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In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages with Dr. Alejandra Rodriguez-Mielke, an expert in talent development and organizational analysis, who offers insights on cultural competence and adaptability. Dr. Alejandra shares her journey from Monterey, Mexico, to the United States, highlighting the importance of learning and teaching throughout her career. She emphasizes the significance of interpersonal skills, understanding cultural scripts, and being respectfully c...

The Guilt-Free Future Planning method helps prioritize personal goals that consistently get pushed aside when we're busy making things happen for everyone else. This three-step process—Brain Dump, DAMN Matrix, and Walking the Plank—creates a framework for getting your goals out of your head, prioritizing them, and committing to action. • Brain Dump: List all your goals in three categories—business/professional growth, personal growth, and meaningful connections • Focus only on what YOU want, no...

In this insightful episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Kabri Luhrman Schmidt, a nationally recognized construction influencer and project superintendent at Hensel Phelps. Kabri shares her 18-year journey in the construction industry, focusing on complex projects and redefining leadership. The conversation delves into her approach to jobsite leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where workers feel valued and empowered to contribute. Kabri...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse revisits a conversation with Heather Jones of Archer Estimation and Consulting. Heather shares her insights on battling estimator burnout and stress, her journey to starting a business with her husband, Jake, and their lifestyle as digital nomads. They discuss the impact of traveling on reducing work stress, the importance of learning the local language, and how they manage their business on the go. Heather emphasizes the need for pers...

We explore a comprehensive time management framework designed specifically for high achievers who excel at delivering for others but struggle to prioritize themselves. This system helps you honor personal commitments without sacrificing performance, using a three-phase approach that reduces stress and increases focus. • The Self-First Time Mastery Framework addresses the common problem of deprioritizing personal goals • Guilt-Free Future Planning helps extract priorities from your mind and orga...

Reclaiming the Voice of Professional Moms with Chelsea Boateng In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Chelsea Boateng, founder of The Professional Parent. Chelsea shares her expertise in helping high-achieving women navigate the intersection of professional and motherhood identities. They discuss the mental and emotional load carried by mothers, the importance of reclaiming one's voice, and the steps women can take to design a life that aligns with thei...

Overcoming Fear: Helping Leaders Speak with Confidence In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Jimmy Cannon, a voice and public speaking coach from the UK. Jimmy shares his journey from being a performer and singer to becoming a specialist in helping leaders speak without fear. The conversation covers the importance of energy, finding sincerity, and overcoming performance anxiety. Jimmy discusses his work with clients across various industries, helping th...

In this episode, Jesse welcomes Ms. Phyllis Winters, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience across various industries like nuclear, healthcare, and construction. Phyllis discusses her journey from overcoming a challenging childhood to achieving significant milestones in the world of tech and business strategy. She emphasizes the importance of a problem-solving mindset and shares valuable insights on leveraging AI and technology for business growth. The episode covers practical tips for AI...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages in a deep conversation with Mr. Jose Miguel Berlanga, an international entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Jose shares his journey from being a struggling student to becoming a successful real estate magnate and author. They discuss the importance of following one's interests, the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, the significance of continuous learning, and the unexpected link between economics and philosoph...

Ever found yourself asking too many questions or giving too many answers? You're not alone. This Solo-cast episode dives deep into the delicate balance leaders must strike between inquiry and instruction. At the heart of this episode is the "coaching scale" - a powerful framework for understanding when to ask open-ended questions and when to provide direct guidance. The key insight: your approach must match your team member's capability level. For those with high competence, questions like "...

What happens when you create a vision so clear that every decision becomes obvious? Joshua McMahon, owner of McMahon Custom Homes, reveals how he transformed from laborer to business owner by focusing relentlessly on his three-year vision. The entrepreneurial journey is rarely a straight path. Joshua candidly shares how he built his business foundation 18 months before leaving his secure job—posting consistently on social media, networking with key industry players, and sharing his vision repea...

What drives someone to rise from mechanical trades to vice president multiple times? For Pansy Romo of InTech Mechanical, the answer lies not in credentials or connections, but in authentic servant leadership and an unwavering commitment to valuing people. This conversation delves into Pansy's remarkable journey—one that began without a college degree but flourished through intentional relationship-building and genuine appreciation for others. "When you invest in people and value them truly for...

