Building Better Futures

Infinite Consulting
  • 5.0 (8)
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Welcome to the Building Better Futures podcast, where host Eric Hirani connects with visionary thought leaders who are building the future. Together they delve into what it takes to not only build companies and structures but how to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, creating the leaders of tomorrow. This is the show for you if you’re interested in: - Learning more about building and delivering iconic projects and companies - Cutting-edge innovation - Cultivating positive work cultures - Helping everyone reach their full potential - Creating exceptional teams Together we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities and society, one inspired individual at a time.

  1. EP 36: Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success with Colleen Stanley of SalesLeadership, Inc.

    18H AGO

    EP 36: Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success with Colleen Stanley of SalesLeadership, Inc.

    Colleen Stanley, President of Sales Leadership Inc., joins us to discuss how emotional intelligence drives sales success and leadership. We explore why soft skills are actually hard skills, how to reframe failure and the importance of creating a mentorship culture. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 08:27 Startups scale effectively by hiring for emotional intelligence.  10:47 Delayed gratification means doing the work to earn the reward.  15:35 Discussing adversity in interviews reveals a candidate’s character.  19:19 Self-actualization and a desire to separate high performers from the rest.  27:07 Reframing failure as a lesson turns it into a gift.  36:33 Removing cell phones from meetings improves presence and connection.  42:02 Leaders should actively seek people to mentor. Resources Mentioned: Colleen Stanley https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenstanleysli/ Leadership Inc. | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesleadership-inc./ Sales Leadership Inc. | Website https://www.salesleadershipdevelopment.com “Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success” by Colleen Stanley https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Sales-Success-Customers-ebook/dp/B009RQ7RCW “Emotional Intelligence for Sales Leadership” by Colleen Stanley http://amazon.com/-/es/Colleen-Stanley-ebook/dp/B081N1NP37/ “Be the Mentor Who Mattered” by Colleen Stanley and LeAnn Thieman https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Colleen-Stanley-ebook/dp/B0FVMVTM8M “Trillion Dollar Coach” by  Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg and Alan Eagle  https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Eric-Schmidt-ebook/dp/B076ZHG3H3/ Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    49 min
  2. EP 35: How Saying Yes Opened the Door to Transformational Projects with Jaidev Sankar of AECOM

    FEB 10

    EP 35: How Saying Yes Opened the Door to Transformational Projects with Jaidev Sankar of AECOM

    Jaidev Sankar, Transit Strategy and Growth Lead for the US East and LATAM of AECOM, reflects on a career shaped by mega projects, public-sector leadership and a willingness to say yes. He shares lessons from the Big Dig — the Second Avenue Subway — and his time on the owner side at Amtrak, offering a candid look at how collaboration, trust and emerging delivery models are reshaping rail and transit programs. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:09 Finding balance between work, family and personal passions shapes long-term career fulfillment. 06:13 Early technical interests and constraints often guide engineers toward their true strengths. 10:17 Long-duration mega projects accelerate learning across design, construction and delivery. 12:55 Building an organization from scratch requires comfort with uncertainty and iteration. 19:08 Being honest about what you want helps ensure the right role fit for both sides. 24:10 When trust exists, collaborative delivery improves alignment on scope, budget and schedule. 30:26 AI should be used to increase efficiency and help owners do more with limited funding. 34:48 Infrastructure funding and policy decisions require long-term thinking and public engagement. 36:53 Saying yes to varied opportunities builds perspective across disciplines and career stages. Resources Mentioned: Jaidev Sankar https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaidev-sankar-9aa35269/ AECOM | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/ AECOM | Website http://www.aecom.com Amtrak https://www.amtrak.com/ Second Avenue Subway https://aecom.com/projects/second-avenue-subway-phase-one/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Big Dig (Central Artery/Tunnel Project) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dig Tren Urbano (Puerto Rico) https://tutrenpr.com/ New York City Congestion Pricing Program https://congestionreliefzone.mta.info/ Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    43 min
  3. EP 34: Chasing Challenges as the Foundation of Long-Term Leadership with Anthony Pastore of STV Inc.

    JAN 20

    EP 34: Chasing Challenges as the Foundation of Long-Term Leadership with Anthony Pastore of STV Inc.

