Construction doesn’t have a people problem—it has a connection problem.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Angelo Suntres, founder of The Human Side of Construction, to explore how construction leadership and change management in the AEC industry must evolve to better support the people behind the work.

This conversation challenges a long-standing norm: that toughness and technical skill define success in construction. Instead, Angelo highlights how empathy, communication, and human-centered leadership drive better outcomes, stronger teams, and long-term industry growth. 

Together, they explore how generational shifts, mental health, and changing expectations are reshaping the industry—and why leaders must adapt to remain effective.

From jobsite culture to leadership development, this episode focuses on how connection, trust, and psychological safety improve collaboration, retention, and performance.

This isn’t just about leadership—it’s about how we build a better industry by supporting the humans within it.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why empathy is critical to modern construction leadership 
•  How generational differences impact communication and collaboration 
•  The role of psychological safety in team performance 
•  Why connection drives retention and productivity 
•  How leaders can create more inclusive, human-centered environments 

Who this is for:
 Construction leaders, project managers, and AEC professionals focused on leadership development, culture, and navigating change.

Chapters

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

Guest

Angelo Suntres is founder of The Human Side of Construction and a construction operations leader with over 20 years of experience. He focuses on improving leadership, culture, and human connection across the industry.

He is also the author of The Human Side of Construction and Rebuild Construction, where he shares practical frameworks for leading in today’s evolving environment.

https://www.angelosuntres.com/

https://hsoc.thinkific.com/collections

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.

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Change doesn’t start with strategy—it starts with choice.

In this Mini Series Part 1 of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware breaks down the first step in building a stronger relationship with change: understanding how we make decisions and how those decisions impact others.

In the construction and AEC industry, change often feels imposed—new technology, shifting delivery models, or evolving business strategies. But before we can lead change effectively, we need to understand how we personally relate to choice, and how that shapes our response to change. 

This episode introduces the concept of choice architecture and explores how default decisions, habits, and past experiences influence leadership, communication, and engagement across teams.

Ryan challenges leaders to rethink how change is introduced—moving beyond forced compliance toward shared ownership and buy-in.

From daily habits to major organizational decisions, this conversation lays the groundwork for leading change with greater empathy, clarity, and intention.

This isn’t just about decision-making—it’s about understanding the human side of change.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why choice is the foundation of effective change management 
•  How “choice architecture” shapes behavior and decision-making 
•  The difference between first choice and second choice in organizations 
•  Why forced change creates resistance—and how to avoid it 
•  How leaders can create buy-in through empathy and communication 

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

Chapters

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

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.

How are construction leaders managing decentralized teams in an industry built for command-and-control? In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware explores decentralized work models and how AI is reshaping staffing in AEC with Mandy McGill, founder of Aedifico. From construction leadership culture to labor productivity, discover why decentralization isn't just a trend—it's the future of how AEC firms organize work. Plus: the leadership mindsets that make it work.

Traditional staffing, procurement, and leadership models were built for a different era. But as the pace of change accelerates, construction leaders are being challenged to rethink how teams are formed, how work gets done, and how talent connects to projects. 

Mandy shares the vision behind Aedifico—a platform designed to match people to projects based on skills, interests, and scope of work, rather than traditional job roles. The conversation highlights how this shift from “staffing companies” to “staffing projects” could redefine how the industry operates.

Together, they unpack the real barriers to change, including resistance from HR and procurement systems, reliance on legacy relationships, and the challenge of adopting new ways of working in a deeply traditional industry.

This episode challenges leaders to think differently about workforce strategy, digital transformation, and what it means to lead in an increasingly decentralized and AI-driven environment.

This isn’t just about technology—it’s about rethinking how we connect people to meaningful work.

What you’ll learn:

•  What decentralized work means for the AEC industry 
•  How AI is reshaping workforce and project delivery models 
•  Why traditional staffing and procurement systems slow innovation 
•  The shift from staffing companies to staffing projects 
•  How leaders can adapt to the future of work in construction 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, executives, and AEC professionals focused on workforce strategy, innovation, and leading change in a rapidly evolving industry.

Chapters

03:00 The Birth of Aedifico
05:56 Decentralizing Work in AEC
12:03 Challenges in Adopting New Models
25:12 The Evolution of Work Models
33:30 AI and the Future of Work
40:58 Human-Centered Success

Guest

Mandy McGill is a strategist focused on how capital, talent, and technology shape the future of the AEC industry. She advises organizations on workforce models, decentralization, and digital transformation.

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

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.

Big change doesn’t start with systems—it starts with people willing to think differently.

In this bonus episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware explores how real change in the construction industry happens over time—and why it requires both individual ownership and collective action.

Using the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) as examples, Ryan breaks down how ideas that once felt “too big” evolved into industry-wide movements. What began as conversations in the early 1990s has since transformed how we approach sustainability, collaboration, and project delivery. 