Emotional intelligence pioneer Brent Darnell takes us through his remarkable 25-year journey transforming the construction industry's approach to people. With disarming honesty and profound insights, he reveals how human connection stands at the core of solving our industry's most pressing challenges—from mental health crises to workforce development struggles. "It goes beyond just being a better leader or a better manager of a construction process," Brent explains. "They become better human be...

What happens when a talented estimator decides to break free from the confines of office life and build a business that serves multiple contractors while traveling the world? Jake Jones, co-founder of Archer Estimation and Consulting, shares his remarkable journey from geology student to nomadic entrepreneur in this thought-provoking conversation. Jake's natural talent for estimation was discovered almost by accident when his mentor reviewed a project budget he'd prepared and declared, "You're ...

What happens when only one side builds a relationship? You end up with a lookout, not a bridge. This profound realization forms the heart of my conversation with Kimberly Sauceda, bestselling author of "Meet Me at the Bridge" and a relationship expert with over 20 years of experience working with organizations like Apple. Kimberly shares the touching origin story behind her bridge-building philosophy - a spontaneous moment with her teenage son during COVID lockdown that crystallized the trut...

Mario's journey from the soccer field to the construction site reveals profound leadership insights that transform how we think about success. Originally dreaming of becoming a doctor, his unexpected path to becoming a senior project manager with over 20 years of experience in the painting industry demonstrates how our greatest plans often give way to our greatest purpose. "The hardest person I had to deal with was myself," Mario confesses while sharing how internal battles with self-doubt near...

Dr. Carrie Graham brings over 25 years of expertise in adult workplace learning to this eye-opening conversation about why most corporate training fails to deliver meaningful results. With refreshing candor and profound insights, she challenges conventional approaches that prioritize content over people. "If you're not thinking about the people, what the hell are you doing?" This powerful question cuts to the heart of where training programs go wrong. Graham explains that organizations repeated...

When Greg Crumpton pulls up his sleeve to reveal his Kaizen tattoo, you understand immediately this isn't just another trades professional – this is someone who has infused continuous improvement into every fiber of his being. The veteran HVAC expert, author, and industry advocate shares a career journey that spans from scribbling notes in a black book while running service calls in the 1980s to building and selling a successful mission-critical air conditioning company. His perspective cuts th...

Join us for a profound exploration of faith, vulnerability, and the transformative power of investing in people. In this engaging episode, we sit down with Herb, a visionary CEO in the construction industry, who shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a successful business with a legacy spanning nearly a century. Herb digs deep into his family's history, sharing invaluable lessons learned from the journals of his grandfather and father, both of whom laid the groundwork for a meaning...

Are you struggling to connect with your ideal clients and amplify your brand message? Join us as we sit down with Fabi Paolini, a seasoned brand strategist, who uncovers the nuances of effective messaging. In this engaging episode, Fabi shares her journey from Venezuela to becoming a successful branding expert in the U.S. She reveals her unique concept of the "angle of mastery," which emphasizes the importance of crafting a message that genuinely resonates with your audience, rather than amplify...

Discover the transformative power of lean methodologies in the construction industry with our insightful conversation featuring Mr. Matthew Kitzmiller, a professional shooter, journeyman electrician, and lean trainer for Rosenden Electric. Gain practical insights into the crucial role of discipline and communication in developing craft professionals, as Matthew shares his extensive experience and introduces a groundbreaking handbook for continuous improvement. With contributions from experts lik...

Imagine discovering that the very aspects of your personality you've been told to suppress could actually be your greatest strength. Nate Rogers, founder of Four Eyes Facilitation, joins us to unpack his journey of embracing empathy as a leadership tool. Through his candid insights, Nate challenges the societal norms that often pressure men to mask their emotions and shares how authenticity and empathy can transform team dynamics and leadership effectiveness. This episode isn't just about listen...

Can accountability truly exist without corrective action, especially in the high-stakes world of leadership in the construction industry? Join me as we unpack the often-blurred lines between these two crucial concepts. You'll discover why leaders must secure commitments with clear communication while employees need to establish and understand expectations. This episode promises to shift your perspective on how accountability is built through commitments from both sides and why corrective actions...

Discover the fascinating journey of Miss Renee Glendenning, a visionary who transformed her career from the dance floor to the construction site. In this inspiring episode, we explore Renee's unconventional path, highlighting her dynamic transition from working with NASA to establishing her own construction business. Her story is all about embracing life's unexpected twists—like a spaghetti disaster—where every turn offers invaluable lessons and connections. Renee's tale exemplifies the power of...