Soft As Steel

In this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Matt Graves. It's a pleasure to introduce Matt, who has been in the construction industry since his graduation from Texas A&M University in 2010. Matt is a Millennial construction project manager by trade and has a vision of helping as many developing construction professionals as he can accelerate their career.

In this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Albert Carrillo. It's a pleasure to introduce Albert, the CEO of the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association. With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Albert began his career working for a plastering contractor, learning on the job, initially as a mixer. Before embarking on his construction career, Albert spent about four years studying to become a lawyer while managing an auto parts store.

In this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Rebecca Jones. With over 30 years of experience in management leadership, Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Her diverse background spans business administration and development, as well as construction and project management. Rebecca’s expertise includes resource planning, staffing, finance, and safety, offering valuable insights into effective management and leadership in these areas.

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Bob Swanson, a retired professional who dedicated 45 years to the construction industry. For the last 25 years of his career, he served as President of Swanson Youngdale Incorporated, a national painting and decorating contractor renowned as one of the most highly regarded companies in the Upper Midwest. The conversation delves into Bob's extensive experience and the leadership qualities that contributed to the company's success and reputation. The episode also explores the challenges and triumphs of working in the construction industry and the legacy Bob leaves behind.

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Shawn Mahoney, CEO and President of OAC Services Inc. They discuss the firm's commitment to providing innovative building and process solutions for both public and private clients. The conversation delves into OAC's multidisciplinary approach, which is grounded in real-world experience and the benefits of being an employee-owned company. Sean Mahoney shares insights on how this unique structure fosters a collaborative culture and drives the company's success. The episode also explores the importance of integrating diverse perspectives in the professional services industry to deliver comprehensive solutions.

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Dr. Norman Fortenberry, Chief Executive Officer of Great Minds in STEM. They discuss the organization's mission to create a diverse workforce in science, technology, engineering, math, and medical health professions. The conversation highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in technical fields, emphasizing the need for opportunities for all population segments. Dr. Fortenberry also underscores the value of soft skills and understanding human motivations. The episode addresses resistance to change and the necessity of challenging traditional practices to foster a more inclusive workforce.

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Joe Frankie, President and Founder of JV3 Associates. Joe, a West Point graduate and combat veteran, shares his extensive experience in executive coaching and talent development. He discusses the importance of soft skills, emphasizing active listening and taking care of people. Joe reflects on his military and private sector careers, highlighting leadership qualities like visibility and resource provision. He also underscores the significance of consensus-building and authenticity in communication, providing valuable insights into effective leadership and mentorship.

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Mark Bridges, a seasoned consultant in the construction industry. They discuss the critical role of soft skills, such as trust and communication, in achieving success alongside technical expertise. Mark emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationships and effective communication in building trust and achieving win-win results. They also explore the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on workforce productivity and diversity, highlighting opportunities for innovation and the need for equity and social justice in the industry.

Dennis Doran speaks with Irish Horsey from Procore Technologies. They discuss Horsey's unique perspective as a woman of color in the construction industry, her dedication to diversity and inclusion, and the challenges of increasing female representation in construction. The conversation covers the importance of soft skills, Procore's philanthropic efforts, and the role of love and spirituality in professional settings. They advocate for a people-first approach and changing the industry's narrative to attract diverse talent.

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Jennifer Wilkerson, Vice President of Innovation and Advancement at NCCER. They discuss the importance of increasing women's representation in construction, highlighting the need for intentional recruitment and retention efforts. Jennifer shares insights on the industry's progress, challenges, and the role of organizations like Turner Construction in advocating for women. They also emphasize mentorship, sponsorship, and psychological safety in the workplace, advocating for a supportive environment that values both technical and soft skills. The episode concludes with plans for Jennifer to return for a follow-up discussion.