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Dr. Colleen Saringer, an expert on workplace toxicity, joins us for an episode rich with insights and personal stories. Growing up in a blue-collar family in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Colleen's background shapes her unique perspective on the challenges many face in toxic work environments. A passionate runner and mental health advocate, she shares her journey from marathon starting lines to advocating for healthier work cultures, all while revealing her love for Halloween. Our conversation navigates ...

Ever wondered how the relentless drive for success can shape and even challenge personal relationships and life pursuits? Join us for an engrossing conversation with Steve Mellor, an executive coach and former world-class swimmer, as he unpacks the paradox of hyper-competitiveness. With tales from his transformation from a fiercely competitive athlete to a more aligned individual, Steve illustrates how this drive can be both a superpower and a vulnerability. His insights pave the way for underst...

As a safety professional, I found myself standing at a crossroads, faced with two divergent paths: one leading towards genuine care for workers, and the other veering into the rigid territory of compliance and regulation. Our latest episode unpacks this contrast, inviting you to journey with us through my personal experiences at a pivotal training session. There, amidst a sea of compliance-driven peers, I uncovered the empowering essence of people-centered safety practices. Join us as we unravel...

Imagine channeling the fierce determination of an aspiring actress into the plumbing industry. That's the awe-inspiring journey of Allie Perez, the spirited CMO of George Plumbing, who joins us to share her incredible story. Allie's transition from drama at NYU to becoming a powerhouse in trades is not just about career change—it's about reshaping perceptions and proving that women can excel in non-traditional careers. Her experiences, fueled by a mix of resilience and a bit of defiance, offer f...

How does one transform from a budding entrepreneur to a celebrated leader who stands on stage at the Cowboys stadium? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Ms. Elizabeth Ponce, the inspiring president of Picasso Contractors and a dedicated community leader. Elizabeth's story is one of resilience, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence, culminating in her recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year. Her commitment to giving back is evident as she plans to use her award's prize ...

Step into the world of entrepreneurship with Jim Penman, an Australian trailblazer who transformed his life from the brink of debt to pioneering the largest franchising empire in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the unexpected power of traditional service roles as Jim walks us through his journey from a simple lawn mowing venture to a diversified business empire that includes cleaning and dog washing services. This episode challenges the common narrative that success lies solely in high-tech in...

Ever wondered how the most successful entrepreneurs pivot from corporate roles to founding groundbreaking startups? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Stephanie Del Valle and Isabel Rodriguez, the powerhouse duo behind BuilderFi. Discover how these two inspiring women leveraged their Colombian roots and professional backgrounds to address a critical issue in the construction industry—slow payments. You'll hear firsthand how their shared vision and complementary skills have driven their m...

Have you ever wondered how a single moment can redefine your entire life's purpose? In today’s episode, we hear from Simone, the unstoppable force behind Demo Diva, as she shares how Hurricane Katrina transformed her path from aspiring missionary to the founder of a thriving demolition business. Simone's journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest challenges can lead to our most meaningful contributions. Through her narrative, we uncover how she turned devastation into a beacon of...

Discover how to transform your business and leadership approach with insights from Brett Bartley, a game-changer in the plumbing industry and beyond. Brett shares the story of growing Gibson Plumbing Company from $20 million to $112 million in annual revenue by making strategic shifts, including moving from hourly to production-based pay. He also discusses his role as a fractional CFO, leveraging his financial expertise to help other companies thrive, and his involvement in the Texan Constructio...

What if pursuing additional qualifications isn't the answer to career dissatisfaction? Join us as we sit down with Stefanie Reichman, a professional engineer whose unconventional path to earning her PE license sheds light on the deeper motivations behind career choices. Stefanie opens up about her Staten Island roots, her journey in civil engineering, and the pressures of advanced degrees, offering poignant advice for those contemplating further education. This episode is a treasure trove of ins...

What happens when unmet expectations create workplace chaos? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Samantha, a seasoned people-first process improvement specialist who doubles as a corporate therapist. Discover how she helps businesses decode their own expectations through insightful questions and injects energy into tough conversations to facilitate smoother transitions. Samantha shares her unconventional career journey, from her early days in the staffing industry to becoming a fervent...

Have you ever looked back and wished you had said something to someone you lost? Today, I take you on a heartfelt journey through my personal experiences with grief and the lessons I've learned about the significance of living a "regret-proof" life. I'll share my seventh-grade story of losing a dear friend and the deep regret of not expressing my true feelings to her. This pivotal moment has since shaped my approach to relationships, motivating me to ensure that everyone who matters knows the po...

