Construction Genius

AI is reshaping the construction industry, from enhancing decision-making to automating tasks. The podcast discusses the necessity of clean data for effective AI implementation and the crucial distinction between generative and agentic AI. It highlights how leaders must experiment and lead by example to innovate. Insights from industry giants like Amazon demonstrate the competitive edge gained through AI adaptation. Practical steps for embracing these technologies are shared, emphasizing collaboration and a forward-thinking mindset in the workforce.

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Burr, an experienced executive coach and leadership consultant, explores why construction companies struggle with growth. She emphasizes the critical role of emotional intelligence and active listening in leadership. Instead of trying to do it all, leaders should focus on building trust and clarity within their teams. Rachel also discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering honest communication as key strategies for effective leadership, empowering teams to break through growth barriers.

What happens when leadership isn’t about control but about a shared goal? What if the future business world looks more like a team, not a hierarchy? As more companies reconsider the traditional structures, models like worker cooperatives and employee-owned cooperatives are gaining momentum. They offer a way to codify culture, share decision-making, and maintain purpose beyond the founder’s occupancy. These models present an agreeable alternative in a time when millions of small businesses face uncertain futures. It’s time to see ownership as not a privilege for the few but a path for the many.  John Abrams is a succession planning consultant, workplace democracy advocate, author, and the co-founder of both South Mountain Company and Abrams+Angell. He retired and handed over the company he started at age 24 in 2022, and started Abrams+Angell with his partner. They consult with the triple bottom line (TBL) businesses to help them with succession planning, worker co-op conversions, financial literacy, leadership development, and business effectiveness. He is the author of “From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership,” which provides knowledge, strategies, and tools to help business owners successfully complete transitions. He joined us today to talk about forgetting hierarchy and running a company as a true team.  HIGHLIGHTS [02:30] Understanding B corporations.  [05:56] The Impact of Codifying Company Culture.  [10:24] The importance of clear leadership for effective decision-making.  [13:00] The differences between worker cooperatives, ESOPs, and employee ownership trusts. [15:00] What is democracy in business? [18:07] The importance of listening in a coorperative environment.  [19:35] Turning the leadership into the next generation.  [23:45] Open book management.  [28:44] Employee ownership options.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Regardless of how formal your systems become, stay focused on the human connection.  Protect what makes your culture unique; growth and structure don’t erase the personal touch.  Define roles and trust them, collaborations don’t mean everyone decides everything.  Hire people who align with your values, not just job descriptions.  Transitioning leadership takes intention, patience, and trust.    RESOURCES Connect with John Abrams LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/john-abrams-3bb94683/  Website - abramsangell.com/    From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership By John Abrams amazon.com/Founder-Future-Business-Longevity-Ownership/dp/1523006811    90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!  

In today’s episode of Construction Genius, we dive deep into a powerful leadership framework that can transform how you run your construction projects — the Fighter Pilot Mindset based on John Boyd’s legendary OODA loop. In fast-paced, high-risk environments — whether it’s a fighter jet or a complex construction site — the speed and quality of your team’s decision-making can make or break project outcomes.   Yet many construction leaders today face persistent challenges: ✅ Bridging the gap between office leadership and field crews ✅ Balancing safety and productivity under constant schedule pressure ✅ Driving real-time decision-making on job sites that are always changing ✅ Building a job site culture where workers are empowered — not micromanaged ✅ Improving communication between leadership and the front line That’s where the OODA loop — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act — comes in. Originally designed for fighter pilots in life-or-death combat, this mental model helps leaders and crews think faster and act smarter — without sacrificing safety. My guest today is Stokes McIntyre, CEO of MindForge, who brings a unique background in both film production and construction technology. Stokes is passionate about helping construction leaders apply OODA loop thinking to close the field-office communication gap and create job sites where safety and speed reinforce each other — not compete.   RESOURCES Website - mindforgeapp.com   LinkedIn Handle - linkedin.com/in/stokesmcintyre/  Insta -  instagram.com/mindforgellc/   X - x.com/MindForge   Facebook - facebook.com/mindforgeinc  Company LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/mindforgellc  Restaurant Recommendation - giuseppesritrovo.com/

