In this week's episode and final installment of the Future Construct Podcast and Shadow Ventures special 4-part series, we are excited to feature Edgar Martinez Ceja and Ali Khaloo, Co-Founders of Aren, who are also the COO and CEO respectively, in part one and Mike Giacco, Director of Technology at AI Engineers (@AI_Engineers) in part two. Joining host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) as co-host for this special episode is KP Reddy (@reddy_kp) from Shadow Ventures. KP is a globally recognized authority in AEC environments, AI, robotics, automation, mobile applications, and cloud computing and a sought-after subject matter expert, frequently speaking worldwide on BIM and the built environment. 

Edgar brings significant business, engineering, and startup expertise to his role at Aren. His prior roles include CEO at Niltsi (a pre-revenue startup in the wind energy space), as well as stints at Bain & Company (@BainAlerts), Fusion Media Group (@FusionMedia), and Univision (@Univision). Over the course of his career, Edgar has been responsible for investing in, acquiring, and operating digital media businesses in the range of $100M in annual revenue, leading a digital vertical with $35M in annual revenue. He also co-founded a company that toured robotic educational exhibits throughout Latin America and Asia, exposing millions of kids to technology. Edgar holds an MBA from NYU-Leonard N. Stern School of Business (@NYUStern) and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois (@UofIllinois).

After completing his Ph.D., Ali was appointed as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University’s (@Cornell) elite Runway program at the Cornell Tech campus in New York City, where Aren was born. He has a unique background that includes over a decade of work and R&D in structural engineering, robotics, computer vision, autonomous sensing, data interpretation, and artificial intelligence. He has authored more than 20 papers published in international high-impact journals and conference proceedings and holds several patents on automated generation and AI-powered analysis of 3D models of large civil infrastructure systems.

At Shadow Ventures, the focus is on investing in startups in tech-nascent markets where strategic capital is scarce. Their process and closed ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, designers, and developers are driven by both experience and technology to radically change how startups start, and investors finish. The company was founded in 2018 and partners with exceptional founders to transform the built environment.

In part two of this podcast, we are excited to feature Mike Giacco, Director of Technology at AI Engineers (@AI_Engineers). Mike has over 18 years of experience in the AEC industry, with the past 6 years focused on technology implementation. He is an FAA Part 107 Licensed Remote Pilot-in-Command and leads AI’s UAS Program as well as all other company technology initiatives. Mike has performed numerous UAS operations involving signature bridge structure inspection, construction documentation, emergency response, and survey/mapping. Most recently, his team brought artificial intelligence (AI) to the firm to assist with asset inspection and evaluation, keeping AIE on the cutting-edge of UAS capabilities.

Highlights of Edgar, Ali and Mike’s interviews with hosts Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) and KP Reddy (@reddy_kp) include:

• The methodology behind connecting the dots between academia teaching you how to research and

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (26 min interview), we are excited to feature Clay Smith, CEO at eVolve MEP (@evolvemep) and COO at Applied Software (ASTI) (@Applied_SW), and our host Amy Peck(@AmyPeckXR). eVolve MEP helps leaders in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing industries harness the power of Revit (@AutodeskRevit) for increased revenue, improved productivity, a stronger workforce and enhanced quality. They do this through software and services that enable faster detailer workflow, smarter use of skilled labor, fewer errors, higher quality and ultimately more projects. Partnered with ASTI, one of the largest AEC, Construction, Fabrication and Manufacturing System integrators in North America, eVolve MEP has created a tremendous breakthrough solution to meet the demands of the MEP prefabrication market.

As CEO, Clay launched and rapidly grew eVolve MEP, a construction technology start-up and comprehensive SaaS technology platform. He manages a versatile team (6 direct reports/65 total employees) of trade-specific product managers, software developers, and SaaS sales professionals, along with a talented executive team that he recruited and that propelled the business to the top of the subtrade software market. 

Highlights of Clay’s interview with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:

• Drawing a correlation between skills applied in the military and skills applied in the MEP software industry
• The rate at which customers are adopting technology, and how that might pose challenges in the future
• How close we are to doing the "heavy lifting" in the cloud with the admin of 5G, real-time rendering, and edge compute and other tools
• The influx of so much new technology in immersive technology, blockchain, AI, and how these emerging technologies will have an impact in our industry

As the COO, Clay focused on transforming the culture of ASTI from one of misalignment to one that attracts diverse talent from all over the US. He directed operational policies / organizational goals and managed sales and marketing, software development, technical consulting, and information technology. During his 6-year tenure, his efforts created $MM in value as the company grew to 158 employees (12 direct reports). As the empowerment-based culture he implemented flourished, ASTI’s turnaround became a growth story that catalyzed aggressive corporate growth via new client contracts and the subsequent need to recruit additional talent.

