Building Better Futures

Jared Green, Principal and Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, reflects on a 23-year career in geotechnics shaped by early STEM curiosity, steady mentorship and community service. He shares why AEC can feel intimidating at first yet stays welcoming, how practical math and science teaching excites students and how leaders build safe rooms where new voices grow.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

05:26 A career feels meaningful when learning connects to real-world outcomes.

10:02 Early curiosity and hands-on learning often shape long-term interests.

16:05 Supportive peers and mentors make it easier to enter demanding industries.

18:12 Students stay engaged when math and science feel practical and relevant.

28:44 Taking a chance before feeling ready can open important doors.

34:38 Strong teams communicate by asking questions early and making time to support each other.

40:24 Progress in professional communities is made possible through shared effort and support from others.

44:45 Long careers benefit from caring for mental health and asking for support.

Resources Mentioned:

Jared Green

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

Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/langan-engineering-environmental-services/

Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | Website

http://www.langan.com

Salvadori Center

https://www.salvadori.org/

National Science Foundation Engineering programs

https://www.nsf.gov/eng/programs

American Society of Civil Engineers

https://www.asce.org/

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

On this episode, Eric Alemany, Senior Director, Supplier Relationship Management of the New York Power Authority, shares his 27-year journey in public power. We cover how supplier relationships drive execution, why patience and resilience matter, and how NYPA supports communities through accessibility, diversity and forward-looking energy initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

05:39 A sustained career path demonstrates continuous learning and adaptability.

10:29 Strong supplier relationships enable efficient project delivery.

14:37 Guided onboarding helps partners navigate complex procurement systems.

19:22 Supplier diversity initiatives expand opportunity for businesses.

21:29 Public assets strengthen community engagement and local economies.

24:27 Accessibility programs increase inclusion across statewide services.

27:43 Resilience and collaboration turn disruptions into progress.

35:54 Innovation and AI improve operational efficiency and planning.

43:40 Success means creating lasting impact through growth and empowerment.

Resources Mentioned:

Eric Alemany

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

New York Power Authority | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-power-authority/

New York Power Authority | Website

http://www.nypa.gov/

New York State Canal Corporation

https://www.canals.ny.gov/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Ahad Ghadimi, CEO and Founder of forums@work, discusses vulnerability, psychological safety and the story behind his book “Turnaround Artist: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps.”

In today’s discussion, we uncover Ahad’s entrepreneurial roots, we look at culture change in practice and delve into how peer forums strengthen trust and communication across teams.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:58 Turning people into leaders strengthens culture and creates momentum for sustained growth.

09:09 Clear purpose provides direction for change and aligns effort across the organization.

13:12 Structured peer groups encourage reflection, accountability and consistent professional growth.

17:05 Openness and vulnerability foster trust and elevate team performance over time.

22:33 Trust and connection improve resilience and reduce friction in demanding environments.

27:41 Consistent practice addresses skepticism and builds genuine commitment to new habits.

31:04 Equal airtime and attentive listening create safety and improve decision quality.

40:42 Leaders grow by asking for help and practicing self-compassion.

44:11 Environments that encourage growth empower people to bring their best selves forward.

Resources Mentioned:

Ahad Ghadimi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahad-ghadimi/

forums@work | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/forumsatwork/

forums@work | Website

http://www.forumsatwork.com

“Turnaround Artists: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps” by Ahad Ghadimi

https://www.amazon.com/Turnaround-Artists-True-Story-Creating-Workplace/dp/057880512X

"The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional-Personal/dp/0142001104

YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization)

https://www.ypo.org/

Vipassana Meditation

https://www.dhamma.org/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Jessica Sherman, Vice Chair and Principal of The Douglaston Companies, discusses family-rooted leadership, community-first development and how character, accountability and partnerships shape impact in New York real estate.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

04:49 Family inspiration drives purpose-driven work across building, management and community.

08:39 Integrity and a strong moral compass guide decisions, relationships and long-term reputation.

13:47 Collaboration with public partners expands housing while aligning with neighborhood needs.

16:32 Policy and financing dynamics define feasibility, scale and project pacing.

21:12 Community connection elevates design choices, services and the everyday resident experience.

