Summary 

In this episode of Activating Curiosity | Leading Change in the Construction Industry, Ryan Ware explores how micro hospitals are expanding access to healthcare in rural communities—and what this shift reveals about leading change in complex construction environments.

Ryan is joined by Peter Nicholson, Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Clinical Planning, for an insightful conversation focused on healthcare infrastructure, construction leadership development, and construction innovation. Together, they discuss best practices in construction change management, including standardized design, modular construction, and technology-enabled planning, showcasing how these approaches reduce costs, accelerate delivery, and effectively scale facilities in resource-constrained rural settings.

The discussion also highlights key leadership behaviors necessary for managing change resistance and guiding teams through uncertainty in the AEC industry. Listeners will gain valuable insights on construction change management best practices, leadership for change in healthcare projects, and the broader impact of construction leadership on community health, talent attraction, and operational resilience.

Whether you’re a construction executive, project manager, or change coach within the AEC industry, this episode offers actionable perspectives on leading change with clarity, curiosity, and purpose, helping you master the complexities of construction leadership and industry challenges.

Chapters

01:17 – Framing the Rural Healthcare Access Problem
03:44 – Hospitals as Products, Not One-Off Projects
07:45 – Accessibility, Affordability, and Smart Technology
11:09 – A New Delivery Model for Rural Healthcare Construction
18:27 – Capital, Mindset, and Resistance to Change
51:39 – Redefining Success: Wellness Over Profit

Guest

Peter Nicholson is a healthcare planner with over 35 years of experience designing and delivering hospitals and life science facilities worldwide. He specializes in integrating advanced medical technologies and has led projects for Harvard teaching hospitals, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and other global healthcare systems. He is currently the CEO of a startup offering pre-designed, fully equipped micro hospitals as a scalable product to improve the affordability and accessibility of healthcare delivery. 

https://www.modernclinicalplanning.com/

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Summary 

Mini Series Part 4: Building a Stronger Relationship with Change. In this insightful episode, Ryan Ware dives deep into the critical role of commitment within change management for construction leaders. 

Focusing on the five C's—Choice, Control, Clarity, Commitment, and Curiosity—Ryan discusses how understanding these elements can empower leaders to navigate the complex dynamics of leading change in the construction industry. Learn how commitment is an ongoing process supported by a strong foundation of understanding our relationship with choice, control and clarity. Discover strategies to maintain momentum in managing change within construction teams.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on overcoming common obstacles in construction change management, the importance of regular check-ins, and how curiosity drives adaptability and innovation. This episode offers practical leadership advice and tools tailored for construction professionals striving to lead change effectively, fostering psychological safety and resilience in their projects.

Whether you're focused on construction leadership development or managing change in construction projects, this conversation unpacks essential insights to help you build confidence and clarity as you lead your teams through industry challenges and transformations.

Chapters

00:00 Building Stronger Relationships with Change
06:48 Understanding Commitment in Change
15:01 The Importance of Check-Ins
20:19 Navigating Challenges in Commitment
25:16 Curiosity as a Tool for Change

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Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

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https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

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Summary 

This episode of Activating Curiosity is for construction and AEC industry leaders navigating ongoing industry change and preparing for what’s next.

Host Ryan Ware sits down with Brian Turmail, Vice President of Image for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), to explore what leading change in the construction industry will require as we move toward 2026 and beyond.

Together, they unpack critical leadership challenges shaping the industry, including workforce shortages, technology adoption, economic uncertainty, and the growing need for collaboration across the AEC ecosystem. The conversation highlights why many change initiatives fail—and why empathy, communication, and human-centered leadership are essential to effective change management in construction.

Ryan and Brian also explore the role of culture, care, and curiosity in building trust, reducing change fatigue, and helping teams adapt in an evolving industry.

If you’re focused on construction leadership development, navigating industry challenges, or leading change with clarity and confidence, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective on the future of construction leadership.

Chapters 

05:00 - Challenges in the Construction Industry

15:00 - The Role of Technology and Innovation 

25:00 - Cultural Shifts and Workforce Development

35:00 - Importance of Human Connection and Empathy

45:00 - Future Outlook and Call to Action

Guest 

Brian’s role is to develop and oversee all public, member and chapter communications, marketing, fundraising and sales activities for the 27,000 member construction trade association. He also oversees the association’s market insights and grassroots activation efforts. And he helps support the association’s workforce development efforts, including advocating for career and technical education funding and immigration reform, executing workforce recruiting campaigns in partnership with AGC chapters, creating workforce development resources for members and organizing the annual National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Development Conference, among other activities.

