Learnings and Missteps by Depth Builder

Jesse
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The Learnings and Missteps Podcast is about unconventional roads to success and the life lessons learned along the way.You will find a library of interviews packed with actionable take aways that you can apply as you progress on your path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be.Through these interviews you will learn about the buttons you can push to be a better leader, carve your own path, and build your influence. Find yourself in their stories and know that your path is still ahead of you.

  1. 17 HR AGO

    Why LESS WORK beats High Productivity

    Jesse explains the second half of his FIREBOX time- and self-management framework for freeing calendar space and preventing burnout so you can invest in what matters most. After briefly reviewing “Finish First” (time-sensitive and only you can do) and “Invest Focus” (not urgent but only you can do, guided by what you’d do with more time), he focuses on “Reduce” and “Extinguish.” Reduce covers tasks that are time-sensitive but don’t require you, using optimization, automation, and delegation (e.g., scheduling tools, outsourcing groceries, delegating chores). Extinguish targets tasks that aren’t time-sensitive and don’t require you, emphasizing having conversations to remove expectations (e.g., replacing a meeting with recorded playback) and accepting others may do tasks differently. He connects delegation to leadership and offers templates and additional resources. 00:00 Free Up Your Calendar 01:45 Firebox Framework Recap 04:15 Reduce Time Sensitive Tasks 07:01 Optimize and Automate Work 08:48 Delegation Without Guilt 14:57 Leadership and Self Management 17:47 Extinguish Low Value Commitments 23:11 Outsourcing and Letting Go 26:39 Templates and Next Topics 28:46 Podcast Outro and Resources Get the time management system that will make you dangerously effective: https://www.depthbuilder.com/time-management-webinar-sign-up-page Subscribe to the Monday Morning Hugs Newsletter for thought provoking topics to accelerate your growth: LinkedIn Newsletter  Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be

    31 min
  2. Why Humans Are Wired for Connection (And What Happens When It Breaks) with Jackie Hallberg (Audio)

    12 MAR

    Why Humans Are Wired for Connection (And What Happens When It Breaks) with Jackie Hallberg (Audio)

    What if the biggest problems in dating, leadership, and workplace conflict all come from the same place? In this episode of Learnings & Missteps, Jesse sits down with Jackie—romance coach and consultant who works in crime reduction and reentry—to explore why humans are wired for connection and what happens when that connection breaks down. Jackie argues that the common advice to “leave your personal problems at home” is unrealistic—and often harmful. When resentment, trauma, and poor communication go unaddressed, they don’t stay contained. They show up in our relationships, workplaces, and sometimes escalate into serious conflict. Together they unpack: • Why dishonesty and venting can quietly destroy relationships  • How dating apps can reinforce unhealthy communication patterns  • The difference between romance coaching and therapy  • Why small “baby-step” breakthroughs can transform intimacy and trust  • How leaders can support the whole person without sacrificing boundaries Jackie shares how her work in relationships, family reunification, and personal development all connect to one mission: helping create a happier, healthier, and safer world—one honest conversation at a time. Get the time management system that will make you dangerously effective: https://www.depthbuilder.com/time-management-webinar-sign-up-page Subscribe to the Monday Morning Hugs Newsletter for thought provoking topics to accelerate your growth: LinkedIn Newsletter  Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be

    1h 11m
  3. The Hidden Cost of Settling for Mediocrity: Why 'Good Enough' Isn't Enough with Scott Evans

    5 MAR

    The Hidden Cost of Settling for Mediocrity: Why 'Good Enough' Isn't Enough with Scott Evans

    Jesse hosts the Learnings and Missteps podcast and interviews Scott Evans, founder of Scott Evans Speaks, about mental health in the construction field as “operational integrity” and “invisible PPE,” emphasizing a 360-degree safety culture that extends beyond the jobsite gate. They discuss the disconnect between corporate, compliance-focused tools like apps and HR videos versus the field reality that trust and real conversations—often one-on-one on site—drive help-seeking, while stigma and policing language can shut people down. Scott shares lived experience with family suicide, trauma, and his own suicide attempt, reframing it as wanting a “way up,” and argues that prevention has ROI through reduced shutdowns, turnover, and insurance impacts. Jesse highlights Scott’s free bilingual “five lifesaving tools” field guide (notice, ask, share, connect, act) and the need for jobsite champions.  Connect with Scott on LinkedIn Check out Scott Evans Speaks 00:00 Donuts Over Hotlines 00:30 Meet Scott Evans 03:23 Operational Integrity Explained 07:02 Invisible PPE Concept 10:13 Apps vs Field Trust 13:45 Training Shift In Culture 17:17 Talking Is Hard 20:41 Stop Policing Words 23:43 Champions On The Jobsite 26:11 Scott’s Internal Fall 29:57 Family Impact and Addiction 32:07 Why He Speaks Up 34:57 Choose Tomorrow Mindset 37:05 Making Change While Working 41:07 Jobsite Champions Explained 45:08 Five Lifesaving Tools 47:05 Connect and Get Involved 49:16 Prevention Is ROI 52:54 Beating Scarcity Thinking 57:02 The Promise to Be Get the blueprint to Plan, Commit, and Execute your way into optimal performance: https://www.depthbuilder.com/time-management-webinar-sign-up-page Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Behttps://www.depthbuilder.com/books

