The AEC Leadership Podcast

Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE
  • 4.7 (90)
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The AEC Leadership Podcast

Leadership in architecture, engineering and construction comes with its own set of challenges, and technical leaders at all stages of their career need support and guidance. The AEC Leadership Podcast (AECLP) is dedicated to helping engineering leaders of all experience levels navigate these challenges. With a diverse audience of AEC professionals across various disciplines, The AECLP provides valuable insights and practical advice.

  1. NOV 26

    How Technology Is Changing Mental Health Support in AEC – Ep 336

    In this episode, I talk to Chad Smeltzer, vice president of technology at Maze of Life Resource Center, about how technology is revolutionizing mental health support in construction and driving the urgent digital transformation needed in the AEC sector. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Technology Is Changing Mental Health Support in AEC: Addressing mental health challenges requires combining expertise in infrastructure and technology. Leveraging data and video tools can lead to solutions that provide meaningful support to those facing mental health challenges. The goal is to improve services and outcomes by using data to raise awareness, enhance access to mental health resources, and create tools that support healthier environments for professionals in high-stress industries like construction and engineering. Technology raises awareness and provides virtual tools to tackle mental health challenges in the AEC sector. Solutions such as data-driven insights, virtual support sessions, and video-based tools enable professionals to access resources while building a more supportive and healthier workforce. Organizations can address mental health challenges by creating a culture of awareness, encouraging open communication, and training leaders to recognize signs of struggle. Supportive workplace practices and accessible mental health tools create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help. Resistance to change and fear of job loss are significant challenges in digital transformation. These challenges are addressed by educating teams about the benefits of AI and automation, demonstrating how technology streamlines processes, and emphasizing how it allows professionals to focus on higher-value tasks. AEC professionals embrace technology to improve both mental health and operational efficiency. By adopting innovative tools like AI and automation, they create impactful solutions, streamline workflows, and develop environments that prioritize both productivity and well-being. More in This Episode… About Chad Smeltzer Chad Smeltzer is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader with over two decades of experience in business development, operations, and public works infrastructure. Starting his career at a young age, Chad’s journey has been defined by a hands-on approach, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for innovation. He launched his first company in 2007, providing bioremediation solutions to utilities, and has since founded and grown multiple businesses, including Bidcurement, a digital procurement platform for public works and utilities. Chad's expertise spans sales, infrastructure management, and leveraging technology to solve civil infrastructure challenges. He is currently the vice president of technology at Maze of Life Resource Center, where he focuses on adaptive learning and mental health technology, while also serving as the CEO of Bidcurement. Chad is also the host of The Infrastructure Hot Seat Podcast, where he engages with industry experts to explore trends in public works and technology. His mission is to help organizations and individuals embrace digital transformation, AI, and generative AI systems to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve communities for future generations. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include: Maze of Life Bidcurement Dukes RMS Utilities Connect with Chad Smeltzer on LinkedIn We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how technology is changing mental health support in AEC. Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.

