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.

  1. S3 E15 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear in Construction: Irene Walsh Garcia’s Family Legacy

    2D AGO

    S3 E15 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear in Construction: Irene Walsh Garcia’s Family Legacy

    Women in Construction, Industry Leadership, Career Development, Construction Industry, Women Empowerment, Networking, Confidence Building, Career Transition, Electrician, Ongoing Education   This episode features Irene Walsh Garcia, a seasoned construction professional with 27 years of experience, sharing her inspiring story of breaking into the construction field, overcoming fears, and empowering women. Irene discusses the importance of authentic leadership, the value of mentorship, and strategies for women to advocate for themselves confidently. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance, her insights are a blueprint for resilience, growth, and authentic success in construction. In this episode: Irene’s unexpected entry into construction inspired by her sister, not her initial plan Overcoming fears, such as heights, through mindset and small wins The critical role of mentorship, from family advice to field relationships Navigating early career challenges, including microaggressions and reputation building How confidence and recognition grow from consistent effort and wins Transitioning from field to office, and the importance of continuous learning Strategies for women to negotiate pay raises, promotions, and assert their value The significance of networking, professional organizations, and building authentic relationships Debunking myths around women’s representation in different roles within construction Supporting the next generation—mentoring young women and fostering industry change Practical tips for women entering or advancing in construction, emphasizing confidence and authenticity Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Irene’s background in construction 02:02 - Irene’s family history and how her sister sparked her interest 04:14 - The impact of visibility and role models for women in trades 05:20 - First years in the field: hands-on experience and initial pushback 06:19 - Mentorship from a journeyman who became an advocate 07:47 - Adapting to challenges and building a reputation through effort 09:13 - The importance of anticipation and proactive work ethic 10:49 - Dealing with microaggressions and turning fears into wins 12:29 - Overcoming fears of heights with humor and resilience 14:50 - Transitioning out of field work: motivations and industry lessons 16:07 - Building confidence through early wins and continuous learning 18:00 - The power of mentorship and discouraging self-doubt 19:42 - Lessons the industry has taught about confidence and capability 21:15 - Building negotiation skills and advocating for pay 22:39 - Confidence, leadership, and leveraging strengths as a woman 23:49 - The parallels between construction and military service 25:45 - Irene’s business: coaching women for career growth and pay raises 30:34 - How women underestimate their value and how to assert it 36:08 - Practical skills women learn to navigate negotiations and opportunities 40:55 - The importance of authentic leadership and operating within your strengths 42:20 - Breaking the myth of “checking all boxes” to pursue goals 45:10 - Addressing industry diversity stats and real representation issues 53:22 - The role of professional organizations and networking for career support 56:25 - How to master genuine networking and build meaningful relationships 59:27 - Advice for women considering a career in construction 61:08 - The irreplaceable value of experience vs. certifications 62:14 - Support systems: family, mentors, and community 63:43 - Irene’s advice for newcomers: be bold, persistent, and humble 65:02 - The benefits of construction careers, including high wages and job security 66:08 - Connecting with Irene Walsh Garcia via LinkedIn Resources & Links Successful Women in Construction https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-walsh-garcia/ This episode is packed with actionable insights for women striving to build confident careers in construction, emphasizing resilience, authenticity, and strategic growth. Irene’s journey proves that success is a mix of effort, mindset, and the courage to advocate for oneself.

    59 min
  2. ENCORE- Managing Legionella Risks in Building Systems - A Deep Dive S3 E14

