Soft As Steel

In this episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Adam Hoots—an industry leader with deep experience in architecture and construction—to explore how lean principles can reshape the future of construction.

Adam shares insights from his personal journey and research, highlighting the urgent need to foster a culture grounded in respect, dignity, and psychological safety. Together, they tackle critical topics like mental health, industry resistance to change, and the perception challenges facing the next generation of construction professionals.

Through candid conversation and shared optimism, Dennis and Adam underscore the power of collaboration, mindset shifts, and purposeful leadership in driving meaningful transformation across the industry.

Dennis Doran welcomes Manny Carrillo, founder and inventor of the Safety Anchor Post, for an insightful conversation on innovation and safety in the construction industry. With decades of hands-on experience, Manny shares the real-world challenges faced by workers at height and the critical need for reliable anchoring solutions. He takes us through his journey of inventing the Safety Anchor Post—from identifying the problem to navigating setbacks and ultimately earning recognition for his innovation.

Throughout the discussion, Manny highlights the essential role of communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to worker safety on every job site. He also speaks to his passion for educating others and fostering a culture where safety is not just a requirement, but a core value. Dennis commends Manny’s unwavering dedication and underscores the growing importance of safety as the construction industry continues to evolve.

In this inspiring episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Bryon Stephens, co-founder of Pivotal Growth Partners (PGP), a powerhouse in franchise development. Together, they dive into how PGP empowers entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, all while staying rooted in strong leadership and vibrant company culture. Bryon shares real-world insights on navigating the evolving construction industry, highlighting the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and building inclusive teams. From generational teamwork to creating everyday moments of magic at work, this conversation is packed with wisdom on leading with heart and purpose. Dennis wraps up the episode with a heartfelt thanks to Bryon and invites listeners to explore his book for even more game-changing insights.

Dennis Doran sits down with Aaron Prill, Vice President of Construction at Cologix, Inc., to explore the crucial role soft skills play in the construction industry and how they help strengthen relationships. Aaron reflects on the importance of love, inclusion, social justice, and leadership in his professional journey. He opens up about his personal challenges with dyslexia and how he’s worked through them. Aaron also underscores the power of diversity and the need to create spaces where open, honest conversations can happen. He encourages listeners to welcome change and focus on relationship-building as a path to greater inclusivity.

In this episode, host Dennis Doran sits down with Angel Lyke-Osuji, a rising leader in the construction industry. They explore Angel’s career journey and the growing importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence at work. Angel shares practical insights on clear communication, reading nonverbal cues, and leading with empathy.

Together, they discuss the challenges of gender imbalance in construction and the need for greater diversity and inclusion. Dennis closes the conversation with optimism, highlighting Angel’s generation as a driving force for positive change in the industry.

In this episode of the Soft As Steel podcast, Dennis Doran sits down with "Tats," co-founder and CEO of Castagra Products and host of the Specified Growth podcast. Together, they explore the critical role of soft skills in leadership, with a strong focus on the power of listening. Tats opens up about how podcasting helped him become a more intentional and empathetic listener, and why overcoming biases and distractions is key to effective communication. The conversation dives into the complexity and nuance of leadership, the importance of clarifying intentions and priorities, and the core values that drive Castagra Products. They also discuss the construction industry’s evolving landscape—how it’s adapting to new technologies, generational shifts, and the need for emotional intelligence in today’s leaders.

Dennis Doran sits down with Eric Miller, founder of EMC (Eric Miller Consultants), for a thoughtful conversation on the vital role of soft skills and emotional intelligence in fostering strong personal and professional relationships. Eric offers his perspective on transformational leadership, the impact of love and inclusivity, and the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also covers important topics like mental health, addiction, and embracing diversity. The episode wraps up with Dennis highlighting Eric’s website and book, along with a mention of his own book, Soft as Steel.

In this Soft as Steel podcast episode, host Dennis Doran welcomes Brent Wilcox, a director at OAC Services—a firm specializing in design and construction management. Brent expresses his enthusiasm for the industry and his dedication to helping clients realize their goals. The conversation explores the evolving nature of the construction field and how soft skills are becoming essential in leading meaningful change.

They also delve into how OAC is embracing extreme leadership principles and fostering a strong workplace culture. Brent shares insights on how vendor and supplier evaluations are shifting, with increased emphasis on soft skills and diversity. Dennis commends Brent’s generation for steering the industry toward greater responsibility and ethical standards. The episode ultimately underscores the value of relationships, emotional intelligence, and cultivating a positive culture in the business of construction.

Dennis Doran welcomes Deb Coviello for a conversation about the construction industry and the crucial role of soft skills in the workplace. Deborah shares her perspectives, shaped by her experiences through her husband and daughter's boyfriend, highlighting the importance of compassionate leadership, effective communication, and understanding within the field. They explore challenges and opportunities in working across generations and address the underrepresentation of women in the industry. Deborah advocates for equality and fostering a safe environment where women can thrive. The episode wraps up with recognition of Deborah’s expertise and communication skills, leaving listeners eager for more.

In this episode, host Dennis Doran welcomes guest Roberta Ndlela to discuss the importance of soft skills and effective communication in the workplace. Roberta shares her career journey, emphasizing the need for engineers to develop these skills, as they are often promoted for their technical expertise but may struggle with communication and leadership. They also explore the challenges engineers in South Africa faced during the post-apartheid transition. The conversation covers diversity and inclusion, self-awareness, and the importance of authenticity and speaking up in professional settings.