Construction Leaders Podcast

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA chat with Andrea Janzen, CEO of Ambition Theory, and Doreen Bartoldus, PE, CCM, a member of the Construction Manager Certification Institute Board of Governors and past chair of the National Association of Women in Construction. They dive into the value of leadership training, the role of mentorship, and the importance of cultivating an inclusive culture in the construction industry. Tune in to explore the effective strategies for fostering gender diversity and career growth in construction.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with Jonathan Cinelli, host of the People First Leadership Podcast and partner of The Construction Life Podcast. Jonathan shares his journey from electrician and project manager to coach and author, emphasizing the power of human-centric leadership. The conversation explores how leaders can foster trust and connection while navigating the challenges of a multi-generational workforce, the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, and the importance of curiosity and active listening in building stronger teams. He also dives into the impact of toxic and transactional workplace cultures and offers practical strategies for creating a healthier, more productive work environment in the construction industry.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In the season 4 premiere of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA welcome Thomas Gannon, Raoul D. Ilaw, PE, CCM, FCMAA, and Emma Davies of Fortitude Advisory, a  non-profit organization focused on mentorship and education in the construction industry. Together, they explore the founding of Fortitude, the transformative impact of its mentorship initiatives, and the Global Cohort Program. The conversation also delves into university partnerships and Fortitude's vision for fostering a diverse, global network to develop the next generation of construction leaders.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In our season 3 finale of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA welcome Randy Britt, Chair of CMAA's Sustainability Subcommittee, and Smitha Radhakrishnan, Executive Vice President of Planning, Development, and Maintenance at Tampa International Airport, to explore the increasing role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in construction. The conversation highlights ESG as a cornerstone for long-term business success, environmental responsibility, and meaningful community engagement. Randy and Smitha share actionable insights on gaining leadership buy-in, ensuring clear communication, and leveraging third-party verification to strengthen ESG initiatives. They also dive into cutting-edge trends such as electrification, advanced air mobility, and achieving zero waste goals.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with Tammy McConaughy, Director of Education & Certification for the Lean Construction Institute; Katie Wells, Vice President of Project Delivery with Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC; Christopher Vine, Project Superintendent with Hensel Phelps; and John Zachara Integrated Facilities Solutions and Leader Emeritus with LCI's Chicago Community of Practice (CoP), to discuss lean construction, emphasizing its principles of continuous improvement and collaboration. They discuss the benefits of lean constudction, such as higher efficiency, better quality, and improved project outcomes. They highlight the importance of breaking down industry silos, fostering a positive culture, and valuing team input. Challenges include resistance to change and the need for trust.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with Kyle Grandell, CCM, founder and CEO of Dell Management, to discuss the company's innovative approaches to project management and dedication to delivering top-tier results. They delve into the critical role of capital management, the impact of cutting-edge technology like augmented reality, and strategies for navigating supply chain disruptions. Kyle also highlights the importance of mental health awareness, leadership development, and the value of hands-on experience and industry certifications.   Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA chat with Michael Bempah, PE, president and CEO of Pinpoint Precision Engineering, and Kevin P. Nolan, PE, CCM, senior associate at STV Incorporated. They explore the workforce challenges facing the construction industry and highlight the critical importance of resilience and continuous learning. The conversation underscores the need to attract more young professionals and discusses strategies for staying innovative and competitive, including the use of technology and cultivating a culture of learning and adaptability. The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout from CMAA sit down with members of CMAA's Technology Subcommittee, including Brian Tracy, PE, CCM, director of construction management at Ausonio; Marty Turner, CCM, director of projects for Turner & Townsend; and Vincent Testa, PE, CCM, director of strategic growth at Procon Consulting. The discussion centers on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in construction management, highlighting its applications, benefits, and associated risks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader applications of AI, the necessity of high-quality data, and the expertise required to interpret accurate information. The guests also delve into the potential impact of AI on professional services, underlining the crucial role of human expertise and ethical considerations in the implementation of AI technologies.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Lucian Niemeye,  CEO of Building Cyber Security, a non-profit organization that aims to improve physical security and safety. They discuss the importance of investing in cybersecurity to maintain building safety throughout its lifecycle, the potential of artificial intelligence and digital twins in the construction industry, and the risks associated with connected devices.   Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Justin Ganschow with Caterpillar Safety Services. Together, they discuss psychological safety in the construction industry, focusing on the need to create an environment where workers feel safe in sharing concerns and speaking up about unsafe practices.   Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Coty Fournier, a professional talent development and growth strategist in the construction industry. Explore invaluable insights drawn from Coty's 30-year journey in construction management, including the pivotal role of mentors, effective strategies for career advancement, and navigating the transition from operations to business development. Gain actionable tips for firms seeking to stand out in a competitive landscape and empowering advice for women and minorities in the industry.   This episode is sponsored by STV.   Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Penny Tilghman, senior advisor of infrastructure with the Embassy of Switzerland. Join them as they they dive into the challenges, successes, and future outlook of Switzerland's ambitious infrastructure projects. Gain insights into the coordination and strategies required for managing similar large-scale programs.   This episode is sponsored by STV.   Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and and Carly Trout chat with Brian Cresenzi, senior resident engineer at Gannett Fleming. Join them as they explore the intricacies of quality management in construction. The discussion covers the importance of seamless communication, managing unexpected challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and the significance of incorporating feedback into the quality assurance process.   This episode is sponsored by MindForge.    The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and guest host Kenzie Durrell chat with Anne Timmermans, a senior consultant from Parametrix, and Adam Walkowiak, associate vice president at Michael Baker International. Together, they explore the crucial topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the construction industry. Gain insights into CMAA's proactive efforts in promoting diversity within the profession, as the guests share their experiences and perspectives on fostering an inclusive environment in the construction sector.

