not going to shy away from the difficult conversations.

  1. The exponential value of sponsorship with Sophie Noël-Pelletier and Brian Watkinson

    16 JUL

    The exponential value of sponsorship with Sophie Noël-Pelletier and Brian Watkinson

    In this conversation, we reverse-engineered the behaviors and steps required to start a sponsorship relationship. We also discussed what was in it for Sophie (the protege), what was in it for Brian (the sponsor), and what the value was to Kiewit, the company where they both work. If you want to learn how to start using sponsorship to advance your career,  uplift others, and provide exponential value to your company, this episode is for you.  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 ambitiontheory.com/bookacall Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

    37 min
  2. Life after the Great Resignation with Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

    21 FEB

    Life after the Great Resignation with Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

    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/

    47 min
  3. When You Take Action - Big Things Can Happen with Beth Tubbs

    9 FEB

    When You Take Action - Big Things Can Happen with Beth Tubbs

    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/

    26 min
  4. Sponsorship In Action: Real-Life Success Stories with Kathryn Payne

    14/12/2023

    Sponsorship In Action: Real-Life Success Stories with Kathryn Payne

    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/

    34 min
  5. Creating A Legacy For Women In Construction With Doreen Bartoldus

    30/11/2023

    Creating A Legacy For Women In Construction With Doreen Bartoldus

    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.

    53 min
  6. Breaking The Glass Ceiling in Manufacturing with Kristin Graybill

    19/10/2023

    Breaking The Glass Ceiling in Manufacturing with Kristin Graybill

    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.

    30 min
  7. Sponsorship in Action with Rachael Ferrera

    21/09/2023

    Sponsorship in Action with Rachael Ferrera

    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.

    33 min
  8. How Women Improve Project Outcomes with Dr. Tim Taylor

    07/09/2023

    How Women Improve Project Outcomes with Dr. Tim Taylor

    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.

    43 min
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The Ambition Theory Podcast focuses on strategies and thought leadership around creating a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone can thrive. We're not going to shy away from the difficult conversations.

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