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.

1D AGO

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
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
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
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
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

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

59
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Yellowstone Professional Education 2026
Show Website

Management Under Construction