Building Better Futures

Infinite Consulting
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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 42: What Early-Career Engineers Overlook About Leadership with Luke Martinek of HDR

    2D AGO

    EP 42: What Early-Career Engineers Overlook About Leadership with Luke Martinek of HDR

    Luke Martinek, Senior Program Manager and Associate Vice President of HDR, joins us to explore how 19 years across survey crews, civil design, operations, and business development prepared him for the Penn Transformation Project. We discuss mentorship on hard days, the business side of engineering, making stakeholders "complicit," and the Kurt Vonnegut mantra that still guides his leadership. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction.  05:20 Growing up in San Antonio and finding engineering through family. 10:30 The Penn Transformation Project and the magnet that is Penn Station. 15:45 The change order that opened up the business side of engineering. 23:30 Stepping into a general manager role during the pandemic.  25:20 How variety has fueled two decades of career moves.  32:30 Why helping someone else is the fastest way out of a bad day.  35:45 Making every stakeholder "complicit" in the same mission.  38:15 The most impactful projects of his career.  44:05 A Kurt Vonnegut mantra he still leads by.  46:10 Hot takes on innovation, growth, and transparency. Resources Mentioned: Luke Martinek https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-martinek-p-e-8b979b6/ HDR https://www.hdrinc.com Penn Station Transformation Project https://media.amtrak.com/2025/10/penn-station-transformation-fact-sheet/ Texas A&M University https://www.tamu.edu Langan Engineering https://www.langan.com Sam Schwartz https://www.tylin.com/samschwartz AKRF https://www.akrf.com Grain Collective Landscape Architecture https://graincollective.com NYC School Construction Authority https://www.nycsca.org NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) https://www.nycsca.org NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) https://edc.nyc Matthews Nielsen Landscape Architects https://mnlandscape.com 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

    50 min
  2. EP 41: Challenging the Status Quo Inside City Government with Danielle Grillo Pemberton of Sweet Group LLC

    MAY 5

    EP 41: Challenging the Status Quo Inside City Government with Danielle Grillo Pemberton of Sweet Group LLC

    Danielle Grillo Pemberton spent over 15 years inside New York City government before crossing to the private sector as Vice President of Sweet Group LLC — and she brought everything she learned with her. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to challenge the status quo, how she earned her seat at the table in male-dominated fields, why she hires for hunger over credentials, and what it means to lead large-scale modernization projects that genuinely transform communities. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction.  05:19 The transition from 15+ years in city government to the private side.  10:08 Heading up the licensing unit at the Department of Buildings and falling in love with the construction industry.  11:09 Getting swept into the Sandy recovery with the mayor's office.  25:36 Navigating the deep networks and cultures of male-dominated fields. 31:39 Challenging what has always been done inside city government.  37:56 Delivering comprehensive modernization projects with NYCHA and the Housing Preservation Trust.  41:19 Why keeping your word matters more than the contract.  43:01 Hiring for hunger over experience.  43:50 The hard lesson of releasing control as you rise. Resources Mentioned: Sweet Group website: https://www.sweetconstruction.com NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority): https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/index.page Public Housing Preservation Trust: https://www.preservationtrust.org New York City Department of Buildings: https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/index.page NYPD Facilities and Capital Construction: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/administrative/management-budget.page Urban Umbrella: https://www.urbanumbrella.com 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
  3. EP 40: Fostering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders with Kirsten Sibilia of Dattner Architects

    APR 21

    EP 40: Fostering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders with Kirsten Sibilia of Dattner Architects

    Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Partner of Dattner Architects, discusses the evolution of a firm committed to civic justice and the public realm. We explore her journey from product design to leadership, the firm's transition to a woman-owned business and how empowering the next generation of leaders shapes a better urban environment. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:06 Kirsten’s early entrepreneurial roots and her lifelong drive to live in New York. 04:46 How a liberal arts background and product design education shaped Kirsten's approach to architecture. 06:09 Translating direct sales and design experience into a strategic business leadership role. 08:05 Defining project success through positive civic, environmental and financial outcomes. 10:32 Expanding geographic reach while maintaining a commitment to transit-oriented development and public spaces. 14:16 Richard Dattner's legacy and the firm’s progressive transition to majority women ownership. 19:43 Identifying and developing the next generation of entrepreneurial, big-picture thinkers. 21:06 The value of seeking professional leadership and learning opportunities outside of your firm. 26:02 Delivering dignity and respect through the thoughtful design of essential architecture, like women's shelters. Resources Mentioned: Kirsten Sibilia https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstensibilia/ Dattner Architects | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/dattner-architects/ Dattner Architects | Website https://www.dattner.com/ New York Building Congress Foundation https://buildingcongress.com/new-york-building-foundation/ Project Renewal https://www.projectrenewal.org “10 Birds That Changed the World” by Stephen Moss https://www.amazon.com/dp/1541604466 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

