What if the future of leadership in construction isn’t about command and control, but about trust and curiosity? 

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we’re joined by Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory, a professional development company that specializes in the research, education, and advancement of women in construction. 

Andrea shares her unexpected journey from corporate marketing to coaching executives in the construction industry. She unpacks the power of transformational leadership versus transactional leadership, a model based on collaboration, curiosity, and vision, and why it resonates more with women than traditional, top-down structures. Through real-world examples, including a $2 million sales turnaround, she shows how shifting leadership styles can unlock potential, fuel innovation, and drive measurable results.  

Tune in to learn how rethinking leadership can unlock hidden potential, build stronger teams, and drive results, whether you're in construction or any other fast-evolving industry! 

Key Points From This Episode: 

• Why traditional leadership doesn’t appeal to most women. 
• The value of transformational leadership in highly structured fields. 
• Why tech won’t change construction; leaders will. 
• Giving credit versus claiming ownership: a leadership nuance. 
• Opportunities unlocked by transformational leadership in construction. 

Quotes: 

“[Leadership coaching] is so much more than getting someone a job. It's about opening up their potential, helping them see opportunities, [leveraging] relationships, and [making] things happen.” — Andrea Janzen 

“We've done research in construction that shows us men are just naturally more transactional. Women are naturally more transformational. It's a thing. It's not one is better than the other. It just is.” — Andrea Janzen  

“A lot of times, people get stuck on the surface-level issue, but we don’t actually get to the root cause. – If you spend more time on the problem and define it properly, the path forward is a lot clearer.” — Andrea Janzen 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Andrea Janzen on LinkedIn 

Ambition Theory 

Ambition Theory Podcast 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others  

Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace 

What Got You Here Won't Get You There  

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back 

Adam Grant 

Marshall Goldsmith 

Leadership Blueprints Podcast 

MCFA 

MCFA Careers 

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn