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Renae Sams: Building a Path for Women in Construction

In this episode, Diane interviews Renae Sams, founder and executive director of Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in construction. Renee shares her journey from dreaming of working for NASA to becoming a leader in the construction industry. She details the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating a career without an initial exposure to construction from site administrator to senior project manager on missions critical projects. Renee discusses the importance of visible female role models and her motivation to help other women feel they belong in the industry. She also talks about her book, which includes writing prompts to encourage reflection and growth, and her efforts to create a supportive community through her nonprofit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:11 Childhood Dreams and Early Influences

03:38 Journey into the Construction Industry

06:02 First Steps in Construction

08:20 Challenges and Growth in the Industry

13:29 Founding Build-Her.org

18:20 The Importance of Representation

38:28 Advice and Future Aspirations

43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Notes:

Norman, Don. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded ed., Basic Books, 2013.

The Arbinger Institute. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. 3rd ed., Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018.

build-her.org

Build-Her. (2024, April 10). Build-Her Be Heard: Creating space for women in construction with Renae Sams.

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Jessica Luczycki: Redefining Construction Administration Through Part3

In this episode, we meet Luczycki, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Part3. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring teacher to tech entrepreneur in the architectural and construction industry. She discusses her educational background, initial career at EllisDon, and transition into architectural contract administration. Jessica reveals how frustrations in her job led to founding Part3, a software solution designed to streamline construction administration. Alongside her husband and co-founder, she navigated startup challenges, balancing parenthood and raising funds to build a solution now widely embraced by the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, transparency, and customer-centric innovation in driving Part3's success. Additionally, Jessica touches on the future of AI in construction, and how it can become a tool for time consuming tasks. Tune in to hear her insights and inspiring story of perseverance and innovation.

00:00 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings

06:31 Switch to Contract Administration

11:17 Founding Part3

21:04 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood

23:15 Team Growth and Belief in the Mission

25:15 Challenges in Construction Administration

27:17 Recognition and Networking

38:37 AI in Construction and Future Plans

43:19 Advice for Women in Construction

45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Chelsea Fenton: Pioneering Women in Construction

In this episode, Chelsea Fenton (@thatunionlaborer), a 32-year-old union laborer from Western Massachusetts, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring to be a firefighter to excelling in the construction industry. Chelsea discusses the challenges she overcame, including being denied entry into the apprenticeship program twice before finally being accepted. She explains how her father’s support and the invaluable mentorship from seasoned colleagues helped her succeed. Chelsea also talks about her significant role in cofounding Western Mass Tradeswomen to support and connect women in the construction trades. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of persistence, finding mentors, and maintaining work-life balance. Chelsea is actively involved in outreach and education to attract more women to the trades, underscoring her dedication to the future of the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

02:04 Career Aspirations and Challenges

11:41 Union Involvement and Growth

18:54 Forming Western Mass Tradeswomen

27:00 Challenges Women Face in Construction

29:02 Retention Challenges and Mentorship

30:39 Becoming a Foreman

35:56 Social Media Influence

42:12 Family and Personal Life

44:09 Future Aspirations and Advice

https://www.wmtradeswomen.org/

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The Journey of Mercedes Byers: From environmental science to co-founding a thriving sustainability consulting business.

In this episode, Mercedes Byers shares her inspiring journey from her early dreams of becoming an actor to establishing herself in the sustainability consulting field. She talks about her childhood, academic pursuits, and how a serendipitous environmental science class at the University of Toronto pivoted her career from medicine to environmental science. Mercedes recounts the early challenges and milestones during the founding of Pratus Group, her partnership, and their eventual merger with Quasar Consulting Group. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful work culture, providing opportunities for younger employees, and balancing professional responsibilities with personal life as a mother of three. Tune in to hear her insights on leadership, overcoming industry challenges, and what drives her continued passion for sustainability in construction.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:17 Early Life and Childhood Dreams

03:50 Academic Journey and Career Beginnings

05:03 Transition to Environmental Science

07:21 First Steps in the Construction Industry

11:03 Founding Pratus Group

31:06 Fostering a Positive Work Culture

35:16 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family

39:19 The Quasar Partnership

44:03 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Goals

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Dee Durant: From Electrical Apprentice to Trade Advocate - A Journey Through Challenges and Triumphs

