Women in AEC: Wine After Work

Bryce Batts
  • 5.0 (38)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Wine After Work is designed for women who are ready to embrace their autonomy and take full ownership of their careers. Join us as we learn from one another and dive into meaningful conversations. In a landscape where women remain underrepresented across various industries! While I focus on the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction sectors, our discussions feature an incredible lineup of women from diverse fields—female founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and inspiring trailblazers. Hosted by Bryce Batts, this podcast inspires and empowers you to attract and retain top talent!

  1. 5D AGO

    Beyond Hearing: How Great Leaders Build Trust Through Communication

    Communication is one of the most talked about leadership skills and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Emma Collyer, executive coach and founder of Aspire Executive Coaching, to unpack what's really happening beneath the surface of workplace communication. From feedback conversations that fall flat to teams that feel disconnected, Emma shares how a lack of trust and the inability to truly listen—are often the root cause. Together, they explore how leaders can shift from one-way communication to meaningful, two-way conversations that build stronger teams and better results. If you've ever felt like your message isn't landing… or your team just isn't fully engaged this episode is for you. What we cover: Why employees feel unheard (even when leaders think they're communicating clearly)  The connection between feedback and trust  Common communication habits that damage team dynamics  How to give feedback that actually lands  The power of active listening in leadership  Simple ways to turn tough conversations into growth opportunities  About Emma: Emma Collyer is the owner and principal coach of Aspire Executive Coaching, where she helps leaders turn everyday interactions into powerful, two-way conversations that spark trust, creativity, and results. Known for her down-to-earth approach and energy in the room, she transforms "tough talks" into growth moments that bring teams closer together. A certified ICF-ACC coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner based in Canada, Emma works with leaders around the world—helping them communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and enjoy the ride along the way.

    31 min

  2. MAR 25

    The hiring system is frustrating everyone and what to do if you're looking for a JOB

    In this episode of Women in AEC: Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Katie, founder of Hire Innovations, to unpack what is really happening inside modern talent acquisition. Katie leads a proprietary, human-centric AI platform that challenges the industry's overreliance on bots, ghosting, and automated job posts that erode trust on both sides of the hiring process. Through Hire Innovations and its family of brands Recruitics, Talivity, and Jobstream, her team has helped more than 25 million people find employment using collective AI talent technology. In this conversation, we explore: • Why traditional applicant tracking systems are failing candidates and employers • How companies can turn dispositioned applicants into long-term pipeline value • What Gen Z and Millennial talent expect from brands • Why social media is now a primary recruiting channel • How AI can support human decision-making without replacing accountability • Lessons from Katie's career with brands like MTV, AOL, and The Wall Street Journal Katie also shares how her commitment to community work, including serving on the board of the American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter, shapes her perspective on leadership and impact. This episode is for anyone who hires, anyone who has been ghosted, and anyone who believes recruiting should feel more human. https://getjobstream.com/

    43 min

  3. MAR 18

    A different take on Leadership in Construction

    Guest: L.R. (Lee) Weeden, CM-Lean, LCI-CPC What We Discussed: Lee's journey into construction leadership and lean thinking Why continuous improvement matters in project delivery and teams How lean principles shift focus from firefighting to intentional progress What resilience looks like in busy project environments The intersection of process, people, and leadership in built work Lessons from building teams as much as buildings Why It Matters: Lee brings a systems mindset to an industry that moves at the pace of relationships and momentum. His experience especially in healthcare projects, shows how intentional process and team dynamics make the difference between chaos and predictable outcomes.  Key Highlights: Continuous improvement isn't a buzzword it's a set of choices and habits Leadership in construction happens on the ground as much as in meetings Lean principles are human, not just technical Follow Lee on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lrweeden/  where he posts regularly about leadership and lean in construction.

    30 min

  4. MAR 11

    Breaking the Approval Addiction: Why Engineers Struggle With Autonomy in Leadership

    In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Elif Acar-Chiasson, P.E., founder of OPLE Leadership and former COO with over 30 years in the AEC industry. Elif built her consulting practice after living inside what she calls a "broken autonomy model." Brilliant engineers are promoted into leadership roles, then trapped in approval culture where every decision climbs uphill for permission. The leader becomes the bottleneck. The team stops growing. Everyone burns out. Together, Bryce and Elif unpack: • Why technical excellence and leadership requirements are often in conflict • The hidden addiction to approval and control inside engineering firms • Why autonomy is not "do whatever you want," but clear decision ownership with guardrails • How emotional intelligence supports decision-making under pressure • What stepping away from a COO role taught Elif about fit and courage • Why leading with both head and heart is not weakness but maturity • What competitive ballroom dancing at 50 revealed about starting over and discomfort Elif shares a systemic approach to leadership. Instead of coaching one overwhelmed leader in isolation, she looks at the entire decision architecture of a team. Who owns what? Where decisions stall. How trust is built or broken. Her core belief: the most critical structural integrity is not in buildings. It is in teams. About Elif: Elif Acar-Chiasson, P.E., is a Professional Engineer and founder of OPLE Leadership. After 12 years as an executive, including 8 as COO at CSRS/Westwood, she now works with technical professionals who are exceptional at their craft but struggling in leadership roles. She translates emotional intelligence into engineering frameworks and helps teams redesign how decisions are made so leaders are no longer the bottleneck. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Elif brings a multicultural lens to leadership and challenges the idea that "people skills" are separate from technical rigor.   https://www.elifchiasson.com/

