Soft As Steel

Dennis Doran interviews Coty Fournier, a seasoned commercial construction executive and entrepreneur. Fournier shares her 25-year career trajectory, starting from Turner Construction to co-founding Jobsite123.com, and discusses the importance of a well-rounded career path. She highlights her early experiences, the challenges of starting a tech venture in construction, and the value of soft skills. The conversation sheds light on Fournier's achievements, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the significance of empathy and respect in leadership within the construction industry.

In this episode of Soft as Steel, host Dennis Doran welcomes Henry Nutt, who shares his inspiring story of overcoming discrimination and challenges in the construction industry. As a proponent for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Henry has become a thought leader and has authored a book to guide others to success. The discussion focuses on the value of soft skills, the power of following one's passion, and the need to break down stereotypes in construction. They explore strategies for attracting diverse talent and emphasize the importance of an inclusive work environment to ensure equal opportunities for all.

In this episode, host Dennis Doran talks with Dan Fauchier, a seasoned construction and design professional. Dan discusses his journey from frustration with wasteful processes to embracing lean construction and design principles. He shares how adopting lean techniques improved his work-life balance and led him to coach others. The conversation covers the significance of soft skills, peer-to-peer learning through local lean communities, and the role of integrated project delivery in enhancing collaboration. They conclude by addressing the challenges in adopting lean practices industry-wide and the need for a paradigm shift to recognize the value of lean and reduce waste.

Dennis Doran hosts Jan Tuchman, a seasoned journalist and leader in the construction industry. They explore the industry's evolution, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence and the ethical considerations it brings. They discuss the economy's unexpected growth in 2023, the role of Engineering News Record in tracking construction costs, and the importance of social justice and compassionate leadership. The conversation also covers the underrepresentation of women in construction, the efforts to increase diversity and inclusion, and the Equity and Infrastructure Project's aim to support historically underutilized businesses. Additionally, they touch on lean construction, resistance to change, and the significance of love and passion in business, concluding with the vital role of soft skills in the workplace.

This week, Dennis Doran engages with Jackie Bailey, who has dedicated her life to empowering others to find their voice. Having overcome her own childhood abuse, Jackie established a nonprofit to teach public speaking and leadership skills. They delve into the significance of communication, active listening, and the transformative power of words in building confidence and leadership. Jackie's Speak Feed Lead project is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of speaking with intention, feeding others with positive words, and leading through influence. Her work has impacted hundreds, fostering a ripple effect of positive change across communities.

Host Dennis Doran and guest Stephanie Paul discuss the critical role of soft skills and compassionate leadership in professional development. They explore the DISC assessment tool's utility in understanding personal behaviors and enhancing communication. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of humor in blending behavioral styles and the need for individuals to be open to coaching. The conversation also covers the impact of family dynamics on workplace behavior and the broader implications of personal values in leadership. The episode underscores the value of self-awareness and continuous growth for effective leadership and communication.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran talks with Steve Griggs, a seasoned landscape designer, about the significance of soft skills in the construction industry. Steve emphasizes the value of hands-on leadership, personal accountability, and the joy of creating beautiful landscapes. He discusses the importance of respect, integrity, and effective communication, as well as the challenges of imparting these skills. The conversation also touches on societal challenges, the role of thought leadership, and the necessity of continuous self-improvement. Steve's commitment to excellence and passion for his work shines through, providing listeners with insights into successful leadership and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, host Dennis Doran speaks with Shelley Armato, CEO and co-founder of My Smart Plans. Shelley discusses the creation of her software service as a response to the chaos and lack of accountability in the construction industry. She emphasizes the importance of communication, transparency, and data-driven decision-making in improving project outcomes. Despite resistance, Shelley's company is gaining traction, with projects like Fresno International Airport and international expansion to Guam. She shares a personal story of confronting Turner Construction and her philanthropic work, including supporting a refugee family and volunteering at City Union Mission. Shelley is determined to revolutionize the construction industry, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and without post-completion issues, ultimately benefiting the country's infrastructure.

Dennis Doran talks with Chris Scheiblein, an employee assistance professional from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Helping Hands Program. They discuss the critical issues of mental health, addiction, and suicide in the construction industry, highlighting the need for support, education, and a culture of compassion and inclusivity. Chris shares his personal recovery journey and his work in promoting behavioral health assistance, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural and generational differences to foster empathy. They explore the progress in reducing stigma and the ongoing need for industry-wide education to normalize conversations around mental health at job sites. The episode underscores the significance of love, inclusion, and social justice in creating a supportive labor movement.

In this podcast episode, Dennis Doran interviews Cathy Dolan-Schweitzer, President of Health Well Done, about her unique approach to leadership in the construction industry. Cathy, who started as a special education teacher and transitioned to construction project management, emphasizes the importance of soft skills, team-building, and putting people first—especially in healthcare projects. She shares insights from her experience at Stanford Hospital and her book, advocating for a patient-first philosophy. The conversation also touches on the need for diversity, mentorship, and conflict resolution in the industry, as well as the value of loving one's work for success.