Soft As Steel

In this episode, host Dennis Doran talks with Vicki O'Leary, a union leader and chair of North America's Building Trade Unions Trade Women's Committee. Their conversation explores the challenges of promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice within the construction industry, focusing on the experiences of women and people of color. They highlight the critical role of early education, mentoring programs, and increasing representation in leadership roles. Additionally, they discuss the value of soft skills in the workplace and stress the importance of unions offering apprentices both technical training and mentoring opportunities.

In this episode, host Dennis Doran chats with Christine Merdon, a seasoned leader in the construction industry with over 30 years of experience. They delve into the critical role of soft skills in construction, exploring topics such as women's involvement and mental health challenges in the field. Christine reflects on her experience with the successful restoration of the Capitol Dome, emphasizing safety, effective communication, and teamwork. The discussion also highlights the industry's need for greater diversity, inclusion, and mental health awareness, while underscoring the value of balancing technical expertise with soft skills in the workplace.

This episode features an insightful interview with Steven Philipp, President of Coatings Unlimited, a family-owned business specializing in coating and lining systems for various markets. The discussion centers on the critical role of soft skills in business, highlighting the importance of relationship-building, effective communication, and understanding within the construction industry. Steven emphasizes prioritizing soft skills over technical expertise, the impact of love in business interactions, and the advantages of using social media to expand networks. The episode concludes with recognition of Steven's humility and trustworthy character.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Duran sits down with John Posilicco, a senior lecturer at Birmingham City University's School of Engineering and the Built Environment in England. Posilicco delves into the critical role of soft skills in the workplace, focusing on the value of human interaction and communication. He explores how technology can enhance or impede these interactions and underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. Their conversation highlights the necessity of clear communication across diverse teams and emphasizes the impact of soft skills in fostering positive workplace cultures and driving successful project outcomes.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, Cal Beyer, VP of Workforce Risk at Holmes Murphy, discusses suicide prevention and mental health in the construction industry. He highlights the growing shift toward prioritizing employee wellbeing, the importance of love and inclusion in the workplace, and how soft skills can foster a supportive, inclusive culture. A powerful conversation on transforming industry norms and championing mental health.

In this episode, Jeff Granberg, CEO and co-owner of the PD Group of Companies, shares compelling insights into the power of soft skills in leadership. Drawing from his extensive journey in the construction industry and his transformative experiences working with street kids, Jeff highlights the value of self-awareness, acknowledging personal weaknesses, and building a team with diverse skillsets. He also delves into the critical need for a clear strategy and effective communication, shedding light on how these elements drive success in the dynamic world of construction. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders and aspiring professionals looking to elevate their impact through empathy and collaboration.

In this episode, I am joined by Sean Strickland, the Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Union (CBTU), an organization representing over 600,000 skilled trades professionals across the country. Together, we explore the transformative power of soft skills in the workplace, from fostering respect and inclusion to building stronger team dynamics. Sean shares his insights on creating a culture of diversity within the trades and highlights the incredible career opportunities in this thriving industry. Tune in to gain actionable advice on how to thrive both personally and professionally in today’s evolving workforce.

In this podcast, Nick, Corporate Director of Project Delivery Services at The Boldt Company, shares insights from his 25+ years in the construction industry. What makes his story unique is that his entire successful career has been built with The Boldt Company. Nick’s journey highlights his loyalty, dedication, and the supportive culture at Boldt that has fueled his professional growth.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran sits down with Dominic Rubino, a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and motivational speaker. Known for his down-to-earth approach and sharp sense of humor, Dominic shares practical strategies for achieving business success while staying authentic and grounded.

In this podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Gretchen Gagel—a thought leader, educator, consultant, and author of Eight Steps to Being a Great Working Mom. Gretchen shares her insights on balancing career and family, the power of authenticity, and the importance of genuine care in leadership. Tune in to hear her stories of resilience and impact as she travels the world, empowering others to lead fulfilling lives both personally and professionally