    Join us as Anthony Pastore, East Regional Director of STV, reflects on a career built through persistence, trust and leadership. Anthony shares his path from union carpentry to leading some of New York City’s most complex public works projects, including the World Trade Center. He discusses why communication, decision making and investing in people matter more than titles and how construction remains a powerful way to serve communities. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 06:10 Growing up in a blue-collar environment shaped early exposure to construction and work ethic. 08:03 Balancing full-time field work with night school builds discipline and long-term commitment. 14:14 Leadership effectiveness depends on clear communication and shared understanding. 17:48 Advanced planning and steady decision-making are critical on complex projects. 22:16 Public works projects are uniquely rewarding because they serve communities long term. 28:06 Trust and integrity are essential to maintaining strong professional relationships. 32:20 Chasing challenges and continuous learning matter more than titles for career growth. 39:05 Project delivery is growing more complex while the industry faces increasing skilled labor challenges. Resources Mentioned: Anthony Pastore https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-pastore-b804091b7/ STV | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stv/ STV | Website https://www.stvinc.com Fordham University https://www.fordham.edu Institute of Design and Construction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Design_and_Construction “Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown https://www.danieljamesbrown.com/the-boys-in-the-boat Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) https://cmaanet.org Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    48 min
  4. EP 33: How To Lead by Pouring Into Others and Creating Room for Questions with Jared Green of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

    JAN 6

    EP 33: How To Lead by Pouring Into Others and Creating Room for Questions with Jared Green of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

    Jared Green, Principal and Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, reflects on a 23-year career in geotechnics shaped by early STEM curiosity, steady mentorship and community service. He shares why AEC can feel intimidating at first yet stays welcoming, how practical math and science teaching excites students and how leaders build safe rooms where new voices grow. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 05:26 A career feels meaningful when learning connects to real-world outcomes. 10:02 Early curiosity and hands-on learning often shape long-term interests. 16:05 Supportive peers and mentors make it easier to enter demanding industries. 18:12 Students stay engaged when math and science feel practical and relevant. 28:44 Taking a chance before feeling ready can open important doors. 34:38 Strong teams communicate by asking questions early and making time to support each other. 40:24 Progress in professional communities is made possible through shared effort and support from others. 44:45 Long careers benefit from caring for mental health and asking for support. Resources Mentioned: Jared Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjaredmgreen/ Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/langan-engineering-environmental-services/ Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | Website http://www.langan.com Salvadori Center https://www.salvadori.org/ National Science Foundation Engineering programs https://www.nsf.gov/eng/programs American Society of Civil Engineers https://www.asce.org/ “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    48 min
  5. EP 32: How Long-Term Vision and Relationships Drive Success with Eric Alemany of New York Power Authority

    11/25/2025

    EP 32: How Long-Term Vision and Relationships Drive Success with Eric Alemany of New York Power Authority

    On this episode, Eric Alemany, Senior Director, Supplier Relationship Management of the New York Power Authority, shares his 27-year journey in public power. We cover how supplier relationships drive execution, why patience and resilience matter, and how NYPA supports communities through accessibility, diversity and forward-looking energy initiatives. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 05:39 A sustained career path demonstrates continuous learning and adaptability. 10:29 Strong supplier relationships enable efficient project delivery. 14:37 Guided onboarding helps partners navigate complex procurement systems. 19:22 Supplier diversity initiatives expand opportunity for businesses. 21:29 Public assets strengthen community engagement and local economies. 24:27 Accessibility programs increase inclusion across statewide services. 27:43 Resilience and collaboration turn disruptions into progress. 35:54 Innovation and AI improve operational efficiency and planning. 43:40 Success means creating lasting impact through growth and empowerment. Resources Mentioned: Eric Alemany https://www.linkedin.com/in/alemanye/ New York Power Authority | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-power-authority/ New York Power Authority | Website http://www.nypa.gov/ New York State Canal Corporation https://www.canals.ny.gov/ Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    46 min
  6. EP 31: Transforming Leadership Through Empathy and Peer Connection with Ahad Ghadimi of forums@work

    11/11/2025

    EP 31: Transforming Leadership Through Empathy and Peer Connection with Ahad Ghadimi of forums@work

