Greatness Podcast

Are you a person that focuses upon your strengths or your deficits? While identifying our areas for improvement is an important exercise, Rex Miller, author of The Genius Spark, joined the Greatness podcast to discuss a strengths based approach to leadership. Our need to conform as we develop drives out our genius, our natural strengths that if leveraged will help us live a life of fulfillment. Rex has wonderful advice for finding your genius.

What does brave leadership look like? Jim Ellis, VP Global Construction for Microsoft, joined the Greatness Podcast to discuss the organization's brave leadership related to sustainability in construction. What can we do, in our industry, to ensure the sustainability of our communities? It starts with passion, Jim described it as a "burning" passion. Jim's advice, "Get going, don't wait, move forward, make it work. Learn along the way, fail fast . . . ". We want to leave this world in a better place for our children and our grandchildren. 

In 1995, Dr. Paula Gerber, renowned international legal scholar at Monash University in both human rights and construction, founded the National Association of Women in Construction in Australia. She exemplifies what it takes to say "Hey, we have a challenge here. I'm going to do something about it." Paula joined the Greatness podcast to discuss how both women and men can help us achieve greater gender diversity in the construction industry, and also shared some important insights for women in the industry. 

Research demonstrates that Boards benefit from diversity, and it's been great to see the progress we've made in placing women on Boards. In Australia, a third of listed company Boards seats are held by women. Jo Lynne Whiting, Chair, and Barbara Bauer, Executive Director, of US-based Boardbound, joined the Greatness podcast to share more about their work to advance women on to Boards. Whether you are a woman hoping to join a Board, or a Board of Directors exploring how to expand Board diversity, Jo Lynne and Barbara have great tips for you.

Are you concerned that your organization might not be taking a strategic approach to ESG (environmental, social and governance)? You're not alone. This issue is critical from an investor perspective, an employee perspective, and a consumer perspective. And "greenwashing" doesn't work anymore. Melanie Brown with ERIAS Group visited the Greatness podcast with several strategic and tactical tips on how to ensure that your business strategy is effectively incorporating ESG. 

How does a construction project achieve 53% women on a project? This story, told by Andre Noonan, COO Australia & New Zealand for Acciona, is not just a story about diversity in construction. It's a story about having the courage as a leader to inspire your team to achieve the unthinkable. It's a story of how to think creatively about solutions when people say something can't be done. 

Michael Beer, Harvard, is one of the most prolific writers on how to successfully executive business strategy. Michael joined the Greatness podcast to share his insights on how leaders can ensure that honest conversations are happening at every level of the organization, including how to create a safe environment where employees can share the truth.

In Australia a construction worker commits suicide every two days. In the US, the suicide rate in construction is four times higher than the general population. That's a problem. Teresa Magnus has decided to do something about it, and joined the Greatness Podcast to share information on the wellbeing book and journal she's co-authored with Katheryn Ely that are being piloted with trade workers on two significant construction projects. 

Are you an "asking" leader or a "telling" leader? Edgar and Peter Schein, two of the greatest global thinkers on leadership, recently joined the Greatness podcast to discuss their book, Humble Inquiry, a longtime favorite of mine. The ability of a leader to ask genuine questions, to be authentically curious, is a tremendous skill, especially in cultures where "telling" has become overvalued. The complexity of today's business environment demands that we leverage the knowledge of those around us to develop clarity. This book is a must read and I hope you enjoy this wonderful podcast. Great leaders ask great questions.

Amy Jen Su discusses her book 'The Leader You Want to Be' on the podcast, focusing on the qualities of Leader A and Leader B, self-awareness, and navigating stress and emotional intelligence in leadership. The chapter also explores prioritizing self-care and purpose in leadership roles, as well as the significance of self-reflection and demonstrating humility and compassion in daily leadership.