SHOW NOTES

0:12  Amy Peck introduces Todd Mustard, Vice President at The Association of Union Contractors.

04:16  It's interesting, because I didn't know you had a military background, but I do seem to come across a lot of people with military background. Do you think there's a correlation in some of the skills you'd apply in the military, you apply in this industry?

5:26  When you think about the work that you're doing, are you seeing customers really adopt technology on an end-to-end basis, or are they solving problems one at a time, and is that going to be an approach that becomes challenging in the future because there's so much technology coming at us now?

9:34  Do you think that with the admin of 5G, real-time rendering, and edge compute, that at some point, we'll be able to do the heavy lifting in the cloud and deliver the en

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (20 min interview), we  feature Todd Mustard, Vice President at The Association of Union Constructors (TUAC) (@TAUCbuilt), and our host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR). As Vice President, Todd coordinates the government affairs activities of the association, serving as staff liaison to TAUC’s Government Affairs Committee, and working with various legislative coalitions including the Construction Employers of America (@CEABuilds), the Alliance for Industrial Efficiency (@CHPAlliance), the Carbon Capture Coalition (@CCSTechFacts), and the Energy4Us Coalition. Todd also leads the association’s efforts as it relates to industry innovation and technology, serving as the staff liaison to TAUC's Innovation and Technology Committee. He is the point person for the annual TAUC Leadership Conference, Industrial Grade Innovation (IGI) Conference and Expo, and State of the Union Construction Industry Forum, creating the agendas and content for these events. He is the project lead on TAUC's Legacy Partner Program, as well as new and existing affinity programs, and other member products and services.

Highlights of Todd’s interview with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:

• Addressing some of the industry challenges, and how technology can solve them, as well as some of the initiatives Todd is working on directly or indirectly
• Bridging the knowledge gap, and where Todd sees some of the innovations coming on that side
• How technology is going to be really important in enticing the next generation's workforce
• What some of the cool jobs Todd is sees evolving now, that our kids can shape for the future

Over the last two decades Todd has helped market and promote the members of TAUC and the signatory contractors, international and local unions, and owner/clients who participate and use the National Maintenance Agreements. He has been lobbying for changes on Capitol Hill that would better the U.S.construction industry, and the people who work in it. For the last several years, Todd has been working to connect companies, people and ideas to help push the industry forward as it relates to the adoption of new innovation and technology. In addition to his role at TAUC, Todd also serves as the Vice President for the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee, Inc. (NMAPC) and as a board member for the Associated General Contractors of California.

SHOW NOTES

0:12  - Amy Peck introduces Todd Mustard, Vice President at The Association of Union Contractors.

02:33  - Moving away from communication, it seems you now have your finger on the pulse of innovation as well, and are really looking at addressing some of the industry challenges, and how technology can solve them. What are some of the initiatives you're working on directly or indirectly, and what are you seeing in terms of great use of technology in this realm?

8:53  - We talked a little bit about how we bridge the knowledge gap, and you have been front and center, so I'd love to see where you see some of the innovations coming on that side?

11:43  - Technology is going to really important in enticing the next generation workforce. In fact if you don't have emerging technology, you're not going to be able to attract this next generation workforce, so how is the industry tackling that piece of it as well?

15:26  - What would you say to your future kids, 20 years from now, about wh

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (45-minute interview total in two parts), we are excited to feature Sara Maffey, Head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development at Local Logic (@local_logic) in part one and Cal Inman, Principal at ClimateCheck (@MyClimateCheck) in part two. Joining host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) as co-host for this special episode is KP Reddy (@reddy_kp) from Shadow Ventures. KP is a globally recognized authority in AEC environments, AI, robotics, automation, mobile applications, and cloud computing and a sought-after subject matter expert, frequently speaking worldwide on BIM and the built environment. 