24:17 Proactive outreach and relationship building unlock guidance and opportunities.

25:37 Continuous improvement comes through reflection, feedback and avoiding repeated mistakes.

29:32 Reputation compounds over time through consistency and fairness.

Resources Mentioned:

Jessica Sherman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-sherman-78049120/

The Douglaston Companies | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedouglastoncompanies/

The Douglaston Companies | Website

https://www.douglastondevelopment.com/

City of Yes (NYC zoning initiative)

https://www.nyc.gov/content/planning/pages/our-work/plans/citywide/city-of-yes-housing-opportunity

NYCHA Public-Private Partnerships (PACT)

https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/about/pact.page

“Principles” by Ray Dalio

https://www.principles.com/

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/

“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel

https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

In this episode, Michael Shamma, New York Metro Executive of TYLin, talks about leading major infrastructure projects in New York. He shares the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks, the mentors who shaped his leadership and how engineering can connect communities and improve lives. Michael also shares insights on moving between public and private sectors, navigating organizational change and how technology can expand opportunities for the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

05:06 The power of curiosity in choosing a career path.

07:15 Overcoming challenges while pursuing education and career growth.

09:44 Lessons learned from resilience during difficult times.

15:25 Values of hard work and kindness carried into leadership.

20:18 Building trust and relationships to deliver successful projects.

26:08 Leading teams through change and organizational transitions.

32:11 How technology can expand access and opportunity.

37:05 Advice for students on curiosity, adaptability and growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Michael Shamma

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-shamma/

TYLin | Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tylin/

TYLin | Website

http://www.tylin.com

RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

https://www.rpi.edu/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Milo Riverso, Senior Advisor to the President and Board of Manhattan University, reflects on leadership lessons, career insights and the challenges facing higher education and the construction industry. Milo traces his path from working construction as a child to leading major organizations, offering guidance for the next generation of industry professionals.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

07:04 Early exposure to real-world construction work provides valuable insights that classroom learning cannot replace.

12:58 Changing culture within an organization requires patience and consistent effort over time.

17:22 Emerging technologies such as AI present both opportunities and challenges for education and industry.

21:56 An engineering education builds critical thinking by teaching how to break down and solve complex problems.

23:33 Professional associations offer a platform for leadership development and career growth.

30:14 Stronger branding and outreach are needed to attract younger generations into the industry.

34:33 Highlighting the lasting impact of industry projects can inspire future professionals to pursue careers in the field.

Resources Mentioned:

Milo Riverso

https://www.linkedin.com/in/milo-riverso-ph-d-pe-ccm-fcmaa-nac-a429655/?trk=public_post-text

Manhattan University | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/school/manhattan-university/

Manhattan University | Website

http://manhattan.edu

ACE Mentor Program

http://www.acementor.org

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Vlada Kenniff, President of New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, discusses her journey from Uzbekistan to New York City and her leadership in sustainability, resiliency and affordable housing. Vlada talks to us about the creation of the Trust, the challenges of preserving public housing and the importance of resident engagement in shaping better communities.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:04 Recognizing the importance of celebrating team achievements.

05:51 Lessons learned from working in public service organizations.

10:17 Why new structures are created to address critical challenges.

16:42 Discovering leadership and advocacy within communities.

18:54 Using guiding values to navigate leadership decisions.

26:06 How innovation initiatives improve quality of life.

29:23 Executing milestone projects to drive long-term impact.

32:41 Advice for the next generation of leaders and professionals.

Resources Mentioned:

Vlada Kenniff

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-kenniff-ph-d-1022a6a/

New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/preservationtrust/

New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust | Website

http://www.preservationtrust.org

Clean Heat for All Challenge

https://be-exchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20250116_CleanHeat_Slides-UPDATED.pdf

“Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork” by Dan Sullivan

https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151

“Super Gut” by William Davis

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Gut-Four-Week-Reprogram-Microbiome/dp/0306846977

“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey

https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519

“Give and Take” by Adam Grant

https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986

“Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg

https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Women-Work-Will-Lead/dp/0385349947

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Raffaela Dunne, Regional Institutional Market Director of VHB, shares her career journey, insights on public-private partnerships and perspectives on shaping healthcare and higher education infrastructure. Raffaela discusses mentorship, leadership and the importance of simplifying complexity in large-scale projects.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

05:00 Lessons from early career experiences in engineering.

