Activating Curiosity® | Leading Change in the Construction Industry

Climate policy shifts happen fast—but construction leadership in change management is what separates winning AEC firms from reactive ones. In this bonus episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan and Laura Steinbrink (CEO, Emerald Built Environments) dive into the mindset shifts and industry transformation needed when policy changes overnight. Discover the strategic framework for navigating regulatory uncertainty and building organizational resilience.

This conversation challenges a common assumption: that policy drives action. Instead, Laura reframes the moment, showing the recent EPA decision was legal, not scientific, and that progress is still driven by markets, communities, and leadership.

Together, they unpack what happens when policy creates “whiplash” and why the opportunity for AEC leaders isn’t to wait, but to lead.

From local climate action plans to market demands, this episode explores how leaders can maintain clarity, reduce risk, and make smarter decisions in an environment where regulations may change, but reality does not.

This isn’t just about sustainability in construction, it’s about leading change with confidence when the rules keep shifting.

What you’ll learn:

• Why policy shifts don’t remove the need for sustainability
• The gap between legal decisions and scientific reality
• How local markets keep driving change regardless of regulation
• Ways to reduce risk through smarter building strategies 
• Why uncertainty creates opportunity for long-term leaders

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, developers, and AEC professionals navigating policy uncertainty, sustainability, and change leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.

Chapters
3:19 - What Changed: The EPA Decision Explained
5:04 - How We Got Here: The Origins of Climate Policy
7:07 - What Actually Changed (and What Didn’t)
10:34 - Why the Built Environment Is at the Center of This
15:09 - Where Real Action Is Happening: Local Climate Plans
25:00 - Short-Term Decisions vs Long-Term Reality
31:08 - AEC’s Opportunity: Leading Through Uncertainty

Guest
Laura Steinbrink is CEO of Emerald Built Environments, helping organizations align sustainability and business performance in the built environment.

Her work spans manufacturing, finance, non-profits, and government, focused on risk, cost savings, and results. She serves on the boards of USGBC Ohio, Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Cleveland, and Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Recommendations:

Dark Waters Info 

Update: Lawsuit Filed 

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

Mass timber isn’t just a material shift—it’s a mindset shift critical for construction leadership development.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Kristen Slavin, founder of Conifer Advising, to explore how construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry must evolve to explore how construction leadership, change management, and modular construction in the AEC industry must evolve to successfully adopt innovative building systems like mass timber.

This conversation challenges a common assumption: that innovation in construction and sustainable building is only about materials. Instead, Kristen highlights that the real barrier is how teams overcome change resistance, collaborate effectively, manage risk, and rethink traditional delivery models.

Drawing from her experience across design, development, prefabrication, and modular construction, she shares how mass timber is reshaping sustainable project delivery, influencing design decisions, insurance, and supply chains—and why early alignment across teams is critical to success.

From supply chain misconceptions to insurance premiums and building code complexity, this episode explores what’s really slowing adoption—and how innovative construction leaders can move forward with clarity.

This isn’t just about sustainable construction—it’s about construction leadership and leading change management across fragmented systems in the industry.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why mass timber adoption is more about mindset than materials 
•  The real barriers slowing adoption across design, insurance, and supply chains 
•  How early collaboration reduces risk and improves project outcomes 
•  Why hands-on learning accelerates innovation across teams 
•  How integrated delivery models support long-term success 

Who this is for:
Architects, engineers, contractors, and AEC leaders navigating innovation, prefabrication, and change in construction.

Chapters
1:31 - Introduction to Mass Timber
11:00 - Kristen's Journey and Early Innovations
21:00 - Challenges in Supply Chain and Insurance
31:00 - Launching Conifer Advising and Industry Engagement
41:00 - Overcoming Industry Resistance
51:00 - Future of Mass Timber and Closing Thoughts

Guest
Kristen Slavin is founder of Conifer Advising, helping teams accelerate mass timber adoption across design, development, and construction. With experience spanning architecture, prefab manufacturing, and product development, she works across the value chain to reduce risk and improve project delivery.

https://www.coniferadvising.com/resources

Recommendations:

https://www.masstimber.group/

https://www.masstimber.group/podcast-main

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

Mini Series Part 6:

Change fatigue is real in construction—but it’s not caused by change itself. It’s caused by our relationship with it.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware explores how construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry can shift from resistance to resilience by building a stronger relationship with change. Discover proven change leadership tips and strategies for building resilient teams that thrive in evolving construction environments. 

This conversation challenges a common assumption: that change is something to manage. Instead, Ryan reframes it as an experience—one that requires intention, reflection, and a human-centered approach to leadership. 

Using the Five C’s of Change—Choice, Control, Clarity, Commitment, and Curiosity—this episode provides a practical lens for understanding how past experiences shape current reactions and how leaders can respond with greater empathy and effectiveness.

From digital tools to new delivery models, the challenge isn’t the solution—it’s how people experience the change.

This isn’t just about leading change—it’s about transforming your relationship with it.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why change fatigue is rooted in experience, not just volume 
•  How the Five C’s of Change shape individual and team responses 
•  Why change should be viewed as an experience, not an event 
•  How leaders can reduce resistance through empathy and clarity 
•  Practical ways to build trust and adaptability across teams 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, project executives, architects, and AEC professionals navigating change, leadership development, and team performance.

Chapters
1:04 - Building a Stronger Relationship with Change
3:27 - Change as a Two-Way Street
4:02 - Human-Centered Change in Industry
5:14 - Empathy and Leadership Development
6:29 - Change as an Experience, Not an Event
7:35 - Industry Resistance to Change
8:16 - The Five C's of Change
16:51 - Building a Stronger Relationship with Change
18:26 - Leading Teams Through Change

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™ | Leading Change in the Construction Industry, Ryan Ware sits down with Kristin Kautz of JAM Idea Agency to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the AEC industry—and why most firms are approaching it the wrong way.

This conversation challenges a common assumption: that AI is a tool to implement. Instead, Kristin reframes it as something closer to “air”—an embedded capability that enhances how teams already work, rather than something separate to adopt. 

Together, they unpack why change management in construction often fails when it comes to technology, and how storytelling, curiosity, and leadership clarity are critical to overcoming resistance and driving meaningful adoption.

From recruiting challenges and workflow inefficiencies to pricing models and competitive pressure, this episode explores how AI is impacting every layer of the construction industry—and what leaders must do to stay ahead.

This isn’t just about AI in construction—it’s about how leaders build a better relationship with change in an industry being reshaped in real time.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why AI should be viewed as a capability, not a standalone tool 
•  How storytelling helps overcome resistance to new technology 
•  Why curiosity—not age or role—drives successful AI adoption 
•  Practical ways to identify where AI fits into your current workflows 
•  How AI is reshaping recruiting, pricing, and competitive advantage in AEC 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, architects, engineers, and AEC professionals exploring AI, digital transformation, and change management in construction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in AEC Industry
06:00 The Ageless Nature of AI and Its Adoption
11:58 Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption
20:53 AI's Role in Solving Industry Challenges
46:10 Investing in People and Training
01:12:26 Taking the First Steps with AI

Guest

Kristin Kautz is an AI strategist for the AEC industry, helping firms move from hype to practical implementation.

A Fellow of SMPS (FSMPS) and CPSM, she helps leaders integrate AI into real workflows and operations.

https://www.jamideaagency.com/ai-iq-home

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Ali Salman of Workspace Modular Structures to explore how prefab and modular construction can help solve some of the construction industry’s biggest challenges.

This conversation challenges a common assumption: that the industry’s current methods are sufficient. Instead, Ali reframes the opportunity—highlighting how modular construction offers a scalable path to address infrastructure, housing, and labor shortages. 

Together, they explore why resistance to change continues to slow progress in the AEC industry and how leadership, curiosity, and mindset shifts are essential to moving forward.

From productization and scalability to workforce challenges and global competition, this episode dives into what it takes to rethink how we build—and why incremental change may be the key to long-term transformation.

This isn’t just about modular construction—it’s about how leaders embrace change to solve real-world problems.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why modular and prefab construction can scale infrastructure solutions 
•  How resistance to change impacts innovation in construction 
•  The role of productization in improving efficiency and market fit 
•  Why small, incremental improvements drive long-term transformation 
•  How leadership and curiosity influence adoption of new building methods 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, developers, architects, and AEC professionals exploring modular construction, innovation, and change management.