Sara Maffey's role combines her passions for real estate development and placemaking with data analytics and PropTech. She has deep experience throughout the built environment lifecycle, from site selection and economic development to construction management and commercial asset strategy. This background allows her to provide strategic real estate insights and help set the direction of Local Logic's growth. Prior to her role at Local Logic, Sara was the Founder and Curator-in-Chief of Localhippo, the Managing Director at Transwestern, President and CEO of Edgewood Strategies, and many other roles with a consulting and mechanical engineering background. Sara received her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Design and Architecture Studies from New York University and her Masters in Business Administration from Yale University.

At Shadow Ventures, the focus is on investing in startups in tech-nascent markets where strategic capital is scarce. Their process and closed ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, designers, and developers are driven by both experience and technology to radically change how startups start, and investors finish. The company was founded in 2018 and partners with exceptional founders to transform the built environment. Shadow Ventures' incubator is custom-built to grow the next generation of built environment startups. With less than a 5% acceptance rate, each startup undergoes a vigorous vetting process to be accepted. Their current portfolio is made up of companies tackling hard problems in construction and real estate tech with unique solutions. Learn more about the Shadow Ventures portfolio here. 

In part two of this podcast, we are excited to feature Cal Inman, Principal at ClimateCheck (@MyClimateCheck). Cal is also the founder and CEO of ClimateCheck. He has a commercial real estate development background and is a lecturer at UC Berkeley Masters in Real Estate Development. Cal is a Bay Area developer who builds creative mix-used projects, including office, retail, mini-lot homes, and multifamily housing. His projects take a fresh approach to small infill with a focus on innovative design, construction techniques, and community-oriented placemaking. A graduate of the University of Southern California with a focus on real estate finance, Mr. Inman started his career working with cutting-edge developer Rick Holiday on adaptive reuse and ground-up multifamily projects in Oakland and San Francisco. He started his own practice in 2008 and lives in San Francisco with his wife and young son.

Highlights of Sara and Cal’s interviews with hosts Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) and KP Reddy (@reddy_kp) include:
- How consultants are adapting to the evolution of data collection
- Ways to proactively impact your surroundings and what opportunities are present in doing so
- How organizat

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (32 min interview), we are excited to feature Cynthia Maller, Head of 3D Creative Technology at Walmart (@Walmart), and our host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR). Cynthia Maller is also the Head of 3D Creative Technology at three of Walmart's digitally-native brands: Hayneedle, Art.com and Allswell. She is a Certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Practitioner. Her focus is strengthening and scaling the three pillars of 3D in retail: inspiring aesthetics, visual integrity and operational excellence. She believes that every one of us has the talent and capability to add value to immersive commerce, and to be a builder, a citizen and a purveyor in the Metaverse. This drives her commitment to peer education, advocacy and invention. When she’s not at work, she’s on the ice, feeding her passion for figure skating. Her drive to try new things, to push herself, both in commerce technology and on the ice, is guided by the words of Erin Hanson, “What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, What if you fly?"

Highlights of Cynthia’s interview with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:
- How Cynthia developed Walmart to be "plug-and-play" and not vertical-specific in the world of 3D and visualization.
- The evolution of Cynthia's role becoming the go-to resource for Walmart about the metaverse
- How consumers can utilize 3D on a daily basis, and how they can become more involved in the conversation about integration
- The concept of gamification and developing more comfort about its adoption

In 1999, Cynthia began working as a Creative Director for Yahoo, and for the next 15 years, she held that same roles for large companies including Gyro International, Johnson and Johnson, PayPal, Sam's Club and Adobe. In 2015, she started shifting her focus towards user experience at Touch of Modern, where she led the UX team across all platforms, led a team of 18 photographers, stylists, and editors, and led brand development, creative, and packaging for 4 private label brands 
She was able to sell through excellent design and strategic innovations to an approval council comprised of four founders, she created the first-ever 360 review process for HR. Cynthia, then took her talents and accomplishments to Munchery. She has acquired a wealth of knowledge in creative technology, and continues to expand her expertise in her role at Walmart. Walmart aims to build a better world — helping people live better and renew the planet while building thriving, resilient communities. For them, this means working to create opportunity, build a more sustainable future, advance diversity, equity and inclusion and bring communities closer together.

SHOW NOTES

0:12  - Amy Peck introduces Cynthia Maller, Head of 3D Creative Technology at Walmart.

06:09  - You were a visionary when you saw this evolution of 3D coming, and now it's metaverse everything. We're moving from 2D screens to 3D. How has been becoming the go-to resource for the entire company [Walmart] about the metaverse?

18:26  - Now hand in hand with the metaverse, another term we keep hearing about is this "creator economy," and it's similar to what you're doing at [Walmart]. How would people use 3D to do what do on a daily basis, and how do you engage consumers in that conversation of integrating that?

23:42  - You mention gamification, and that can have a positive or negative connotation, depending on who you talk to. So, how do we b

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (30 min interview), we are excited to feature Mike Merrill (@michaeltmerrill), Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist at AboutTime Technologies - Workmax (@AboutTimeTechs), and our host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR). In 2003, with another General Contractor & two Software Engineers, he started AboutTime Technologies out of Payson, UT. WorkMax by AboutTime Technologies is the complete Employee Productivity collection software helping businesses reach their full potential. Combining the power of their TIME, FORMS, ASSETS, and INSIGHT modules businesses are able to track their mobile resources and manage project costs accurately. Since then, they have grown their client base to thousands of customers working in all 50 states, all provinces of Canada, & Internationally.

Highlights of Mike’s interview with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:

• Mike's outlook on the next evolution of the culture of AboutTime Technology, and what this company of the future looks like
• His reasoning for his move from the traditional end of the industry to the opposite end, back when technology and software weren't as prevalent
• The appetite of companies to put a stake in the ground and begin to prioritize innovation for the future
• Opportunities for companies to layer on more efficiencies through artificial intelligence, visualization, digital twin, and other newer technologies

In 1991, Mike started working in construction and after becoming a Foreman, Site Superintendent & Project Manager, he started his own building & development company focusing on custom homes, renovation work, subdivision projects & commercial jobs. As a Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer at AboutTime, Mike opened their first office & helped put the initial pieces in motion to get our business off of the ground & thriving. He has acted in various roles including managing Sales, Channel Partnerships & Business Development. AboutTime Technologies is currently expanding its operations, hiring new team members to continue to grow and expand its market presence!

SHOW NOTES

0:12  Amy Peck introduces Mike Merrill, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist at AboutTime Technologies - Workmax.

03:47  In the time that you've been doing your podcast and since you started your company, have you seen more awareness, and has there been an impetus to start to think about what is the next evolution of the culture of the company, but also what does the company of the future look like?

7:13  You moved from the traditional end of the industry to the opposite end, back when technology and software hadn't really become as ubiquitous as it is today, especially with our mobile devices. What made that happen? Were you always fascinated with technology? Why make that leap?

16:50  So I think it's important, and companies will have to put a stake in the ground and say they are actually going to prioritize innovation. Do you see more of an appetite for that or does it just depend on the company?

18:39  Looking forward to emerging technology that's coming, between looking at AI, blockchain, and immersive technology, do you see some opportunities there for companies to begin to layer on even more efficiencies through visualization, digital twin, and even some of these newer technologies?

27:30  If you could pro

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (1 hour interview), we are excited to feature Joseph "Roee" Shua-Haim, Founder and CEO at Hathaware (@Hathaware). He graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in the summer of 2016. After graduating, Joseph moved to NYC and began his career as a structural engineer. Soon enough, Joseph took on an opportunity to shift into project management in RE development. Since making the shift, Joseph has managed over $85M in ground up developments.

At Shadow Ventures, the focus is on investing in startups in tech-nascent markets where strategic capital is scarce. Their process and closed ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, designers, and developers are driven by both experience and technology to radically change how startups start and investors finish. 

In Part 2 of this podcast, we are excited to feature Thai Nguyen, Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at Hensel Phelps (@HenselPhelps). Thai has more than 20 years of experience in the architectural and construction industries. As Director of VDC, Thai drives the innovation of construction processes for Hensel Phelps, one of the United States’ largest employee-owned general contracting firms. In this role he leads VDC initiatives for all of Hensel Phelps’ district offices, managing a team of more than 80 individuals. This team provides company-wide leadership in VDC systems, tools and processes. They continually expand the use of virtual design and construction tools within Hensel Phelps, and within the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry.

Highlights of Joseph and Thai’s interviews with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:

• The evolution of what's being built and opportunities for mid-size companies to bring technology in and improve processes
• How Joseph's developing Hathaware based on insights from conversations with customers
• Some of the unique challenges of bringing in new software to a 
  large company
• Talent out of the BIM world that's leading innovation, and how that may be causing a shift in new innovation roles within Hensel Phelps and other companies

SHOW NOTES 

0:50  Amy Peck introduces Joseph "Roee" Shua-Haim, Founder and CEO 
at Hathaware.

