From Concrete to Culture: Andy Trewick’s Leadership Evolution

Andy Trewick didn’t set out to become a culture-shaping CEO. Starting his career as a civil engineer in the UK, his early success was built—literally—on roads, rails, and large-scale infrastructure. But over four decades, Andy’s leadership journey took a transformative turn. Today, as President and CEO of Graham Construction, he champions a philosophy that values people over process and relationships over rigid hierarchies.

In this episode of The Heart of Leadership, Andy shares how he evolved from an expert with answers to a facilitator of others' greatness. With a blend of humility, humor, and deep operational insight, he recounts the steps he and his executive team took to reshape Graham from the inside out; proving that even in construction, culture is your most valuable blueprint.

Top 5 Leadership Lessons from Andy Trewick

Episode 8: Heart Of Leadership Podcast – Sandra Efu

In this episode of The Heart of Leadership, Dr. Sandra Efu, President and CEO of Keyano College, shares powerful insights on what it means to lead with presence, empathy, and purpose. Drawing on her global experience in education and leadership, she discusses how people-centered leadership fosters trust, growth, and resilience—especially during times of crisis. From shifting away from ego-driven leadership to embracing coaching, Sandra offers practical lessons on empowering teams, cultivating psychological safety, and leading with heart. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation will leave you reflecting on the legacy you want to build.

Dr. Sandra Efu, President and CEO of Keyano College

Sandra is a seasoned Project Management Professional (PMP) with a Ph.D. in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation, and Enhancement. She brings a wealth of experience working across Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, where she has coordinated projects with international financial institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank and led global mobility initiatives for faculty, staff, and students.

With a strong academic foundation and a passion for education as a catalyst for global economic development, Sandra is deeply committed to fostering people-centered leadership. In an era where the human element in organizations is increasingly overlooked—particularly in North America—Sandra advocates for leadership that prioritizes the holistic development, well-being, and empowerment of individuals. She believes that truly impactful leadership must emphasize inclusivity, support talent development, and actively engage with the diverse perspectives and needs of today’s workforce.

Hope and Leadership – Becoming a Dealer in Hope

In this episode of The Heart of Leadership, Mardere Berkel sits down with Dr. Lenora LeMay, an expert in the narrative conception of hope, to explore the role of hope in leadership. Drawing from her experience as an educator and researcher, Dr. LeMay emphasizes that hope is not just an abstract concept but an embodied process that helps people navigate challenges and move forward. Leaders, she argues, must be intentional in fostering hope within their teams, especially in times of uncertainty.

The discussion highlights that hope is different from optimism—it’s not the belief that everything will work out perfectly, but rather the conviction that, despite obstacles, meaning and progress are possible. Leaders must recognize the power of hope in shaping team morale and engagement, ensuring they are "dealers in hope" rather than "hope suckers." Through small actions, thoughtful reflection, and a focus on relationships, leaders can create an environment where hope thrives.

Key Leadership Insights from this Episode:

Tune in to learn how you can cultivate hope in your leadership journey!

Our Guest:

Lenora Lemay holds an educational PhD that focuses on a narrative conception of hope, which she learned about in her daily interactions at an internationally recognized applied research centre. Lenora’s expertise, first as a classroom teacher and then, as a hope-focused practitioner and researcher, across disciplines, helps us to attend to meaningful and relevant ways of relating, acting, feeling, and thinking from a place of hope in our personal and professional lives.

Jen is CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), where she works collaboratively with the National Board of Directors to implement their vision and ensure an ever-vibrant organization. She joined NAWBO in 2008, bringing with her an extensive background as a woman business owner in commercial music production and virtual operational support. At NAWBO, Jen has reactivated the organization’s 501c(3), the NAWBO Institute, and successfully navigated NAWBO and its members through an unprecedented pandemic. Jen also serves as Executive Director of the NAWBO Institute and is an Advisory Member for Enterprising Women Magazine, Council member for the National Women’s Business Council and a member of a special task force for the FCEM (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs) Steering Committee.

Top 5 Lessons for Aspiring People-Centered Leaders

Servant Leadership Creates Lasting Impact

Self-Awareness is Key to Effective Leadership

Psychological Safety Fuels High-Performing Teams

Empathy + Action = True Leadership

The Future of Work Requires Adaptability and Connection

This episode is a must-listen for leaders striving to create workplaces where people feel empowered, supported, and truly part of something greater. 🚀💡 #PeopleCenteredLeadership #ServantLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #FutureOfWork

In this podcast, Liam Murphy, CEO of Innoflo (Previously Fireball Equipment), shares his journey toward embracing a people-centered leadership philosophy. Reflecting on challenging times in 2018-2019, Liam explains how prioritizing processes over people led to cultural disconnection, disengagement, and financial struggles despite record revenue. Stepping into his leadership role, Liam implemented a values-driven, people-first approach, guided by the mantra: “The customer experience will never exceed the employee experience.” This transformation fostered a virtuous cycle of employee engagement, better customer outcomes, and sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

Liam’s insights highlight the profound impact of prioritizing people in business leadership.

