161 episodes

The Ambition Theory Podcast focuses on strategies and thought leadership around creating a workplace where everyone is welcome and everybody can thrive and we’re not going to shy away from the difficult conversations.

Ambition Theory: Women in Construction Andrea Janzen

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 8 Ratings

The Ambition Theory Podcast focuses on strategies and thought leadership around creating a workplace where everyone is welcome and everybody can thrive and we’re not going to shy away from the difficult conversations.

    Life after the Great Resignation with Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

    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/

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

    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/

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

    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/ 

    • 33 min
    Creating A Legacy For Women In Construction With Doreen Bartoldus

    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.

     

    • 52 min
    Breaking The Glass Ceiling in Manufacturing with Kristin Graybill

    Breaking The Glass Ceiling in Manufacturing with Kristin Graybill

    Getting more women into leadership roles is important for every industry but especially for manufacturing. The sector lags behind others in terms of representation, particularly in the C-Suite. What does it take to attract women to the industrial space? What can companies do to retain these women? What guidance do current women leaders have for the next generation to improve their chances for a successful career in manufacturing? Kristin Graybill shares the results of the Manufacturers Alliance Research report called In Her Own Words: Breaking The Glass Ceiling Is Good For Business.  

    Highlights 


    The real story behind Rosie The Riveter 


    How to be more intentional with your hiring and interview process


    The return on investment of having a strong culture 



    Links: 


    Manufacturers Alliance Research Report: In Her Own Words https://www.manufacturersalliance.org/research-insights/in-her-own-words 


    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/ 


    Manufacturers Alliance https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturersalliance/ 


    Kristin Graybill https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgraybill/ 



    Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

    • 29 min
    Sponsorship in Action with Rachael Ferrera

    Sponsorship in Action with Rachael Ferrera

    Sponsorship is one of the most powerful tools to advance women in the construction industry. Once you learn about this concept, it’s easy to want to implement it. But it isn’t always straightforward. There’s no sign-up sheet or 3-step plan; it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Rachael Ferrera from Zachry Construction unpacks how sponsorship has shown up for her over her 15-year career - even though she couldn’t recognize it then. She shares how she’s intentionally leveraging these relationships and sponsoring the next generation of leaders. 



    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 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/ 


    Rachael Ferrera https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-ferrera-58b5167/ 



    Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

KSlovespodcasts ,

Great tips on supporting other women in leadership

Great tips and strategies from Andrea and her guests on developing women leaders at different levels within the construction industry. Highly recommend you listen to her episodes on supporting other women and how men can be better allies for women.
Kim S / Velma Knowles

SSPCL123 ,

Fantastic!

I have been absolutely loving this podcast! It has been motivating me to be a more reflective and engaged colleague. If your curious about which episode to start with - I found the episode with Nicole Tanel to be inspiring.

Odyssey gal ,

The Ambition Theory Podcast

Excellent podcast providing much needed insight, encouragement, and practical application into a growing field for women and great opportunity for the construction and trades industries! Thank you, Andrea, for advancing this content!

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