This episode challenges a common mindset: that problems in construction are too large for any one person to impact. Instead, Ryan reframes change as a series of small, consistent actions—taken by individuals who choose to engage rather than step back.

From overcoming resistance to creating buy-in, this conversation highlights the role of purpose, curiosity, and shared responsibility in driving meaningful industry progress.

This isn’t about waiting for change—it’s about deciding to be part of it.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why lasting change starts with individual mindset shifts 
•  How USGBC and DBIA scaled ideas into industry transformation 
•  The role of purpose in driving long-term change 
•  Why resistance often comes from perceived scale, not reality 
•  How small actions create large, collective impact 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, AEC professionals, and industry stakeholders looking to lead change, drive innovation, and contribute to the future of the built environment.

Chapters

01:55 The Challenge of Big Problems
04:21 History of Change in Construction
06:00 Growth of Sustainable Building Initiatives
07:01 Future Projections and Industry Impact

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.

You can build great projects—and still run an unhealthy business. In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Jessica Krause, Founder and CEO of New Lyfe Accounting, to explore why financial clarity is one of the most overlooked drivers of construction leadership and decision making. In the AEC industry, many construction leaders treat financials as a "back office" problem. But when you lack visibility into your business's true health, you can't make strategic decisions that drive long-term growth or navigate change effectively. Learn why financial literacy is a cornerstone of strong construction leadership culture.

Jessica breaks down the real challenges construction firms face, from disconnected systems and poor data visibility to the lack of communication between project teams and accounting. Together, they reframe financial management as a leadership responsibility—not a back-office function.

The discussion also explores how weak financial practices don’t just impact one company—they create ripple effects across projects, teams, and the broader construction ecosystem.

This episode offers practical steps to help leaders move from reactive decision-making to proactive, data-driven leadership.

This isn’t just about accounting—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient construction business.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why financial clarity is critical to construction leadership 
•  The difference between running projects and running a business 
•  How job costing and cash flow impact risk and decision-making 
•  Why communication between PMs and accounting is essential 
•  How poor financial visibility creates industry-wide ripple effects 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, business owners, and AEC professionals focused on improving financial performance, decision-making, and long-term growth.

Chapters

03:44 Construction Accounting Complexities
06:43 Communication Across Teams
09:45 Systems and Technology
12:56 Managing Change Orders
15:47 Financial Risk and Ripple Effects
21:52 First Steps to Improve Financial Management

Guest

Jessica Krause is Founder and CEO of New Lyfe Accounting, a firm specializing in construction accounting. She helps contractors improve financial clarity, manage risk, and build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

A CPA with over 15 years of experience, Jessica previously served as CFO for a commercial electrical contractor and is active in CFMA as a CCIFP.

Recommendations:

https://newlyfekc.com/resources/

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.

Curiosity isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership advantage in times of change.

In this bonus episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware explores how construction leaders in the AEC industry can use curiosity to navigate uncertainty, reduce resistance, and lead change more effectively.

In an industry shaped by constant disruption—new technologies, shifting delivery models, and evolving workforce expectations—leaders are often trained to seek control. But this episode challenges that instinct, highlighting how curiosity creates clarity, builds confidence, and opens the door to better decision-making. 

Ryan unpacks why resistance to change is often rooted in fear and uncertainty—and how asking better questions can shift both individual and team mindset. Instead of forcing adoption, leaders can create space for exploration, learning, and psychological safety.

From experimentation to reflection, this episode offers a practical, human-centered approach to leading change in construction.

This isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask better questions.

What you’ll learn:

•  Why curiosity is essential for effective change leadership 
•  How fear and uncertainty drive resistance in construction teams 
•  The role of psychological safety in adopting new ideas 
•  Why asking better questions leads to better outcomes 
•  How to move from control to curiosity in leadership 

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

Chapters

01:35 Industry Challenges and Mindset
03:33 Our Relationship with Change
06:33 Complexity of Change
08:55 Choosing to Embrace Change
11:20 Activating Curiosity
14:04 A New Chapter

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.

Change isn’t slowing down in construction—but how we lead through it needs to.

In this short trailer for Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware introduces a new kind of conversation for construction and AEC leaders—one focused not just on solutions, but on how we think about and respond to change.

This podcast is built around a simple but powerful question:

What is the most important problem you’re trying to solve—and why?

Through real conversations with construction leaders, innovators, and change agents, Activating Curiosity explores how leadership, mindset, and human behavior shape the future of the industry.

If you’re navigating uncertainty, leading teams, or trying to make sense of constant change, this show will give you the tools, perspective, and confidence to move forward.

This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building a stronger relationship with change.

Follow and subscribe to Activating Curiosity™ to stay ahead of what’s next in construction leadership.

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.