Building Your Story

Diane Depardon D'Agostino
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Welcome to Building Your Story, the podcast that shares the stories of successful women in the construction industry.

  1. Episode 21 - Cara Grant

    17. Juni

    Episode 21 - Cara Grant

    Send us Fan Mail From Ballet Barre to Construction Site: Cara Grand's Journey Cara Grand’s journey from ballerina to construction leader is a masterclass in resilience and purpose. Discover how her passion for learning fueled a career shift from dance to managing billion-dollar projects. Cara shares insights on leadership, balancing motherhood, and breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity and perseverance in crafting a fulfilling career. Perfect for those seeking inspiration to transform passion into impactful careers. Key Topics: Transition from ballet to constructionOvercoming challenges and embracing new opportunitiesBalancing career and motherhoodLessons in leadership and authenticityTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction  05:41 - Challenges in ballet  10:11 - Career shift to construction  19:06 - Leadership journey  31:42 - Work-life balance insights  43:46 - Advice for young women

    43 Min.
  2. Episode 20 - Nancy Weinman

    14. Mai

    Episode 20 - Nancy Weinman

    Send us Fan Mail From Shyness to Leadership: Nancy Weinman's Journey in Architecture Join Nancy Weinman as she shares her inspiring journey from a shy child to a leading architect and construction manager. Discover her experiences in a male-dominated industry and her dedication to mentoring future women leaders. Key topics: Early influences and dreams in art and architectureOvercoming challenges as a woman in architectureCareer evolution from federal work to founding her own firmBuilding client relationships and managing luxury home projectsMentorship and empowering women in constructionPersonal philosophies on creativity and self-careTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Nancy's journey  02:00 - Early career challenges and inspirations  10:00 - Transition to construction management  18:00 - Founding her own firm  25:00 - Mentorship and industry changes  35:00 - Advice for young women in architecture Resources & Links: Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)Nancy Weinman's LinkedInConnect with Nancy Weinman: LinkedInTwitter

    46 Min.
  3. Episode 19 - Laura Korte

    12. Feb.

    Episode 19 - Laura Korte

    Send us Fan Mail  An Unplanned Path to Construction Leadership  In this episode, Laura Korte, Vice President of Construction at VR Mechanical, shares her unique career journey. Starting with aspirations of becoming a doctor, Laura's path changed drastically after taking a temporary job in construction. Discover how her background in health sciences unexpectedly led to a passion for construction and project management. Laura discusses her early career challenges, the importance of asking questions, the role of mentorship, and the dynamics of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. She also touches on the significance of work-life balance, leadership principles, and the value of meaningful projects. As Laura reflects on her achievements and future goals, she provides invaluable advice for young professionals considering a career in construction. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 04:23 First Experience in Construction 10:20 Career Growth and Opportunities 23:49 Supporting the Site Team 26:33 Creating a Supportive Work Culture 28:13 Navigating Career and Motherhood 33:12 Current Role and Responsibilities 45:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    48 Min.
  4. Episode 18 - Nour Hachem

    8. Jan.

    Episode 18 - Nour Hachem

    Send us Fan Mail Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Fields with Nour Hachem In this episode, Diane interviews Nour Hachem, President and Founder of the national not-for-profit 'Build A Dream'. Nour talks about her background and childhood and moving from Lebanon to Canada. She shares her journey from aspiring to be a human rights lawyer to discovering her passion for the not-for-profit sector, leading her to establish Build A Dream. Nour discusses the challenges and successes in promoting women's engagement in male-dominated sectors such as skilled trades, STEM, and leadership roles. She also emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments for women and the collective effort required to foster a more equitable society. Highlighting powerful personal and professional anecdotes, Nour illustrates the transformative impact of economic independence and the importance of empowering both women and men to break traditional molds and embrace their full potential. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 03:52 University Challenges and Career Shift 05:43 Founding Build A Dream 10:32 Mission and Impact of Build A Dream 25:08 Challenges and Solutions in Male-Dominated Fields 36:20 Success Stories and Future Goals 47:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    49 Min.
  5. Episode 17 - Dianne Finnigan