    36 min

  5. MAR 4

    The Courage to Pivot: From Attorney to AEC Executive Leadership

    Success isn't always linear and sometimes the bravest move is walking away from something you worked incredibly hard to build. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Sharla Toller, J.D., Senior Vice President and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CannonDesign, to talk about courage, career pivots, and redefining what success really means. Sharla's journey to executive leadership in the AEC industry didn't follow a straight path. A former practicing attorney with a J.D. from Howard University School of Law, she made the bold decision to leave litigation behind to pursue work aligned with her passion: building inclusive, people-centered workplaces. Since joining CannonDesign in 2021, she has: Led implementation of the firm's DEI Strategic Framework Directed the DEI Council and Employee Resource Groups Launched firmwide training programs Deepened partnerships with organizations like National Organization of Minority Architects Co-authored the children's book Deja the Dynamo Been named one of the Top 50 DEI Professionals in the OnCon Icon Awards (2025) She also holds a Master of Professional Studies in HR Management/Diversity & Inclusion from Georgetown University and is a single mother who has intentionally shaped a career aligned with both passion and parenthood. In this episode, we discuss: Leaving a prestigious profession to follow purpose How DEI work impacts retention, talent acquisition, and engagement in AEC What real executive leadership looks like Building a career that supports your life — not competes with it The courage required to pivot This conversation is about alignment, authenticity, and redefining success on your own terms. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs the reminder: it's never too late to pivot toward what inspires you. If you enjoy the episode, please rate and review Wine After Work — it helps us continue elevating powerful voices in AEC.

    34 min

  6. FEB 25

    Money with Intention: Wealth, Strategy, and Long-Term Thinking

    What does it really mean to build wealth — not just earn money? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Doug Kinsey, founding member of the Sweater Cashmere Fund and partner at Artifex Financial Group, for a grounded conversation about wealth, investing, and long-term strategy. With more than 25 years of experience in wealth management and investment strategy, Doug works with individuals and organizations to align financial decisions with real life goals — not just short-term performance. Holding a master's degree in management and strategy from Harvard and a certification as an Investment Management Analyst, Doug brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to building and protecting wealth. In this conversation, we discuss: The difference between income, success, and true wealth Common mistakes high earners make with investing and retirement planning How to think about private assets and long-term strategy Why clarity and intention matter more than timing the market Building financial confidence as your career and responsibilities grow This episode is especially valuable for professionals who've focused on building their careers — and are now asking bigger questions about sustainability, freedom, and long-term security.

    31 min

  7. FEB 18

    Leading Without a Technical Playbook: Growth, Community, and Women in HVAC

    What does leadership look like when your path isn't linear — and your industry wasn't built with you in mind? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Gwen Smothers, a long-tenured leader at Piedmont Service Group, to talk about career pivots, people-centered leadership, and the power of community in the HVAC industry. Gwen began her career in accounting before transitioning into business systems and leadership roles — a move that required confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to step into discomfort. With more than two decades at the same organization, she shares what has kept her engaged, how the industry has evolved, and what leadership really requires beyond technical expertise. In this conversation, we explore: Navigating leadership without a technical background Building confidence when stepping outside your comfort zone Long-term career growth inside one organization Co-founding and leading the Women in HVAC peer group at Service Logic Why visibility, voice, empowerment, and community matter — especially in male-dominated fields Gwen also reflects on mentorship, culture, and what the HVAC industry must do to attract and retain diverse talent in the years ahead. This episode is a powerful listen for anyone leading through change — or considering a career path that doesn't fit the traditional mold.

    33 min

  8. FEB 11

    Breaking Barriers, Leading Boldly, and Redefining Success

    What does it really take to lead boldly in spaces where women are still the exception — not the norm? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Toni Will, trailblazing leader, keynote speaker, and author, for a candid conversation about leadership, courage, and choosing a life aligned with your values. As the first female general manager in the history of the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, Toni knows what it means to break barriers and lead authentically in male-dominated environments. She shares lessons from her journey in professional sports, the realities of high-visibility leadership, and how redefining success — including choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle — transformed both her career and personal life. In this conversation, we explore: Leading confidently in male-dominated industries Navigating pressure, visibility, and imposter syndrome What authentic leadership really looks like behind the scenes Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle and challenging cultural norms Redefining success on your own terms Toni also talks about her work as a keynote speaker, her podcast Women In…, and her upcoming book (releasing March 1, 2026), all rooted in one mission: inspiring women to lead with courage, clarity, and authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning old definitions of success — and ready to write their own. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/ https://www.toniwill.com/

    37 min
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About

Wine After Work is designed for women who are ready to embrace their autonomy and take full ownership of their careers. Join us as we learn from one another and dive into meaningful conversations. In a landscape where women remain underrepresented across various industries! While I focus on the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction sectors, our discussions feature an incredible lineup of women from diverse fields—female founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and inspiring trailblazers. Hosted by Bryce Batts, this podcast inspires and empowers you to attract and retain top talent!

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