Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in the Built World

Andrea Janzen
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Business
  • Updated Monthly

Leadership in construction and the built world, and what it actually takes to develop it. Host Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory, sits down with the people running and growing some of the industry's best companies to explore how they build strong leaders, retain their best people, and get their teams ready for what's next.

  1. Sep 1

    Why Good Companies Keep Promoting People Who Can't Lead

    We keep promoting people because they're great at the work, then handing them a team and hoping they figure out the rest. Across a year of in-depth conversations with leaders throughout the industry, this was one of four patterns that kept coming up, no matter who we were speaking to. In this solo episode, Andrea Janzen breaks down those four patterns, then takes on the question almost everyone asked during our conversations: how do you actually know whether the money you put into leadership development is doing anything? What’s the ROI on leadership development? In this episode, we cover: Why "They’re good at the work, so we made them a manager," keeps producing leaders who were never taught to leadThe same realization from people across the industry who’d never met: you can teach the technical side, but leading people is the hard partWhy the best companies hire and promote on potential, not only years of experienceWhat's worth measuring to know your leadership development is workingWhere to start: don’t get overwhelmed starting huge – name the two or three people you're counting on in three yearsThe 2025 Building Better report referenced in this episode is Ambition Theory's research partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Rethinking Leadership in the Built World is hosted by Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory. Each episode gets into what it actually takes to develop strong leaders in construction and the built world. Learn more at ambitiontheory.com. If something here resonated, send it to one person who'd want to hear it.

  2. 07/10/2025

    It Was Never Just About Women: How Rethinking Leadership Changes Everything

    Welcome to Rethinking Leadership in Construction. This is where we unpack what’s getting in the way of progress—and explore the ideas, people, and strategies that can actually move the industry forward. From workforce challenges to culture shifts, we’re here to spark the conversations that create real change. In this episode, Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen, and Director of Marketing, Amanda Portinari, reveal why they've rebranded and shifted focus to transformational leadership for everyone in construction. What if the secret to overcoming industry challenges isn't pushing harder, but equipping every leader to inspire, collaborate, and empower their teams? Andrea and Amanda dive into their 2025 Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report, which found a startling truth: 68% of women say poor leadership is driving them out of the industry. This isn't just a "women's issue"—it's a leadership issue impacting everyone, demanding a new approach. What You'll Learn: The Rebrand & The Why: Understand Ambition Theory's shift and how it reflects the industry's evolving needs.Beyond Check-the-Box DEI: Discover why traditional programs often fail and how focusing on business outcomes through transformational leadership delivers measurable results.The Power of Transformational Leadership: Grasp the core principles of collaboration, inspiration, and trust that empower teams.Real-World Impact: Hear how one project manager, by applying transformational leadership, generated an incredible $2 million in additional sales.New Podcast Focus: Get a sneak peek into future episodes featuring leaders demonstrating transformational skills in transactional environments.Ready to move beyond outdated leadership and cultivate a thriving, productive workforce? This episode is your blueprint. Discover how embracing transformational leadership can improve retention and morale, directly impacting your company's bottom line. Connect with Ambition Theory: Download the Report: Get your copy of the Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report.Join the Rethink Series: Learn about Ambition Theory's unscripted roundtable series.Website: ambitiontheory.comLinkedIn: Connect with Ambition Theory on LinkedIn.

  3. 07/03/2025

    Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in Construction Trailer

    Welcome to Rethinking Leadership in Construction. This is where we unpack what’s getting in the way of progress—and explore the ideas, people, and strategies that can actually move the industry forward. From workforce challenges to culture shifts, we’re here to spark the conversations that create real change. Join Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen, and Director of Marketing, Amanda Portinari, reveal why they've rebranded and shifted focus to transformational leadership for everyone in construction. What if the secret to overcoming industry challenges isn't pushing harder, but equipping every leader to inspire, collaborate, and empower their teams? Connect with Ambition Theory: Download the Report: Get your copy of the Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report.Website: ambitiontheory.comLinkedIn: Connect with Ambition Theory on LinkedIn.

    Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in Construction Trailer

  4. 07/16/2024

    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

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

  5. 02/21/2024

    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/

    Life after the Great Resignation with Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

  6. 02/09/2024

    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/

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

  7. 12/14/2023

    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/

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

  8. 11/30/2023

    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.

    Creating A Legacy For Women In Construction With Doreen Bartoldus
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Leadership in construction and the built world, and what it actually takes to develop it. Host Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory, sits down with the people running and growing some of the industry's best companies to explore how they build strong leaders, retain their best people, and get their teams ready for what's next.

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