Management Under Construction

Dee Davis

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

    1D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. S3 E7 The Truth About Productivity in Office vs. Remote - What the Data Really Says

    FEB 16

    S3 E7 The Truth About Productivity in Office vs. Remote - What the Data Really Says

    remote work, employer perspective, employee perspective, productivity, hybrid work, communication, trust, onboarding, work-life balance, job seekers Management Under Construction podcast, Dee Davis explores the multifaceted world of remote work from both employee and employer perspectives. The discussion highlights the benefits and challenges of remote work, including productivity, communication, and the importance of trust. Dee emphasizes the need for employers to adapt to the changing landscape of work, particularly as job seekers increasingly prioritize remote options. The conversation concludes with a call for supervisors to enhance their management skills to effectively lead remote teams and embrace hybrid work models. Takeaways Remote workers save significant time and money by avoiding commutes.Job seekers prioritize remote work options over work-life balance.Many new employees feel disconnected and undervalued when working remotely.79% of managers believe remote teams are more productive.Trust and communication are crucial for managing remote teams.Companies can save substantial costs by reducing office space.Not everyone prefers remote work; some miss in-office interactions.Employers must adapt to attract top talent in a remote work environment.Supervisors need to improve their skills for managing remote employees.Flexibility in work arrangements benefits both employers and employees. Chapters 00:00 The Remote Work Landscape04:56 Employer Perspectives on Remote Work09:58 Challenges of Managing Remote Teams14:44 The Future of Work: Hybrid Models18:12 Conclusion: Embracing Flexibility in Work

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

    FEB 9

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

    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

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.