Activating Curiosity™ | Leading Change in the Construction Industry

Construction Productivity: Reframing the Real Challenge


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In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, we explore a hard truth about construction: we’re not just facing a labor shortage—we’re facing a productivity problem.

If the construction industry is “busy” every day, why are projects getting slower, more expensive, and harder to deliver? This conversation challenges the idea that we’re solving problems and reveals how often we’re just firefighting symptoms like rework, delays, and inefficiency. 

Ryan Ware sits down with Wayne Larsen, CEO of PT Blink, to unpack why time is the most undervalued variable in construction—and how hidden costs compound across projects and supply chains.

Drawing from manufacturing and industrialized construction thinking, Wayne shares how Design Manufacturing Integration (DMI), prefabrication, and kit-of-parts approaches can fundamentally change how we design and build.

This episode connects the dots between construction productivity, housing affordability, and leadership—challenging AEC leaders to rethink how work gets done and where real opportunity exists.

What you’ll learn:

  •  Why construction has a productivity problem—not a labor shortage 
  •  How time drives hidden cost across projects and supply chains 
  •  The impact of rework, delays, and inefficiency on project outcomes 
  •  How prefab, DMI, and kit-of-parts improve delivery 
  •  Why manufacturing thinking is key to industry transformation 

Who this is for:
Construction leaders, developers, architects, engineers, and AEC professionals focused on productivity, innovation, and leading change.

Chapters

1:02 - Introduction
2:18 - Wayne’s background and PT Blink
8:52 - Industry challenges
17:32 - De-risking with technology
28:05 - Legacy and future generations
38:31 - Economic drivers of change
44:41 - Global housing challenges
59:42 - Closing thoughts

Guest

Wayne Larsen is a senior executive with 20+ years of leadership in construction technology, manufacturing, and supply chains.

With a background in industrial engineering, he focuses on applying systems thinking, automation, and manufacturing principles to improve construction productivity and drive industry transformation.

https://ptblink.com/


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

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

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

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.

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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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Activating Curiosity™ | Leading Change in the Construction IndustryBy Ryan Ware - AEC Industry Coach in Change Management & Leadership Development