Design Development

Jeffry Burchard, Partner at Machado Silvetti and Associate Professor at Harvard GSD, is known for his innovative design approach and contributions to architectural education. He influences both students and professionals with his expertise and focus on quality and conceptual thinking in architecture. 

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Design Development, Jeffry shares his journey in architecture, discussing his path from Idaho to becoming a partner at a world-renowned architectural firm. He delves into Machado Silvetti's unique design philosophy, which is centered around discovering underlying conceptual ideas for each project, resulting in uniquely tailored architectural solutions.

Jeffry and Rens explore various topics, including the challenges architects face with fee structures, the importance of communication and speed in architectural practice, and the role of education in developing future architects. Jeffry also highlights some of the firm's notable projects, such as transforming the Denver Museum and designing U.S. embassies, each showcasing their commitment to creating impactful, culturally significant spaces. This episode offers valuable insights into the intricacies of architectural design and the importance of lifelong learning in the profession.

Key Takeaways:

• Machado Silvetti's Design Philosophy: The firm is committed to finding unique conceptual threads in each project and ensuring that every design is uniquely tailored to its context and users.
• Communication and Speed: These are not just essential skills for architects but the lifeblood of project execution and client satisfaction. The need for speed in completing rote tasks and the power of effective communication cannot be overstated.
• Fee Structures in Architecture: Understanding the historical context of fee structures is crucial. Architects must navigate the challenge of balancing increasing project demands with stagnant fees, highlighting the urgent need for change in the industry.
• Balancing Quality of Life: The significance of designing spaces that maximize units and enhance the quality of life and community engagement.
• Educational Influence: The importance of integrating both practical and theoretical knowledge in architectural education and the value of lifelong learning for professional growth.

Resources:

• Machado Silvetti Website
• Harvard Graduate School of Design Website
• Books Mentioned:
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • The Story of Practice by Dana Cuff
  • Negotiating Architecture by Dana Cuff

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

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 Mark Natale is the Principal at Smarthinking, a top branding and marketing consultancy specializing in luxury real estate, hotels, and private clubs. With experience at Jack Parker Corporation in New York, Mark honed his expertise in branding within the hospitality industry. He creates compelling brand narratives, integrating a brand's story into all aspects of a project, from design to customer experience. 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Design Development," Rens Hayes, the host and co-founder of H+O Structural Engineering, delves into the intricate world of luxury real estate branding with expert Mark Natale, President of Smarthinking. Mark brings a wealth of experience and insights into how strong branding can significantly impact the real estate sector. This engaging episode unpacks the definition of branding, its importance in the real estate and hospitality industries, and how it influences customer perception and market positioning.

Mark Natale shares invaluable knowledge about the role of branding in differentiating products and enhancing customer experiences. He emphasizes that branding is not just a logo or an advertising campaign; it's the container for a customer's complete experience with a product or company. Through vivid analogies and real-world examples, Mark illustrates how every interaction with a brand can either enhance or degrade its value. Tune in to learn about the symphonic application of branding elements, the importance of photorealistic renderings, and how an encyclopedic understanding of the prospect journey can elevate a real estate asset.

Key Takeaways:

• Definition of Branding: "A brand is a container for a customer's complete experience with a product or a company." - Mark Natale.
• Brand and Customer Identity: People choose brands that resonate with their identity and values, such as their lifestyle or social status.
• Importance of Operations: Effective branding extends beyond advertising to include the overall customer experience, from initial interaction to service delivery.
• Role of Storytelling: Crafting a compelling narrative helps align team efforts and attracts the right customers to the brand, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.
• Comprehensive Services: Smart Thinking offers a full range of branding services, from initial concept development to ongoing customer engagement strategies.

Resources:

• Smarthinking, Inc. (Note: 1 ‘T’)
• Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
• Damn Good Advice by George Lois
• Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite by Paul Arden

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

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

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Zach Waters
Zach Waters is the founder and CEO of Black Swan Risk Management, a specialized risk management firm dedicated exclusively to architects and engineers. With a professional background that intersects between legal tenets, insurance practices, and contract negotiation, Zach has become a well-versed expert in managing the intricacies related to risk in the architectural and engineering sector. His company aims to simplify the complexities of risk management and empower their clients to navigate through unpredictable and severe events.

Episode Summary:

 In this episode of Design Development, hosted by Rens Hayes of H+O Structural Engineering, the focus is on real estate development, design, construction, and professional liability insurance. Zach Waters, CEO of Black Swan Risk Management, shares his expertise on liability insurance, risk management, and essential contract details for AE firms. 

Zach begins with riveting examples of professional liability insurance cases, such as the Millennium Tower incident and a devastating bicycle accident, showing how exposure can lead to unforeseen liabilities even in seemingly unrelated events. The discussion transitions to emphasize the importance of understanding and negotiating contract languages like limitation of liability and the notable differences between 'at fault' and 'exposure'. He stresses the importance of understanding contract language, like limitation of liability, and the risks of poorly reviewed agreements. Zach also covers cyber insurance, construction risk management, and the significance of clear scopes of work. 

Key Takeaways:

• Exposure vs. Fault: Understanding that exposure to claims can lead to significant financial burdens even without direct fault.
• Importance of Limitation of Liability: How capping your liability through specific contract clauses can protect your business from massive financial hits.
• Contract Language: The critical role of precise contract language in ensuring your insurance policy covers potential liabilities.
• Cyber Insurance: The growing importance of cyber insurance in safeguarding against modern digital risks and how even small firms are vulnerable.
• Risk Management Practices: Integrating comprehensive risk management strategies within firms to avoid long-term detrimental impacts.

Resources:

• Black Swan Risk Management: Black Swan Risk Management Website
• Zach Waters' LinkedIn: Zach Waters on LinkedIn
• 'The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
• 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear
• 'Start with Why' by Simon Sinek

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

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

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Tony Coskren is the Executive Managing Director at Newmark, with a 17-year career in commercial real estate specializing in industrial and logistics markets. Tony has extensive experience working with billion-dollar institutions, top-tier companies like Amazon, FedEx, and Walmart, and local tenants. As a former Division-1 athlete and hockey player, Tony's competitive spirit drives his expert navigation and success in the high-stakes world of industrial real estate.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another inspiring installment of "Design Development" hosted by Rens Hayes. Today, we dive deep into the industrial real estate market with Tony Coskren, the Executive Managing Director at Newmark. Tony's exceptional career spans 17 years in commercial real estate, focusing on industrial and logistics sectors. Tony navigates us through his robust journey from initial sales roles to landing significant deals with giants like Amazon and FedEx.

Tony shares critical insights on the complexities of the Boston industrial real estate market, including the challenges of land scarcity and entitling projects, explained through noteworthy deals like the redevelopment of an old Lucent Technologies site and transforming the AstraZeneca campus for Amazon Robotics. We also get a glimpse into Tony's personal life, learning how his competitive edge was honed through collegiate and family hockey experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• The Complex World of Industrial Real Estate: Tony discusses the intricacies of brokering deals for clients like Amazon and FedEx, highlighting the challenges in a congested market like Boston.
• Entitlement and Redevelopment: The importance of identifying underutilized sites, entitling them, and successfully redeveloping them for high-value use, impacting community and logistics.
• Skills from Sales to Real Estate: Tony's transition from tech sales at EMC to real estate, demonstrating the pivotal role of cold-calling, persistence, and strategic networking in building his career.
• Personal Background: How Tony's experience as a D1 hockey player and his tight-knit, competitive family life shaped his professional approach.
• Real Estate Dynamics and Trends: The shift in industrial real estate from underappreciated assets to critical components in supply chain optimizations given rising e-commerce demand.

