In this episode of KP Unpacked, we challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in AEC startups: the idea that working harder equals faster results. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t.

Host Jeff Echols sits down with Nick Heim, a structural engineer turned senior innovation engineer, to dissect a key passage from KP Reddy’s book What You Know About Startups Is Wrong. They break down why most entrepreneurs and innovators struggle with what KP calls "natural harmonics"—the reality that some things move at their own pace, no matter how hard you push.

They discuss:

🔹 Why most AEC professionals burn out trying to force change
🔹 How to work smarter by focusing on frictionless opportunities
🔹 The corporate mindset shift needed to drive real innovation
🔹 What startup founders get wrong about speed and success
🔹 How mastermind groups accelerate learning in early careers

Plus, Nick shares how embracing this mindset has brought him peace—and made him a more effective leader. If you’re an AEC professional looking to push boundaries, this episode is a must-listen.