10:31  So you're here and you've created this software, you're in the accelerator program now. Where do you see the evolution of what you're building, and some of the opportunities for mid-size companies to bring technology in and improve 
their processes?

13:25  So you also mentioned another thing that can be a trap the founders often fall into, which is too many bells and whistles, trying to make things too fancy and future rich. When you're talking to customers, what are some of the things you're hearing that are informing how you're developing Hathaware?

21:18  Amy Peck introduces Thai Nguyen, Director of Virtual Design and Construction at Hensel Phelps.

27:10  You mentioned some of the unique challenges of bringing in new software to a large company. There are a lot of legacy systems. Is part of your job just understanding how are you going to be able to bring in new technology and what systems do you need to alter or change to allow for all of this new technology?

39:28  Your CIO and CTO are two completely

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (23 min interview), we are excited to feature Todd Ogle, PhD, Executive Director of the Applied Research in Immersive Experiences and Simulations (ARIES) program at Virginia Tech (@virginia_tech), and our host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR). Todd and Amy were able to catch up at the 2022 Geo Week conference (@GeoWeekExpo) in Denver earlier this year to record this episode. We look forward to seeing you at Geo Week 2023, and you can keep up to date on all the Geo Week News here!

Highlights of Todd’s interview with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:

• Some of the challenges Todd has found in leveraging reality technology and utilizing cross-functionality and how he overcame them using technology
• Difficulties in developing and processing renderings of a particular village project
• How some projects predate newer optimizations tools, and the industry is beginning to revisit them while determining if there are industry standards yet
• Exciting new developments in the world of technology and his ideal product for the future

In his role at Virginia Tech, Todd leads the program, which applies immersive environments and simulations to the content creation and educational programs provided by the University Libraries, such as:

• Content to be held in the University Library’s learning object repository, Odyssey
• University Library instruction and student digital literacy programs
• Open educational resource creation
• Research and institutional data visualization
• Digital Collections-building and Digital Humanities

The ARIES program supports applied research that brings together industry
partners, faculty, and students interested in the cognitive and affective aspects of
learning in immersive environments, games, simulations for training and
performance support, and more. It provides a destination for students to discover,
create and share their own creations in the form of games, simulations, VR and AR experiences for learning and entertainment while having the informal interactions with interested peers, faculty, industry partners, and external researchers that are so valuable for student development.

SHOW NOTES

0:12  Amy Peck introduces Todd Ogle, Executive Director of the Applied Research in Immersive Experiences and Simulations (ARIES) program at Virginia Tech.

02:06  This project is one of the perfect use cases, leveraging augmented reality and virtual reality, and utilizing cross functionality. What are some of the challenges you've found, and how did you overcome them using technology?

10:26  So give us somewhat of a snapshot of this project you've been working on. I've been so impressed with how you're looking at open source and leveraging it wherever you can, and how important that is, so I'd love to hear your perspective.

12:38  So you had two former students who are out there in the wild, working in the industry, and you know, there are a lot of tools. Some of the renderings you shared of the village really looked fantastic, but it was not an easy process. Can you talk about that?

16:54  One of your students was talking about the different levels of decimation. Some of these projects were long before some of these optimizations tools were even out there,

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (30 min interview), we are excited to feature Adeniyi Ogunsua (@kogunsua), Senior Director and Industry Digital Strategist at Microsoft (@microsoft), and your host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR). In his role, Adeniyi helps design and create the intelligent future by igniting and enabling innovation via strategic partnership, industry-transforming initiatives, and innovative market platforms that leverage intelligent clouds. He leads teams to design and build the future of organizations facing Digital Transformation and transitioning to the Cloud. Lately, his focus has been on Sustainability (ESG) programs, Embedded Finance, RegTech, AI (Intelligent Bots, Cognitive Services, ML), Intelligent Buildings/Cities/Infrastructure (Digital Twins, IoT, Analytics), and Mixed Reality (HoloLens) for customers using 3 Horizons (core, emerging, disruptive business) growth model.

In addition to his role at Microsoft, Adeniyi has attained extensive Big Four consulting and Fortune 500 experience within the financial services, healthcare, AEC, and retail industries. He holds PMP, CISA, and CSM designations. He has also received two Circle of Excellence awards for innovative sales and service Mobile applications that increase revenue and interest profit, improves customer loyalty, and increases customer acquisitions.

At Microsoft, the mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Microsoft operates in 190 countries and is made up of 181,000 passionate employees worldwide.

