Activating Curiosity™ | Leading Change in the Construction Industry

Ryan Ware - Construction Change Management and Leadership Coach
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Activating Curiosity™  | Leading Change in the Construction Industry is the podcast for forward-thinking AEC and construction leaders who want to elevate their leadership in change management, strengthen construction leadership development, and navigate change management in construction with clarity, connection, and confidence. Hosted by Ryan Ware — AEC industry coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Connective Consulting Group and Connective Coaching — the show dives into conversations with innovators and industry shapers around one powerful question: What’s the most important problem you’re trying to solve — and why? Each episode uncovers real stories, hidden challenges, and practical tools to help you lead through change, build psychologically safe teams, and respond with agility in an industry transforming faster than ever. New guest episodes drop twice per month, along with bonus insights designed to help you activate curiosity in your leadership immediately. Listen, follow, or subscribe—and share this episode with someone navigating change.Let’s build what’s next—together. If you'd like to support the show or explore partnership opportunities, visit our Support page to learn more. ⭐ If this podcast resonates with you, leaving a rating or review helps more construction industry leaders discover it.

  1. Human-Centered Construction Leadership: Moving Beyond the Industry’s Toughness Culture

    APR 28

    Human-Centered Construction Leadership: Moving Beyond the Industry’s Toughness Culture

    Construction leadership development today requires more than toughness—it demands a human-centered approach to leading change. In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Ed DeAngelis, CEO and Founder of EDA Contractors, to explore how trust, emotional intelligence, and curiosity are reshaping leadership in the construction industry. As the AEC industry faces workforce challenges, change resistance, and increasing complexity, Ed shares why “humanity as a strategy” is not a soft skill—it’s a competitive advantage. Together, they unpack how construction leaders can build psychological safety, strengthen culture, and create environments where people—and performance—improve together. This conversation challenges the traditional “toughness” mindset in construction and offers a more effective path forward: one grounded in trust, self-awareness, and intentional leadership. What you’ll learn:  Why trust is the foundation of effective construction leadership  How emotional intelligence improves team performance and retention  Practical ways to build psychological safety on project teams  Why resistance to change is often rooted in human experience  How curiosity unlocks better leadership and business outcomes Who this is for: Construction leaders, executives, and AEC professionals focused on leadership development, culture, and leading change more effectively. Chapters 02:10 - Entrepreneurial lessons from being a paperboy 07:01 - Industry roughness and the need for cultural change 12:14 - Balancing personal life and leadership growth 20:12 - Building trust through authentic connections 30:35 - Practices that foster curiosity and innovation 40:10 - The cost of neglecting humanity in business 47:59 - Redefining success beyond profit Guest Ed DeAngelis is Founder and CEO of EDA Contractors, a construction firm known for its people-first culture and innovative exterior envelope solutions. With 25+ years of experience, Ed champions “Humanity as a Strategy,” integrating emotional intelligence, trust, and psychological safety into business performance and growth. He serves on multiple industry and nonprofit boards and has been recognized as a Philadelphia Titan 100 CEO (2025) and one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs (2024). Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    1h 7m
  2. Affordable Housing Isn’t Just About Building Homes

    APR 23 ·  BONUS

    Affordable Housing Isn’t Just About Building Homes

    Affordable housing isn’t just about building more homes—it’s about whether people can actually sustain a place to live. In this bonus episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Nneoma Albert-Benson, founder of BEFA Women and Child Care Foundation, to explore how construction leadership and change in the AEC industry must go beyond supply and into the systems that determine long-term stability. This conversation challenges a common assumption: that homelessness is the problem. Instead, Nneoma reframes it as the result of compounding pressures—rising costs, lack of support systems, and environments not designed to catch people before they fall. Drawing from her experience in human rights law, social impact, and construction, she introduces a new way of thinking about housing—one centered on stability by design. Through BEFA Haven, she’s building a model that integrates housing, childcare, economic opportunity, and community into a system that prevents vulnerability instead of reacting to it. This isn’t just a conversation about sustainability in construction—it’s about redefining what it means to lead change in how we build, support, and design for people. What you’ll learn:  Why homelessness is often the result of system failure—not individual failure  How “stability by design” changes the way we approach housing and development  The hidden pressures that push working individuals and families into instability  Why building more homes alone won’t solve the housing crisis  How integrated systems (housing, childcare, economic support) create long-term outcomes Who this is for: Construction leaders, developers, architects, and AEC professionals ready to think beyond buildings and take a more human-centered approach to housing, community, and change leadership. Chapters 1:08 - Nneoma's Journey and Vision 3:03 - Redefining Affordability and Stability 8:42 - Building Systems to Prevent Vulnerability 21:06 - Engineering Outcomes Through Construction 32:30 - Replicating the BEFA Haven Model Guest Nneoma Albert-Benson is an international human rights lawyer, social impact developer, and founder of BEFA Women and Child Care Foundation, a nonprofit advancing the rights and dignity of women and children facing poverty, violence, and systemic injustice. She is also co-founder of Helichrysum Construction and is leading the development of BEFA Haven—an integrated housing model designed to support long-term stability through community, economic empowerment, and sustainable design. https://ww Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    46 min
  3. Industrialized Construction: The Key to Solving the Housing Crisis

