The Ignoring Industry Experts in Construction Tech Costs Founders Adoption with Usman Shuja

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Dec 30, 2025

Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam, shares his extensive experience in AI and construction technology. He discusses the importance of respecting domain expertise while navigating digital transformation in the construction industry. Usman highlights challenges in tech adoption, offering change management strategies like clear communication and training. He also delves into Bluebeam's plans for 2025, emphasizing ethical AI use, productivity gains, and the potential pitfalls of unregulated AI. The conversation is a rich exploration of the future of technology in construction.

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ANECDOTE

Career Journey From IBM To Bluebeam

Usman describes his path from IBM to AI startups, Honeywell, and then Bluebeam after building AI for heavy industries.
He emphasizes early humbling lessons applying tech to traditional, high-risk industries and the value of domain experts.

ANECDOTE

Humbled By Turbine Experts

Usman recounts presenting AI to turbine maintenance experts and being humbled by their deep domain knowledge.
That experience taught him to respect domain experts, economics, and change management for adoption.

ADVICE

Invest In Change Management Early

Respect the industry's value chain and who captures margins before proposing technology changes.
Invest in clear change management: explain how work will change and train people up front.

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Disclaimer: This episode is a rerun of a previously aired conversation, but the insights on AI and technology’s role in construction remain timely and incredibly relevant.

In this exciting episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam, to explore how AI and technology are transforming the construction industry. With extensive experience in AI development across high-stakes industries, Usman shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that digital transformation brings to construction.

The conversation explores the importance of respecting domain expertise, managing change effectively, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Usman also provides a sneak peek into Bluebeam’s 2025 strategy and discusses how AI can improve construction productivity, all while navigating the potential risks of unregulated AI in the industry.

Key Takeaways

Understanding how AI is reshaping the construction industry and the potential it holds for the future.
The need to balance technology with the deep knowledge and expertise of construction professionals.
How construction firms can successfully navigate digital transformation and implement new technologies.
A look into how Bluebeam approaches the use of AI responsibly within the industry.
What lies ahead for AI in construction, including both its benefits and potential pitfalls.

Timestamps

[00:49] – From IBM to Bluebeam

[03:52] – Lessons from AI Development

[07:39] – Unique Challenges in Construction’s Value Chain

[10:12] – Change Management Strategies

[13:16] – Bluebeam’s 2025 “Five I’s” Strategy

[19:25] – Ethical AI Practices in Construction

[25:26] – Potential Pitfalls of Unregulated AI

[29:55] – Ethical Dilemmas in Autonomous AI Decision-Making

[31:12] – AI’s Impact on Construction Productivity

[36:17] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

The Ignoring Industry Experts in Construction Tech Costs Founders Adoption with Usman Shuja

Career Journey From IBM To Bluebeam

Humbled By Turbine Experts

Invest In Change Management Early

Key Takeaways

Timestamps

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