He is a member of the board of directors of AGC Charities Inc, the association’s charitable arm, where he oversees Operation Opening Doors projects that get volunteer contractors to renovate facilities for worthwhile groups.

Websites 

https://www.agc.org/industry-priorities/project-innovation-delivery

https://buildculture.org/

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Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

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Summary 

Mini Series Part 3: Building a Stronger Relationship with Change. In this episode, Ryan Ware explores change management in the construction industry, emphasizing how construction leadership development and psychological empowerment enable leaders and teams to successfully navigate transformational change. Drawing on leadership coaching expertise, Ryan dives into the critical roles of clarity, choice, and control in managing change resistance and guiding smooth transitions. 

This episode highlights best practices in construction change management and offers practical coaching tools to help AEC professionals build psychologically safe teams, foster trust, and drive construction innovations. Listeners will gain valuable insights to enhance their leadership confidence and master the challenges of leading change in construction projects and the broader AEC industry.

Key takeaways include the importance of commitment, transparent communication, exploring curiosity-driven approaches, and reflecting on past changes to inform future efforts. Whether you’re a construction manager or industry leader, this episode equips you with foundational strategies to revolutionize your approach to change management and leadership in construction.

Takeaways 

• Change is a universal issue that affects everyone.
• Understanding choice is crucial in the change process.
• Control is often an illusion during change.
• Clarity is personal and varies from person to person.
• Rushing through change can lead to failure.
• Commitment is essential for successful change implementation.
• Communication is key to understanding team dynamics during change.
• Exploration and discovery are vital parts of the change journey.
• Building trust within a team enhances the change experience.
• Reflecting on past changes can inform future efforts.

Chapters 

00:00 Reflection on Choice and Control 
05:14 The Importance of Clarity in Change
16:13 Navigating the Journey of Change
30:34 Commitment to Change and Its Significance

Related episode

Mini-Series Part 2: Control 

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Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

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Summary 

In this episode Ryan Ware welcomes Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory leadership development for construction, to explore transformational leadership & its vital role in leading change in construction & change management for construction businesses. She shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a leader in construction coaching techniques, emphasizing how transformational leadership drives construction innovation & fosters inclusive, human-centered change environments in the construction industry. Discover how moving beyond transactional leadership can effectively address pressing construction industry challenges such as labor shortages & mental health, while empowering teams through construction leadership development. Learn practical insights & tools for change management and how adopting a human-centered approach can revolutionize leadership practices in this traditionally transactional field.

Takeaways:

• Transformational leadership focuses on guiding and inspiring teams rather than dictating tasks.
• The construction industry is evolving, with a growing emphasis on transformational leadership.
• Women in construction face unique challenges, but transformational leadership can create more inclusive environments.
• The shift from transactional to transformational leadership requires a change in mindset and openness to new ideas.

Chapters 

3:58 Andrea's Journey and Ambition Theory

15:42 Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership

21:22 Transformational Leadership in Practice

26:22 Future of Leadership and Industry

56:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

Guest 

Andrea, Ambition Theory Founder and CEO is a Certified Executive Coach with an MBA, the host of the Ambition Theory Podcast, a Forbes contributor and a top-rated speaker. She is passionate about coaching women in construction to develop themselves, set leadership goals and get results. Since 2018, Andrea has coached and trained over 1,000 construction professionals. Before becoming a coach, Andrea was a marketing leader that worked on some of the world's
best-known brands.

https://ambitiontheory.com/

Podcast:
https://ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/

Leadership Academy
https://nawic.org/women-leading-in-construction-leadership-training-in-construction

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

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Summary

Ryan Ware & Brian Skripac of the DBIA dive into change leadership & leading change in construction through innovative coaching techniques & effective change management in the AEC industry. Unpacking the evolution of design build and BIM adoption in construction, virtual design, AI, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and technology as pivotal forces transforming project outcomes within the construction industry. 

Listeners will learn how to overcome change resistance, understand the significance of communication & change management, and leverage data-driven decision-making to ensure successful project delivery. Hear expert insights on construction leadership development & construction leadership training, highlighting construction culture's critical role & the human element necessary for innovation. Practical strategies for adopting design build principles and fostering continuous learning are shared, empowering leaders to excel in their AEC industry careers.