    16.10.2025

    Episode 17 - Dianne Finnigan

    Send us Fan Mail Empowering Women in Skilled Trades: Diane Finnegan's Journey In this episode, Diane Finnegan, CEO of The Dirty Seahorse, shares her inspiring journey from being a retail sales manager to founding a company that makes women's workwear for skilled trades. Diane describes how her daughter's challenges in finding suitable workwear sparked the idea, leading her to create a business focused on durable, functional, and comfortable workwear for women. Diane discusses overcoming obstacles like imposter syndrome, learning essential skills from sewing to fabric sourcing, and the importance of community and feedback from women in trades. The company aims not only to produce quality workwear but also to support and advocate for women in trades, highlighting issues like suitable daycare and employer hiring practices. Diane expresses her commitment to changing the industry for the better and her plans for future growth, including a potential storefront. 00:00  Meet Diane Finnegan: CEO of The Dirty Seahorse 03:22 The Birth of The Dirty Seahorse 07:33 Building the Business and Overcoming Doubts 10:26 Community Feedback and Product Development 19:32 Supporting Women in Trades 22:06 Challenges in the Trades 26:11 Social Media and Outreach 27:12 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 31:13 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

    36 Min.
  6. Episode 16 - Pat Duggan

    01.10.2025

    Episode 16 - Pat Duggan

    Send us Fan Mail Breaking Barriers: Pat's Journey in Construction and Leadership In this episode, Pat, shares her inspiring journey from Southeast London to becoming the VP of Major Projects for Bird in Vancouver. Starting with a childhood dream of becoming a policewoman, she pivoted to the construction industry, building a successful 35-year career spanning multiple countries. Pat discusses her early challenges, including her entry into the workforce, and navigating a male-dominated industry. She highlights her career's milestones and later her move to Canada to lead major P3 healthcare projects. Pat also emphasizes the importance of being genuine, working hard, and the value of teamwork. She reflects on her role as executive sponsor of the Women@Bird ERG and shares her aspirations to reach the C-suite level to continue making a positive impact in the industry. 00:00  Meet Patricia: Childhood Dreams and Early Career 05:33 First Steps in Construction 07:03 Career Milestones and Growth 18:14 International Career Moves 26:14 Role at Bird Construction 30:56 Advice for Women in Leadership 32:24 Importance of ERGs 36:16 Reflecting on a 35-Year Career 37:31 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

    40 Min.
  7. Episode 15 - Renae Sams

    16.07.2025

    Episode 15 - Renae Sams

    Send us Fan Mail Renae Sams: Building a Path for Women in Construction In this episode, Diane interviews Renae Sams, founder and executive director of Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in construction. Renee shares her journey from dreaming of working for NASA to becoming a leader in the construction industry. She details the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating a career without an initial exposure to construction from site administrator to senior project manager on missions critical projects. Renee discusses the importance of visible female role models and her motivation to help other women feel they belong in the industry. She also talks about her book, which includes writing prompts to encourage reflection and growth, and her efforts to create a supportive community through her nonprofit. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:11 Childhood Dreams and Early Influences 03:38 Journey into the Construction Industry 06:02 First Steps in Construction 08:20 Challenges and Growth in the Industry 13:29 Founding Build-Her.org 18:20 The Importance of Representation 38:28 Advice and Future Aspirations 43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Notes:  Norman, Don. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded ed., Basic Books, 2013.   The Arbinger Institute. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. 3rd ed., Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018.   build-her.org   Build-Her. (2024, April 10). Build-Her Be Heard: Creating space for women in construction with Renae Sams.

    49 Min.
  8. Episode 14 - Jessica Luczycki

    03.07.2025

    Episode 14 - Jessica Luczycki

    Send us Fan Mail Jessica Luczycki: Redefining Construction Administration Through Part3 In this episode, we meet Luczycki, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Part3. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring teacher to tech entrepreneur in the architectural and construction industry. She discusses her educational background, initial career at EllisDon, and transition into architectural contract administration. Jessica reveals how frustrations in her job led to founding Part3, a software solution designed to streamline construction administration. Alongside her husband and co-founder, she navigated startup challenges, balancing parenthood and raising funds to build a solution now widely embraced by the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, transparency, and customer-centric innovation in driving Part3's success. Additionally, Jessica touches on the future of AI in construction, and how it can become a tool for time consuming tasks. Tune in to hear her insights and inspiring story of perseverance and innovation. 00:00 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings 06:31 Switch to Contract Administration 11:17 Founding Part3 21:04 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood 23:15 Team Growth and Belief in the Mission 25:15 Challenges in Construction Administration 27:17 Recognition and Networking 38:37 AI in Construction and Future Plans 43:19 Advice for Women in Construction 45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    50 Min.
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Welcome to Building Your Story, the podcast that shares the stories of successful women in the construction industry.

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  • Erstellt von
    Diane Depardon D'Agostino
  • Jahre aktiv
    2024 - 2026
  • Folgen
    23
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    © 2026 Building Your Story
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    Building Your Story