Resources:

• Newmark
• All In Podcast (available on major podcast platforms)
• Mention of Hillwood Development Company LLC
• Tony Coskren on LinkedIn: Tony Coskren

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

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

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Jordan Wilson is a seasoned expert in tax credit consulting, currently serving as Director of Business Development at Corporate Tax Advisors (CTA). With a background in payroll, HR technologies, and tax incentives, Jordan specializes in research and development (R&D) tax credits, cost segregation studies, and energy tax credits. His knowledge and practical approach help businesses navigate the complexities of tax strategies to optimize their financial outcomes.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another episode of Design Development, hosted by Rens Hayes. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of lucrative tax credits with tax expert Jordan Wilson from Corporate Tax Advisors. The episode aims to demystify the often-confusing landscape of taxes for business leaders, especially those in real estate development, design, and construction.

Jordan elucidates the foundational aspects of tax credits, focusing on how these can supercharge a company's capital for growth. With an emphasis on real estate design and construction, the conversation touches on R&D tax credits, energy tax credits, cost segregation studies, and training and development credits. Architects, engineers, contractors, and business owners in these verticals will find actionable insights to maximize their financial efficiency and foster innovation within their organizations.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding R&D Tax Credits: R&D tax credits incentivize U.S.-based employers to innovate and improve products or processes, offering significant financial advantages for businesses involved in design and development.
• Difference Between Tax Experts: General accountants and specialized tax consultants serve different roles; specialized consultants focus on high-value tax credits and strategies that generalists might overlook.
• Impact of Section 174: The new 174 legislation requires amortizing R&D expenses over five years, significantly influencing corporate cash flow and tax strategies.
• Cost Segregation Studies: Accelerating depreciation through cost segregation can drastically improve short-term cash flow for commercial real estate owners.
• Energy Tax Credits: With evolving green energy regulations, architects and engineers can use energy-efficient designs to capture significant tax deductions, thereby reducing project costs.

Resources:

• Corporate Tax Advisors: Website
• Books Mentioned:
  • Intangible Enterprise by KP Reddy
  • As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
• Contact Jordan Wilson: j[email protected]

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

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

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Justin MacEachern is the Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Massachusetts and Northern New England at Gilbane, a global leader in construction and real estate development. A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Justin boasts a diverse career in both high-end residential construction and commercial real estate development. His extensive experience includes significant roles both on the construction side at Gilbane and on the real estate development side with Boylston Properties.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes speaks with Justin MacEachern, Vice President and Business Unit Leader at Gilbane, about his unique career journey and valuable insights into the construction and real estate development industry. MacEachern, who started with a focus in biomedical engineering, shares how he transitioned into construction and developed a passion for the field.

They discuss key projects like Shattuck Hospital and Arsenal Yards, exploring the complex balance of schedule, budget, and stakeholder management in large-scale developments. MacEachern also emphasizes the importance of understanding the perspectives of both developers and general contractors.

The conversation further delves into leadership, the significance of company culture, and the role of training in sustaining Gilbane's small-company feel despite its global presence. MacEachern offers advice for industry newcomers, stressing the value of persistence, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy and Curiosity: Understanding the pressures and challenges faced on both sides of the GC and developer relationship can lead to more successful project outcomes.
• Culture of Trust: Gilbane prioritizes creating a family-like atmosphere, empowering employees to make decisions without fear of reprisal.
• Strategic Planning: Effective strategic planning, which involves forecasting future trends and maintaining market diversity, is crucial for sustained business success.
• Job Readiness: Young professionals should show eagerness to learn and grow, demonstrating their ability to absorb information and adapt.
• Gilbane University: Continuous training and development are integral parts of Gilbane’s strategy to keep employees up-to-date with industry advancements

Resources:

• Gilbane: Website
• Simon Sinek: Leaders Eat Last

For more valuable insights into real estate development, design, and construction, make sure to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for additional episodes of Design Development.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

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

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Keith Shaw is the President of Delphi Construction, a leading construction firm in Massachusetts. His career began in vocational school, bypassing college for hands-on work. After founding his own construction business in his early 20s, Shaw joined Delphi, advancing from superintendent to COO and now President. His leadership and strategic vision have been vital to Delphi’s growth, especially in the multifamily, healthcare, and education sectors.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes interviews Keith Shaw, President of Delphi Construction. They discuss Shaw’s career journey from vocational school to leading one of Massachusetts' top construction companies. The conversation covers leadership development, building a sustainable business, and adapting to industry changes, including the shift from authoritative to collaborative leadership.