    APR 14

    Industrialized Construction: The Key to Solving the Housing Crisis

    The housing crisis isn’t just a policy problem—it’s a production problem hiding in plain sight. In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Ryan Smith, Co-Founder of ModX, to explore how construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry must evolve to address housing affordability at scale. This conversation challenges a common assumption: that better policy alone will solve the housing crisis. Instead, Ryan Smith breaks down why housing affordability is fundamentally a supply issue—and how industrialized construction offers a path forward by rethinking how we design, manufacture, and deliver housing. But this isn’t just about technology. It’s about mindset. From fragmented project delivery to outdated regulatory frameworks, the real barriers are systemic. Together, Ryan and Ryan unpack what it takes for construction leaders, architects, developers, and manufacturers to shift from siloed thinking to integrated, curiosity-driven approaches that enable real change. What you’ll learn:  Why housing affordability is fundamentally a supply and production challenge  The internal (competency, capacity, capability) and external barriers slowing adoption  How industrialized construction requires a shift in design, delivery, and business models  Why “systems integrators” and repeatable teams are critical to scaling innovation  How regional knowledge-sharing and performance-based codes can unlock faster progress Who this is for: Construction leaders, architects, developers, and AEC professionals navigating change, uncertainty, and the future of housing delivery. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction to Industrialized Housing 1:06 - Ryan Smith's Career Journey 5:15 - Internal and External Barriers 12:31 - Lessons from Global Precedents 29:30 - The Role of Design and Manufacturing 47:04 - Future of Housing and Industrialized Construction Guest Ryan E. Smith is Professor and Director of the School of Architecture at the University of Arizona and Co-Founder of ModX. He is a leading researcher in industrialized and offsite construction, with nearly two decades of experience advancing scalable housing solutions through research, advising, and industry collaboration. https://www.modx.network/ Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    1h 14m
  4. Climate Policy Whiplash: AEC’s Next Move

    APR 2 ·  BONUS

    Climate Policy Whiplash: AEC’s Next Move

    Policy shifts create uncertainty, but they don’t remove responsibility. In this bonus episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Laura Steinbrink, CEO of Emerald Built Environments, to explore how construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry must respond when policy and regulation shift overnight. This conversation challenges a common assumption: that policy drives action. Instead, Laura reframes the moment, showing the recent EPA decision was legal, not scientific, and that progress is still driven by markets, communities, and leadership. Together, they unpack what happens when policy creates “whiplash” and why the opportunity for AEC leaders isn’t to wait, but to lead. From local climate action plans to market demands, this episode explores how leaders can maintain clarity, reduce risk, and make smarter decisions in an environment where regulations may change, but reality does not. This isn’t just about sustainability in construction, it’s about leading change with confidence when the rules keep shifting. What you’ll learn: Why policy shifts don’t remove the need for sustainabilityThe gap between legal decisions and scientific realityHow local markets keep driving change regardless of regulationWays to reduce risk through smarter building strategies Why uncertainty creates opportunity for long-term leadersWho this is for: Construction leaders, developers, and AEC professionals navigating policy uncertainty, sustainability, and change leadership in a rapidly evolving industry. Chapters 3:19 - What Changed: The EPA Decision Explained 5:04 - How We Got Here: The Origins of Climate Policy 7:07 - What Actually Changed (and What Didn’t) 10:34 - Why the Built Environment Is at the Center of This 15:09 - Where Real Action Is Happening: Local Climate Plans 25:00 - Short-Term Decisions vs Long-Term Reality 31:08 - AEC’s Opportunity: Leading Through Uncertainty Guest Laura Steinbrink is CEO of Emerald Built Environments, helping organizations align sustainability and business performance in the built environment. Her work spans manufacturing, finance, non-profits, and government, focused on risk, cost savings, and results. She serves on the boards of USGBC Ohio, Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Cleveland, and Greater Cleveland Partnership. Dark Waters Info  Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    35 min
  5. Trailblazing Mass Timber Adoption: Leading Sustainable Construction Innovation