    40 min
  4. EP 39: The Importance of Process and Passion in Development with Spencer Levine of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC

    APR 7

    EP 39: The Importance of Process and Passion in Development with Spencer Levine of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC

    Join us as Spencer Levine, President of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC, discusses navigating complex real estate developments and building trust within communities. We explore the importance of transparency with stakeholders, balancing profitability with positive social impact, and why leaving your title at the door is critical for flawless project execution. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:45 Spencer shares his professional good news: a unique municipal bond finance deal for student housing in Florida. 03:19 How being a family-owned business gives RAL the nimbleness to creatively structure project financing. 07:47 The philosophy of pursuing projects that do well financially while doing good for the community. 11:48 A key lesson from the job site: leaving your ego at the door and learning from everyone, regardless of their title. 13:21 Eric shares a story of how an on-site mason corrected a flawed engineering detail. 15:10 How the definition of "technology" intersects with modern real estate development. 19:24 Creating "step-up" office spaces with flexible leases to help growing companies transition from coworking environments. 27:22 Navigating community stakeholders and complex public-private partnerships. 31:15 Advice for the next generation: balancing new tools like AI with the lost art of reading paper drawings and building personal relationships. Resources Mentioned: Spencer Levine https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-levine-665b1078/ RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC https://www.linkedin.com/company/ral-companies-&-affiliates-llc/ RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC | Website http://www.ralcompanies.com Zero Irving https://zeroirving.com Civic Hall https://civichall.org. Fedcap Rehabilitation | Website https://www.fedcap.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

    39 min
  5. EP 38: How To Inspire Action Through Powerful Storytelling with Carmine Gallo of Gallo Communications Group

    MAR 23

    EP 38: How To Inspire Action Through Powerful Storytelling with Carmine Gallo of Gallo Communications Group

    Communications Coach, Harvard Instructor and Bestselling Author Carmine Gallo, Founder and CEO of Gallo Communications Group, reveals how to master storytelling in the digital age. We explore the enduring power of human imagination over AI, the AMP framework for presentations, and why an authentic voice remains your greatest professional asset. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 06:29 Protecting cognitive energy by avoiding doom scrolling and starting the day with gratitude. 14:10 Why soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, are the ultimate differentiators in the AI era. 16:24 AI lacks human imagination and goals, making your authentic lived experience irreplaceable. 22:10 Using the AMP framework — ability, message and practice — to double down on natural strengths and amplify presentation skills. 28:43 Keeping initial pitches concise to focus purely on securing a second meeting. 33:57 Leveraging unique, personal stories to connect with audiences, stand out and convey business values. 40:57 Understanding that the brain ignores boring things to craft tighter, more compelling messages. 48:58 Countering the negativity of social media algorithms by actively consuming content focused on human progress. Resources Mentioned: Carmine Gallo https://www.linkedin.com/in/carminegallo/ "Viral Voices" audiobook by Carmine Gallo https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250371966/viralvoices/ "Talk Like TED" by Carmine Gallo https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250041120 "The Storyteller's Secret" by Carmine Gallo https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250072239 "The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs" by Carmine Gallo https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071636080 "The Next Renaissance" by Zack Kass https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394381085 "Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525427570 Contractors for Kids https://contractorsforkids.org/ HumanProgress.org https://humanprogress.org/ Bryan Stevenson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Stevenson Neil deGrasse Tyson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_deGrasse_Tyson 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

    53 min
  6. EP 37: The Power of Saying Yes to Unexpected Career Opportunities with Michele Fitzsimmons of New York City Fire Department

    MAR 10

    EP 37: The Power of Saying Yes to Unexpected Career Opportunities with Michele Fitzsimmons of New York City Fire Department

    Join us as Michele Fitzsimmons, Deputy Chief of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), discusses navigating high-stakes leadership and building trust within a team. We explore the importance of standard operating procedures, overcoming the emotional toll of demanding careers, and why saying yes to new opportunities is critical for growth. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:49 Family legacy and transitioning to a career in the FDNY. 10:43 Why teams must fall back on established training during a crisis. 13:42 Delegating responsibilities and learning to trust your team. 16:25 The value of asking questions and admitting when you don't know something. 20:03 Fostering a culture that accepts mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. 24:07 Managing the emotional toll of a difficult job by seeking help and leaning on the community. 32:44 How saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities opens new doors. Resources Mentioned: Michele Fitzsimmons https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-fitzsimmons-0b49101a0/ New York City Fire Department (FDNY) | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-city-fire-department/ New York City Fire Department (FDNY) | Website https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/index.page Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501124021/ 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

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

    FEB 23

    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
  8. 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
See All (43)

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
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024
  • Show Website
    Building Better Futures

You Might Also Like