Constructive Behaviors

  1. Jul 7

    EP 83: Leading Before the Title... with Dr. Richard Bruce

    In this episode of *Constructive Behaviors*, Barb Allen sits down with Dr. Richard Bruce, Associate Professor of Construction Management at the University of Central Missouri. With experience in higher education, workforce development, and the construction industry, Richard brings a unique perspective to a conversation about the Sticky Rungs from Barb's book, OneLadder to Leadership. Together, Barb and Richard discuss how future construction leaders can begin practicing leadership before they have the title, from college student organizations and apprenticeships to early-career industry involvement. They also explore the signals leaders often use to judge readiness, why confidence and ambition can sometimes be misleading, and how humility, curiosity, collaboration, and even failure can be important indicators of future leadership potential. This episode is a reminder that leadership readiness does not magically appear with a promotion. It is developed through opportunity, feedback, experience, and support. If we want to make the Sticky Rungs less sticky, we have to get better at recognizing readiness in all the different ways it can show up. Connect with Dr. Bruce through LinkedIn or directly by email at bruce@ucmo.edu Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

    EP 83: Leading Before the Title... with Dr. Richard Bruce
  2. May 12

    EP 80: Take the Vacation... with Kelli Paskert

    What happens when a driven, ambitious woman who has spent her entire career climbing suddenly realizes she needs to stop long enough to breathe? In this episode, Barb sits down with construction industry leader, speaker, and business advisor Kelli Paskert for a conversation that starts with leadership ambition and career growth… and eventually lands on something many high performers struggle with: learning how to step away. Kelli shares her journey from corporate America to the construction industry, the bold decision to openly state her leadership ambitions early in her career, the resistance she encountered along the way, and the sponsors who helped pull her up the ladder. She also opens up about what happened when she finally walked away from a long-term executive role and why taking time between careers became one of the healthiest decisions she has ever made. Although this episode centers around the idea of "Take the Vacation," if you are familiar with Barb's book, OneLadder to Leadership, you will recognize several real-world examples of the Missing, Broken Sticky, & Slippery Rungs discussed throughout the book: • women communicating ambition and career goals • sponsorship and advocacy • leadership perception • confidence vs. arrogance • navigating leadership as women in predominantly male industries • and the importance of visibility during the climb This conversation gives you the opportunity to hear what those ladder dynamics sound like in real life through Kelli's personal experiences and reflections. Whether you are climbing the ladder yourself, leading others, or simply trying to figure out how to build a successful career without losing yourself in the process, this episode delivers honest conversation, laughter, insight, and probably a few moments that hit closer to home than expected. Listen now and then... schedule the vacation! Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn Check out her website Purchase Barb's book, OneLadder to Leadership Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

    EP 80: Take the Vacation... with Kelli Paskert
  3. 12/23/2025

    EP75: Your Boots, Your Story...with Renae Sams

    In this episode, I’m joined by Renae Sams, Founder, Executive Director of Build-Her.org, and author of Build-Her, Be Heard. We talk about her path into construction, the challenges that shaped her confidence, why she launched Build-Her, and how storytelling impacts recruitment, retention, and belonging for Women in Construction. Renae also shares the heart behind her book and the message she hopes every woman in this industry hears.Whether you’re in the field, in the office, leading teams, or just starting out, this episode is packed with perspective and encouragement for anyone navigating a predominately male industry. Ways to connect with Renae: Read some of her Story Features: Story Features | Join the Movement Today — BUILD-HER.ORG Share your story with Renae!: Story Submission | Share Your Journey - Inspire Others — BUILD-HER.ORG Purchase the Build Her, Be Heard book at her Website: Www.build-her.org or buy the digital eBook replica on Kindle: https://a.co/d/aYayF88 Ways to Donate to Build-Her.org: Benevity Cause (Employer Donation Match) https://causes.benevity.org/causes/840-992074263 Venmo: Venmo | Build-Her.Org Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SRA2JWCVDB88J Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61559607329020 LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/company/build-her-org Instagram: @build_her_org Build-Her.Org (@build_her_org) • Instagram photos and videos X: build-her.org (@build_her_org) / X TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@build_her_org?_r=1&_t=ZT-91N70VtnZWw Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

    EP75: Your Boots, Your Story...with Renae Sams
  4. 10/28/2025

    EP73: Gear that Fits_with Michele Moran & J.J. Keller

    What happens when safety gear finally fits women the way it should? It increases safety and changes more than comfort...it changes confidence, credibility, and culture. In this episode, Michele Moran, Senior Portfolio Leader at J.J. Keller & Associates, talks about how the company decided to start designing a safety line for women. From attending Women in Construction events to gathering hands-on feedback from tradeswomen, Michele shares how J.J. Keller’s women’s line of PPE came to life ...and why fit matters not only for safety and performance but for belonging in the industry. Michele and I also dig into the creation of JJ Keller's Women's Safegear Reversible Puffer Vest (featured in the 14%ers October Anniversary Box) and how collaboration between women-led initiatives and established manufacturers can drive real change in construction culture. Key Takeaways: Ill-fitting PPE doesn’t just create safety risks, it sends the wrong message about who belongs.When manufacturers listen to women in the field, design gets smarter, safer, and more inclusive.J.J. Keller’s women’s PPE line proves that inclusion and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive.Proper fit impacts both comfort and credibilityThe partnership between 14%ers and J.J. Keller shows what’s possible when companies work together to improve the industry.Mentioned in this Episode: J.J. Keller SafeGear Women’s Safegear LineThe 14%ers Subscription Box Call to Action: If you loved your J.J. Keller reversible puffer vest from the 14%ers Anniversary Box — share it, review it, and show your company what real inclusion looks like. And if you’re not yet a 14%er, join the waitlist for the next box at 14percenters.com. Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

    EP73: Gear that Fits_with Michele Moran & J.J. Keller
  5. 05/28/2025

    EP 69: The Way I See It...with Dr. Ashley Smith

    In this Mental Health Awareness series, we're tackling a crucial topic: mental health in the construction industry, where suicide rates are alarmingly high. This episode's guest is Dr. Ashley Smith, a renowned psychologist and speaker with profound expertise in mental health awareness and known for her book, *"The Way I See It". Dr. Ashley breaks down the two main pathways of suicidal ideation; Gradual Despair and Abrupt Crisis. She also dives into myths around suicide, the role language plays in promoting understanding and compassion around suicide, and she provides practical steps and resources for those wanting to be part of the solution. 🌟Remember, a simple check-in can make a world of difference. Your voice matters—start the conversations, check in on colleagues, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Get a free chapter of Dr. Ashley's book when you subscribe to her monthly newsletter: www.drashleysmith.com/subscribe Suicide-related articles by Dr. Ashley: "How to Talk about Suicide, from a Psychologist Who Lost a Loved One" "What I Wish Everyone Knew About Suicide" "My Suicide Notes" Articles about mental health more broadly "Rethinking Mental Health" Dr. Ashley's BLOG Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

    EP 69: The Way I See It...with Dr. Ashley Smith