Highlights of Adeniyi’s interview with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:
- His suggested strategies to companies to help them overcome fear as an organization in the adoption of new technology
- His key tactics, including BIM, that companies can utilize to make their buildings more responsive
- Overcoming the economics and expense involved with introducing and integrating new technology
- Exciting new developments in the world of technology and his ideal product for the future

0:12  - Amy Peck introduces Adeniyi Ogunsua, Senior Director and Industry Digital Strategist at Microsoft.

02:32  - The future is upon us and coming at us pretty quickly. When you're working with companies, what are some of the strategies that you're talking to them about? Are you find some fear and reticence for the level of change that needs to occur in companies these days?

8:07  - So I love when you talked about responsive buildings. What are some of the tactics that companies can use? Not all companies are utilizing BIM. What are some of the strategies and how do we make this a standard?

11:27  - As an owner or large construction company, or even an architecture firm, all of these industry innovations sound perfectly logical and extremely expensive. So what are some of the economics, with introducing new technology, to convince owners and construction companies to embrace technology?

16:41  - Talking about some strategies that companies can leverage to really improve the output of their building, what are some of the things that you're seeing that are really exciting in the world of technology?
 
26:46  - If you could project yourself 20 years into the future, and if you could have any product or service or gadget or thing, that for you, would make your l

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest

In this week's episode of the Future Construct Podcast (44 min interview), we are excited to feature Heather Widman (@HBWids), Principal at Building Ventures (@buildingvc, "BV"), and your host Amy Peck(@AmyPeckXR). In her role, Heather sources and evaluates investment opportunities in the operation and experience phases of the building lifecycle. Additionally, she advises portfolio companies leveraging her years of experience in developing and bringing tech products to market. She works closely with the founding teams at Canoa, Dandelion, enVerid, Envoy, GoContractor, Join.build, and Join Digital. She spearheads Building Ventures’ investment activities within the real estate tech (i.e., PropTech) community. Joining the firm in early 2019, she brings more than fifteen years of tech and startup operating leadership to the BV investment team.

Before joining BV, Heather led the Product, Customer, and Brand Marketing functions at SaaS startup WordStream (acquired by Gannett (@Gannett) in 2018). Prior to WordStream (@WordStream), she held product management and marketing leadership positions at Boston startup ownerIQ (@ownerIQ) (acquired by Inmar) and Fortune 50 Express Scripts (acquired by Cigna (@Cigna)).

BV is championing disruptive ideas for a better-built world. They offer the perfect mix of capital, mentorship, and industry connections. As-built environment pioneers, their mission is to provide access to funding, rich knowledge, and decades of experience, to entrepreneurs, partners, and disruptive thinkers. Together, they will build a better world.

Highlights of Heather’s interview with host Amy Peck (@AmyPeckXR) include:

• Her understanding of the customer and go-to-market piece, coming from the "consumer-centric" side of the venture capitalism space
• Her passion for sustainability and how that drives some of the ways she looks at her investments
• Discussion about some of the new industry business models, what she's seeing, and what she thinks is really viable now
• Heather swapping roles with Amy as host and asking the everlasting personal question about what Amy wants to see in the future

SHOW NOTES

0:12  Amy Peck introduces Heather Widman, Principal at Building Ventures.

09:11  Because you come from the "customer-centric" side of venture capitalism, you understand the customer and go-to-market piece, so I'd love to hear how you work with some of your portfolio companies?

14:11  Welcome back to the podcast! [Heather Widman] here with Amy Peck. We have time for one last question. So Amy, If you could project yourself 20 years into the future, and if you could have any product or service or gadget or thing, that for you, would make your life better or make you personally happy, what would it be and what would it do?

19:30  I know you're particularly passionate about sustainability and that drives some of the ways you look at your investments. So what are some other companies that are working to solve that with new buildings, but also solve it retroactively?

26:39  You mentioned the thesis of how you are looking at companies and what you're looking for, and in a combination of what are some of the new business models, new trends and ways owners can maximize space. Can we talk about some of those business models, what you're s

Contact the Future Construct Podcast Produced by BIM Designs, Inc!

• BIM Designs, Inc.: minority-owned, US-based, union-signatory preconstruction technology firm, offering turnkey BIM modeling, laser scanning, coordination management, and other VDC solutions to the AEC industry.
• Schedule a free consultation: [email protected].
• Subscribe to our weekly blog and our Future Construct Podcast
• Suggest a podcast guest