    MAR 24

    Trailblazing Mass Timber Adoption: Leading Sustainable Construction Innovation

    Mass timber isn’t just a material shift—it’s a mindset shift. In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Kristen Slavin, founder of Conifer Advising, to explore how construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry must evolve to adopt new building systems like mass timber. This conversation challenges a common assumption: that innovation in construction is about materials. Instead, Kristen highlights that the real barrier is how teams collaborate, manage risk, and rethink traditional delivery models. Drawing from her experience across design, development, and prefab manufacturing, she shares how mass timber is reshaping project delivery, influencing design decisions, insurance, and supply chains—and why early alignment across teams is critical to success.  From supply chain misconceptions to insurance premiums and building code complexity, this episode explores what’s really slowing adoption—and how leaders can move forward with clarity. This isn’t just about sustainable construction—it’s about leading change across fragmented systems. What you’ll learn:  Why mass timber adoption is more about mindset than materials  The real barriers slowing adoption across design, insurance, and supply chains  How early collaboration reduces risk and improves project outcomes  Why hands-on learning accelerates innovation across teams  How integrated delivery models support long-term success Who this is for: Architects, engineers, contractors, and AEC leaders navigating innovation, prefabrication, and change in construction. Chapters 1:31 - Introduction to Mass Timber 11:00 - Kristen's Journey and Early Innovations 21:00 - Challenges in Supply Chain and Insurance 31:00 - Launching Conifer Advising and Industry Engagement 41:00 - Overcoming Industry Resistance 51:00 - Future of Mass Timber and Closing Thoughts Guest Kristen Slavin is founder of Conifer Advising, helping teams accelerate mass timber adoption across design, development, and construction. With experience spanning architecture, prefab manufacturing, and product development, she works across the value chain to reduce risk and improve project delivery. https://www.coniferadvising.com/resources Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    1h 11m
  6. Building a Stronger Relationship With Change in Construction Leadership

    MAR 19 ·  BONUS

    Building a Stronger Relationship With Change in Construction Leadership

    Mini Series Part 6: Change fatigue is real in construction—but it’s not caused by change itself. It’s caused by our relationship with it. In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware explores how construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry can shift from resistance to resilience by building a stronger relationship with change. This conversation challenges a common assumption: that change is something to manage. Instead, Ryan reframes it as an experience—one that requires intention, reflection, and a human-centered approach to leadership.  Using the Five C’s of Change—Choice, Control, Clarity, Commitment, and Curiosity—this episode provides a practical lens for understanding how past experiences shape current reactions and how leaders can respond with greater empathy and effectiveness. From digital tools to new delivery models, the challenge isn’t the solution—it’s how people experience the change. This isn’t just about leading change—it’s about transforming your relationship with it. What you’ll learn:  Why change fatigue is rooted in experience, not just volume  How the Five C’s of Change shape individual and team responses  Why change should be viewed as an experience, not an event  How leaders can reduce resistance through empathy and clarity  Practical ways to build trust and adaptability across teams Who this is for: Construction leaders, project executives, architects, and AEC professionals navigating change, leadership development, and team performance. Chapters 1:04 - Building a Stronger Relationship with Change 3:27 - Change as a Two-Way Street 4:02 - Human-Centered Change in Industry 5:14 - Empathy and Leadership Development 6:29 - Change as an Experience, Not an Event 7:35 - Industry Resistance to Change 8:16 - The Five C's of Change 16:51 - Building a Stronger Relationship with Change 18:26 - Leading Teams Through Change Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    28 min
  7. Curiosity, AI, and the Future of Change in AEC Firms

