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In this episode, Harry Wheeler, principal architect of JCJ & hospitality consultant, shares the lessons he's learned about the value of organizational balance and collaboration in project management and design. Harry shares his journey from studying at Wentworth, becoming a partner at Group One, and leading its merger with JCJ Architecture. 

Harry also highlights lessons in leadership, the tremendous impact of hiring a business coach, and how Group One navigated the 2008 recession through financial preparedness and transparent communication. This episode offers insights into team leadership, strategic growth, and resilience in the hospitality industry. 

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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For the first episode of 2025, Edd Hamzanlui joins Design Development to explore the critical issues surrounding the affordable housing crisis. With a deep dive into the structural problems rooted in historical zoning laws, Edd provides a nuanced perspective on the impact on cities like Greater Boston. 

In this episode, he shares his journey from Iran to the U.S., education and early career, as well as his insights on the current state of affordable housing and regulatory challenges. He also discusses his entrepreneurial venture, MassCAN Capital, and his focus on workforce housing in Massachusetts gateway cities.

Throughout the conversation, Ed emphasizes learning from experience, continued growth, and the importance of a bipartisan effort in addressing housing issues.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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This is a guest episode on The Civil Engineering CEO Show with Anthony Fasano. Enjoy!

In this episode, Anthony Fasano & Rens Hayes, P.E., S.E., CVGA, Co-Founder and Principal at H+O Structural Engineering, unpack why burnout remains a hidden epidemic in the engineering industry. They explore the intense deadlines, project complexities, and stigma that keep burnout unaddressed—and how we can tackle it together. 

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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Mimi Love, Principal at Utile, joins us on Design Development as she dives into Utile's approach to new energy requirements, the importance of maintaining sustainability, and her story on how she came to architecture.

We go into Utile's broad range of services, including housing, institutional work, and workspace design, and reflects on the firm's strategic decision not to specialize in a single sector. Additionally, Mimi shares insights on Utile's work culture, their Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) initiative, including the Possible Zone project, and the importance of mentorship and observational learning for aspiring architects. 

This episode is a deep dive into the dynamic world of architectural practice and the evolution of an architectural firm's approach to design, client relations, and educational outreach.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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Michael Waterbury, dubbed the "Tenth Man of Healthcare," is a bold advocate for industry transformation. With 25+ years of experience at leading U.S. healthcare organizations, he challenges misaligned incentives, rising medical debt, and outdated systems. His vision is a healthcare system where insured individuals aren’t overwhelmed by out-of-pocket costs.

This passion inspired him to create Goodroot, a community of companies committed to reimagining healthcare for greater affordability and accessibility. To date the Goodroot community of companies have already removed over $1B in waste from our healthcare system and brought solutions to market that are lowering cost for 1 out of every 10 Americans.

In this episode, he covers the inefficiencies in drug pricing, the impact of PBMs on healthcare costs, and the significant issue of medical debt. Mike also highlights his journey from a successful executive to an entrepreneur, founding RemedyOne and later Goodroot, a company aimed at revolutionizing healthcare one system at a time. He shares insights on building successful companies, the importance of mission and culture, and his bold predictions for the future of healthcare.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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In this episode, Rens interviews Chris Bushnell of BisNow, diving deep into his intriguing career journey from multifamily development, to signing a record label deal in the music industry, and ultimately transitioning to his current role as Vice President of Bisnow's digital and business events in Boston, New York, and New Jersey. 