Takeaways

• Efficiency is key in the design and construction process.
• Technology can significantly improve project outcomes.
• Collaboration among teams leads to better project delivery.
• Resistance to change is often rooted in fear of risk.
• Communication is essential for successful project execution.
• Data and metrics are crucial for measuring success.
• Design Build promotes a collaborative approach to construction.

Chapters

03:00 The Evolution of Technology in Architecture
09:04 Overcoming Resistance to Change
14:42 The Importance of LOD and Project Clarity
23:50 Quality and Innovation in Design Build
26:50 Future of Design Build in the Construction Industry
34:39 The Importance of Collaboration in Design Build
37:34 Cultural Shifts & Psychological Safety in Construction
42:04 Learning from Experience: The Value of Feedback
50:04 Aggregating Innovations for Project Success
01:01:22 Measuring Success in Design Build Projects

Guest
A B.S. Arch.  graduate from The Ohio State University, he brings 20 years of experience as a digital construction innovator, showing how VDC maximizes value within design-build’s whole-team approach. He specializes in uniting people, processes, and BIM-enabled technologies to improve collaboration, performance, and lifecycle outcomes across the built environment. An industry thought leader, publishe

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

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Summary
Mini Series Part 2: Building a Stronger Relationship with Change.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity, Ryan Ware explores the illusion of control and its impact on leading change within construction leadership development and change management in construction projects. He explains why many construction professionals feel threatened by imposed change and how the desire for control, though comforting, can be misleading.

Ryan emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, empathy, and curiosity in construction coaching as essential tools that foster trust, collaboration, and morale during industry transformations. By adopting curiosity-driven leadership, construction leaders can move beyond the illusion of control to gain clarity and confidence, enabling more effective influence over change.

Listeners will gain insights into mastering construction leadership challenges through human-centered change management strategies and develop construction leadership confidence to navigate the evolving industry landscape. This episode is perfect for professionals aiming to revolutionize construction leadership and embrace curiosity in construction for impactful change.

Tune in to learn practical leadership and management tools to lead construction teams through change with greater trust and effectiveness.

Takeaways

• Change can feel very personal, even if you didn't make the first choice.
• Control is often an illusion that can hinder progress.
• Great leaders are present during change, providing emotional steadiness.
• You can influence more by releasing the control you think you have.
• Psychological safety is crucial for effective change management.
• Empathy is essential when navigating change with others.
• Presence in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.
• Self-awareness is key to understanding your relationship with change.
• Recognizing the illusion of control can lead to greater influence.
• Clarity is often elusive, but necessary for embracing change.

 Referenced Works & Thinkers in This Episode: 

• Stephen M.R. Covey — The Speed of Trust
• Amy C. Edmondson — The Fearless Organization
• Amy C. Edmondson — Right Kind of Wrong: How the Best Teams Use Failure to Succeed
• Daniel Kahneman — Thinking, Fast and Slow

Chapters 

• 00:00 Understanding Control and Change
• 05:12 The Illusion of Control
• 10:24 Psychological Safety in Leadership
• 15:03 The Power of Choice
• 20:45 Letting Go to Gain Influence
• 25:30 Building Trust Through Presence
• 28:38 Embracing Change with C

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

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Summary

In this episode, Ryan interviews Angelo Suntres, founder of 'The Human Side of Construction,' discussing the importance of empathy and human-centric leadership in the construction industry. They explore the challenges of generational change, the need for collaboration, and the impact of embracing change to create a more inclusive and effective industry.

Takeaways

• Empathy is crucial in transforming construction leadership.
• Generational change requires bridging gaps between old and new mindsets.
• Collaboration is key to future success in construction.
• Human-centric leadership can improve industry productivity.
• Embracing change is essential for industry growth.
• The construction industry needs to be more inclusive.
• Understanding human needs can enhance workplace dynamics.
• Effective leadership involves recognizing and valuing employees.
• The future of construction relies on innovative thinking.
• Building a better industry requires collective effort.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Background
• 00:03:00 The Human Side of Construction
• 00:09:00 Generational Challenges and Change
• 00:15:00 Collaboration and Leadership
• 00:21:00 Embracing Change and Inclusivity
• 00:27:00 Future of the Industry and Closing Thoughts

Related episodes: Ep 10: for Construction Leadership Development. 