    MAR 10

    Curiosity, AI, and the Future of Change in AEC Firms

    In this episode of Activating Curiosity™ | Leading Change in the Construction Industry, Ryan Ware sits down with Kristin Kautz of JAM Idea Agency to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the AEC industry—and why most firms are approaching it the wrong way. This conversation challenges a common assumption: that AI is a tool to implement. Instead, Kristin reframes it as something closer to “air”—an embedded capability that enhances how teams already work, rather than something separate to adopt.  Together, they unpack why change management in construction often fails when it comes to technology, and how storytelling, curiosity, and leadership clarity are critical to overcoming resistance and driving meaningful adoption. From recruiting challenges and workflow inefficiencies to pricing models and competitive pressure, this episode explores how AI is impacting every layer of the construction industry—and what leaders must do to stay ahead. This isn’t just about AI in construction—it’s about how leaders build a better relationship with change in an industry being reshaped in real time. What you’ll learn:  Why AI should be viewed as a capability, not a standalone tool  How storytelling helps overcome resistance to new technology  Why curiosity—not age or role—drives successful AI adoption  Practical ways to identify where AI fits into your current workflows  How AI is reshaping recruiting, pricing, and competitive advantage in AEC Who this is for: Construction leaders, architects, engineers, and AEC professionals exploring AI, digital transformation, and change management in construction. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in AEC Industry 06:00 The Ageless Nature of AI and Its Adoption 11:58 Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption 20:53 AI's Role in Solving Industry Challenges 46:10 Investing in People and Training 01:12:26 Taking the First Steps with AI Guest Kristin Kautz is an AI strategist for the AEC industry, helping firms move from hype to practical implementation. A Fellow of SMPS (FSMPS) and CPSM, she helps leaders integrate AI into real workflows and operations. https://www.jamideaagency.com/ai-iq-home Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    1h 19m
  8. Overcoming Resistance: Embracing the Human Side of Modular Construction Innovation

    FEB 24

    Overcoming Resistance: Embracing the Human Side of Modular Construction Innovation

    In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Ali Salman of Workspace Modular Structures to explore how prefab and modular construction can help solve some of the construction industry’s biggest challenges. This conversation challenges a common assumption: that the industry’s current methods are sufficient. Instead, Ali reframes the opportunity—highlighting how modular construction offers a scalable path to address infrastructure, housing, and labor shortages.  Together, they explore why resistance to change continues to slow progress in the AEC industry and how leadership, curiosity, and mindset shifts are essential to moving forward. From productization and scalability to workforce challenges and global competition, this episode dives into what it takes to rethink how we build—and why incremental change may be the key to long-term transformation. This isn’t just about modular construction—it’s about how leaders embrace change to solve real-world problems. What you’ll learn:  Why modular and prefab construction can scale infrastructure solutions  How resistance to change impacts innovation in construction  The role of productization in improving efficiency and market fit  Why small, incremental improvements drive long-term transformation  How leadership and curiosity influence adoption of new building methods Who this is for: Construction leaders, developers, architects, and AEC professionals exploring modular construction, innovation, and change management. Chapters 03:44 The Transformative Power of Modular Construction 11:49 The Need for Change in Construction Practices 18:57 Opportunities in Prefab and Modular Solutions 23:24 The Role of Technology in Construction 28:40 Future of Modular Construction and Industry Growth 39:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Modular Construction 57:28 Creating Better Communities through Infrastructure Guest Ali Salman is an entrepreneur and CEO of Workspace Modular, focused on scaling modular construction solutions. His work centers on infrastructure, housing, and productized building approaches that improve efficiency and market fit. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-salman-8a141312/ https://workspacemodular.ca/ Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions Connective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Ryan at the following:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/ https://connective-coaching.com/ https://ryanware.me/ Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry. If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going. ⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

    1h 7m
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Activating Curiosity™  | Leading Change in the Construction Industry is the podcast for forward-thinking AEC and construction leaders who want to elevate their leadership in change management, strengthen construction leadership development, and navigate change management in construction with clarity, connection, and confidence. Hosted by Ryan Ware — AEC industry coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Connective Consulting Group and Connective Coaching — the show dives into conversations with innovators and industry shapers around one powerful question: What’s the most important problem you’re trying to solve — and why? Each episode uncovers real stories, hidden challenges, and practical tools to help you lead through change, build psychologically safe teams, and respond with agility in an industry transforming faster than ever. New guest episodes drop twice per month, along with bonus insights designed to help you activate curiosity in your leadership immediately. Listen, follow, or subscribe—and share this episode with someone navigating change.Let’s build what’s next—together. If you'd like to support the show or explore partnership opportunities, visit our Support page to learn more. ⭐ If this podcast resonates with you, leaving a rating or review helps more construction industry leaders discover it.

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