    24 min

  2. NOV 12

    How to Implement Management Streams in AEC Leadership – Ep 335

    In this episode, I talk to Dalmo Cirne, senior manager of machine learning engineering at Workday, about the concept of “management streams” and why it's vital for effective leadership and organizational success in the AEC industry. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Implement Management Streams in AEC Leadership: The “management streams” framework divides management responsibilities into four key streams: managing oneself (reservoir), managing a team and operations (downstream), managing upward to stakeholders (upstream), and collaborating across disciplines (side stream). This approach helps leaders navigate diverse challenges effectively by engaging with each key direction in their management role. Effective leaders must avoid tunnel vision — focusing solely on their immediate team or tasks (“downstream”). Instead, leaders should manage multiple streams to ensure alignment across all stakeholders, plan strategically, and address unexpected changes or evolving requirements, especially in the complex AEC industry. A common management challenge is the lack of resources or actionable guidance for transitioning from an individual contributor role to a managerial position. Many traditional leadership tips are vague and not helpful. Practical frameworks, like management streams, help leaders grow effectively and meet the demands of today’s dynamic work environment. The “management streams” framework is an evolutionary approach, not a disruptive one. It builds on traditional management knowledge while addressing the complexities of today’s work environment, helping managers develop the skills needed to thrive and effectively bridge the gap between what they think they know and the requirements of modern leadership. Effective self-management directly impacts how leaders handle their teams and navigate challenges. By mastering self-awareness, managing personal reactions, and being deliberate in their responses, leaders build trust, create a positive environment, and support the long-term cohesion and success of their teams. Assembling an effective team is like putting together a sports team: it requires a balanced mix of skills. Leaders need visionaries, problem-solvers, and “forwarders” who are focused on seeing projects through to completion. This variety ensures that the team is equipped with complementary skills, covering both abstract thinking and practical execution. Misalignment with upstream stakeholders usually indicates a breakdown in communication. Keeping communication channels open is crucial to influence decisions, prevent misunderstandings, and avoid decisions being made without crucial information, which negatively impacts projects. Building strong peer-to-peer relationships (“side stream”) is crucial for project success. Collaborating with other disciplines — such as product managers, legal teams, and marketing — ensures alignment across all parts of a project, moving it forward smoothly despite inevitable challenges and frictions. AEC professionals should not only strive to be good at their technical roles but also focus on mastering the skills and expectations of leadership and management. By focusing on being effective first — delivering results and meeting expectations — before trying to become highly efficient, leaders grow sustainably and build strong foundations for their future success. More in This Episode… About Dalmo Cirne Dalmo Cirne works with technology, is the author of “Management Streams,” and writes books and articles ranging from management and leadership to software and mathematics. Colorado is where he calls home. What is different about his work is that it presents explanatory knowledge for the why,

    38 min

  3. OCT 28

    How to Leverage Your Personal Brand for Business Success – Ep 334

    In this episode, I talk to Dawn Wagenaar, principal and brand strategist at Ingenuity Marketing Group, about how building a strong personal brand can boost your career and open doors to success, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Leverage Your Personal Brand for Business Success: Personal branding is crucial for professionals in the AEC sector, as it helps them connect their personal interests with their work. By being authentic and sharing aspects of their personality, they build stronger relationships and stand out in the industry. Creating content that blends professional expertise with personal interests is key to building a relatable and memorable personal brand. Sharing personal stories alongside technical insights allows professionals to connect with their audience on a deeper level and gain a competitive edge. A common branding challenge is the inability to differentiate in a competitive market. To address this, AEC firms must clearly define what sets them apart, beyond just high-quality work or technical knowledge, and highlight the unique qualities that make them stand out from competitors. While core values guide internal work, they do not always differentiate a firm. A brand should highlight the unique qualities that set the company apart in the marketplace, ensuring these qualities align with both the company’s core values and business direction. Consistency is vital for building both personal and corporate brands, ensuring that key messages and brand standards are unified across all platforms. Firms achieve this by establishing clear brand guidelines and training employees to communicate these messages effectively, creating a cohesive brand identity. In today's digital landscape, maintaining consistent messaging and visuals across all channels is more important than ever, as prospects can search for businesses at any time. Consistency builds trust and credibility, making it easier for potential clients to recognize and connect with the brand on social media, websites, and emails. Small actions, such as regularly posting on LinkedIn or engaging with industry organizations, significantly contribute to building a personal brand. By showing personality and being authentic, professionals strengthen relationships, enhance recruitment efforts, and create more business opportunities. About Dawn Wagenaar Dawn Wagenaar is a seasoned strategic brand consultant with expertise in the accounting, AEC, and senior living sectors. As a principal at Ingenuity Marketing Group, she combines her leadership skills with a passion for growth and development. Dawn holds a master’s in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in marketing and management, with a minor in economics, from Augsburg University. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dawn is deeply involved in her community, having served on the Hastings YMCA board and fostering strong connections with her long-standing book club and neighborhood Bunko group. Known for her organizational skills, dedication to family, and love for Golden Retrievers, Dawn finds balance in life through meal planning, cardio dance fitness, and enjoying white wine and Hallmark movies. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include: Ingenuity Marketing Group Connect with Dawn Wagenaar on LinkedIn We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how to leverage your personal brand for business success. Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.

