Karen Gutekanst is the Executive Managing Director of Clune Construction, and has been with the firm for 28 years. Clune is $1.4 Billion General Contractor based in Chicago.

On this episode, Karen discusses her upbringing in downtown Chicago as the daughter of two police officers. She tells some phenomenal stories of her father working in the Organized Crime Unit, growing up with a working mom, her career path to Clune and more. We deep dive into the perspectives on policing in the 1960's and how it relates to today's environment, her views on college as a professional who didn't attend college, her philosophy on women in the workforce and some great parenting stories. Enjoy The Climb!

Connect with hosts Michael Moore and Bob Wierema:

The Climb on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/

Bob Wierema: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/

Michael Moore: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/

Connect with Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-gutekanst-1499427/

Clune Construction: https://www.clunegc.com/

(1:27) - Karen’s upbringing in downtown Chicago

(6:05) - The future of historical neighborhoods

(9:35) - Growing up with both parents as Chicago PD officers

(15:33) - Karen’s mother joining the force the year Karen was born

(18:33) - Karen’s father working in Organized Crime in Chicago

(24:51) - Becoming a Grandmother

(27:22) - How do you view the changing landscape of the pressure police are now under with everyone having a camera in their hand at all times?

(33:48) - Karen’s career path leading up to Clune

(41:54) - The Characteristics of Leadership & Mike Clune’s generosity

(47:28) - Karen’s personal Philosophy

(51:38) - Women in the workforce & Other 51

(55:42) - What do you envision for the future of Other 51?

(58:01) - The changing perspective around the need for going to college

(1:05:53) - Parenting stories

(1:09:28) - It’s not about who you know, it’s who knows you: What do you want people to know about you?

The Climb: Cross Roads & Defining Moments is produced by Straight Up Podcasts