Summary

Mini Series Part 5: In this episode, Ryan Ware explores the critical role of curiosity in leading change management within construction projects and advancing construction leadership development. Building on the first four foundational C's of change—choice, control, clarity, and commitment—he delves into how activating curiosity empowers construction leaders to navigate industry challenges with psychological safety and a growth mindset. Listeners will discover how embracing curiosity fosters innovative learning and enhances problem-solving in construction leadership and change management.

The conversation underscores change management in the construction industry as a continuous journey, inspiring construction managers and leaders to cultivate curiosity in their teams and organizations. With practical guidance applicable to construction leadership training and coaching, this episode equips you to lead change boldly, fostering psychological safety and ongoing growth in the dynamic AEC industry.

Key takeaways include strategies to overcome change resistance, the importance of psychological safety to fuel curiosity, and how curiosity-driven leadership can transform construction business leadership and unlock organizational potential. Tune in to activate your curiosity and master leading change effectively in your construction projects and teams.

Chapters

01:09 Recap of the first Four C's of Change
04:58 The Importance of Curiosity
05:55 Psychological Safety and Curiosity
11:33 Defining Curiosity and Its Challenges
17:40 The Power of Ignorance and Learning
21:55 Shifting Perspectives: From Judgment to Curiosity
27:02 Curiosity as a Continuous Journey
31:16 Change as a Constant Journey
32:43 Conclusion and Reflection on the Five C's

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https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

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Summary

In this episode of Activating Curiosity, Ryan Ware and UpCodes Co-Founder and CEO Scott Reynolds explore how technology and AI are transforming change management and leadership in construction projects by reducing friction in decision-making processes without replacing professional expertise. They examine the impact of digital construction tools and systems in overcoming common construction industry challenges, such as time scarcity, information silos, and regulatory complexity, all while supporting construction leadership development and fostering resilience across teams.

Listeners will gain insights into how modern digital workflows and building code compliance platforms function as decision infrastructure, helping architects, engineers, and builders make more informed choices under pressure and navigate industry change effectively. This conversation is ideal for AEC professionals seeking to elevate their leadership in construction change management and innovation.

Scott Reynolds also shares his unique perspective from a background in architecture and extensive experience in global cities, emphasizing the importance of bridging expertise with technology to enhance construction business leadership and project outcomes. Tune in to discover strategies for leading through change and leveraging AI in construction management within an evolving built environment.

Chapters

03:46 From Architecture Practice to Technology Problem-Solving
09:29 The Hidden Friction in Construction Decision-Making
15:21 Building Systems That Support Choice, Not Defaults
26:46 How AI Can Reduce Friction Without Replacing Expertise
39:20 Product Selection, Manufacturers, and Real-World Constraints
57:36 Defining Success in a Technology-Enabled Built Environment

Guest

Scott Reynolds is the CEO and co-founder of UpCodes, the developer of a comprehensive compliance and product research platform that makes code libraries more accessible. Scott’s background in architecture and extensive experience working in some of the largest cities in the world, including New York City and Hong Kong at world-class architecture firms, provides him with a unique perspective into the challenges AEC professionals face when accessing building codes and ensuring compliance.

https://up.codes/

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Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

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Summary

In this episode of Activating Curiosity | Leading Change in the Construction Industry, Ryan Ware explores how micro hospitals are expanding access to healthcare in rural communities—and what this shift reveals about leading change in complex construction environments.

Ryan is joined by Peter Nicholson, Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Clinical Planning, for an insightful conversation focused on healthcare infrastructure, construction leadership development, and construction innovation. Together, they discuss best practices in construction change management, including standardized design, modular construction, and technology-enabled planning, showcasing how these approaches reduce costs, accelerate delivery, and effectively scale facilities in resource-constrained rural settings.

The discussion also highlights key leadership behaviors necessary for managing change resistance and guiding teams through uncertainty in the AEC industry. Listeners will gain valuable insights on construction change management best practices, leadership for change in healthcare projects, and the broader impact of construction leadership on community health, talent attraction, and operational resilience.

Whether you’re a construction executive, project manager, or change coach within the AEC industry, this episode offers actionable perspectives on leading change with clarity, curiosity, and purpose, helping you master the complexities of construction leadership and industry challenges.

