Behind the Barricade

Jim Christian
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Most construction issues don’t start in the field. They start behind the scenes. With misaligned systems, siloed teams, and owners left in the dark. Behind the Barricade pulls back the curtain on what really derails timelines, budgets, and trust. Each episode, we talk with construction leaders, project owners, and field experts who’ve faced the chaos.... and found a better way through. We cover: -What went wrong (and why) -How they turned it around -The systems and strategies that actually work This isn’t PR. It’s a pressure test for how construction is led. Because when owners see the truth, they lead differently.

Episodes

  1. FEB 11

    Unlocking Retail Construction Success with Pat Flood

    The conversation delves into the world of retail construction, highlighting the importance of early involvement, transparency, and communication in project success. It explores challenges, productivity, and the impact of design changes, emphasizing the role of people in construction. The discussion also addresses the future of construction performance, industry challenges, and the impact of tariffs on the supply chain. Throughout, the theme of early involvement and transparent communication emerges as crucial for project success.

    27 min

  2. JAN 27

    
Against the Deadline: How Urgency and Communication Deliver Results

    Adam Hirsch from Hirsch Construction shares insights on construction performance breakthroughs, including a sense of urgency, strong communication, and sustainability. He also discusses the importance of attracting young talent to the industry through internships and technology adoption. Takeaways Sense of urgencyStrong communicationAttracting young talent to the industryTechnology adoption

    17 min

  3. JAN 14

    Fostering Collaboration in Project Management with Rachel Zsembery

    In this episode of "Behind the Barricades," host Jim Christian sits down with Rachel Zsembery, President and CEO of Bergmeyer, to explore the evolving landscape of the construction industry. Rachel shares insights from her 23-year journey at Bergmeyer, discussing the importance of holistic design, strategic partnerships, and early collaboration with construction teams. The conversation delves into the challenges and breakthroughs in project delivery, highlighting a significant project with Dick's Sporting Goods. Tune in to discover how Rachel's approach to design and construction fosters innovation and success.

    30 min

  4. 12/31/2025 · BONUS

    Wrapped: Lessons from 2025, Vision for 2026

    In the final episode of 2025, Jim Christian, founder and CEO, shares his insights on performance breakthroughs in the construction industry. He emphasizes the importance of controlling one's calendar, the power of deep work, and the necessity of having a clear vision for progress. Jim also discusses the impact of AI, the need for resilience in turbulent environments, and the irreplaceable value of human leadership. As we look forward to 2026, Jim encourages leaders to protect future time, bring leadership instead of blame, and use technology to enhance productivity. Tune in to "Behind the Barricade" for a thoughtful reflection on the past year and a hopeful outlook for the future.

    8 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Value Engineering Unveiled: Insights from Tim Patrie

    In this episode of "Behind the Barricade," host Jim Christian welcomes Tim Patrie, an expert in the construction industry, to discuss the nuances of value engineering. Tim shares his journey from working on construction sites as a kid to leading global store development for major brands. The conversation delves into the importance of relationships in construction, the impact of tariffs, and strategies for improving productivity. Tune in for insights on how to navigate the evolving landscape of construction and make the most of value engineering.

    27 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    From Planning to Execution: Ensuring Project Excellence with Virginia Grant

    In this episode of "Behind the Barricade," host Jim Christian sits down with Virginia Grant, Vice President of Store Development for Luxottica. Virginia shares her inspiring journey from a teaching background to leading major construction projects for iconic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. Discover how Virginia navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and leveraged AI to enhance productivity in the construction industry. Tune in to explore the importance of fundamentals, sustainability, and the evolving role of technology in retail development. Don't miss this insightful conversation on performance breakthroughs and the future of construction.

    33 min
  7. Trailer: Welcome to Behind the Barricade: Performance Breakthroughs In Construction

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer: Welcome to Behind the Barricade: Performance Breakthroughs In Construction

    Construction looks clean on paper. In reality, it’s chaos. Delayed permits, blown budgets, and miscommunication that can make or break a project. In this short intro, host Jim Christian lays out why he’s pulling back the curtain on the industry. To expose the truth Behind the Barricade and start a new kind of conversation about how we build better.

    3 min

Trailer

About

Most construction issues don’t start in the field. They start behind the scenes. With misaligned systems, siloed teams, and owners left in the dark. Behind the Barricade pulls back the curtain on what really derails timelines, budgets, and trust. Each episode, we talk with construction leaders, project owners, and field experts who’ve faced the chaos.... and found a better way through. We cover: -What went wrong (and why) -How they turned it around -The systems and strategies that actually work This isn’t PR. It’s a pressure test for how construction is led. Because when owners see the truth, they lead differently.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Christian
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jim Christian
  • Show Website
    Behind the Barricade