Management Under Construction

Dee Davis

5.0 (2)
MANAGEMENT
UPDATED WEEKLY

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

2D AGO

S3 E6 Are You Waiting Months to Fill a Job Opening? This is a Better Solution

contract labor, independent contractors, hiring challenges, staffing solutions, project-based work, employment trends, workforce flexibility, contractor advantages, recruitment strategies, business transitions, podcast, construction, management, fractional, human resources, personnel, manpower; hiring In this episode of Management Under Construction, Dee Davis discusses the value of independent contractors and how they can help businesses navigate staffing challenges. She emphasizes the growing trend of independent contractors and addresses common concerns employers have about hiring them. The conversation highlights the advantages of independent contractors, including their ability to start quickly and the flexibility they offer. Dee also provides insights on how to effectively fill long-open job requisitions and the differences between hiring independent contractors and full-time employees. Takeaways Contract labor can help overcome staffing hurdles.Independent contractors are skilled professionals, not just temps.The market for independent contractors is rapidly growing.Independent contractors can start working quickly without extensive onboarding.Hiring independent contractors can be more cost-effective than full-time employees.It's important to critically assess job requisitions that remain open for too long.Interview processes should be engaging and not rely on automation.Hiring an independent contractor can be a temporary solution, not necessarily a long-term commitment.Communication and honesty are key when working with independent contractors.

16 min
FEB 2

S3 E5 Leadership Lessons: Dealing with Difficult Bosses, Co-workers and Clients

difficult people, workplace conflict, leadership, communication, project management, difficult coworkers, difficult clients, difficult bosses, conflict resolution, personal growth In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, host Dee Davis shares personal experiences dealing with difficult people in the workplace, including challenging coworkers, clients, and bosses. Through storytelling, Dee reflects on lessons learned and offers insights into handling such situations more effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, delegation, and self-awareness in navigating workplace conflicts. Takeaways Dealing with difficult people is a common experience in the workplace.It's important to set boundaries when helping others with their workload.Micromanagement can lead to frustration and inefficiency.Having direct conversations early can prevent escalation of issues.Understanding that difficult behavior often stems from the individual's own issues can help in not taking it personally.Maintaining professionalism is crucial, even in challenging situations.Recognizing the difference between personal and professional conflicts is key.Leadership should foster a supportive environment, not one of fear and humiliation.It's essential to learn from difficult experiences to improve personal leadership skills.Sometimes, the best option is to remove oneself from a toxic environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Difficult People06:16 Dealing with a Difficult Client09:41 Navigating a Challenging Boss

15 min
JAN 26

S3 E4 Building Tomorrow's Leaders through Transformational Leadership with Andrea Janzen

leadership development, women in construction, transformational leadership, coaching, networking, career advancement, Andrea Janzen, Ambition Theory, construction industry, empowerment, women in leadership, business growth, challenges, mentorship In this episode of the Management Under Construction podcast, host Dee Davis welcomes Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory, a leadership development company focused on the construction industry. They discuss the unique challenges women face in this traditionally male-dominated field and how Andrea's journey into coaching was largely unplanned. Andrea shares her background in marketing and how her experiences led her to coaching, particularly for women in construction. She emphasizes the importance of transformational leadership, which contrasts with the more common transactional leadership style prevalent in the industry. Andrea's workshops, such as 'Reignite Your Ambition,' aim to empower women by helping them identify their motivations and align them with opportunities in their careers. The conversation delves into the systemic barriers women encounter in leadership roles, including the double bind of needing to be both confident and not perceived as bossy. Andrea highlights the importance of networking and collaboration, especially in the construction industry, where relationships can significantly impact project success. They also touch on the importance of self-awareness and strategic thinking for women looking to advance in their careers. Andrea shares insights on her business journey, including the challenges of scaling her coaching practice and the lessons learned from past failures. The episode concludes with Andrea offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and women seeking to enhance their leadership skills. Takeaways Transformational leadership invites collaboration and recognizes individual strengths.The construction industry often follows a transactional leadership model.Women face unique challenges in leadership roles, including the double bind.Networking is essential for business growth and finding opportunities.Scaling a business requires a clear process and understanding of the target audience.Mistakes are part of the entrepreneurial journey and provide valuable lessons.It's important to commit to decisions and avoid wobbling in business strategies.Women are often socialized to be collaborative, which can hinder their advancement in male-dominated industries.Finding the right partnerships can enhance business growth and opportunities.Self-awareness and strategic thinking are crucial for leadership advancement. Chapters 00:00 Transformational Leadership in Construction09:35 The Journey into Coaching and Construction19:48 Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership29:20 Networking and Building Connections39:16 Scaling a Coaching Business49:09 Lessons Learned from Failures58:41 Advice for Aspiring Leaders Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/ Ambition Theory: https://ambitiontheory.com/ Ambition Theory Podcast: https://ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/ Ambition Theory Leadership Accelerator: https://ambitiontheory.com/leadership-accelerator-for-women-in-construction-sign-up/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

1h 7m
JAN 19

S3 E3 From Blocks to Blueprints: Shaping Tomorrow's Builder's Today

NEF Block Kids, construction education, NAWIC, youth competition, creative thinking, career in construction, Dee Davis, NAWIC Education Foundation, construction industry, educational opportunities, K-12 education, professional development Host Dee Davis introduces the NEF Block Kids Competition, a unique event that engages children in creative and critical thinking through construction-related challenges. The competition, supported by the NAWIC Education Foundation, aims to inspire young minds and promote the construction industry as a viable career path. Dee shares insights into the competition's history, its impact on participants, and the educational opportunities provided by NEF for both children and adults. The NEF Block Kids Competition is a national event engaging children in construction challenges. NAWIC stands for the National Association of Women in Construction, but the competition is open to all. The competition fosters critical and creative thinking skills in children. NEF provides construction education and opportunities for kids K-12. The competition includes building with interlocking micro blocks and sponsor-provided materials. Local winners can advance to regional and national levels. The event encourages participation from both boys and girls. NEF offers certification programs for adults in the construction industry. The competition is a fun and fair event. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to NEF Block Kids 00:03:00 Understanding NAWIC and NEF 00:06:00 Competition Details and Rules 00:09:00 Impact and Opportunities with NEF www.nef-edu.org https://nef-edu.org/k-12-and-college/block-kids/ https://www.nawicdenver.com/ https://nawic.org/ NAWIC - National Association of Women in Construction NEF - NAWIC Education Foundation ACCE - American Council for Construction Education www.dcmg.us info@dcmg.us www.yspe.co info@yspe.co

10 min
JAN 12

S3 E2 Entrepreneurship Unwrapped: Sandra's Sweet Story

entrepreneurship, self-sabotage, fear of success, scaling business, customer interactions, self-employment, business advice, side gig, cinnamon rolls, tacos, business, women in business, In this conversation, Sandra Gonzalez shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her businesses, Sandra's Sweet Rolls and Sandra's Street Tacos. She discusses the challenges of self-sabotage, the fear of success, and the importance of finding a market for her products. The conversation also covers the realities of self-employment, customer interactions, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways Self-sabotage often stems from deep-seated beliefs about self-worth.The fear of success can be just as paralyzing as the fear of failure.Identifying a consumable product can lead to a more sustainable business model.Scaling a business requires trial and error and understanding your audience.Customer interactions can be challenging, but handling them with grace is crucial.Self-employment offers flexibility but comes with financial uncertainties.Building a business takes hard work and dedication, especially in the beginning.It's important to have a financial safety net when starting a business.Networking and finding your community can significantly impact your business success.There is no shortcut to success; it requires consistent effort and resilience. Chapters 00:00 Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Fear of Success07:31 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: From Side Gig to Success15:40 Scaling a Business: Lessons Learned23:19 Navigating Customer Interactions and Challenges31:28 The Realities of Self-Employment39:09 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Links: 5-9 Dolly Parton Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GWFO3zcJkM Sandra's Contact Information: https://sandrassweetrolls.com/ https://sandrassweetrolls.com/sandras-street-tacos Mara Meets Sandra's Sweet Rolls Children's Book: https://a.co/d/7Vn1t8r

48 min
JAN 5

S3 E1 Crisis Planning: Essential Steps for Every Business with Dave Oates

Crisis Management, PR Communication, Social Media, Brand Trust, Internal Communication, Crisis Planning, Construction Industry, Transparency, Employee Engagement, Training In this conversation, Dave Oates discusses the critical importance of crisis communication for businesses, particularly in the construction industry. He emphasizes the need for proactive planning and effective internal communication to navigate crises successfully. The role of social media in shaping public perception and the necessity of building brand trust before a crisis are also highlighted. Oates shares insights on handling major incidents, the balance between transparency and legal concerns, and the value of training for crisis management. Ultimately, he advocates for organizations to invest in crisis preparedness to protect their reputation and maintain operations during challenging times. takeaways Crisis moments test executives' ability to communicate authentically. Planning for crises is essential for all businesses. Social media can be both an opportunity and a hindrance. Building brand trust is crucial before a crisis occurs. Internal communication is key during a crisis. Transparency can prevent speculation and rumors. Training for crisis management is vital for organizations. Proactive communication can mitigate damage during crises. Trust is a valuable asset that can be lost quickly. Crisis preparedness should be a priority for all businesses. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Crisis Moments in Business02:56 The Importance of Crisis Communication Planning05:53 The Role of Social Media in PR08:45 Building Brand Trust Before a Crisis11:46 Effective Internal Communication Strategies14:51 Handling Major Incidents and Accidents17:37 The Balance Between Transparency and Legal Concerns20:40 Training for Crisis Management23:38 The Value of Proactive Communication26:37 Conclusion and Resources for Crisis Preparedness Contact Dave: www.publicrelationssecurity.com david@PublicRelationsSecurity.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidoates/

36 min
12/29/2025

S2 E25 From French Cuisine to Engineering Challenges - Brad's Last Episode as Co-host

Management Under Construction, Dee Davis, Brad Wyant, questions game, French food, engineering project, parenting, career shifts, technological innovations, construction, farewell Co-hosts Dee Davis and Brad Wyant engage in a light-hearted and reflective conversation as they play a questions game. They discuss personal favorites, career highlights, and memorable experiences, including Brad's love for French food and Dee's challenging engineering project. The episode also touches on topics like parenting, career shifts, and the impact of technological innovations in construction. As Brad bids farewell to the podcast, the episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges and gratitude for their time together. Key Takeaways Brad's favorite food is French cuisine, influenced by his childhood experiences. Dee shares her most challenging engineering project involving an interoperative MRI suite. The importance of team spirit and cohesiveness in successful project management. Brad's favorite project was a restroom expansion at Union Station, highlighting the value of mentorship. Dee's career shift from technical problem-solving to managing people and projects. The impact of parenting on personal and professional life, making Dee more cautious. Technological innovations like AI are transforming the construction industry. The significance of staying relevant and adaptable in one's career. Dee's decision to leave the Navy was influenced by family considerations. Brad's love for cars and the cultural aspects of car podcasts. Chapters 00:00:27 Introduction and Questions Game 00:01:15 Favorite Foods and Projects 00:05:33 Career Shifts and Parenting 00:59:41 Technological Innovations in Construction 01:11:30 Farewell and Reflections

1h 14m
12/22/2025

S2 E24 From Rural Peace to Urban Chaos: A Housing Debate and a Big Announcement

Housing, urban density, and suburban sprawl all influence parking costs, affordable housing, and the effectiveness of public transportation. Learn how these interconnected factors shape environmental sustainability and the future of community development. In this episode, Dee Davis and Brad Wyant discuss the complexities of housing, urban density, and suburban sprawl. They explore the implications of parking costs, the mental health impacts of different living environments, and the historical context of housing development in America. The conversation also touches on the future of housing and the need for community-based solutions to address the ongoing housing crisis. WARNING: We take a rare delve into some politics in this episode, so put on your big boy pants! Takeaways Brad is leaving the podcast to focus on personal life.Parking minimums contribute to rising construction costs.Urban density can be more sustainable but poses mental health challenges.Suburban living offers space but can lead to isolation.The cost of living in suburbs is increasing significantly.Parking anxiety affects people's willingness to visit urban areas.Affordable housing often means less expensive, not truly affordable.Public transportation is crucial for connecting communities.Nuanced discussions are needed in housing policy.The rapid development of housing raises questions about demand. Chapters 00:00 The Cost of Parking and Urban Development05:08 Living Preferences: Urban vs. Rural07:35 The Economics of Parking Spaces09:48 The American Dream and Suburban Living12:25 Parking Minimums and Their Implications14:52 Navigating Urban Areas: Strategies for Parking17:08 Housing Affordability and Urban Density19:21 Mental Health and Living Environments22:10 Historical Context: Housing and Racial Dynamics24:52 Confronting Historical Discrimination26:07 The Shift to Suburban Living27:37 Challenges of Urban Living28:36 Parking and Urban Accessibility31:30 Affordable Housing: A Complex Issue34:45 Government's Role in Housing39:32 The Sustainability of Subsidies41:59 Urban Sprawl and Its Consequences45:10 MUC outro.mp4

46 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

Creator

Dee Davis
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

56
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Yellowstone Professional Education 2026
Show Website

Management Under Construction