Chapters

01:17 – Framing the Rural Healthcare Access Problem
03:44 – Hospitals as Products, Not One-Off Projects
07:45 – Accessibility, Affordability, and Smart Technology
11:09 – A New Delivery Model for Rural Healthcare Construction
18:27 – Capital, Mindset, and Resistance to Change
51:39 – Redefining Success: Wellness Over Profit

Guest

Peter Nicholson is a healthcare planner with over 35 years of experience designing and delivering hospitals and life science facilities worldwide. He specializes in integrating advanced medical technologies and has led projects for Harvard teaching hospitals, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and other global healthcare systems. He is currently the CEO of a startup offering pre-designed, fully equipped micro hospitals as a scalable product to improve the affordability and accessibility of healthcare delivery.

https://www.modernclinicalplanning.com/

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Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

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Summary

Mini Series Part 4: Building a Stronger Relationship with Change. In this insightful episode, Ryan Ware dives deep into the critical role of commitment within change management for construction leaders.

Focusing on the five C's—Choice, Control, Clarity, Commitment, and Curiosity—Ryan discusses how understanding these elements can empower leaders to navigate the complex dynamics of leading change in the construction industry. Learn how commitment is an ongoing process supported by a strong foundation of understanding our relationship with choice, control and clarity. Discover strategies to maintain momentum in managing change within construction teams.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on overcoming common obstacles in construction change management, the importance of regular check-ins, and how curiosity drives adaptability and innovation. This episode offers practical leadership advice and tools tailored for construction professionals striving to lead change effectively, fostering psychological safety and resilience in their projects.

Whether you're focused on construction leadership development or managing change in construction projects, this conversation unpacks essential insights to help you build confidence and clarity as you lead your teams through industry challenges and transformations.

Chapters

00:00 Building Stronger Relationships with Change
06:48 Understanding Commitment in Change
15:01 The Importance of Check-Ins
20:19 Navigating Challenges in Commitment
25:16 Curiosity as a Tool for Change

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Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

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Summary

This episode of Activating Curiosity is for construction and AEC industry leaders navigating ongoing industry change and preparing for what’s next.

Host Ryan Ware sits down with Brian Turmail, Vice President of Image for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), to explore what leading change in the construction industry will require as we move toward 2026 and beyond.

Together, they unpack critical leadership challenges shaping the industry, including workforce shortages, technology adoption, economic uncertainty, and the growing need for collaboration across the AEC ecosystem. The conversation highlights why many change initiatives fail—and why empathy, communication, and human-centered leadership are essential to effective change management in construction.

Ryan and Brian also explore the role of culture, care, and curiosity in building trust, reducing change fatigue, and helping teams adapt in an evolving industry.

If you’re focused on construction leadership development, navigating industry challenges, or leading change with clarity and confidence, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective on the future of construction leadership.

Chapters

05:00 - Challenges in the Construction Industry

15:00 - The Role of Technology and Innovation

25:00 - Cultural Shifts and Workforce Development

35:00 - Importance of Human Connection and Empathy

45:00 - Future Outlook and Call to Action

Guest

Brian’s role is to develop and oversee all public, member and chapter communications, marketing, fundraising and sales activities for the 27,000 member construction trade association. He also oversees the association’s market insights and grassroots activation efforts. And he helps support the association’s workforce development efforts, including advocating for career and technical education funding and immigration reform, executing workforce recruiting campaigns in partnership with AGC chapters, creating workforce development resources for members and organizing the annual National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Development Conference, among other activities.

He is a member of the board of directors of AGC Charities Inc, the association’s charitable arm, where he oversees Operation Opening Doors projects that get volunteer contractors to renovate facilities for worthwhile groups.

Websites

https://www.agc.org/industry-priorities/project-innovation-delivery

https://buildculture.org/

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

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Summary

Mini Series Part 3: Building a Stronger Relationship with Change. In this episode, Ryan Ware explores change management in the construction industry, emphasizing how construction leadership development and psychological empowerment enable leaders and teams to successfully navigate transformational change. Drawing on leadership coaching expertise, Ryan dives into the critical roles of clarity, choice, and control in managing change resistance and guiding smooth transitions.

This episode highlights best practices in construction change management and offers practical coaching tools to help AEC professionals build psychologically safe teams, foster trust, and drive construction innovations. Listeners will gain valuable insights to enhance their leadership confidence and master the challenges of leading change in construction projects and the broader AEC industry.