Delphi Construction specializes in multifamily, healthcare, and education sectors, working mainly with non-profits. Shaw details Delphi’s approach to “building responsibly” by fostering team collaboration, emphasizing sustainability, and focusing on community impact. The episode also explores Delphi’s growth strategies, including self-performance for better margins and quality control, and the importance of developing future leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Development: Identifying and nurturing future leaders with humility is vital for scalability.
• Leadership Transition: The industry is shifting from an authoritative style to a collaborative, team-focused approach.
• Organic Growth: Delphi focuses on sustainable growth by enhancing its people’s skills.
• Operational Improvements: Training and processes are crucial for consistent, quality project delivery.
• Industry Challenges: The episode touches on COVID-19’s impact and adapting to ongoing industry challenges.

Resources:

• Delphi Construction: Delphi Construction Website
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: Book Link
• Turn the Ship Around! by David Marquet: Book Link
• Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast: Listen Here

Tune in to this inspiring conversation and discover how Delphi Construction merges leadership, sustainability, and strategic growth for long-term success. For more valuable industry insights, don't miss future episodes of Design Development!

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

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

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Clifton Harness is Co-founder and CEO of Testfit Inc., an innovative company revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) spaces with generative design. Clifton's background spans a variety of experiences from working in his family's entrepreneurial real estate business to earning an architecture degree from the University of Texas. He also has experience in high-density residential development through his role at Streetlights Residential, a prominent design-build development firm.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Design Development, hosted by Rens Hayes, co-founder of H+O Structural Engineering, we delve into the world of generative design in the AEC space with Clifton Harness, co-founder and CEO of TestFit. Clifton narrates his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial real estate family to co-founding TestFit, highlighting key experiences that shaped his innovative mindset. This episode is a must-listen for professionals keen on understanding how software can streamline the ideation and development phases in commercial real estate.

Clifton shares his insights on the challenges he faced in architecture and real estate development, leading to the creation of TestFit. The conversation covers the fascinating origin story of TestFit, detailing how Clifton's partnership with his college roommate, Ryan, kick-started this groundbreaking venture. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how TestFit is fundamentally changing the way developers, architects, and contractors approach site planning, unit mix calculation, and cost estimation. Clifton also touches upon the company's roadmap, including future advancements in generative design and the integration of zoning data.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Solutions: Clifton Harness and his partner recognized a significant problem in the architecture and real estate development processes, leading them to develop TestFit, which automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks like unit mix calculation and parking layouts.
• Empowering Users: TestFit's generative design features empower users by providing up to 30,000 risk-adjusted site plan options within seconds, revolutionizing how projects are evaluated and conceptualized.
• Market Integration: TestFit caters primarily to American multifamily and industrial developments, but also offers tools for hotels and office projects, demonstrating its versatility.
• Zoning and Data Integration: The software incorporates invaluable data layers, including FEMA floodplain data and comprehensive zoning information through a partnership with Zoneomics.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

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

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A licensed engineer with entrepreneurial spirit, Rens Hayes has a robust background in steel construction, structural engineering and business operations. He co-founded H+O Structural Engineering with Jeremiah O'Neill and has led the company to significant growth through innovative approaches and a commitment to company culture. Rens is also deeply involved in educational pursuits, continually seeking knowledge to grow the business and inspire his team.