On the season 3 premier of the Construction Leaders Podcast, we discuss risk management in pre-construction. Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Steve Dell'Orto, founder & CEO of ConCntric. They talk about specific pre-construction risks, pre-construction activities with the greatest ROI to reduce risk, balancing predictability with flexibility in the construction process, and what contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of a project.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings. 

On the season 2 finale of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Kenny Simmons, chief of construction for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Mackenzie Searle, senior construction engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They talk about the future of the organization and some of the current projects they're working on. Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Brynn Huneke, director of diversity and inclusion at Associated General Contractors of America, and Henry Nutt, III, preconstruction executive at Southland Industries. They talk about making a commitment to Culture of Care and being a part of a welcoming, diverse and safe environment. This episode is sponsored by VPO.    Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Josh Levy, co-founder and CEO of Document Crunch. They talk about recent advancements in the construction contract document space.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Greg Oniskey, senior finance specialist at MODLOGIQ. They talk about offsite technology and the difference between pre-fabrication and modular construction, including complexity, pricing and procurement.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Barbara Reynolds CCM, PMP, senior project manager at Parsons; Carol Holland, PE, vice president at Dewberry; and Doreen Bartoldus, PE, CCM, water wastewater construction management leader at Jacobs and past president of the National Association of Women in Construction. They talk about gender barriers they've experienced, how the construction industry can become more inclusive, the importance of mentors and sponsors and how associations are conduits in finding the right ones, and how the industry can better advance DEIB initiatives. This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Stuart Binstock, the president and CEO of the Construction Financial Management Association. They talk about suicide prevention, why suicide is so prevalent in the construction industry, and suicide prevention programs the CFMA has supported within the industry. 

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Stephen DeVito, director of technology at Procon Consulting and member of CMAA's Technology Committee. They talk about 360° Reality Capture and its effect on the construction management industry, costs of implementing such technology, and how it impacts site inspections.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Rebecca Jones, FCMAA, founder of SafeworkCM. They talk about the five levels of commitment and how they relate to business and life in general.   Show notes Five Levels of Commitment https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/86742-the-5-levels-of-commitment   Self Awareness (how one approaches life) https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-t-MnqO2_QIVRRnnCh1KBg8SEAAYASAAEgIJ2fD_BwE Willingness to Change (for organizations and personal) https://www.mindtools.com/ajm9l1e/lewins-change-management-model http://changingminds.org/disciplines/change_management/readiness_change/willingness_change.htm Intense Focus https://theempowermentdynamic.com/focus-on-outcomes-then-goals/ Commitment https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/how-to-commit-and-change-your-life.html Character https://www.kentingle.com/leadership/6-ways-to-develop-your-character/   The podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with CMAA's President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, and members of CMAA's Government Advocacy Committee, Dave Crosson from HNTB and Ed Pogreba with Procon Consulting. They talk about new initiatives of the committee, how these initiatives affect the construction industry, and the new CMAA Advocacy Action Center.    