    1h 3m
  4. Gas on the Fire: Advocating for Respect and Connection in Construction with Mia McGlynn

    19 FEB

    Gas on the Fire: Advocating for Respect and Connection in Construction with Mia McGlynn

    Jesse hosts the Learnings and Missteps podcast and introduces guest Mia McGlynn, a Pennsylvania-based construction influencer, writer, photographer, and fractional support partner who focuses on “the people behind the work.” Jesse gives an LnM Family shout-out to Bryce Ager for reviewing one of Jesse’s construction trainings, and notes his business offers training, coaching, and consulting. Maya explains her passion for blue-collar stories comes from building relationships and bridging gaps between management and shop/field workers, emphasizing retention and the need for leaders to “give a shit,” not just attract more people into the industry. They discuss treating people well as foundational to solving construction’s workforce challenges, rising interest in more human-centered workplaces, and how companies that only rely on pay raises and ignore relationships will be left behind. Jesse shares his view that people should leave poor leaders to find better environments and describes how supportive leadership  connect wit Mia Check out Crew Collaborative 00:00 Attraction vs. Retention: If Leaders Treat People Like Crap, Nothing Changes 00:21 Meet Maya McGlynn: Showing Up for the People Behind the Work 02:08 LnM Family Shoutout + What Jesse Actually Does (Training/Coaching/Consulting) 04:45 What Fires Maya Up: The People, the Shop Floor, and Bridging the Office–Field Gap 07:32 “Put Some Gas on the Fire”: Caring, Connection, and Why Liaison Roles Matter 14:25 The Human-Centered Shift: Mental Health, Culture Change, and Companies That Will Be Left Behind 19:56 Quit for a Better Leader: Unlocking Talent by Changing Environments 22:47 Zumba to Construction: Maya’s Fitness Journey and Accidental Entrepreneurship 28:07 Entrepreneurship as Survival: Divorce, Single-Mom Resourcefulness, and Building Independence 33:26 Seeing the People Behind the Work: Validation, Imposter Syndrome, and the Power of Humility 37:58 Learning to Accept Compliments: “I Receive That” + Permission to Celebrate 40:21 From Admin to Marketing: Finding the Holes and Creating Value at Work 43:31 Photography to Published Author: Turning Jobsite Photos into a Children’s Book 46:47 Advice for the Windowless-Office Grind: Skill Up, Build Proof, Move On 48:46 Building Workforce Pipelines: Fixing Leadership Gaps & Creating an Internship Program 51:39 Crew Collaborative Explained: Mission, Ambassadors, and How to Get Involved 54:26 Why the Podcast Exists: COVID, Trades Advocacy, and Doing Something About It 58:17 Money vs Meaning: Choosing Purpose, Setting Boundaries, and Mission-Driven Work 01:08:35 The Closing Question: “What Is the Promise You’re Intended to Be?” 01:14:16 Final Takeaways + Free PDF Gift and Send-Off Get the time management system that will make you dangerously effective: https://www.depthbuilder.com/time-management-webinar-sign-up-page Subscribe to the Monday Morning Hugs Newsletter for thought provoking topics to accelerate your growth: LinkedIn Newsletter  Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be

    1h 17m
  5. Why Relationships Are the Real Foundation of Construction with Mike Chiles

    12 FEB

    Why Relationships Are the Real Foundation of Construction with Mike Chiles

    In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse interviews Mike Chiles, a seasoned project director in the construction industry. They discuss the unpredictable challenges of construction, the importance of relationship building, and effective leadership. Mike emphasizes the role of leaders in developing their teams, creating a balanced and supportive work environment, and the value of feedback from those on the ground. They also delve into the importance of character development and the long-term benefits of investing in people-centric approaches. The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of leadership and the legacy one leaves through influence.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back  00:32 Introducing Mike Chiles: The Construction Influencer  01:30 LnM Family Shoutout: Gary Martinez  02:40 Getting to Know Mike Chiles  03:56 The Role of a Project Director  05:43 Challenges and Learnings in Leadership  07:47 Training and Developing Future Leaders  11:47 The Importance of Relationships in Construction 20:18 Feedback and Continuous Improvement  23:29 Building a People-Centered Culture  35:10 Project Assignments and Training Responsibilities  36:18 Feedback Loops and Execution Challenges  36:51 Importance of On-Site Feedback  37:18 Lean Principles for Executives 38:23 Building Relationships and Appreciating Workers  40:23 Addressing Labor Shortages and Industry Challenges  44:34 The Role of Old Dogs in Knowledge Sharing  48:32 Lean Construction and Relationship Building  01:03:40 The Promise of Influence and Legacy  01:07:13 Conclusion and Free Book Offer  Get the time management system that will make you dangerously effective: https://www.depthbuilder.com/time-management-webinar-sign-up-page Subscribe to the Monday Morning Hugs Newsletter for thought provoking topics to accelerate your growth: LinkedIn Newsletter  Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be