Key takeaways include the importance of commitment, transparent communication, exploring curiosity-driven approaches, and reflecting on past changes to inform future efforts. Whether you’re a construction manager or industry leader, this episode equips you with foundational strategies to revolutionize your approach to change management and leadership in construction.

Takeaways

• Change is a universal issue that affects everyone.
• Understanding choice is crucial in the change process.
• Control is often an illusion during change.
• Clarity is personal and varies from person to person.
• Rushing through change can lead to failure.
• Commitment is essential for successful change implementation.
• Communication is key to understanding team dynamics during change.
• Exploration and discovery are vital parts of the change journey.
• Building trust within a team enhances the change experience.
• Reflecting on past changes can inform future efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Reflection on Choice and Control
05:14 The Importance of Clarity in Change
16:13 Navigating the Journey of Change
30:34 Commitment to Change and Its Significance

Related episode

Mini-Series Part 2: Control

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Follow Ryan at the following:

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

Summary

In this episode Ryan Ware welcomes Andrea Janzen, founder of Ambition Theory leadership development for construction, to explore transformational leadership & its vital role in leading change in construction & change management for construction businesses. She shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a leader in construction coaching techniques, emphasizing how transformational leadership drives construction innovation & fosters inclusive, human-centered change environments in the construction industry. Discover how moving beyond transactional leadership can effectively address pressing construction industry challenges such as labor shortages & mental health, while empowering teams through construction leadership development. Learn practical insights & tools for change management and how adopting a human-centered approach can revolutionize leadership practices in this traditionally transactional field.

Takeaways:

• Transformational leadership focuses on guiding and inspiring teams rather than dictating tasks.
• The construction industry is evolving, with a growing emphasis on transformational leadership.
• Women in construction face unique challenges, but transformational leadership can create more inclusive environments.
• The shift from transactional to transformational leadership requires a change in mindset and openness to new ideas.

Chapters

3:58 Andrea's Journey and Ambition Theory

15:42 Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership

21:22 Transformational Leadership in Practice

26:22 Future of Leadership and Industry

56:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

Guest

Andrea, Ambition Theory Founder and CEO is a Certified Executive Coach with an MBA, the host of the Ambition Theory Podcast, a Forbes contributor and a top-rated speaker. She is passionate about coaching women in construction to develop themselves, set leadership goals and get results. Since 2018, Andrea has coached and trained over 1,000 construction professionals. Before becoming a coach, Andrea was a marketing leader that worked on some of the world's
best-known brands.

https://ambitiontheory.com/

Podcast:
https://ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/

Leadership Academy
https://nawic.org/women-leading-in-construction-leadership-training-in-construction

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Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.

Summary

Ryan Ware & Brian Skripac of the DBIA dive into change leadership & leading change in construction through innovative coaching techniques & effective change management in the AEC industry. Unpacking the evolution of design build and BIM adoption in construction, virtual design, AI, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and technology as pivotal forces transforming project outcomes within the construction industry.

Listeners will learn how to overcome change resistance, understand the significance of communication & change management, and leverage data-driven decision-making to ensure successful project delivery. Hear expert insights on construction leadership development & construction leadership training, highlighting construction culture's critical role & the human element necessary for innovation. Practical strategies for adopting design build principles and fostering continuous learning are shared, empowering leaders to excel in their AEC industry careers.

Takeaways

• Efficiency is key in the design and construction process.
• Technology can significantly improve project outcomes.
• Collaboration among teams leads to better project delivery.
• Resistance to change is often rooted in fear of risk.
• Communication is essential for successful project execution.
• Data and metrics are crucial for measuring success.
• Design Build promotes a collaborative approach to construction.

Chapters

03:00 The Evolution of Technology in Architecture
09:04 Overcoming Resistance to Change
14:42 The Importance of LOD and Project Clarity
23:50 Quality and Innovation in Design Build
26:50 Future of Design Build in the Construction Industry
34:39 The Importance of Collaboration in Design Build
37:34 Cultural Shifts & Psychological Safety in Construction
42:04 Learning from Experience: The Value of Feedback
50:04 Aggregating Innovations for Project Success
01:01:22 Measuring Success in Design Build Projects

Guest
A B.S. Arch. graduate from The Ohio State University, he brings 20 years of experience as a digital construction innovator, showing how VDC maximizes value within design-build’s whole-team approach. He specializes in uniting people, processes, and BIM-enabled technologies to improve collaboration, performance, and lifecycle outcomes across the built environment. An industry thought leader, publishe

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Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.