Send us a textBreaking Barriers: Pat's Journey in Construction and LeadershipIn this episode, Pat, shares her inspiring journey from Southeast London to becoming the VP of Major Projects for Bird in Vancouver. Starting with a childhood dream of becoming a policewoman, she pivoted to the construction industry, building a successful 35-year career spanning multiple countries. Pat discusses her early challenges, including her entry into the workforce, and navigating a male-dominated industry. She highlights her career's milestones and later her move to Canada to lead major P3 healthcare projects. Pat also emphasizes the importance of being genuine, working hard, and the value of teamwork. She reflects on her role as executive sponsor of the Women@Bird ERG and shares her aspirations to reach the C-suite level to continue making a positive impact in the industry.00:00Â Meet Patricia: Childhood Dreams and Early Career05:33 First Steps in Construction07:03 Career Milestones and Growth18:14 International Career Moves26:14 Role at Bird Construction30:56 Advice for Women in Leadership32:24 Importance of ERGs36:16 Reflecting on a 35-Year Career37:31 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts
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Episode 15 - Renae Sams
Send us a textRenae Sams: Building a Path for Women in ConstructionIn this episode, Diane interviews Renae Sams, founder and executive director of Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in construction. Renee shares her journey from dreaming of working for NASA to becoming a leader in the construction industry. She details the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating a career without an initial exposure to construction from site administrator to senior project manager on missions critical projects. Renee discusses the importance of visible female role models and her motivation to help other women feel they belong in the industry. She also talks about her book, which includes writing prompts to encourage reflection and growth, and her efforts to create a supportive community through her nonprofit.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:11 Childhood Dreams and Early Influences03:38 Journey into the Construction Industry06:02 First Steps in Construction08:20 Challenges and Growth in the Industry13:29 Founding Build-Her.org18:20 The Importance of Representation38:28 Advice and Future Aspirations43:56 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsNotes: Norman, Don. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded ed., Basic Books, 2013.  The Arbinger Institute. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. 3rd ed., Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018.  build-her.org  Build-Her. (2024, April 10). Build-Her Be Heard: Creating space for women in construction with Renae Sams.Â
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Episode 14 - Jessica Luczycki
Send us a textJessica Luczycki: Redefining Construction Administration Through Part3In this episode, we meet Luczycki, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Part3. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring teacher to tech entrepreneur in the architectural and construction industry. She discusses her educational background, initial career at EllisDon, and transition into architectural contract administration. Jessica reveals how frustrations in her job led to founding Part3, a software solution designed to streamline construction administration. Alongside her husband and co-founder, she navigated startup challenges, balancing parenthood and raising funds to build a solution now widely embraced by the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, transparency, and customer-centric innovation in driving Part3's success. Additionally, Jessica touches on the future of AI in construction, and how it can become a tool for time consuming tasks. Tune in to hear her insights and inspiring story of perseverance and innovation.00:00 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings06:31 Switch to Contract Administration11:17 Founding Part321:04 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood23:15 Team Growth and Belief in the Mission25:15 Challenges in Construction Administration27:17 Recognition and Networking38:37 AI in Construction and Future Plans43:19 Advice for Women in Construction45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Episode 13 - Chelsea Fenton
Send us a textChelsea Fenton: Pioneering Women in ConstructionIn this episode, Chelsea Fenton (@thatunionlaborer), a 32-year-old union laborer from Western Massachusetts, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring to be a firefighter to excelling in the construction industry. Chelsea discusses the challenges she overcame, including being denied entry into the apprenticeship program twice before finally being accepted. She explains how her father’s support and the invaluable mentorship from seasoned colleagues helped her succeed. Chelsea also talks about her significant role in cofounding Western Mass Tradeswomen to support and connect women in the construction trades. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of persistence, finding mentors, and maintaining work-life balance. Chelsea is actively involved in outreach and education to attract more women to the trades, underscoring her dedication to the future of the industry. 00:00 Introduction and Early Life02:04 Career Aspirations and Challenges11:41 Union Involvement and Growth18:54 Forming Western Mass Tradeswomen27:00 Challenges Women Face in Construction29:02 Retention Challenges and Mentorship30:39 Becoming a Foreman35:56 Social Media Influence42:12 Family and Personal Life44:09 Future Aspirations and Advicehttps://www.wmtradeswomen.org/
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Episode 12 - Mercedes Byers
Send us a textThe Journey of Mercedes Byers: From environmental science to co-founding a thriving sustainability consulting business.In this episode, Mercedes Byers shares her inspiring journey from her early dreams of becoming an actor to establishing herself in the sustainability consulting field. She talks about her childhood, academic pursuits, and how a serendipitous environmental science class at the University of Toronto pivoted her career from medicine to environmental science. Mercedes recounts the early challenges and milestones during the founding of Pratus Group, her partnership, and their eventual merger with Quasar Consulting Group. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful work culture, providing opportunities for younger employees, and balancing professional responsibilities with personal life as a mother of three. Tune in to hear her insights on leadership, overcoming industry challenges, and what drives her continued passion for sustainability in construction.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:17 Early Life and Childhood Dreams03:50 Academic Journey and Career Beginnings05:03 Transition to Environmental Science07:21 First Steps in the Construction Industry11:03 Founding Pratus Group31:06 Fostering a Positive Work Culture35:16 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family39:19 The Quasar Partnership44:03 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Goals
Canada - english