Guest 

Angelo, founder of the Human Side of Construction, is a seasoned operations leader, speaker and author with a passion for improving the construction industry at the intersection of strategy and people. With a career spanning leadership roles throughout construction, Angelo brings a unique and refreshing perspective on the future of the industry.

Angelo is also the author of “Human Side of Construction” and “Rebuild Construction” where he shares practical frameworks and insights for leaders navigating today’s complex business landscape.

His engaging style combines storytelling, actionable strategies, and a deep understanding of human behavior, making his sessions both inspiring and practical.

Whether speaking to executives or emerging leaders, Angelo’s mission is clear: to empower construction professionals to lead with connection, adaptability, and purpose in an evolving world.

https://www.angelosuntres.com/

https://hso

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Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

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Summary
Mini Series Part 1: Building a Stronger Relationship with Change. In this bonus episode of "Activating Curiosity," host Ryan Ware explores effective change management and leadership development within the construction and AEC industry. Listeners will learn how choice and leadership impact successful change initiatives and how "choice architecture" shapes daily habits that influence project and organizational outcomes.

Ryan discusses the challenges of leading change in construction projects, emphasizing empathy, engagement, and communication strategies. By understanding default choices and fostering a culture of buy-in, construction leaders can overcome resistance and drive meaningful transformation. Whether facing construction industry challenges or seeking to enhance construction leadership clarity, this episode offers tools and insights to lead with curiosity and confidence.

Listen to discover practical strategies for mastering change management in construction, improving leadership effectiveness, and advancing your skills in navigating the evolving construction industry.

Takeaways

• Recognize your relationship with choice to empathize with others.
• Choice is the first step in building a stronger relationship with change.
• Leaders must communicate effectively to ensure engagement in change.
• Choice architecture influences our daily decisions and habits.
• Reflecting on personal choices can align them with current goals.
• Empathy is crucial in understanding reactions to change.
• Successful change initiatives require connecting with the human element.
• Exploration and reassessment of choices lead to better outcomes.
• Understanding choice can lead to meaningful transformation.
• Curiosity and continuous learning are essential for growth.

 

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Change Through Choice
12:16 The Ripple Effect of Choices in Business
22:17 Navigating Personal and Professional Choices
25:08  Empathy and Change Management
31:41  Reflecting on Personal Choices 

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

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Summary
This episode of Activating Curiosity is for construction and AEC industry leaders who are navigating the future of work, emerging technology, and the growing need for more flexible, human-centered ways of leading change.

Host Ryan Ware sits down with Mandy McGill, founder of Aedifico, to explore what it means to decentralize work in the AEC industry—and why traditional staffing, procurement, and leadership models are being challenged by the pace of change.

In this conversation, Ryan and Mandy discuss the role of AI in construction, the barriers to adopting new workforce models, and the mindset shifts required for leaders to successfully navigate industry change. They examine how resistance within HR, procurement, and long-standing industry relationships can slow innovation, even when better tools and systems already exist.

Mandy shares the vision behind Aedifico, a platform designed to empower individuals to work on projects they’re passionate about, while helping organizations adapt to the future of work in construction. The discussion highlights the importance of curiosity, education, and continuous learning as essential leadership capabilities—not optional add-ons—in an evolving AEC landscape.

If you’re a construction or AEC leader thinking about workforce innovation, digital transformation, or how to lead people through uncertainty and change, this episode offers a future-focused perspective grounded in curiosity-driven leadership.

Chapters

03:00 The Birth of Aedifico 
05:56 Decentralizing Work in the AEC Industry
08:49 Understanding the Aedifico Platform
12:03 Challenges in Adopting New Models
17:22 Reframing Talent Acquisition
25:12 The Evolution of Work Models
29:49 Decentralization and Project-Based Work
33:30 The Role of AI in the Future of Work
40:58 Human-Centric Success in the Industry
43:52 Next Steps for Engagement and Learning

Guest 

Mandy McGill is a global capital and built environment strategist who tracks how money, talent, and technology shape the future of the AEC industry. She connects corporate real estate, development, construction, private capital, and emerging technology to help organizations navigate industry change.

With over a decade of experience advising corporate real estate teams, developers, contractors, and investors, Mandy translates emerging trends into practical strategies around decentralization of work, workforce models, and the use of AI and other digital tools.

She is the Founder & CEO of Aedifico ai and host of Decentralized Everything.

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.