On this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout chat with Dan Doyon with Maxim Consulting about mergers and acquisitions in the construction management industry and navigating through the M&A process. They discuss reasons why a company would want to acquire another company, why the construction industry is so prone to mergers and acquisitions, how the process works, and risk factors to take into consideration. 

On the season 2 premier of the Construction Leaders Podcast, we discuss dispute resolution. Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Joe Seibold, executive vice president with Arcadis, and Roy Cooper, senior vice president Arcadis. They talk about top causes for disputes, how to minimize claims, the importance of getting a construction manager involved in the beginning of a project, and the future of disputes.  Show notes Arcadis's 2022 Global Construction Disputes Report: https://www.arcadis.com/en-us/knowledge-hub/perspectives/global/global-construction-disputes-report   This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

On the season 1 finale of the Construction Leaders podcast, we continue our conversation about technology in construction by discussing wearables. Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Jarvis Alridge with HNTB, Justin Jacobsen with MBP, and Doug Matthews with Guardhat. They talk about the costs and benefits of wearable technologies, and overcoming objections encountered when implementing the technology on a jobsite. 

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Mark Fergus, executive vice president at Cumming Group. They discuss the findings of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' 2022 report on digitalization in construction.   Show notes Download the RICS report here: https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/media/knowledge/research/research-reports/rics0112-digitalisation-in-construction-report-2022-web.pdf

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Mark McCallum, CEO of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), and Nick Newton, agency president of Newton Bonding and current president of NASBP. They explain why surety bonds are so important to the construction industry, and provide advice to make sure you're taking the right steps in minimizing risks when procuring projects.

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Chad White with Bowers & Kubota, and Jill Rafter from Engineering is Elementary. The four talk about programs that ensure STEM training and materials are available to promote engineering and computer science in the classroom, bringing construction and engineering to the forefront for all students.

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Chris Payne, PE, CCM, and John MacKay, PE, CCM, CFCC, from MBP. The four talk about second generation leadership transitions within construction firms, and specifically, how such a transition directly impacted their organization.

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with CMAA's President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, and CMAA's Board Chair Brian J. McCarthy PE, CCM. The four talk about the organization's strategic framework, its vision, and the impact it has on the future of the construction industry. 

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they talk leadership and career development with Brent Darnell and Andrea Robbins with BDI. Listen as they chat about the current and future-state of their courses in CMAA's Construction Leadership library, the importance of mental, physical and emotional well-being in the workplace, and advice on advancing your career.

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they talk standards with Molly Lynyak, manager of technical committee operations for ASTM International; Holly Neber, CEO of AEI Consultants; and Julie Kilgore, president of Wasatch Environmental. Listen as they chat about how standards are essential to the jobs we hold, specifically when it comes to property resilience assessment and environmental site assessments.

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with Anne Cotter, CCM, founder and president of Cotter Consulting, and Paul Foster, CCM, FCMAA, president/CEO of Foster CM Group, Inc., on what it takes to start your own construction management firm. Listen to their trials and tribulations and what lead them to take the risk of starting their own company.

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they continue their chat with emerging leaders within the construction industry. They discuss their experiences entering the construction management industry as a young professional, their unique perspectives and overcoming various challenges. Our guests include: Emily Gladstone, CMIT, project manager for the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Craig Sweet, CMIT, construction manager for Parametrix Ram Ramisetti, analyst for McCarthy Building Inc. Cody Bain, CCM, lead consultant for MBP Christine Goins, PE, CCM, construction project manager for RK&K

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with emerging leaders within the construction industry. They discuss their experiences entering the construction management industry as a young professional, their unique perspectives and overcoming various challenges.   Our guests include: Emily Gladstone, CMIT, project manager for the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Craig Sweet, CMIT, construction manager for Parametrix Ram Ramisetti, analyst for McCarthy Building Inc. Cody Bain, CCM, lead consultant for MBP Christine Goins, PE, CCM, construction project manager for RK&K

Join CMAA's Nick Soto and Carly Trout as they chat with economist Ken Simonson and a discussion around the U.S. construction outlook. In this inaugural episode, we're getting out our crystal ball and looking at the future of workforce worries, project prospects and supply snags.

The Construction Management Association of America presents the all-new Construction Leaders Podcast. Join our hosts Nick Soto, CAE, and Carly Trout as they chat with leaders in the construction management industry about what's impacting the industry the most. Check out the trailer for season one!