    Ahad Ghadimi, CEO and Founder of forums@work, discusses vulnerability, psychological safety and the story behind his book “Turnaround Artist: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps.” In today’s discussion, we uncover Ahad’s entrepreneurial roots, we look at culture change in practice and delve into how peer forums strengthen trust and communication across teams. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:58 Turning people into leaders strengthens culture and creates momentum for sustained growth. 09:09 Clear purpose provides direction for change and aligns effort across the organization. 13:12 Structured peer groups encourage reflection, accountability and consistent professional growth. 17:05 Openness and vulnerability foster trust and elevate team performance over time. 22:33 Trust and connection improve resilience and reduce friction in demanding environments. 27:41 Consistent practice addresses skepticism and builds genuine commitment to new habits. 31:04 Equal airtime and attentive listening create safety and improve decision quality. 40:42 Leaders grow by asking for help and practicing self-compassion. 44:11 Environments that encourage growth empower people to bring their best selves forward. Resources Mentioned: Ahad Ghadimi https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahad-ghadimi/ forums@work | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/forumsatwork/ forums@work | Website http://www.forumsatwork.com “Turnaround Artists: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps” by Ahad Ghadimi https://www.amazon.com/Turnaround-Artists-True-Story-Creating-Workplace/dp/057880512X "The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander https://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional-Personal/dp/0142001104 YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) https://www.ypo.org/ Vipassana Meditation https://www.dhamma.org/ Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    46 min
  7. EP 30: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy From Jessica Sherman of The Douglaston Companies

    10/28/2025

    EP 30: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy From Jessica Sherman of The Douglaston Companies

    Jessica Sherman, Vice Chair and Principal of The Douglaston Companies, discusses family-rooted leadership, community-first development and how character, accountability and partnerships shape impact in New York real estate. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:49 Family inspiration drives purpose-driven work across building, management and community. 08:39 Integrity and a strong moral compass guide decisions, relationships and long-term reputation. 13:47 Collaboration with public partners expands housing while aligning with neighborhood needs. 16:32 Policy and financing dynamics define feasibility, scale and project pacing. 21:12 Community connection elevates design choices, services and the everyday resident experience. 24:17 Proactive outreach and relationship building unlock guidance and opportunities. 25:37 Continuous improvement comes through reflection, feedback and avoiding repeated mistakes. 29:32 Reputation compounds over time through consistency and fairness. Resources Mentioned: Jessica Sherman https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-sherman-78049120/ The Douglaston Companies | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedouglastoncompanies/ The Douglaston Companies | Website https://www.douglastondevelopment.com/ City of Yes (NYC zoning initiative) https://www.nyc.gov/content/planning/pages/our-work/plans/citywide/city-of-yes-housing-opportunity NYCHA Public-Private Partnerships (PACT) https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/about/pact.page “Principles” by Ray Dalio https://www.principles.com/ “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/ “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681 Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    34 min
  8. EP 29: Embracing Change and Finding Plan B in Engineering Careers with Michael Shamma of TYLin

    10/14/2025

    EP 29: Embracing Change and Finding Plan B in Engineering Careers with Michael Shamma of TYLin

    In this episode, Michael Shamma, New York Metro Executive of TYLin, talks about leading major infrastructure projects in New York. He shares the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks, the mentors who shaped his leadership and how engineering can connect communities and improve lives. Michael also shares insights on moving between public and private sectors, navigating organizational change and how technology can expand opportunities for the next generation. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 05:06 The power of curiosity in choosing a career path. 07:15 Overcoming challenges while pursuing education and career growth. 09:44 Lessons learned from resilience during difficult times. 15:25 Values of hard work and kindness carried into leadership. 20:18 Building trust and relationships to deliver successful projects. 26:08 Leading teams through change and organizational transitions. 32:11 How technology can expand access and opportunity. 37:05 Advice for students on curiosity, adaptability and growth. Resources Mentioned: Michael Shamma https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-shamma/ TYLin | Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/tylin/ TYLin | Website http://www.tylin.com RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) https://www.rpi.edu/ Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

    46 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Building Better Futures podcast, where host Eric Hirani connects with visionary thought leaders who are building the future. Together they delve into what it takes to not only build companies and structures but how to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, creating the leaders of tomorrow. This is the show for you if you’re interested in: - Learning more about building and delivering iconic projects and companies - Cutting-edge innovation - Cultivating positive work cultures - Helping everyone reach their full potential - Creating exceptional teams Together we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities and society, one inspired individual at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Infinite Consulting
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024
  • Show Website
    Building Better Futures