    23 min

  4. OCT 21

    How to Refactor Your Mindset for Better Performance – Ep 333

    In this episode, I talk with Dagna Bieda, coach, author, and speaker, about how AEC professionals can refactor their mindset to boost productivity, overcome imposter syndrome and burnout, and unlock their full potential with actionable insights from her book, “Brain Refactor.” Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Refactor Your Mindset for Better Performance: To refractor your mindset means reprogramming unproductive thought patterns, much like fixing a design flaw in a project. For AEC professionals, this shift enables you to approach challenges more effectively by applying your existing problem-solving skills to yourself, improving both your performance and adaptability at work. Imposter syndrome causes self-doubt and hesitation, while burnout drains energy and decision-making ability. These obstacles reduce productivity by affecting confidence, focus, and motivation, making it harder for you to achieve your best outcomes as AEC professionals. You can overcome these challenges by treating your mindset like a system, identifying and fixing unproductive mental patterns. By shifting your thinking, you can view obstacles as opportunities for growth and become more resilient and productive in your daily work. You can identify unproductive mental patterns by paying attention to recurring setbacks, such as missed opportunities or ongoing self-doubt. Feedback from peers, managers, or personal reflection on unmet goals can help you spot these “bugs” in your thinking and take steps to address them. Difficult relationships at work often lead to stress and miscommunication, both of which reduce productivity. By shifting their mindset to view these challenges as feedback rather than frustrations, AEC professionals can improve communication, resolve conflicts more quickly, and enhance team performance. Practical strategies to refactor your mindset include maintaining mental energy by resting and recharging, using feedback as a learning tool, and regularly "debugging" outdated beliefs that hold you back. By treating your brain like a well-maintained tool, you can enhance your ability to solve problems and achieve success. To maintain long-term productivity, you should prioritize your mental well-being, regularly recharging and updating your thinking patterns. Viewing your well-being as an investment in your career helps you to stay sharp, overcome evolving challenges, and sustain high performance. As AEC professionals, you should stay open to feedback, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and continuously refactor your mindset. By doing so, you can overcome obstacles, enhance problem-solving skills, and thrive in your career with sustained productivity and success. About Dagna Bieda Dagna is an engineer turned coach for engineers and ambitious professionals in tech. She's also a speaker and an author of the recently released book, "Brain Refactor: Optimize Your Internal Code to Thrive in Tech & Engineering and Get More Success, Fulfillment, Money, Opportunities, Impact, and Growth". With 10-plus years of coding experience and coaching since 2019, she’s the tough love, “been in your shoes” kind of coach. Her clients' backgrounds include a spectrum ranging from ICs to CTOs, from small startups to FAANG+ companies, from two to 20-plus years of experience, and from self-taught devs through career-changing bootcamp grads to college grads and Ph.D.’s. She helps her clients reach their potential and exciting career opportunities by refactoring their brains. Books Mentioned in This Session: Brain Refactor Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include: TheMindfulDev.com Connect with Dagna Bieda on LinkedIn We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories ...