09:10 How policy changes impact project delivery models.

15:54 Balancing business development with client relationships.

19:55 Responding to shifting needs in education facilities.

24:58 The role of mentorship and leadership development.

29:25 Supporting young professionals and women in the industry.

36:20 Simplifying complexity to move projects forward.

Resources Mentioned:

Raffaela Dunne

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffaela-dunne-p-e-b341aa6/

VHB | LinkeIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vhb/

VHB | Website

https://www.vhb.com/

Association of Medical Facility Professionals

https://amfp.org/

Professional Women in Construction

https://www.pwcusa.org/

Dale Carnegie Training

https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Joanne Iddon, Principal - Regional Service Leader (Project and Program Management) of Arup, has over three decades of experience in structural engineering, owner representation and program leadership across the UK and North America. She discusses the contrasts between public and private sector work, the rise of alternative delivery models like design-build, and how political cycles, funding and stakeholder engagement influence major infrastructure programs. Joanne also highlights the importance of collaboration, embracing technology and encouraging early-career exploration to build resilient teams and successful projects.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:28 Career growth often involves moving beyond technical disciplines into roles that emphasize strategy, leadership and stakeholder alignment.

05:12 Exposure to diverse roles within the industry can reveal skills and interests that shape long-term professional directions.

06:35 Funding approaches, approval processes and public engagement requirements differ greatly between sectors, influencing timelines and outcomes.

10:12 Alternative delivery methods can improve efficiency, speed and cost-effectiveness when selected thoughtfully for the right context.

13:40 Long-duration programs face hurdles from shifting political landscapes, requiring strong business cases and stakeholder advocacy.

17:12 Collaborative teams that blend varied expertise and technological fluency are better equipped to solve complex problems.

19:12 Leveraging technology and internal data can help organizations access past knowledge, improve decision-making and increase productivity.

20:33 Early-career professionals benefit from exploring multiple disciplines, gaining perspective before committing to a single path.

24:33 Expanding regional teams and capabilities can strengthen an organization’s ability to deliver large-scale programs and meet growing demand.

Resources Mentioned:

Joanne Iddon

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

Arup | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/arup/

Arup | Website

https://www.arup.com/

Long Island Rail Road Third Track project

https://www.mta.info/project/lirr-main-line-expansion

DDC Design-Build program

https://www.nyc.gov/site/ddc/contracts/designbuild.page

Jubilee Line Extension (London Underground)

https://www.bechtel.com/projects/jubilee-line-extension/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Amanda Rogers, Director of Construction and Chief of Construction - Aviation of  The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, shares insights from her career leading complex transportation and infrastructure projects. Amanda highlights lessons on resilience, collaboration and the importance of mentorship and workforce development, while showing how leadership and adaptability drive success across projects of all scales.

Key Takeaways:

(04:29) How early experiences shape long-term growth and career direction.

(08:06) The importance of structured programs in developing future industry leaders.

(12:13) Why both major projects and smaller initiatives contribute to community impact.

(16:24) Approaches to addressing challenges in high-pressure and dynamic environments.

(21:05) The value of planning, flexibility and teamwork for achieving project goals.

(24:12) How selecting strategies tailored to each initiative ensures effective delivery.

(28:18) Encouraging fresh ideas and perspectives from emerging professionals.

Resources Mentioned:

Amanda Rogers | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-rogers-4655b2143/

Amanda Rogers’ | Profile

https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/blogs/air/new-head-of-construction-for-port-authority-mega-projects-swings.html

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/port-authority-of-ny-&-nj/

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey | Website

https://www.jointheportauthority.com

Port Authority Internship Program

https://www.jointheportauthority.com/pages/internship-program

Port Authority Associates Program

https://www.jointheportauthority.com/pages/engineering-architecture-associates-program

Port Authority engineering job opportunities

https://www.jointheportauthority.com/search/engineering/jobs/?jobcat=1&per_page=10

Best tacos in NYC according to Amanda!

https://www.lostacos1.com/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast