Join CEO Steve Harper as he sits down with Richard Gay, a former military officer turned procurement leader at Fort Bend ISD, for an inspiring episode of "Leadership is a Contact Sport." Richard shares his unique journey from artillery officer to innovative school district administrator, revealing how he adapted his leadership style from military directive approaches to servant leadership in public education. In this engaging conversation, Richard discusses his "FIT" leadership philosophy - being Fair, Inclusive, and Transparent - and shares powerful stories from his military service, including surviving a helicopter crash and learning resilience from commanding officers. He reveals how he's revolutionized procurement practices in school districts, generating hundreds of thousands in savings through innovative e-procurement platforms and strategic thinking. Key highlights include Richard's approach to taking responsibility for team mistakes, his strategies for building loyalty through flexibility and support, and his belief that leaders must either make money or save money to prove their value. From Ronald Reagan's Cold War strategy to practical advice on mentoring younger employees, this episode is packed with actionable leadership insights for anyone looking to make a real impact in their organization. Perfect for current and aspiring leaders who want to learn how to adapt their leadership style, build trust with their teams, and create measurable value in their roles.

Connect with Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickgay05/

This series is brought to you by Owner Insite and The Ripple Effect.

Learn more about Owner Insite:

https://owner-insite.com/ 

Follow us on Social Media:

Twitter:   https://x.com/ownerinsite 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ownerinsite/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite 

Learn more about Steve Harper and The Ripple Effect:

https://ripplecentral.com/ 

Ripple with Steve:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon 

X: https://twitter.com/rippleon 

Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com 

What does it take to thrive as a woman in construction?

The Women in Construction Series aims to provide answers and motivate aspiring leaders in construction, fresh graduates exploring career options, or women considering a career shift. Here, we feature trailblazing female leaders making a difference in the construction industry.

Listen as Steve Harper gives the spotlight to Jamie Cox, the Capital Projects Manager at Colorado Mesa University. Jamie shares her incredible journey from what influenced her childhood interests, studying environmental design and architecture, to leading large-scale capital projects. 

Jamie shares how her background in architecture and hands-on construction experience opened doors in unexpected ways, including a pivotal moment working under Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks. 

With insights into construction project management and building a professional support network, Jamie encourages women to explore the broad and exciting possibilities in the world of construction and architecture. Jamie’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible for women in construction, especially for those navigating a male-dominated industry.

Before hitting play, don’t forget to grab a pen and paper. You will learn a lot of lessons that you can apply not just in architecture and construction but also in life!

In this video:

0:15 - About Women in Construction

1:35 - Special Guest

2:58 - Jamie’s Background

5:28 - Transition to Leadership Role

20:24 - Observations in the Field

21:31 - Advice for Women

36:35 - Recommendations for Leaders

For those wanting to connect with Jamie Cox directly, she welcomes outreach at [email protected].

This series is co-presented by Owner Insite and Ripple Central.

#ownerinsite #ripplecentral #womeninconstruction #jamiecox #constructioncareers #architecturetoconstruction #femaleprojectmanager #leadershipinconstruction #capitalprojects

Get to know Emily Stout, a licensed architect working for New Mexico State Parks and an inspiring leader, as she chats with Steve Harper about her bold, non-traditional leap into the world of architecture and construction.

From breaking barriers as a woman in construction to navigating the rise of AI and automation, Emily brings fresh insights into what it really takes to thrive in this evolving industry. They dig into everything from the importance of mentorship and owner engagement to the power of confidence in shaping your own career path. Emily also pointed out the shifts in the construction space, giving a trajectory of the future of the construction industry.

Owner Insite’s Women in Construction series aims to shed some light on career opportunities in male-dominated fields and give confidence to women interested in entering the construction industry.

If you’re into STEM careers, passionate about women in architecture, or curious about how technology transforms construction, don’t miss the chance to learn.

In this video: 1:25 - Meet Emily Stout 11:16 - Variety and Career Opportunities 14:04 - Importance of Mentorship 22:33 - Advice For Women in Construction 27:43 - The Future of the Industry 30:34 - Starting in Construction 35:55 - Advice for Effective Leadership 44:43 - Suggestions for Women

#ownerinsite #womeninconstruction #architecturecareer #STEMcareers #AIinconstruction #emilystout #steveharper #mentorshipmatters #womeninSTEM #projectmanagement #constructionleadership

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Role of the Owner in Construction, a podcast series that redefines what it really means to lead a successful construction project. Hosted by Steve Harper, CEO and Founder of Owner Insite, this episode dives into a much-needed conversation: the owner’s role isn’t just about signing checks—it’s about steering vision, managing risk, and holding teams accountable.

In “Beyond Writing Checks,” Steve challenges the outdated perception of passive ownership and outlines what it takes to be a proactive, effective leader in construction. From real-world anecdotes to strategic insights, this episode is your crash course in becoming the linchpin of your project.

Whether you’re a school district leader, a municipal administrator, or a private sector project owner, this episode will help you understand why stepping up is essential—not optional.

Another incredible guest joins us for an insight-packed Leadership Is A Contact Sport episode. Tune in as Owner Insite’s CEO, Steve Harper, interviews Joseph Rockett, the Construction Project Manager at Irving ISD. With a wide range of experiences encompassing Architecture and Education, Joseph Rockett offers the best of both worlds.

Why keep watching? Steve and Joseph discussed pressing matters such as having a clear vision for school districts and finding your “tribe” to create a harmonious working process for overall success.

Don’t miss out on gaining valuable information from another brilliant mind!

If you found this series helpful, please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, feel free to share this with leaders or people who might benefit from watching this. Let’s keep the knowledge-sharing cycle rolling!

This series is brought to you by Owner Insite and The Ripple Effect.

Learn more about Owner Insite:

https://owner-insite.com/

Follow us on Social Media:

Twitter:   https://x.com/ownerinsite

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ownerinsite/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite

Learn more about Steve Harper and The Ripple Effect:

https://ripplecentral.com/

Ripple with Steve:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon

X: https://twitter.com/rippleon

Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

In this episode, host Steve Harper welcomes Crystal Drake, School Board President of Glades County School District, to discuss the challenges and leadership dynamics within education today. A former teacher, Crystal shares her personal journey from banking to the classroom and ultimately to the school board, highlighting how her experiences shape her leadership approach.

Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of active listening, staying connected to the classroom, and fostering trust between school board members and superintendents. Crystal also offers practical advice for new superintendents navigating board relationships and shares the unexpected lessons she learned transitioning from teaching to governance.

This episode is filled with valuable insights on leadership, communication, and school culture—a must-listen for education leaders, administrators, and aspiring board members looking to create positive change in their districts. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation on what it takes to lead effectively in education today.

Glenn Jarrett, Director of Construction and Facilities at Alief ISD, joins Steve Harper in this episode of "Leadership is a Contact Sport." With years of experience navigating the complexities of educational construction projects, Glenn opens up about his leadership philosophy, the power of adaptability, and the importance of trust in team dynamics. From handling challenges in a post-COVID world to fostering innovation and collaboration, Glenn offers actionable insights for leaders in any field.

In this empowering episode of the Women in Construction Series, we sit down with Gina Koert, co-founder of Bell SPI, a thriving commercial painting company based in Denver, Colorado. Gina shares her unconventional journey into the family business, her rise as a leader in the male-dominated construction industry, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating high-pressure environments to embracing flexibility and growth, Gina offers invaluable insights for women and men looking to make an impact in construction. Tune in to hear her story of resilience, strategy, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In this episode of Leadership is a Contact Sport, host Steve Harper welcomes Dr. Joe Harrington, superintendent of Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. Dr. Joe shares his leadership journey, offering practical insights into how he navigates challenges and drives excellence in one of Texas's most dynamic school districts.

Hear about:

• How his coaching background shapes his leadership style.
• The importance of trust, continuous improvement, and community engagement.
• Lessons learned from managing a district through growth and financial challenges.

Dr. Joe’s passion for education and his belief in the American dream shines through as he discusses what it takes to lead a district in challenging times. Whether you’re in education, business, or community leadership, you’ll find inspiration and actionable takeaways.

Rate, review, and subscribe to catch more inspiring leadership stories in upcoming episodes!

Dr. Sharma-Lewis, Superintendent of Diamond Lake District 76 in Mundelein, Illinios, and adjunct professor at Concordia University in Chicago, is a powerhouse in school district leadership, having served as superintendent across three different districts.

Dr. Sharma-Lewis’ story is one of resilience, transformation, and leading with authenticity. From facing challenges early in her career, to rebuilding her personal and professional brand, Dr. Sharma-Lewis is a beacon of hope and innovation in education.

Tune in to this episode to hear about Dr. Sharma-Lewis’ lessons in leadership, overcoming adversity, creating a culture of pride, and how to #sparkleon!