    24 min

  5. OCT 7

    How to Navigate Difficult Conversations as an AEC Leader – Ep 332

    In this episode, I talk to Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP, HR coordinator at Menard USA, about how AEC leaders in fast-paced industries can navigate difficult conversations, strengthen their teams, and balance policies with empathy for better leadership and team growth. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Navigate Difficult Conversations as an AEC Leader: Internships provide invaluable opportunities for young professionals to explore different fields, build relationships, and gain experience. HR professionals play a key role in helping managers approach difficult conversations with empathy, turning them into opportunities for employee development and growth. Building strong relationships between managers and team members can help prevent many common workplace issues and improve communication. Leaders who invest time and energy into these relationships will find it easier to address challenges with empathy while promoting a culture of growth and accountability. Balancing company policies with personalized, empathetic communication is key for effective leadership. Leaders should create flexible policies that allow for human-centered approaches while maintaining compliance, ensuring team members feel supported, even when tough decisions need to be made. HR policies are essential, but if they become too rigid, they can hinder genuine engagement with employees. It's important for firms to create flexible policies that allow leaders to adapt to different situations and connect with their people, ensuring a supportive and competitive work environment. Building strong relationships with team members is crucial for effective leadership. When managers invest time and effort into cultivating these connections, it helps address issues more smoothly and can prevent challenges from escalating. Even if companies don't offer formal training programs, there are plenty of external resources available, like books, online videos, and groups like Toastmasters, that can help develop communication and leadership skills. It's important for professionals to take initiative in improving these skills, as they play a crucial role in long-term career success. Great leaders don’t avoid difficult conversations — they lean into them, using these moments as opportunities to strengthen relationships and enhance team growth. By approaching challenging situations with a proactive and positive mindset, leaders can turn obstacles into valuable learning experiences. About Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP, is the human resources coordinator at MENARD USA. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in human resources management and services from Columbia Southern University and has a background in business, management, marketing, and related support services from Duquesne university. Madi specializes in HR coordination, bringing her expertise in human resources to support organizational growth and employee development. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include: Menard USA Kentucky University Great Lakes Behavioral Research Institute Gallup Toastmasters International Connect with Madi McIntyre-Holmes, SHRM-CP, on LinkedIn We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how you navigate difficult conversations as an AEC leader. Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.

    26 min

  6. SEP 17

    Skyrocket Your Team With Clear Values and Career Goals – Ep 331

    In this episode, I explore how clear values, meaningful work, and guiding others lead to personal and team growth. I also highlight the importance of understanding your team’s goals to build a motivated and energized workforce. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode about how to Skyrocket Your Team With Clear Values and Career Goals: Clearly communicating meaningful organizational values is essential. Leaders should make sure their team's values are clear, straightforward, and consistently shared to create a strong sense of purpose. Leaders should take the time to understand the personal and professional goals of their team members. By doing so, they can build stronger connections and offer more effective support. Leaders should consistently communicate growth opportunities within the organization. Offering clear guidance and a defined path for advancement helps team members progress in their careers with confidence. We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on how you skyrocket your team with clear values and career goals. Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.

    12 min

  7. SEP 3

    How to Shift From Engineer to Leader Successfully – Ep 330

    In this episode, I talk with Tina Heath, P.E., LEED-AP, senior technical client manager at T&M Associates, about the challenges and triumphs of shifting from an engineer to leader. We dive into key strategies for navigating this transition, including how to move from controlling tasks to supporting and understanding your team. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Shift From Engineer to Leader Successfully: Navigating the transition from a technical role to a managerial position can be challenging, as it requires shifting from task control to understanding and supporting team members. Managers should focus on viewing situations from their team's perspective to effectively lead and support them. Encouraging team members to ask questions and learn from mistakes creates a supportive environment, leading to greater efficiency and growth. By empowering employees to improve, managers contribute to the overall success and expansion of the company, benefiting everyone involved. Encouraging team members to voice their thoughts on potential challenges and deadlines cultivates their critical thinking and sense of ownership. This approach not only ensures clear communication but also brings fresh ideas to the table, benefiting the entire team. Regularly updating the team on project changes and maintaining open communication ensures they are aligned with the project's direction. This continuous feedback loop prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone informed and prepared for adjustments. Managers should actively listen and maintain neutral expressions during feedback to encourage open communication from their team. By creating a non-judgmental environment, they promote honest dialogue, allowing issues to be addressed early and preventing costly mistakes later in the project. Managers should pay attention to both what employees excel at and where they struggle, engaging in conversations to understand their needs and interests. By identifying areas for growth and providing necessary support or training, managers can create win-win situations that benefit both the employee and the company. When an employee's career goals align with the company's needs, managers should advocate for opportunities that benefit both parties. If there's a mismatch, it's important to recognize that not every employee's aspiration will fit within the company's scope, and that's OK. Managers should recognize that issues or "elephants in the room" can vary in significance depending on each person's perspective. It's essential to address these concerns promptly, considering their origin and impact, to maintain a supportive and effective work environment. Having a strong technical foundation is essential for managers, as it enables them to guide their team effectively and recognize when additional training or communication is needed. Balancing technical knowledge with people skills is key to successful leadership and project management. More in This Episode… About Tina Heath, P.E., LEED-AP Tina Heath, P.E., LEED, is a senior technical client manager at T&M Associates with a BS in chemical engineering and chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an analytical and meticulous compliance leader with expertise in EHS regulations, project management, incident investigations, root cause analysis, policy development, and vendor/government relations. Tina excels in SCAQMD RECLAIM and Title V air permits, hazardous material and waste management, water permits, storage tank regulations, safety and environmental policy development, and site audits. She is skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and implementing best practice methodologies to drive results and create...

