In season one of The Power of Construction, we asked a big question: What’s holding our industry back from boosting productivity? Across our conversations, we discovered that while the industry as a whole is fighting to overcome digital adoption, labor shortages, and other rapidly evolving challenges, there are leaders out there proving it can be done. In this special recap, we reflect on the insights they shared—and offer a preview of next season, where we’ll step into a future where the power of construction is limitless.

In this special kickoff episode recorded live at Groundbreak, Fred Mills—Founder of The B1M and Get Construction Talking—joins us to explore the projects and people reshaping the construction landscape in 2024. Hear firsthand stories from Fred’s travels that have influenced his vision, along with the real challenges he’s encountered that highlight the grit behind industry innovations. We’ll discuss how technology has transformed his approach to construction storytelling and the importance of prioritizing wellbeing on the job.

Construction is facing a decades-long productivity gap, yet the solutions are right in front of us—if we know how to use them. In this episode, we sit down with Jit Kee Chin, Chief Technology Officer at Suffolk, to explore how applying scientific rigor to data could unlock the mindset shift the industry needs to drive lasting change. What happens when you prioritize trust and transparency over tradition? How do you motivate an industry to embrace change by harnessing its competitive nature through actionable insights? From rethinking safety to leveraging AI for smarter decisions, we ask: can data, used the right way, not only change how we build but also how we work together?

In the construction industry, your greatest asset is the talent you attract and retain. Building a future-ready workforce isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about driving real competitive advantages. Join Nancy Novak, CIO of Compass Datacenters, for an engaging conversation on what it takes to stay ahead of the industry—without leaving any talent or ideas on the sidelines.

This episode explores how construction does more than just build structures — it shapes the communities where we live, work, and learn. Advancing productivity in the industry isn’t just about improving efficiency and profitability; it’s about creating lasting, positive change. We sit down with Jennifer Downey, Director of Environmental Social Governance at Turner Construction, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in driving sustainable and equitable construction practices. Jennifer shares how Turner Construction is making an impact by prioritizing community engagement, environmental responsibility, and long-term industry transformation.

Today, we’re spotlighting a leader who has reimagined what construction can be—not just by building a profitable business but building people who transform the communities where they live, work, and play. Cornelius Griggs, President and CEO of GMA Construction Group. So today, we’re asking some big questions:

• What is the missing link between solving the labor shortage and traditional recruitment practices in construction?
• What impact does earning a living wage have on the people and communities construction touches?
• What does building a profitable business with purpose look like for construction?

Let’s rethink what it means to build—not just the physical infrastructure of our cities, but the social infrastructure of our communities that allows people to thrive.

Are construction financial systems equipped to handle the demands of next-generation technology? In this episode, we’re joined by Samantha Cook, a leader in financial transformation within the construction industry, to explore whether current systems are truly ready for advancements in AI, automation, and integrated platforms—or if they’re still playing catch-up. Together, we’ll examine the structural barriers that have hindered modernization and discuss how new financial tools could reshape not only how companies manage money but also how they plan, build, and grow. Samantha brings her firsthand experience leading financial overhauls to the conversation, offering insights into what real transformation looks like and how to measure its success.

Join us for a live episode with Mike Rowe as we explore workforce development and address the pressing question: Why won’t trade workers stick around? Are we doing enough to keep them engaged and satisfied?

In the construction industry, safety is the goal, but behind the scenes, a deeper crisis is unfolding—substance abuse, mental health struggles, safety incidents, and the pressure of overwork are pushing workers to the edge. What if the solution isn’t more safety rules or punitive measures, but a shift in how we care for our people? We'll explore how a culture of care—recovery-ready workplaces, empathetic leadership, and mental health support—could save lives and, at the same time, transform the industry from the ground up.

In this episode, we’ll dive into ways technology has the potential to not only transform the way we build but also help to rebuild the industry’s image—increasing trust among consumers; positioning construction as a modern, tech-forward industry; and attracting a new generation of tech-savvy workers. However, if construction is transforming but the public isn’t seeing it, where are there opportunities to improve our image? Can technology actually rebuild the image of construction? And if so, how?