Construction Leaders Podcast

In this episode, hosts Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot with CMAA sit down with Chuck Ainsworth, Founder and Chief Coaching Officer, and Ed Palpant, Chief Construction Specialist at Epic Rivers Leadership. Together, they explore the significance of having tough conversations in the construction industry, from giving effective feedback to navigating conflict and building trust. Chuck and Ed unpack their down-to-earth approach to leadership development—one that encourages slowing down, asking the right questions, and fostering stronger collaboration across teams. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in the workforce and why emotional intelligence is becoming just as essential as technical skill on today’s job sites. This episode is sponsored by Parsons [https://www.parsons.com/].

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot from CMAA talk with Tim Singleton, PMCM  business leader at Jacobs, and Ai Kurokawa, architect and principal at Isgenuity. Together, they explore what it takes to build high-performing teams in the construction industry. The conversation highlights the value of resilience, diversity, and psychological safety in driving successful project outcomes. Drawing from their own professional journeys, the guests share practical insights and strategies for fostering continuous improvement and team excellence in every phase of a project. This episode is sponsored by MindForge [https://www.mindforgeapp.com/].   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com].

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Evan Hendershot from CMAA are joined by members of CMAA’s Technology Subcommittee—including Jarvis Alridge, CCM, project controls department manager at HNTB; Marty Turner, CCM, director of projects for Turner & Townsend; and Vincent Testa, PE, CCM, director of strategic growth at Procon Consulting—for a forward-looking conversation on the role of artificial intelligence in construction management. The discussion covers how AI is being used on job sites for safety monitoring, progress tracking, and real-time data collection with tools like sensors and 3D cameras. The guests dispel common myths, emphasizing that AI is meant to support—not replace—human expertise. They also explore AI’s administrative advantages, from automated reporting to improved communication workflows. Looking ahead, the panel predicts a sharp rise in AI adoption as firms seek a competitive edge, with more AI capabilities being embedded directly into construction management platforms.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Carly Trout and guest host Evan Hendershot from CMAA talk with Jim McConnell,  a seasoned expert in corporate security and CEO of Ask McConnell. The conversation dives into the concept of converged security, integrating physical protection, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and more. Jim unpacks the critical differences between safety and security, explains why clearly defined accountability matters, and shares actionable strategies to boost security on construction sites. From risk awareness to staff training, this episode offers essential guidance for construction professionals looking to safeguard their teams and projects.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com].

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA talk with Marcia Alvarado, a structural engineer, professional model, activist, former NCAA athlete, and founder of The Alvarado Experience. They discuss the power of authentic leadership in the construction industry. Marcia shares how her diverse experiences have shaped her leadership style, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, trust, and transparency in high-stakes environments. She explores the role of resilience, empathy, and personal growth in building strong teams and lasting connections, both professionally and personally. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leading with authenticity and making a meaningful impact.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].