    APR 6

    ENCORE- Managing Legionella Risks in Building Systems - A Deep Dive S3 E14

    Legionella, Legionnaires' disease, water system safety, building design, water maintenance, cooling towers, water treatment, health risks, building operations, outbreak prevention This episode explores the critical issue of Legionella bacteria in building water systems, its history, transmission, and how design, operation, and maintenance can mitigate risks. Experts discuss recent outbreaks, best practices, and the importance of awareness in preventing Legionnaires' disease. This episode takes a clear and confident look at the often-overlooked threat of Legionella bacteria in building water systems. From design considerations to operational best practices, discover how to mitigate risks and ensure safer water systems in complex facilities.  Main Topics Covered: The history and danger of Legionella bacteria and recent outbreaks How design choices influence bacterial growth, especially in water temperature zones Challenges of maintenance practices like flushing dead legs and tepid water loops The importance of proper system treatment and maintenance in cooling towers and domestic water systems The significance of integrating facilities maintenance insights early in design decisions Key Insights: Legionella was first identified after the 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention, highlighting a bacterial threat present in man-made water systems. Outbreaks are linked to open and recirculating water systems, especially those within the 77 to 113°F (25 to 45°C) “hot zone.” Poorly maintained or designed systems, such as dead legs or tepid water loops, significantly increase risk. Regulations often focus on temperature controls but may overlook maintenance practices, creating vulnerabilities. Regular flushing, proper chemical treatment, and avoiding stagnant water are crucial but often overlooked in routine building operations. Collaboration between design and facilities maintenance is essential to develop practical, safe water systems with minimized long-term risks. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to managing Legionella risk in building water systems 01:19 - History of Legionella and the 1976 outbreak 02:39 - How outbreaks are linked to environmental and system factors 05:39 - The role of rainfall and environmental conditions in outbreaks 06:29 - Design strategies to prevent bacterial growth, including avoiding dead legs 07:22 - The challenges and risks of tepid water systems in buildings 10:43 - Operational practices: flushing, maintaining temperature standards, and system treatment 15:10 - Disposing of chemical spills properly and regulatory considerations 17:07 - The importance of considering maintenance implications during design 18:12 - Building operational tips to reduce Legionella risk, including temperature regulation and circulation 21:45 - The critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration in building design and operation 23:49 - In healthcare facilities, the high density of water fixtures and potential for risk 26:36 - California’s regulation insights that allow for simplified systems in specific environments 28:05 - Proper maintenance of cooling towers and water treatment protection 33:48 - The importance of considering whole-system lifecycle costs rather than quick fixes 36:14 - Final thoughts: design, maintenance, and policy as interconnected measures to safeguard water quality  Resources & Links: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2018: Legionellosis Risk Management for Building Water Systems California Title 24 Regulations on Water Systems Management of Legionella in Building Water Systems (Book)   Note: This episode emphasizes that holistic planning—including design, operation, maintenance, and regulation—is necessary to effectively mitigate Legionella risks in complex water systems. Staying informed and proactive can prevent costly outbreaks and protect building occupants.

    41 min
  3. S3 E13 How 5% of Training Time Can Unlock Massive Performance Gains

    MAR 30

    S3 E13 How 5% of Training Time Can Unlock Massive Performance Gains

    Employee Investment, Business Growth, Training and Mentorship, Employee Development, ROI on Training, Workforce Productivity, Skills Gap, Employee Turnover, Business Strategy, Management Skills, Communication Improvement; Leadership Development, On-the-Job Training, Employee Retention, Construction and Engineering   Rethinking People Investment in Business: More Than Just Costs In this episode, Dee Davis emphasizes why viewing employees solely as expenses is a misconception. Instead, she makes a compelling case for investing strategically in training and mentorship to unlock greater business value, productivity, and profitability. Key Topics The analogy of trucks vs. people: assets that depreciate vs. assets that can appreciate with proper care The real cost of employee turnover versus investment in training The importance of dedicating at least 5% of work hours (roughly 104 hours/year) to targeted employee training Basic skills gap in new hires and how lack of mentorship impacts business performance The flawed reliance on on-the-job learning without structured training The tangible ROI of investing in employee development—up to 300% returns Practical steps to shift perspective: from expense to valuable asset Timestamps 00:00 - Why people are your most valuable business investment 00:39 - Comparing trucks and employees: depreciation and appreciation 01:23 - Employees as assets that can grow with training 01:50 - The cost of employee turnover versus training investments 02:17 - The importance of training for employee productivity and business growth 03:11 - How much time should be spent on training annually? 03:32 - Why 5% of time, or about 104 hours per year, is a strategic goal 04:00 - The necessity of practical, skills-based training to improve daily performance 04:23 - The pitfalls of expecting new hires to learn everything on the job 04:49 - Addressing gaps in management and technical skills training 05:18 - The impact of better training on operational excellence 05:47 - Why relying on informal learning and mentorship is often ineffective 06:14 - The broad skills gap that impacts management and communication 07:02 - The profound benefits of proper training: faster learning, higher ROI 07:28 - The compelling return on investment in employee development 07:58 - What to consider: training employees vs. losing them 08:11 - Closing thoughts: embracing a growth mindset for organizational success

    9 min
  4. ENCORE - The Hidden Challenges of EV Adoption No One Tells You - From Charging to Safety Concerns S3 E12

    MAR 23

    ENCORE - The Hidden Challenges of EV Adoption No One Tells You - From Charging to Safety Concerns S3 E12

    electric vehicles, sustainability, cars, infrastructure, electric, adoption, charging, technology, carbon free, safety, electrical grid, vehicle The Evolution and Future of Electric Vehicles: Insights You Need to Know In this episode, Dee Davis and Brad Wyant explore the complex landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), covering their history, current challenges, technological advancements, and the environmental and infrastructural hurdles they face. Whether you're a skeptic or an enthusiast, this detailed discussion provides clarity on where EVs are headed and what that means for consumers, industry players, and policymakers. In this episode: A historical overview of EVs from the 1890s to today The rise and fall of early EV prototypes like GM's EV1 and Tesla's disruptive entry Challenges in EV adoption: charging infrastructure, battery life, and safety concerns The impact of government subsidies and international competition, especially from Chinese EV manufacturers The profitability struggles of EV startups like Rivian and the importance of technological innovation Practical insights from real-world EV rental experiences highlighting infrastructure and usability issues Safety considerations, including EMF exposure and emergency safety protocols in EVs The environmental debate: battery mining, lifecycle costs, and the sustainability of EVs versus traditional cars The potential of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a complementary solution Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: tracing the journey of EVs 00:26 - The origins of electric vehicles in the 1890s and early challenges 03:14 - The revival of EVs with GM's EV1 and Tesla's Model S innovation 05:08 - Conspiracy theories around EV development and industry shifts 06:22 - Misunderstandings about consumer behavior with hybrid and plug-in hybrids 07:43 - Government subsidies and their influence on EV market growth 08:44 - Chinese EV manufacturers and global economic competition 11:13 - Rivian's unique approach to outdoor vehicles and financial hurdles 13:41 - How EV credits have fueled Tesla's growth and the end of that era for Rivian 16:12 - Personal rental experiences highlighting infrastructure frustrations 22:24 - Challenges of public charging, private chargers, and time costs 27:20 - Impacts of regulations, infrastructure costs, and future market outlook 32:34 - Profitability, software architecture, and technological innovations in EV manufacturing 36:14 - Safety concerns including EMF exposure, accident safety, and vehicle shutdowns 44:28 - Safety stats, driver behavior, and the importance of driver education 48:52 - Electrical grid stresses, decarbonization efforts, and sustainability debates 55:18 - The real cost of EV charging, infrastructure upgrades, and market demand decline 62:40 - Emerging alternative fuels: hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and their limitations 65:32 - Who is an ideal EV candidate? Short commutes, second cars, and speed enthusiasts 67:02 - The future of EVs, technological advancements, and the importance of diverse solutions Resources & Links: Tesla Model S GM EV1 documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?" Electrify America Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Hyundai NEXO | Toyota Mirai | BMW Hydrogen Concept IIHS Crash Safety Ratings The Duck Curve: Understanding California's Grid This episode offers a comprehensive, informed perspective on the multifaceted world of EVs—detailing that while technological and environmental challenges remain, innovation continues to open new pathways. Understanding these dynamics equips you with the insight needed to navigate the evolving automotive landscape confidently.

    1h 10m
  5. S3 E11 Unlocking Leadership and Life Mastery with The Integrity Game and Jeff Klubeck

    MAR 16

    S3 E11 Unlocking Leadership and Life Mastery with The Integrity Game and Jeff Klubeck