More about Liam:

Liam Murphy is the CEO and Co-Owner of Innoflo, a specialized engineering, contracting, and manufacturing firm based in Edmonton, Alberta. A passionate and dedicated leader, Liam fosters a positive and collaborative environment for Fireball's team of 100 employees, bringing enthusiasm, care, and compassion to every interaction. He has been happily married for 12 years and is a proud father of four children under the age of 10.

Crystal Young, President and CEO of the McKay Métis Group, joins The Heart of Leadership to share her journey of building a value-driven organization rooted in transparency, respect, and collaboration. Crystal discusses the importance of relationships, leading by example, and balancing compassion with accountability. Through humility and authenticity, she has fostered a culture of trust and excellence, earning her company recognition as one of Canada’s best workplaces. Crystal’s insights offer valuable lessons for leaders aiming to inspire their teams and create meaningful impact.

Crystal’s approach serves as a reminder that leadership is not about perfection but about authenticity, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact.

CHRIS ENGEL – CEO AND FOUNDER OF CANOCO 

Welder by trade turned into an entrepreneur, experienced operational and project management leader adept at driving exceptional results in executive settings through team building and strategic leadership. Skilled in navigating fast-paced, detail-oriented industries to deliver successful projects by leveraging collaboration and industry expertise. Expertise in maximizing profitability, operational efficiency, team development, safety compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Chris Engel’s Journey:

• Chris started as a welder, became a journeyman at 19, and worked under various leaders, particularly in the oil and gas industry, which had a tough, old-school leadership style.

Leadership Philosophy:

• Chris emphasizes the importance of listening to employees, valuing their opinions, and creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Company Culture:

• Canoco Energy has a culture statement emphasizing caring and controlling the environment.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders:

• Learn to love and understand yourself before leading others.

Books and Growth:

• Chris recommends "Frogs to Princes," a book about mental health and understanding human behavior, and "48 Laws of Power," which provides historical insights into power dynamics.

JR Hill is a Florida-born native with roots in both Florida and Illinois. JR started working at age 15 in high school and has been working ever since. At 19, he began his career at FedEx as a package handler overseeing the evening package sort. This role was his first taste of leadership, shaping his career trajectory.

Over the next 11 years, JR held various positions within FedEx, spanning operations, leadership, and sales. These roles allowed him to build a strong foundation in leadership, preparing him for future challenges beyond FedEx.

For the past 8+ years, JR has held various roles at Badger Infrastructure Solutions. His roles have included Area Manager, District Manager, and currently, General Manager of Northern California and the Locate Services Division. In addition, JR has served on the company’s emergency response team as incident commander, operations manager, and dispatch manager. 

JR is married to his high school sweetheart and enjoys golfing on the weekends and traveling with his wife, Vanessa. JR recently completed his bachelor’s degree in business and is currently pursuing an MBA."

PODCAST SUMMARY AND MAIN TAKEAWAYS

In this interview, JR Hill discusses his career trajectory, beginning at FedEx and evolving into various leadership roles at Badger Infrastructure. He emphasizes a pivotal moment when a manager’s tough feedback reshaped his understanding of leadership, highlighting the importance of supporting and engaging his team effectively.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Evolution: JR’s leadership style transitioned from being a friend or a buddy to truly supporting his team.

Also leading by example, acknowledging his failures and inviting a collaborative approach to moving forward from mistakes brings psychological safety and respect to the team.

1. Continuous Learning: JR values continuous learning from both his experiences and his team members. 

In this podcast from Sage and Summit, the conversation features Trevor Muir, co-founder and past CEO, and current president of SurePoint Group. He shares insights about his leadership journey, particularly focusing on how he led his team through significant challenges with authenticity, vulnerability, and a core value of caring.

Three Core Learnings:

1. Authenticity and Vulnerability as Leadership Strengths:

• Trevor emphasizes the importance of being genuine and transparent with his team. He shares how his willingness to be vulnerable and admit his uncertainties helped build trust and rallied his team during crises. He believes that being true to oneself is crucial for effective leadership.

2. The Power of Caring and Community:

• The foundational core value of "we care" at SurePoint Group played a pivotal role in navigating through tough times. Trevor highlights how caring for each other and the community can be a competitive advantage. By focusing on this value, the organization was able to pull together and support each other through financial and cultural challenges.

3. Facing Challenges with a Collaborative Approach:

• Trevor's approach to handling crises involved open communication and involving the entire team in decision-making processes. Whether it was the financial struggles of 2013 or the COVID-19 pandemic, he gathered input from his team, vendors, and clients, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and teamwork. This collaborative effort was instrumental in overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger.

Trevor’s journey underscores the importance of leading with heart, being open about challenges, and building a culture rooted in genuine care for people.