The construction industry is currently at a significant juncture where the industry’s traditional practices begin to converge with new cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence. AI helps teams to uncover insights, streamline operations, and improve decision-making, making it an emerging powerful partner rather than a tool. Trevor Schick is the CEO of Slate Technologies, a company revolutionizing the construction industry through AI-driven decision support tools. He brings a unique perspective to the industry’s technological space, having a career leading global supply chains at major high-tech companies like Apple, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola. About a decade ago, he started applying lessons about materials and logistics from high-tech industries to the world of construction. He became the CEO of Slate Technologies after initially working with them as a customer. He joined us today to talk about how AI is redefining the possibilities in construction by enhancing safety, minimizing delays, and unlocking the importance of hidden data. HIGHLIGHTS [01:29] Trevor’s background in the construction industry.  [03:13] Cultural differences at HP, Motorola, and Apple.  [07:23] The potential of off-site construction and supply chain innovation.  [09:11] AI’s role in safety, progress reporting, and linking data in construction.  [13:18] The importance of data quality for AI implementation.  [17:31] Automatic insights and solutions. [18:56] Perona-based AI tools.  [22:11] The benefits of adapting to user perspectives.  [25:50] AI’s impact on pre-construction and scheduling.  [29:22] The importance of AI in centralizing data, reducing time spent, and project estimations.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Explore off-site construction and speed up project timelines. Use AI-powered cameras to proactively identify on-site safety risks.  Provide clean, structured data to ensure your AI tools deliver accurate insights. Capture and apply lessons learned from past projects using AI.  Use human feedback to train and improve AI’s problem-solving over time.  Encourage your team to see AI as a collaborative partner, not a tool.    RESOURCES   Connect with Trevor Schick LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/trevor-schick-97620b9/  Wensite - slate.ai  YouTube - youtube.com/@SlateTechnologies  Restaurant Recommendation - jeffreysofaustin.com/      90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!  

Dan Lester, Vice President of Field Culture and Inclusion at Clayco, brings a powerful voice to the conversation around mental health in the construction industry. Focusing on total health and well-being, Dan emphasizes that mental health is about managing everyday and extreme stress.  Dan shares findings from a 2024 Clayco study showing that 54% of tradespeople reported anxiety or depression in the past year, yet many still feel ashamed to talk about it. Dan attributes this to stigma, pride, and the male-dominated nature of the industry. He stresses the importance of psychological safety and creating spaces where vulnerability is welcomed.  Through practical initiatives like wellness zones, mandatory fatigue days, and leadership modeling, Dan advocates for a cultural shift in the industry. His message is clear: mental health matters and proactive support can save lives and improve job performance!   HIGHLIGHTS [03:22] Mental Health Awareness in Construction  [10:58] Impact of Mental Health on Job Performance  [15:15] Effective Communication and Support  [36:36] Leadership and Cultural Change  [44:51] Practical Steps for Companies   KEY TAKEAWAYS Be vocal and visible about mental health—leaders should model openness and vulnerability. Set up wellness zones and encourage psychological safety on job sites. Promote tools like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Man Therapy, and the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. To raise awareness, offer training sessions, job site tours, and mental health presentations. Confidentially support and follow up with individuals who seek help—build a culture of trust and care.   RESOURCES   Connect with Dan Lester: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danflester/ Website: claycorp.com/   Clayco’s Report on Mental Health: https://claycorp.com/latest/breaking-the-silence-mental-health-and-support-issues-in-the-construction-industry https://PreventConstructionSuicide.com https://ManTherapy.org   90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!  

If you’re serious about winning more work, building trust with clients, and leading your sales team with confidence, let’s talk. I’m offering a free 10-minute call to help you pinpoint exactly where your sales process is breaking down—and what to do about it. 👉 Book your 10-minute call here: https://10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me/ Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Let’s get proactive, strategic, and focused on what actually works in construction sales. Winning negotiated projects in construction isn’t about cutting into your profit; it’s about cultivating trust, clear communication, and placing yourself as the partner of choice. The shift from estimation to strategic selling is essential in contexts where relationships, consistency, and confidence are important. Success comes with recognizing the right moments to connect with decision-makers, tapping into your team’s capabilities, and advocating for what you need with confidence, proving that you possess qualities beyond just being a contractor but a trusted partner who brings solutions and lasting value to the table.   In this week’s solo episode, Eric explains how to win negotiated projects without competing on price. From overcoming the reluctance to call to prospecting expertly, leveraging team selling, and conquering reciprocal exchange, Eric breaks down the behaviors and mindset shifts that make high-performing builders stand out. Join Eric if you are ready to start winning work by leading with value, confidence, and connection.  HIGHLIGHTS [01:53] Prospecting and closing in construction. [03:18] Overcoming the reluctance to call.  [05:11] Alignment, commitment, and consistent effort. [08:05] Dealing with ghosting in sales.  [12:22] Proactive vs. reactive approach in sales.  [15:05] The psychology of reciprocity.  [17:00] Actionable steps to improve the sales experience.    What You’ll Learn: Why price isn’t the reason you’re losing negotiated bids The 5 critical sales behaviors every construction professional must master How to overcome call reluctance and become a proactive prospector The power of quid pro quo and the psychology of reciprocation Why “Kings talk to Kings” is a sales mindset game-changer  How to align your internal team for effective, team-based selling RESOURCES Construction Genius Book (Chapters 11 & 12 on Sales & Marketing): https://a.co/d/hNZ3sxV Schedule a quick call with Eric and discover how he can help you sell successfully: https://10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me/   Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!

As in any other industry, artificial intelligence is becoming a vital tool in construction, reforming how projects are designed, planned, and executed. It can help construction companies with critical challenges like skilled labor shortages by empowering junior employees with expert knowledge ingrained in digital tools. As the industry evolves, AI stands out as a practical, approachable tool that delivers efficiency and innovation. However, it’s important to note that AI is not a ‘know-all’ but rather a tool that continues to evolve and improve over time through user feedback and experience.  Meet the co-founder and CEO of Augmenta, Francesco Iorio, a company on a mission to empower the construction industry to design buildings more efficiently and at a lower cost, enabling a future of sustainable buildings, cities, and infrastructure. Before Augmenta, Iorio served as Director of Computational Science Research at Autodesk, where he led a group of researchers and engineers in exploring state-of-the-art computational science projects that pioneered modern generative design. Previously, Iorio was a solution architect for next-generation computing systems at the IBM High Performance Computing Group in Dublin, Ireland. In this role, Iorio focused on accelerating financial, engineering, and digital media workloads using hybrid high-performance computing platforms. HIGHLIGHTS [00:51] The role of AI-powered tools in mitigating the skilled labor shortage.  [04:15] The process of gathering knowledge for AI tools.  [08:44] Augmenta’s approach to designing intelligence and constructability.  [13:31] The relationship between user skills and the effectiveness of AI tools.  [19:15] Removing the mystique around AI.  [21:55] Francesco’s background in computer science and  [24:17] Sustainable building practices and reducing material waste.  [27:26] Democratizing building performance.  [29:30] Augmenta’s role in the future of construction.  [35:13] Advice for construction leaders.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Position AI as an attractant for new talent.  See to it that skilled tradespeople actively review AI-generated outputs.  Consider AI as not ‘all knowing’ but ‘students’ who listen, learn, and adapt.  Encourage iterative use. Pose a challenge to the responses of AI.  Involve senior staff during the AI adoption phase and use the tool as a bridge for junior employees.  Point out the power of real user stories in breaking down skepticism.  Present AI as the next step in progress instead of a disruptive leap.    RESOURCES Connect with Francesco Iorio LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/francescoiorio/  Website - augmenta.ai/  Toronto, Canada restaurant recommendation: terroni.com/    90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!

Family business succession is not just about changing the leadership; it’s a delicate balancing act between maintaining the legacy and embracing innovation. Both founders and successors face the challenges of navigating deep personal attachments, generational differences, and the emotional weight of letting go and stepping up. A genuine succession requires more than a solid plan: it demands trust, humility, and the discipline to lead by example.  Joining us today is Dimitri Sidiropoulos. Dimitri is a son, husband, father of three, and a second-generation leader in the construction industry. At Delphi, a company specializing in heavy mechanical infrastructure work, Dimitri plays a key role in leading the team to continue building on a legacy of quality and innovation. Dimitri's primary focus is on team building, business development, and cultivating a strong company culture. Dedicated to creating an environment where collaboration, continuous growth, and mutual respect are prioritized, Dimitri works to ensure that every team member has the resources and support needed to succeed. Throughout the conversation, Dimitri and I discussed the following topics about the strategic art of family business succession: myths of a family business, maintaining high standards, creating space for further employee advancements, expecting and handling conflict in a family business, succession planning: legacy vs. innovation, the shift from doing to leading, leading by example, and the importance of maintaining open communication with employees.  HIGHLIGHTS [02:01] Myths of family business.  [06:29] The importance of maintaining high standards.  [14:05] Building long-term client relationships with personal connections.  [16:07] Handling conflicts in a family business.  [21:28] Succession Planning: Leading with curiosity and trust.  [30:20] Dimitri’s succession plan and the development of future leaders.  [38:59] Leading by example and personal growth.  [41:32] Visiting job sites and maintaining an open communication with employees.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Build a growth culture, not just a growth plan.  Go beyond the contract. Position your team as problem-solvers and collaborators.  Expect conflict. Step back when needed, cool down, and revisit the conversation later. Respect experience. Learn the lesson before you dismiss them.  Expect the discomforts in transition and embrace them as parts of growth.    RESOURCES Connect with Dimitri Sidiropoulos LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/dimitri-sidiropoulos-b4485190/                      https://linkedin.com/company/delphiph/  Website Copy - https://delphiph.com/      90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!    

Today, Eric explores the essential shift in leadership from the outdated command-and-control style to a coaching-focused approach. Eric addresses common leadership myths, emphasizes the power of trust, and outlines practical frameworks for effective coaching conversations. He highlights tools like the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to help leaders set goals, track progress, and foster accountability. With actionable advice on asking the right questions and creating a supportive culture, Eric equips leaders to build stronger teams and achieve long-term success. He closes with a call to embrace coaching as the key to thriving in today's competitive landscape. HIGHLIGHTS [00:46] Leadership Shift from Command and Control to Coaching  [03:50] Five Lies Successful Leaders Tell Themselves [07:47] Practical Coaching Frameworks [09:47] Effective Coaching Questions [17:34] 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard   KEY TAKEAWAYS Focus on coaching, not controlling. Use open-ended questions like "What's your biggest challenge?" Hold coaching talks midweek, late morning, distraction-free. Set clear goals, track progress, and build accountability. Help your team grow instead of being the sole problem-solver.   Mentioned in the episode: 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!