Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in Construction

It Was Never Just About Women: How Rethinking Leadership Changes Everything

Welcome to Rethinking Leadership in Construction. This is where we unpack what’s getting in the way of progress—and explore the ideas, people, and strategies that can actually move the industry forward. From workforce challenges to culture shifts, we’re here to spark the conversations that create real change. In this episode, Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen, and Director of Marketing, Amanda Portinari, reveal why they've rebranded and shifted focus to transformational leadership for everyone in construction. What if the secret to overcoming industry challenges isn't pushing harder, but equipping every leader to inspire, collaborate, and empower their teams? Andrea and Amanda dive into their 2025 Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report, which found a startling truth: 68% of women say poor leadership is driving them out of the industry. This isn't just a "women's issue"—it's a leadership issue impacting everyone, demanding a new approach. What You'll Learn: * The Rebrand & The Why: Understand Ambition Theory's shift and how it reflects the industry's evolving needs. * Beyond Check-the-Box DEI: Discover why traditional programs often fail and how focusing on business outcomes through transformational leadership delivers measurable results. * The Power of Transformational Leadership: Grasp the core principles of collaboration, inspiration, and trust that empower teams. * Real-World Impact: Hear how one project manager, by applying transformational leadership, generated an incredible $2 million in additional sales. * New Podcast Focus: Get a sneak peek into future episodes featuring leaders demonstrating transformational skills in transactional environments. Ready to move beyond outdated leadership and cultivate a thriving, productive workforce? This episode is your blueprint. Discover how embracing transformational leadership can improve retention and morale, directly impacting your company's bottom line. Connect with Ambition Theory: * Download the Report: Get your copy of the Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report. * Join the Rethink Series: Learn about Ambition Theory's unscripted roundtable series. * Website: ambitiontheory.com [https://www.ambitiontheory.com/] * LinkedIn: Connect with Ambition Theory on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/posts/?feedView=all].

Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in Construction Trailer

Welcome to Rethinking Leadership in Construction. This is where we unpack what’s getting in the way of progress—and explore the ideas, people, and strategies that can actually move the industry forward. From workforce challenges to culture shifts, we’re here to spark the conversations that create real change. Join Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen, and Director of Marketing, Amanda Portinari, reveal why they've rebranded and shifted focus to transformational leadership for everyone in construction. What if the secret to overcoming industry challenges isn't pushing harder, but equipping every leader to inspire, collaborate, and empower their teams? Connect with Ambition Theory: * Download the Report: Get your copy of the Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction [https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/] report. * Website: ambitiontheory.com [https://www.ambitiontheory.com/] LinkedIn: Connect with Ambition Theory on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/]

The exponential value of sponsorship with Sophie Noël-Pelletier and Brian Watkinson

In this conversation, we reverse-engineered the behaviors and steps required to start a sponsorship relationship. We also discussed what was in it for Sophie (the protege), what was in it for Brian (the sponsor), and what the value was to Kiewit, the company where they both work. If you want to learn how to start using sponsorship to advance your career,  uplift others, and provide exponential value to your company, this episode is for you.  Highlights  * How sponsorship creates value for a company.  * What a Sponsorship - Protegé relationship looks like. * How you can sponsor the next generation of leaders.  Links:  * Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/ [https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/]  * Book a Call with us at ambitiontheory.com/bookacall [http://ambitiontheory.com/bookacall] Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap [https://ambitiontheory.com/lap]

Life after the Great Resignation with Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

In this episode, Dr. Giovanna Brasfield (Popularly known as Dr. G), the CEO and Principal Consultant at Brasfield Associates, discusses her journey in the construction industry, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. G is an award-winning diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) advocate and changemaker with over 18 years of experience in leadership consulting and DEI program development, training, education, and outreach for the construction industry and construction-related trades. At Brassfield & Associates, she offers inclusive strategies for large infrastructure projects and supports employee resource groups with a keen focus on developing sustainable actions for employee engagement and retention. Dr. Brasfield shares her passion for construction and how her work integrates communities often overlooked, ensuring they have an equal voice in projects.  The conversation delves into the importance of allyship, the evolution of DEI efforts from project-driven to organization-wide initiatives, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of inclusion.  Her insights highlight the significance of listening tours, employee feedback, and strategic DEI planning in addressing the talent shortage and improving workplace culture. Highlights * 00:00 Dr. Giovanna’s journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry. * 03:12 Focusing on the positive impact that the construction industry has on communities. * 09:08 Diversity, equity, and inclusion in large infrastructure projects and construction. * 14:52 Tackling the talent retention and shortage conundrum in the construction industry. * 28:21 The best ways to start and manage diverse employee resource groups. * 33:35 How the Great Resignation affected the construction industry and the labor market in general. * 37:05 Programs that organizations can implement to attract and retain talent. Links * Download the Building Better Report - https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/ [https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/]  * Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall [https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall]  * Leadership Accelerator Program Details - https://ambitiontheory.com/lap [https://ambitiontheory.com/lap]  Resources Mentioned * Diversity Wins and How Inclusion Matters By McKinsey & Company [https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/diversity%20and%20inclusion/diversity%20wins%20how%20inclusion%20matters/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters-vf.pdf] * Dr. Giovanna Brasfield’s Website - https://drgiovannabrasfield.com/ [https://drgiovannabrasfield.com/] Connect on LinkedIn * Ambition Theory - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/] * Andrea Janzen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/] * Dr. Giovanna Brasfield - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-giovanna-brasfield-0a90a78/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-giovanna-brasfield-0a90a78/]

When You Take Action - Big Things Can Happen with Beth Tubbs

In this episode, Beth Tubbs, the Chief Fire Protection Engineer at ICC, shares her journey of growth, both personally and professionally, within the construction and engineering sectors.  She delves into the significance of building codes for public safety and energy efficiency, her role in developing these codes, and how she finds purpose in her work.  Beth also discusses the impact of attending an Ambition Theory workshop, which catalyzed her to take bold steps towards leadership within her organization and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.  Her story is a testament to the power of asking questions, seeking growth opportunities, and embracing change with confidence. Tune into the episode to discover how Beth Tubbs navigated challenges, overcame self-doubt, and leveraged her expertise to ascend to new heights in her career, all while contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of building standards. Highlights * 00:00 Beth Tubbs’ distinguished career in fire and life safety in the built environment. * 01:49 What she loves about writing and working on building code. * 02:57 How an Ambition Theory workshop helped Beth advance in her career. * 09:39 The strategy she used to get her boss to support her in developing her leadership potential. * 15:49 Why it’s important to have a sense of purpose in your career. * 17:25 Navigating challenges at work and how teamwork helps. * 20:06 Tips for staying motivated as a leader. * 21:56 The experience she had being the President of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). * 24:57 How you can build up your confidence as a leader. Links * Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/ [https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/] * Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall [https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall] * Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap [https://ambitiontheory.com/lap] Connect on LinkedIn * Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/] * Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/] * Beth Tubbs https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-tubbs-b611aa4a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-tubbs-b611aa4a/]