#212: Aaron Witt, CEO of BuildWitt – Set the example of vulnerability
Nov 7, 2024
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Aaron Witt, CEO of BuildWitt, is changing the narrative around the construction industry, emphasizing vulnerability as a cornerstone of effective leadership. He shares insights on creating resonant content and leveling up communication skills to inspire teams. Witt discusses the importance of personal storytelling and authenticity, along with how endurance sports shaped his leadership style. He also addresses the challenges of growth and personal sacrifice while advocating for mental health awareness in leadership. Plus, hear about the successful Dirt World Summit fostering community and innovation!
Leaders should exemplify vulnerability to create an open environment where team members feel comfortable taking risks and sharing challenges.
Effective communication and storytelling skills are essential for leaders to connect with their teams and highlight the importance of their work.
Adopting strategies from endurance sports can help leaders break down overwhelming tasks, facilitating steady progress toward objectives in their teams.
Deep dives
The Realities of Blue Collar Work
Blue collar work often involves significant physical labor, long hours, and challenging environmental conditions. Many companies glamorize these jobs, which can mislead potential workers about the industry's true nature. The speaker emphasizes that this lifestyle is not suited for everyone, highlighting the harsh realities such as working in extreme temperatures or being away from home. However, those who thrive in this environment gain a deep sense of pride and purpose from their work.
The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership
Effective leaders foster an environment of vulnerability, as it encourages team members to take risks and be open about their challenges. The CEO discusses his own experience in leading with vulnerability, emphasizing how it cultivates stronger relationships within teams. By sharing personal struggles and showcasing authenticity, leaders set an example that enables others to feel comfortable expressing their own vulnerabilities. This open communication is a crucial element in building trust and collaboration within any organization.
Innovative Approaches to Attracting Workforce
BuildWitt employs a unique business model that focuses on attracting the next generation into the dirt world by using marketing, training, and development strategies. As conventional recruiting methods fall short, the organization leverages storytelling to highlight the significance of infrastructure jobs and the impact of workers in maintaining essential services. The business includes a software platform aimed at training entry-level workers, equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed. This multifaceted approach is geared toward addressing the critical workforce shortages in the industry.
Lessons from Endurance Sports
The speaker draws parallels between lessons learned in triathlons and leadership. Completing an Ironman requires breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable segments, a principle that can be applied to leading teams and projects. This method helps alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed and facilitates steady progress towards objectives. Such endurance challenges stress the importance of persistence and strategic planning, which are equally vital in leadership roles.
Building Community Through Events
The Dirt World Summit exemplifies BuildWitt’s strategy to create a strong community focused on workforce development and leadership within the dirt industry. The inaugural event brought together industry leaders to foster discussions aimed at improvement and best practices. It addressed the pressing workforce challenges facing the industry in a collaborative atmosphere. This initiative underlines the value of community events in driving positive change and continuous growth in an industry that often goes unrecognized.
If you want your team to feel comfortable taking risks and being open, it’s up to you to set an example of vulnerability.
That big idea comes through loud and clear in this conversation with Aaron Witt, the CEO of BuildWitt. His company serves what Aaron calls the “Dirt World” — those businesses doing the infrastructure and construction work most of us take for granted.
See how this up-and-coming leader sets the example of vulnerability, and learn a few tips to elevate your communication and storytelling skills along the way.
You’ll also learn:
How to create memorable content that resonates with people
The surprisingly “small” tip that will help you accomplish big goals
Why every leader should level up their communication skills
The danger that might be lurking in times of big growth