    1h 10m

  6. 5 FEB

    When Stories Meet Services: Can A Podcast Stay Honest While Owning Its Work

    The truth landed on us after dozens of job site chats: some folks know our training but not the show, and others love the show but don’t know we train crews for a living. So we’re making it obvious. Learnings and Missteps is now Learnings and Missteps by Depth Builder, a single, honest banner that matches how we work and who we serve. New color, same voice, more clarity. We walk through what stays rock solid: candid interviews with builders who’ve earned their wisdom the hard way, and solo sessions packed with practical tools you can use tomorrow. We also share the part that made us pause—featuring clients without turning the mic into a megaphone. You’ll hear the guardrails we’re putting in place to keep the spotlight on guests and the lessons they fought for, not on us. If it drifts, we want you to call it out. That’s the pact. You’ll hear why our deepest impact sits with subcontractors and field leaders—installers, leadmen, foremen, and superintendents—folks who feel the schedule squeeze and still find a way to deliver. We connect the dots between real stories and real training so you can recognize a problem, test a fix, and see it stick. Expect tighter case studies, simpler planning habits, and leadership moves built for crews, not conference rooms. If you’ve been with us for the stories, stick around for even clearer paths to action. If you’ve worked with us in the field, welcome to a sharper platform for sharing what actually works. Tap play, leave a rating, share with a teammate who leads from the front, and tell us where we should push harder or pull back. Your feedback keeps the signal high and the hype low. Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be

    7 min

  7. 29 JAN

    Stop Living Reactive And Start Choosing What To Optimize For

    What if your calendar isn’t the problem—your priorities are? We walk through the FIRE Box, a clear, practical framework that helps you stop living reactive and start building a week that reflects what you value. Instead of chasing every ping, you’ll learn how to Finish First on the urgent and important, and, more critically, Invest Focus Here on the important and not urgent work that drives real progress. We start by clarifying urgency and importance in plain terms so you can judge tasks without overthinking. Then we tackle the trap everyone knows too well: staying stuck in constant firefighting. From there, we shift to the growth zone—important but not urgent—and name the areas most people neglect until they explode: exercise, sleep, nutrition, and relationships. These aren’t “nice to haves.” They’re the foundation of sustained performance, and treating them like scheduled work is how you protect your energy and momentum. You’ll get simple tactics to design your week with intent: build a shortlist of priorities you want to backfill into new space, set recurring blocks you defend like any critical meeting, and start reducing and extinguishing the noise that hijacks your schedule. Along the way, we share a preview of upcoming strategies to deal with urgent-not-important and not-important-not-urgent tasks, plus tools to help you plan, commit, and execute with less stress and more agency. Ready to decide what you’re optimizing for and make your calendar serve that choice? Listen now, then share one task you’re moving into the Important-Not-Urgent box. If this helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and send this to a friend who’s tired of being busy without progress. Get all the templates for mastering your time: https://www.depthbuilder.com/time-management-webinar-sign-up-page Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be

    17 min

  8. 22 JAN

    Learn How To Plan, Commit, And Execute Without Burning Out

    Most leaders don’t have a time problem. They have a decision making problem. We break down a self-first framework that turns chaos into clarity by separating planning, commitment, and execution into clean lanes—each with its own tool and purpose—so you can stop spinning and start finishing the work that matters. We begin with long-term planning across three human buckets: business and professional growth, personal growth, and meaningful connections. By writing goals down and scoring them on impact and effort, you’ll surface quick wins and park the heavy lifts for later. Then we build momentum with a simple plank: sequence your top items, block time for each, and commit to starting in order. No perfection required, just deliberate starts that compound. Next, we clear space with the Firebox. Finish what’s urgent and important, invest in the vital non-urgent pillars like sleep, exercise, and learning, reduce by optimizing or delegating tasks others can do, and extinguish the non-essential. We audit real life—calendar items plus unlisted chores—to see how overcommitted we are, then make bold cuts. The guiding question stays front and center: what am I optimizing for? Finally, we move to daily execution with a pre-built board that helps you focus on one day at a time, track distractions, and protect your best energy windows. We pair a planning canvas for ideas, a kanban board for commitments, and the calendar for execution, ensuring each thinking mode has its own home. Along the way, we share templates, simple tactics, and a path to accountability through a live workshop, support calls, and community. Ready to manage yourself, not time? Tap play, grab the templates, and start building momentum today. If this helped, subscribe, share with a teammate, and leave a review with one change you’re making this week. Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be

    17 min
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About

The Learnings and Missteps Podcast is about unconventional roads to success and the life lessons learned along the way.You will find a library of interviews packed with actionable take aways that you can apply as you progress on your path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be.Through these interviews you will learn about the buttons you can push to be a better leader, carve your own path, and build your influence. Find yourself in their stories and know that your path is still ahead of you.

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