Unlock the secrets of construction success with Jerry Alberti, the visionary founder of Pro-Accel! In this episode, Jerry takes us on a journey from his childhood fascination with building to his current role as a consultant helping contractors thrive. With a deep passion for construction and hands-on experience in trades, architecture, and engineering, Jerry leaves no stone unturned. Plus, hear a special shoutout to Melissa Williams for her stellar feedback on The Lean Cheat Codes training cour...

Have you ever wondered how dedicated parenthood can transform your professional journey? This episode brings you an inspiring conversation with Clyde, who transitioned from the construction field to a more refined career, driven by his commitment to being an emotionally and physically present father. Clyde shares intimate stories of his relationship with his own father, shedding light on the challenges of balancing demanding work and family life. His powerful narrative underscores that love and ...

Can overambition be a business killer? Discover how rapid expansion and the allure of high-profile clients can lead your company into the "indigestion trap," where taking on too much too quickly can be disastrous. Join me, Jesse, as I peel back the layers of this all-too-common cycle, sharing real-life examples and valuable insights on how businesses can avoid crashing under the weight of their own success. In this solo cast, I unpack the hard truths of overcommitting and overselling, revealing...

Discover the secrets to achieving a harmonious work-life balance while enjoying your profession with insights from Harold MacDowell, former CEO of TD Industries. Harold shares his compelling journey from a small-town upbringing in Oklahoma to leading a major organization, emphasizing the power of consistency and positive influence both at work and home. Hear firsthand how a supportive work environment can positively impact family dynamics and personal fulfillment, as Harold reveals his transitio...

Ever wondered how to create your own conditions for success? Join us as we chat with the multifaceted Joe Prim—podcaster, author, and chief carpenter at Retro Craft Woodworks—who shares his journey of leveraging knowledge, relationships, and experience to achieve his dreams. From the emotional investment in content creation to the impact of audience feedback, Joe provides a transparent look into his transition from writing a book to launching a successful company. This episode promises valuable ...

What happens when a successful banking professional decides to pivot entirely to support union labor and vocational trades? Join us as we hear Michael Fina's incredible journey from finance to becoming a full-time advocate for ULA Network, working hand-in-hand with his wife and a dedicated production team. Together, they aim to create educational platforms that inspire the next generation of tradespeople and rally community support to drive this vital mission forward. Discover how ULA Network is...

Unlock the secrets to effective risk management in construction litigation with Megan Shapiro, an attorney with nearly 15 years of experience in the field. Megan shares invaluable insights on how to leverage past litigation to refine future practices, emphasizing the crucial role of documentation in dispute avoidance and litigation preparedness. For anyone navigating the labyrinthine world of construction law, her practical advice and expert knowledge are indispensable. But Megan is not just ab...

Ever wondered why your brilliant ideas often fall flat? Transform your approach by understanding the "Humanize, Optimize, Scale" framework, where we emphasize empathy and community-building to tackle real-world problems. By observing and interviewing those directly affected, particularly in the construction industry, we uncover the physical challenges that workers face, leading to more effective and inclusive problem-solving methods. Join us as we explore how seeing issues from multiple perspect...

What happens when you trust your intuition and break free from the comfort of routine? Join us as Rebecca Davison, the dynamic founder of the Intuitive Life Academy and host of the Intuitive Abundance Podcast, shares her transformative journey. From an early rebellious spirit to discovering her gifts through curiosity, Rebecca's story is a powerful testament to the importance of self-awareness and determination. Learn how nurturing intrinsic qualities can lead to both personal and professional f...

Imagine scaling a company to dizzying heights, only to be shown the door - that's the rollercoaster tale of John St. Pierre, my guest this week, whose story of patient ambition serves as a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience. We explore the pivotal moments of John's $100 million journey, where his ousting from his own company becomes a launching pad for profound insights on failure and rebirth. John's narrative is a testament to the strength found in life's toughest trials, and it's sure t...

Navigating the balance between immediate satisfaction and long-term gain can be like threading a needle—delicate, precise, and often frustrating. Let me, Jesse, share with you my journey of 'pumping the brakes' on that instinct for quick results, an endeavor that's not just been a personal battle but a universal one. As you tune in, you'll glean insights from John St Pierre and Jocko Willink, whose ideas on 'patient ambition' and 'tactical patience' have radically reshaped my approach to busines...

When Rocio Luna speaks about EMRs and the potential to transform companies' financial landscapes, you can't help but lean in closer. Recently hailed as one of the top 35 under 35 by Rice Professionals, she brings not just her acclaimed expertise in lowering Experience Modification Rates but also a personal story of resilience and empowerment that resonates with so many of us. Today's episode is a celebration of that very spirit, exploring how personal challenges, including ADHD and addiction, ca...