In this episode, Dee Durant, a 24-year-old electrical apprentice from southern Ontario, shares her inspiring journey from childhood aspirations of becoming a meteorologist to finding her calling in the electrical trade. Despite facing challenges like severe anxiety and ADHD, Dee sheds light on how she navigated her academic struggles, supported by her loving family and mentors. She discusses her experiences on the job, the realities of being a woman in the trades, and the importance of mental health. Dee also highlights her active role in promoting skilled trades through social media and public speaking, aiming to break stereotypes and encourage diversity. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of supportive mentors, and the importance of pursuing one's passion.

00:00 Meet De Durant: Background and Early Life

03:10 Discovering a Passion for Trades

08:41 Overcoming Educational Barriers

15:23 First Steps in the Electrical Trade

19:09 Current Role and Responsibilities

22:00 Social Media and Promoting Trades

26:15 Building Confidence Through Construction

30:52 Mental Health in the Construction Industry

42:21 The Importance of Mentorship

46:17 Future Goals and Advice for Women in Construction

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or contacting a support line (988). You are not alone.

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Beyond the Nickname: Amy Marks' Journey of hard work, perseverance and kindness.

In this episode, Diane welcomes Amy Marks, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Compass Data Centers, often known as the 'Queen of Prefab.' Amy shares her journey from a turbulent upbringing in a construction family business to becoming a leading figure in the construction and prefabrication industries. She details her academic background, early career challenges, and eventual rise to prominence after taking bold steps in prefabrication. Amy also touches on her passion for women's rugby and its impact on her career, her work at Compass Data Centers, and the importance of kindness, hard work, and saying 'yes' to opportunities. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:18 Early Dreams and Upbringing

03:04 Path to the Construction Industry

09:06 Becoming the Queen of Prefab

15:55 Influence and Recognition

23:12 The Importance of Thought Leadership

24:15 Broadening Horizons Beyond Prefabrication

26:28 Current Role and Career Reflections

29:56 The Power of Saying Yes and Hard Work

32:34 Rugby and Its Impact on Career

39:16 Future Aspirations and Advice for Women in Construction

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Ashley Kalizuk: From Crane Operator to Advocate for Women in Construction

In this episode, Ashley Kalizuk shares her journey from a crane operator to a photographer and an instructor in the construction industry. Reflecting on her career's challenges and triumphs, Ashley discusses her early days working in construction, the unexpected path to her Red Seal endorsement, and her transition into full-time photography and instructing at NAIT. She underscores the importance of representation and advocacy for women in the industry, offering advice for young women entering the field. Ashley's story is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the pursuit of passion, culminating in her recognition as a top professional under 40 in her field.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:08 Early Career Aspirations and First Job

04:35 Navigating the Construction Industry

06:13 Challenges and Lessons Learned

06:49 Writing and Advocacy for Women in Construction

13:17 Transition to Photography and Business

19:09 Becoming an Instructor and Teaching Experience

33:49 Future Goals and Advice for Women in Construction

37:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Annik Forristal's Journey from Engineering to Legal Expertise in Construction

In this episode, Diane welcomes Annik Forristal, a Toronto-based lawyer specializing in municipal and construction law. Annik shares her inspiring journey, from her early fascination with engineering during a 'Take Your Kid to Work Day' experience, to her career in the law industry. She discusses her experiences working with various industries during her co-op and her eventual gravitation towards the legal aspects of engineering projects. Annik provides insightful perspectives on the importance of mentorship, the role of legal professionals in construction projects, the challenges and rewards of bridging engineering and law, and the need for effective communication and problem-solving in the industry. Her passion for the industry and commitment to fostering supportive networks for women in construction and law shines through in this engaging conversation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Early Life and Career Aspirations

02:52 Transition from Engineering to Law

04:59 Navigating Law School and Early Career

08:29 Specializing in Construction Law

13:18 Day-to-Day as a Construction Lawyer

14:39 Challenges and Belonging in the Industry

25:49 Recognitions and Future Aspirations

29:53 Networking and Mentorship

40:10 Final Thoughts and Advice