Chapters

03:44 The Transformative Power of Modular Construction
11:49 The Need for Change in Construction Practices
18:57 Opportunities in Prefab and Modular Solutions
23:24 The Role of Technology in Construction
28:40 Future of Modular Construction and Industry Growth
39:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Modular Construction
57:28 Creating Better Communities through Infrastructure

Guest

Ali Salman is an entrepreneur and CEO of Workspace Modular, focused on scaling modular construction solutions. His work centers on infrastructure, housing, and productized building approaches that improve efficiency and market fit.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-salman-8a141312/

https://workspacemodular.ca/

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

Mini Series Part 5: 

Curiosity isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership advantage in construction.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware explores how curiosity helps AEC leaders guide teams through uncertainty, address resistance, and build trust during change.

Rather than focusing only on managing change, Ryan looks at how people experience it—and how curiosity can connect psychological safety with better questions and stronger decisions. Through the Five C’s of Change, this episode explores Curiosity as a way to move beyond fear, judgment, and limiting beliefs.

Discover how leaders can create space for learning, strengthen collaboration, and help teams grow through change.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why curiosity is essential for effective change leadership 
•  How psychological safety enables curiosity and innovation 
•  The difference between judgment-based and curiosity-driven thinking 
•  How better questions lead to better decisions and outcomes 
•  Practical ways to build curiosity into your leadership approach 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, project managers, and AEC professionals focused on leadership development, change management, and team performance.

Chapters

01:09 Recap of the first Four C's of Change
04:58 The Importance of Curiosity
05:55 Psychological Safety and Curiosity
11:33 Defining Curiosity and Its Challenges
17:40 The Power of Ignorance and Learning
21:55 Shifting Perspectives: From Judgment to Curiosity
27:02 Curiosity as a Continuous Journey
31:16 Change as a Constant Journey
32:43 Conclusion and Reflection on the Five C's

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

Friction slows down decision-making in construction—but removing it doesn’t mean replacing expertise.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Scott Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO of UpCodes, to explore how construction leaders can reduce friction in decision-making while maintaining control, judgment, and expertise.

This conversation reframes a critical challenge in the AEC industry: too much time is spent searching, verifying, and stitching together fragmented information. Instead, Scott introduces the concept of decision infrastructure—systems that organize building codes, products, and data so leaders can focus on making better choices, not just finding information. 

From building code accessibility to AI-powered workflows, this episode explores how technology can support—not replace—human decision-making. The focus isn’t automation for its own sake, but enabling architects, engineers, and builders to act with more clarity, speed, and confidence.

This isn’t just about digital tools—it’s about restoring agency in an industry constrained by time, complexity, and information overload.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why friction—not lack of expertise—slows construction decision-making 
•  How “decision infrastructure” improves speed, clarity, and outcomes 
•  The role of AI in supporting (not replacing) human judgment 
•  Why better access to codes and product data unlocks innovation 
•  How reducing friction gives leaders back time to focus on high-value work 

Who this is for:
Architects, engineers, contractors, and AEC leaders focused on digital transformation, construction leadership, and managing change in complex environments.

Chapters

03:46 From Architecture Practice to Technology Problem-Solving
09:29 The Hidden Friction in Construction Decision-Making
15:21 Building Systems That Support Choice, Not Defaults
26:46 How AI Can Reduce Friction Without Replacing Expertise
39:20 Product Selection, Manufacturers, and Real-World Constraints
57:36 Defining Success in a Technology-Enabled Built Environment

Guest

Scott Reynolds is Co-Founder and CEO of UpCodes, a platform making building codes and compliance data more accessible for the AEC industry. With a background in architecture and experience in global cities like New York and Hong Kong, Scott focuses on reducing friction in construction workflows through better access to information, technology, and decision-support systems.

https://up.codes/

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

Access to healthcare isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a delivery problem.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Peter Nicholson, Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Clinical Planning, to explore how micro hospitals are reshaping healthcare access in rural and underserved communities.