    35 min

  8. MAY 21

    Strategies for Successful Performance Management in Engineering – Ep 329

    In this episode, we talk with Robyn Clark, CEO of WinningWise, about succession planning, performance management, and leadership development in engineering. We explore their significance for organizations, focusing on aligning goals and enhancing employee satisfaction. Robyn also highlights the shift toward developmental performance management and its impact on engagement and retention. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Strategies for Successful Performance Management in Engineering: Businesses have historically avoided discussing the importance of people in operations, prioritizing technical and financial matters. However, they are now realizing that success relies on effective people strategies for mutual growth and prosperity. Successful collaboration between individuals and organizations requires mutual alignment of needs and goals. By understanding and meeting each other's expectations in a supportive environment, both parties can achieve shared success and facilitate continuous growth. Organizations are focusing on improving the employee experience with meaningful work, supportive relationships, future opportunities, and work-life balance. Shifting performance management toward development rather than evaluation supports employee growth and satisfaction. Companies often conduct talent reviews where decisions about employees' careers are made without their presence. To improve outcomes, individuals should have ongoing conversations with their leaders about their ambitions and development within performance management. Career pathing is crucial for organizations to clarify opportunities and align individual interests with technical or leadership paths. However, simply defining these paths isn't enough because development efforts are needed to prepare individuals for progression and maximize their potential contributions. Many companies focus on competencies for growth, but achieving goals and skills are outcomes, not development. True development means making personal changes to improve specific competencies like strategic thinking through confidence, planning, or building better relationships. Company culture is critical as it shapes the environment where individuals work and interact. To cultivate an intentional culture, organizations should clearly define values, expectations, and desired daily experiences to guide behaviors and outcomes effectively. Defining acceptable behaviors and decision-making styles is crucial for shaping organizational culture. Leaders must align values with desired experiences, empower decision-making, and encourage collaboration to create a cohesive and productive environment. To drive effective performance management, leaders should have open, honest conversations about goals and feedback with their team. Strong communication skills can transform performance management into a collaborative, empowering process that promotes growth. Improving feedback skills varies by person. Some may need confidence to speak boldly, while others benefit from increased self-awareness or building supportive relationships. Developing these skills is key to effective communication and collaboration. More in This Episode… In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Robyn talks about reflecting on personal needs and goals to identify what is important for individual development. About the Guest, Robyn Clark Robyn Clark is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in talent management and business leadership. As the founder and CEO of WinningWise since March 2014, she has demonstrated her expertise in steering the company toward success. Prior to founding WinningWise, Robyn served as the Managing Director of Talent Solut...

    36 min
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4.7
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

Leadership in architecture, engineering and construction comes with its own set of challenges, and technical leaders at all stages of their career need support and guidance. The AEC Leadership Podcast (AECLP) is dedicated to helping engineering leaders of all experience levels navigate these challenges. With a diverse audience of AEC professionals across various disciplines, The AECLP provides valuable insights and practical advice.

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