Steel Toe Leadership

Jessie Houlihan

Jessie Houlihan shares her career path, from starting her own businesses at a young age to working in various industries and eventually becoming a leader in the construction and development field. She emphasizes the importance of finding balance between flexibility and structure, especially as a parent and leader. Jessie also discusses the significance of exploring different opportunities and following her own energy and interests. She highlights the value of self-awareness and the ability to make decisions that align with personal values and goals. In this conversation, Jessie Houlihan Kurkowski and Kristina McMillan discuss the integration of work and family life, the importance of setting boundaries, and the challenges faced by women in the construction industry. They emphasize the need for support systems and planning to navigate the demands of motherhood and career. They also touch on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion, highlighting the importance of removing barriers and creating a meritocracy. Jessie shares her strategies for relaxation and self-care, and Kristina praises Jessie's straightforwardness and inspiring presence.

Wally Adamchik

In this episode of Steel Toe Leadership, Kristina McMillan interviews Wally Adamchik, the president of Firestarter speaking and consulting. They discuss topics such as coaching in the construction industry, working with teams, and handling toxic employees. Wally shares his background in consulting and how he got started in the construction industry. They also touch on the importance of values and setting boundaries within a team. Wally talks about his personal journey of overcoming substance abuse and how it transformed his life. The conversation explores the importance of choosing oneself and prioritizing personal well-being. It touches on themes of personal growth, self-awareness, and creating a healthy work-life balance. The speakers discuss the need for a defined path into the construction industry and the importance of creating a workplace where people feel valued and respected. They also address the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, emphasizing the need for a culture that treats everyone as family. The conversation concludes with advice for young individuals aspiring to be leaders, emphasizing the importance of showing up, being patient, and continuously learning.

Meet the Host, Kristina McMillan

In this episode, Kristina McMillan shares her personal journey and the reasons behind starting her podcast. She discusses her unique story, resilience, and self-awareness. She also talks about her experiences with social anxiety, small talk, and the challenges she faced growing up. Kristina delves into her passion for writing and thought leadership in the construction industry. She opens up about her PTSD diagnosis and the defining life challenges she has overcome. Finally, she shares what brings her joy and her struggles with imposter syndrome.

Wendy Wiesman

Wendy Weisman, CEO and founder of Ready, Set, Pivot, shares her journey into leadership and her passion for helping women find their next career move. She emphasizes the importance of having open and inspiring leaders who empower their teams. Wendy grew up in a small town and was influenced by the leaders in her community and workplace. She believes that leadership is inherent and that leaders are both born and made. Wendy discusses her transition from a corporate career to starting Ready, Set, Pivot, a platform that challenges the traditional measures of success and aims to change the way talented women are perceived and given opportunities. The conversation explores the importance of purpose in organizations and the need for transparent conversations about purpose. It also delves into the topic of unconscious bias and the challenges of undoing it. The conversation highlights the need for change in the system and the impact of unconscious bias on hiring decisions. The discussion then shifts to the long-term goals of the organization and the legacy the founder hopes to leave. The conversation touches on the importance of mental health and the need for women to prioritize self-care. The conversation concludes with advice on leadership and the importance of being mindful of the impact of words and actions on others.

Griffin Reome

Griff Reome shares his path to leadership, starting with his upbringing in Northern California and his exposure to the construction industry through his father's business. He discusses his experience in the Caterpillar Think Big program, which provided him with hands-on training and internships, and how it shaped his work ethic and passion for the industry. Griff emphasizes the importance of finding something worth working for and inspiring young people to develop a strong work ethic. He also highlights the challenges of balancing work and family life and the need for parents to instill the value of hard work in their children. The conversation explores the importance of being a bridge builder between generations and the shift in challenges faced by different generations. It emphasizes the need for downtime and embracing the challenges and hard work in order to grow. The discussion also delves into the significance of workforce development and the need to invest in people and support their development. It highlights the importance of reaching out to underserved communities and adopting a different mindset for recruiting and development. The conversation concludes with insights on leadership and the importance of taking initiative and building relationships.