This conversation reframes a critical challenge: healthcare systems often struggle to justify investment in low-density regions, leaving communities without reliable access. Instead, Peter introduces a new model—treating hospitals as scalable, standardized products that can be delivered faster, more affordably, and with greater consistency. 

From modular construction and pre-designed systems to technology-enabled care, this episode explores how simplifying complexity can accelerate delivery while maintaining quality. The focus isn’t just on building faster—it’s about designing infrastructure that supports long-term community health and resilience.

This isn’t just about hospitals—it’s about how leaders rethink delivery models, challenge assumptions, and create solutions that meet people where they are.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why healthcare access is a delivery problem, not just a funding issue 
•  How micro hospitals improve affordability, speed, and scalability 
•  The role of modular construction and standardization in healthcare projects 
•  Why simplifying complexity is key to successful change 
•  How infrastructure decisions directly impact community health and resilience 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, healthcare planners, developers, and AEC professionals focused on innovation, project delivery, and leading change in complex environments.

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 35+ years of experience designing hospitals and life science facilities worldwide. He has led projects for Harvard-affiliated institutions, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and global healthcare systems. As CEO of Modern Clinical Planning, he focuses on scalable micro hospital solutions that improve access, affordability, and delivery of care.

https://www.modernclinicalplanning.com/

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

Mini Series Part 4:

Leadership in change management often fails not because teams lack initial alignment, but because commitment fades when motivation does. In this mini-series installment of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware explores how construction and AEC leaders can shift from motivational fixes to building sustainable commitment—the daily disciplines, rituals, and accountability structures that keep teams executing change long after the launch energy wears off. Learn mindful change management techniques and collaborative leadership approaches that keep AEC teams engaged and committed to lasting change.

This conversation reframes a common challenge: leaders often assume commitment comes from alignment at the start. Instead, Ryan highlights that commitment is built through consistent check-ins, reflection, and intentional action throughout the change journey. 

Through the Five C’s of Change—Choice, Control, Clarity, Commitment, and Curiosity—this episode focuses on how commitment connects the foundation to real progress. Without it, teams fall into forced compliance, resistance grows, and momentum fades.

From missed goals to shifting priorities, this episode explores why commitment breaks down—and how leaders can strengthen it through clarity, communication, and presence.

This isn’t just about managing change—it’s about sustaining it.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why commitment is built through action, not motivation 
•  How check-ins keep teams aligned and prevent drift 
•  The difference between commitment and forced compliance 
•  Why competing priorities derail change initiatives 
•  How leaders sustain momentum through clarity and presence 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, project managers, and AEC professionals focused on change management, leadership development, and team alignment.

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

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.

The future of construction isn’t just about technology—it’s about how leaders respond to change.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Brian Turmail, Vice President of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), to explore what construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry will require moving into 2026 and beyond.

This conversation reframes a common challenge: many change initiatives fail not because of strategy, but because of how they’re led. Instead, Brian highlights the growing importance of empathy, communication, and human-centered leadership in navigating workforce shortages, technology adoption, and economic uncertainty.

Together, they unpack how industry-wide challenges—from labor gaps to innovation adoption—are interconnected, and why collaboration across the AEC ecosystem is critical to progress.

From culture and workforce development to trust and communication, this episode explores how leaders can reduce change fatigue and guide teams through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

This isn’t just about the future of construction—it’s about how leaders prepare for it.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why change initiatives fail—and how leadership influences outcomes 
•  The role of empathy and communication in effective change management 
•  How workforce shortages and technology adoption are reshaping the industry 
•  Why collaboration across the AEC ecosystem is critical to progress 
•  How leaders can reduce change fatigue and build trust across teams 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, executives, and AEC professionals focused on leadership development, workforce challenges, and navigating industry change.

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 Turmail is Vice President of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), where he leads communications, workforce initiatives, and industry advocacy for over 27,000 member firms.

He focuses on workforce development, industry insights, and advancing construction through policy, education, and collaboration.

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

https://buildculture.org/

Overcast Innovations
Helping project teams coordinate building systems earlier for more predictable outcomes.

New Lyfe Accounting
Free Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goals

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

Have feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note or leave a VM—we’re listening!

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! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter 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.