Ken Sanginario is the host of the Value Growth Podcast and a mentor to many business leaders through his Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA) platform. He specializes in teaching the principles of value growth and has played a significant role in guiding businesses to achieve sustainable success.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Rens shares the journey of building H+O Structural Engineering from the ground up, underscoring the principles of value growth that have propelled the firm toward national expansion.

Starting from Rens' initial experiences helping run his father's steel fabrication business, the episode delves into how these early lessons, coupled with strategic educational pursuits like the CVGA, laid the foundation for H+O's mission and vision. Discussions cover building a company culture rooted in transparency and empowerment, which are encapsulated in H+O's commitment to "a better experience" for both employees and clients. Also highlighted are the core values that drive decision-making and behavior at H+O, making the firm a standout in a competitive field.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Core Values: Establishing mission, vision, and core values is crucial for aligning the entire organization and driving consistent decision-making.
• Open Book Financial Management: Rens emphasizes the power of transparency in building trust and making financial health a collective responsibility among employees.
• National Expansion: H+O's vision includes national growth and acquiring other firms to create a better work environment and superior client service on a larger scale.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Open book financial management... it's crazy to me that it's not more commonplace."
2. "The power of short, concise statements... programming the subconscious of everyone on what's actually important."
3. "What about your company being hard to find? Or why would good people know that there's something worth chasing at your company?"

Tune in to this episode to discover more about how Rens Hayes is shaping the future of structural engineering and learn invaluable business insights. 

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

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

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Samira Ahmadi is the founding principal of enviENERGY Studio, a firm dedicated to making energy efficiency and sustainability accessible to all. With a background in architecture and a specialized master's degree in Building Performance and Diagnostics from Carnegie Mellon University, Samira has positioned her company at the forefront of the energy and sustainability sectors. She is also deeply committed to educating the next generation of sustainability experts through internships and co-ops, particularly from Northeastern University.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Design Development, Rens Hayes, co-founder of H+O Structural Engineering, dives deep into the rapidly evolving world of energy and sustainability with Samira Ahmadi, the founding principal of enviENERGY Studio. Celebrating their eighth anniversary, enviENERGY focuses on making energy efficiency and sustainability simple and accessible for both local and national projects. Samira shares her mission and the driving force behind her company, discussing the intricacies of energy codes and the latest advancements in the field.

The conversation covers various essential aspects, such as the complex relationship between building design and energy efficiency. Samira sheds light on the significant changes in energy codes, emphasizing the importance of integrative design and energy modeling. The episode also delves into different market sectors like life sciences and multifamily housing, discussing their unique energy requirements. As the discussion progresses, Samira addresses the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in real estate, along with her entrepreneurial journey from architecture to founding her own company.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Involvement in Energy Modeling: Integrating energy modeling early in the design process is crucial for optimizing building performance and meeting energy codes.
• Impact of Building Envelope: The significance of building envelopes varies across sectors; it's more impactful in multifamily housing than life sciences.
• Passive House and Zero Carbon: Understanding the standards and requirements can guide better decision-making for energy efficiency.
• Decarbonization of Existing Buildings: Adapting older structures to meet current energy codes involves phased plans and innovative solutions like thermal energy storage.
• Inspirational Leadership: The journey from working as an architect to founding enviENERGY showcases the importance of mentorship and relentless quest for challenges.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We should hire at least one co-op and one intern from local universities every year... to know exactly what the word of sustainability is." - Samira Ahmadi
2. "For me, nothing could have satisfied besides taking that risk and testing myself and seeing how far I can go." - Samira Ahmadi
3. "Energy modeling generally should be used as a comparative tool but it's also being used as a predictive tool." - Samira Ahmadi
4. "Our grid in New England didn't get cleaner for the past two years... we need those alternative energy sources to go 100% clean energy." - Samira Ahmadi
5. "The biggest change in the industry is the integrative design process... involving sustainability early on in the design phase." - Samira Ahmadi

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

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

Let’s go.