Chris shares his unique insights into brokering relationships, marketing and sales synergy, the importance of nurturing relationships, and leveraging platform-based strategies for connecting the right people. We also discuss effective storytelling, value-driven client interactions, business relationships through golf, and the significance of being proactive in demand generation. Listen in for valuable lessons on finding success through connecting the dots in the commercial real estate industry.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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In this episode of Design Development, host Rens dives into the intersection of strategic planning, leadership development, and personal career growth. As strategic planning season kicks off, Rens shares insights from years of building a business, writing content, and recording podcasts—all while balancing the demands of leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Content Creation & Business Growth:
   • Content creation is a powerful tool to gain visibility in your industry. "It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you."
   • Consistency is key: sticking to a schedule (e.g., weekly podcast episodes) helps build credibility and a lasting impact.
2. The Essence of Strategic Planning:
   • Involving team members in strategic planning fosters alignment and inclusivity.
   • Strategic planning is about stepping back from day-to-day tasks to set a clear vision and priorities for the future.
3. Leadership Development Drives Growth:
   • Scaling a business requires forward-thinking leadership. Leaders must continually develop their skills to meet future needs.
   • Misplacing top performers in leadership roles without proper preparation can stagnate growth and lead to employee turnover.
4. Breaking Through Plateaus:
   • When businesses hit growth plateaus, the challenge often lies in leadership blind spots. Addressing these requires identifying and removing obstacles, whether operational, strategic, or talent-related.
5. Career Development as a "Company of One":
   • Reflect on your personal goals annually. Consider what skills you want to develop and how they align with your company’s vision.
   • Proactively contribute to your company’s success to open doors for career advancement.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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In this episode, we welcome Patrick Mahoney, a real estate attorney and developer, as they dive into Patrick's transformative journey before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting as a journeyman electrician, Patrick shares how his strategic approach to business and real estate development evolved, highlighting pivotal moments in his career. He discusses his experience in Boston's intense real estate landscape, the significance of creating work-life balance, and personal growth milestones, including sobriety and joining YPO. Patrick also shares his innovative projects, mentorship initiatives, and the decision-making processes that led to his success. 

Key takeaways from the episode emphasize the importance of aligning stakeholder incentives, perseverance, continuous personal development, and empathetic understanding in community-based real estate projects.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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In this episode, we welcome John Dolan, the Managing Director for the New England region at Avison Young. John shares his extraordinary career journey from a childhood interest in broadcasting to leading a top brokerage firm. John discusses his early experiences in television and radio, the transition to commercial real estate, and his current role overseeing Avison Young's New England region. Gain valuable insights into the flexibility of career paths, the importance of client-first mentality, and the evolving state of the office environment in Boston. This episode is packed with leadership advice, personal anecdotes, and professional tips for anyone navigating the business world.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on One Person: When speaking publicly, especially in an extemporaneous or radio-style setting, remember that you're talking to one person. Even though you're addressing a group, keep the mindset that your conversation is meant for an individual. This approach helps maintain a personal connection and makes the communication feel more natural.
• Confidence in Your Material: People want to hear what you have to say because they value your insights and experiences. Be confident in your knowledge, even if you don't have all the answers. You are offering more information than your audience likely knows, and they are eager to learn from you.
• Embrace Pauses: If you lose your train of thought, don’t panic. A brief pause to regroup is perfectly fine, and it won’t seem as long to the audience as it feels to you. Use the pause to collect your thoughts and regain your composure, knowing that a short break in speaking is natural and can help you get back on track.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!
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James Miner is the former CEO of Sasaki, a globally recognized architecture and urban design firm. With a rich educational background from MIT and Harvard, James transitioned from urban planning and architecture into leadership roles, culminating in his tenure as CEO of Sasaki. His career at Sasaki spans over two decades, where he worked on pivotal projects like the Beijing Olympics Master Plan. Throughout his career, James has emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic planning, contributing significantly to Sasaki's development and acclaim in the real estate design industry.

Episode Summary:

 In this Design Development episode, host Rens Hayes interviews James Miner, former CEO of Sasaki, about his journey from MIT and Harvard to leading in urban planning and architecture. Miner reflects on his unique path, from a passion for environmental psychology to overseeing major projects like the Beijing Olympics. He emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic planning, and leadership in design, advocating for meaningful projects over volume. Miner also discusses the challenges of managing a globally dispersed firm and adapting Sasaki’s strategic direction in a dynamic market. 

Key Takeaways:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: Success in design and urban planning hinges on integrating multiple disciplines, such as architecture, landscape design, and urban planning, to optimize outcomes.
• Strategic Project Pursuits: Focusing on fewer, high-impact projects enhances a firm’s ability to deliver quality work and foster long-term client relationships.
• Leadership and Vulnerability: Effective leadership involves vulnerability and empowering others while maintaining strategic oversight and decision-making capabilities.
• Professional Growth and Mentoring: Continuous learning and mentorship are crucial for adapting to new roles and responsibilities, especially in leadership transitions.
• Value Beyond Time: Architects often generate immense value that isn't directly tied to billable hours, highlighting a need to rethink traditional billing and valuation strategies.

Resources:

• Sasaki - Official website of Sasaki, where James Miner held the role of CEO.
• Books Mentioned:
  • How Big Things Get Done
  • Working Identity

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!
Design Development Podcast!

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Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/