    Dee Davis sits down with Jeff Klubeck to explore the depth and practicality of the Integrity Game—a 10-point leadership model grounded in accountability, purpose, and integrity. Jeff shares insights on how these principles extend beyond leadership into every aspect of life, offering a clear framework to live intentionally and resiliently. We discuss: The origins and evolution of the Integrity Game framework, born from accountability and self-awareness How capturing purpose, gifts, potential, and commitment can transform personal and professional growth The importance of integrity as a lived experience through behavior and aligning words with actions Practical ways to break down immense concepts like potential and vision into actionable steps How the integrity model fosters structural resilience in leaders and teams, akin to building strong bridges and tunnels The role of self-awareness, honest word choice, and continuous practice in living with integrity Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Jeff Klubeck and the Integrity Game model02:00 - The foundation: accountability, self-responsibility, and integrity in leadership04:00 - Origins of the Integrity Game—coaching, purpose, and personal growth06:30 - Core principles: Wholeness through words, behavior, and values09:00 - How integrity manifests through behavior with words and morals11:00 - The importance of self-awareness and honest self-assessment13:00 - Breaking down big concepts: potential, vision, and goals into manageable steps15:00 - The game analogy: practice, mistakes, and growth in integrity16:30 - Defining purpose: why it’s fundamental to life and leadership18:00 - The significance of clarity in purpose to avoid being ‘blown by life’19:30 - Connecting purpose to daily choices and relationships21:00 - The importance of self-coaching and reflection for personal evolution22:30 - Why understanding your gifts and strengths amplifies your impact25:00 - The magic of finding your "Who" and leveraging teamwork and collaboration29:00 - Potential as limitless—how to make it accessible and actionable33:00 - Practical pathways: vision, mission, objectives, and goals39:00 - Building structural resilience like bridges—integrity as the foundation for sustainable leadership50:00 - The impact of commitment, expectations, and word choice in personal integrity51:00 - How to connect with Jeff and join the Integrity Game community Resources & Links: Buy the Integrity Game on Amazon  https://a.co/d/0i43tCzQ Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/getaklu/ https://theintegritygame.com/

    50 min
  6. S3 E10 Rethinking the Client in Facilities Projects: A Maintenance-Centric Approach

    MAR 9

    S3 E10 Rethinking the Client in Facilities Projects: A Maintenance-Centric Approach

    installing contractor, general contractor, facility managers, maintenance, design, construction, building operations, client needs, engineering, facility management This episode challenges traditional perspectives on client relationships in facilities design and construction. Host Dee Davis emphasizes the importance of viewing facility managers not as afterthoughts, but as crucial clients whose needs shape successful, maintainable spaces.  In this episode: The complex web of "clients" in construction projects, from GCs to facility managers Why facility managers are often overlooked but crucial to project success The importance of designing with maintenance access and ongoing operations in mind Practical steps for integrating maintenance considerations into design reviews How thinking like a maintenance engineer can prevent costly future issues Common scenarios like frozen pipes, snow clogging air intakes, and failed damper inspections The critical role of accessibility for routine inspection and emergency repairs Encouragement to adopt a maintenance-focused lens during project planning Timestamps:  00:00 - Rethinking the true "client" in construction projects 02:10 - Facility managers as underappreciated yet vital clients 04:22 - Common maintenance challenges faced in facilities 05:50 - Designing for accessibility and ongoing maintenance 07:15 - Practical ways to incorporate maintenance thinking into design reviews 08:45 - The impact of overlooking maintenance access on long-term costs 10:00 - The importance of collaborative communication with maintenance teams

    7 min
  7. S3 E9 Building a Better Construction Industry: Insights from Angela Hucker

    MAR 2

    S3 E9 Building a Better Construction Industry: Insights from Angela Hucker

    construction industry, labor shortage, workplace culture, mental health, women in construction, work travel, leadership accountability, employee retention, EPIC, safety, management, Australia, United Sates, Worldwide Angela Hucker shares her extensive experience in construction, focusing on transforming industry culture, increasing safety, and fostering inclusivity. Her work emphasizes accountability, mental health, and recruitment strategies to sustain the future of construction worldwide. In this episode: Angela's journey from family laborer to industry leader The top three challenges faced by the Australian construction sector How industry culture drives labor shortages and retention issues The importance of recognition for migrant and female workers Strategies to improve safety and mental health on site The role of mid-level managers in shaping organizational culture Accountability and leadership responsibilities at every level The significance of data and surveys in fostering change Angela’s new construction leadership report for government advocacy Practical steps for organizations to begin cultural transformation Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and Angela's background in construction 00:29 - Angela's early start and career journey 01:23 - The rise of Epic and its mission to improve construction culture 02:41 - Global similarities: Australia, US, and beyond face common challenges 03:10 - Top construction issues: labor shortages, culture, generational gap 04:32 - Promoting trades as a viable career path 05:57 - Gender imbalance and remote project environments in Australia 06:41 - Recognizing migrant qualifications and closing skill gaps 07:46 - The impact of remote work and fly-in fly-out schedules in regional projects 08:43 - Projects valued at over $1 trillion shift Australia's landscape 09:39 - Workers’ challenges: isolation, long rosters, family disconnection 10:34 - Advocacy work to inform policy and improve remote supervision 11:04 - How Epic promotes inclusive, safe, and supportive workplaces 12:20 - Addressing mental health, depression, and suicides in construction 13:15 - The importance of respectful behaviors and anti-harassment culture 14:12 - Workplace violence, especially for women, and bystander intervention 15:02 - Personal stories of safety threats and allies' support 16:00 - Creating safe environments through courage and upstander actions 17:25 - Leadership’s role in preventing harassment and discrimination 18:23 - Angela’s experience with workplace boundary violations and reporting 19:20 - The importance of allies in supporting safety and respect 20:18 - Framing concerns to leadership—protecting oneself on site 21:19 - The concept of allyship and defending personal safety 22:30 - The need for clear policies and accountability for harassment 23:16 - How companies can improve employee protection and reporting 24:51 - The global nature of bullying, hostilities, and leadership failures 25:42 - Ineffective leadership and poor culture propagate issues 26:30 - Addressing mental health and pressure in FIFO and remote environments 28:16 - Supporting partners and families affected by prolonged remote work 29:36 - Cost of turnover and the financial benefits of stability 31:37 - Practical leadership steps to foster a safety-first culture 33:00 - The importance of measuring attrition, incidents, and culture data 35:20 - Holding leaders accountable from top to bottom 36:41 - Eliminating toxic practices like hush money and NDAs 37:09 - The importance of transparency and integrity in investigations 38:34 - How organizations can drive cultural change incrementally 39:21 - Developing mid-level managers through targeted coaching 40:47 - Enhancing communication, conflict management, and team building skills 42:13 - Mid-managers as culture shapers and the “people pipeline” 44:18 - The fundamental role of people behind the project success 45:12 - The true cost of turnover and strategies for retention 46:23 - Small actionable steps to begin cultural transformation 48:18 - The power of collaboration, consistent behavior, and data-driven decisions 49:12 - Taking decisive action over endless meetings 50:00 - Rethinking exit interviews—what organizations need to listen 52:18 - The journey of continuous improvement (Kaizen) in building culture 53:09 - Leaders must check egos and listen with open hearts 54:13 - Common industry challenges across the globe—united in care 55:10 - Insights from experienced leaders on culture and leadership 56:40 - An upcoming construction leadership report to guide policy and practice 57:24 - Project timeline and collaboration with academic experts 58:15 - Plans for broader publication and industry-wide impact 59:09 - Angela’s passion for giving back through advocacy and education 60:59 - The rewarding moments in construction and the importance of community 61:14 - Contact Angela Hucker: LinkedIn, Epic website, email https://epicservices.group/latest-podcast/ Connect with Angela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-hucker/ Website Email: angela@epicservices.group Angela's TED talk https://youtu.be/DlX3oxy-0d0

    1h 3m
  8. S3 E8 Why the Last 10% of a Project Can Make or Break Your Reputation

    FEB 23

    S3 E8 Why the Last 10% of a Project Can Make or Break Your Reputation

    project management, contractor reputation, customer service, project completion, construction industry, integrity, client relationships, project closure, contractor strategies, business success Dee Davis discusses the critical importance of project completion and the lasting impressions left on clients. She emphasizes the need for contractors to maintain strong relationships with clients even after project completion, highlighting the significance of integrity and customer service. Dee outlines two strategies for project closure, contrasting the 'finish strong' approach with the 'ditch and run' mentality, and stresses the importance of reputation management in the contracting industry. She encourages contractors to acknowledge past mistakes and commit to improvement to enhance their image and client relationships. Takeaways The end of a project is crucial for client satisfaction.Maintaining relationships post-project can lead to repeat business.Integrity in service is essential for long-term success.Communication is key to preventing misunderstandings with clients.The last 10% of a job often presents the biggest challenges.Contractors should strive to be 'finish strong' rather than 'ditch and run'.Reputation is built on consistent performance and reliability.Acknowledging past mistakes can help rebuild trust with clients.Promoting a strong finish can differentiate contractors in the market.Never badmouth competitors; focus on your strengths instead. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Project Completion02:44 Building Long-Term Relationships05:13 Strategies for Successful Project Closure08:16 Reputation Management in Contracting10:52 Transforming Your Contractor Image12:44 MUC outro Jan 2026.mp4

    14 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dee Davis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Yellowstone Professional Education 2026
  • Show Website
    Management Under Construction

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