In EP74, Shannon Vogel, owner of Reach Social and founder of Tall Poppy, joins me to talk about her new workbook Say More and the power of rediscovering who you are. (Say More was featured in the 14%ers October Anniversary box!)

We dig into how the workbook helps women navigate people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, and the loss of self that often comes with working in predominately male industries. Shannon shares how Say More blends tough questions with a light, approachable style, encouraging reflection without pressure and helping women reconnect with confidence and joy.

The workbook is available now in paperback and hardcover on Amazon.

Tune in for a conversation about growth, authenticity, and meaningful support of and for women.

Connect & Follow Shannon HERE

Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

Have you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? THE January 2026 Box is Sold Out, but you can Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when the April box goes on sale!

What happens when safety gear finally fits women the way it should? It increases safety and changes more than comfort...it changes confidence, credibility, and culture. In this episode, Michele Moran, Senior Portfolio Leader at J.J. Keller & Associates, talks about how the company decided to start designing a safety line for women.

From attending Women in Construction events to gathering hands-on feedback from tradeswomen, Michele shares how J.J. Keller’s women’s line of PPE came to life ...and why fit matters not only for safety and performance but for belonging in the industry.

Michele and I also dig into the creation of JJ Keller's Women's Safegear Reversible Puffer Vest (featured in the 14%ers October Anniversary Box) and how collaboration between women-led initiatives and established manufacturers can drive real change in construction culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Ill-fitting PPE doesn’t just create safety risks, it sends the wrong message about who belongs.
• When manufacturers listen to women in the field, design gets smarter, safer, and more inclusive.
• J.J. Keller’s women’s PPE line proves that inclusion and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive.
• Proper fit impacts both comfort and credibility
• The partnership between 14%ers and J.J. Keller shows what’s possible when companies work together to improve the industry.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• J.J. Keller SafeGear Women’s Safegear Line
• The 14%ers Subscription Box

Call to Action:

If you loved your J.J. Keller reversible puffer vest from the 14%ers Anniversary Box — share it, review it, and show your company what real inclusion looks like. And if you’re not yet a 14%er, join the waitlist for the next box at 14percenters.com.

Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

Have you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? THE January 2026 Box is Sold Out, but you can Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when the April box goes on sale!

30 years ago today, I woke up to the sound of my roommate screaming in the middle of the night. That moment changed me, and it shapes how I advocate for safety in the workplace. In this episode, I share the story of that night, how it shaped certain aspects of my life, and how I bring that experience to work when advocating for workplace safety. This episode is meant to highlight why open communication and mutual understanding are essential for fostering a culture of collaboration at work.

Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

Have you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? THE January 2026 Box is Sold Out, but you can Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when the April box goes on sale!

Today's chat is with Sharron Halpert, founder of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron not only leads the "Build Better Crew" but is also the creator of the Firestop Coffee Break trainings. As we talk about her career and life experiences, learn how Sharron went from vagabond to passionate advocate for fire safety.

Let's dive into her journey, explore her passion for fire safety, and learn how proactive training can not only empower leaders and workers but ultimately enhance project integrity. Let’s make our industry safer—together!

PS... if you're a subscriber of the 14%ers, you can snag a special discount on her trainings through the coupon code inside your July 2025 14%ers box!

If you find value in this episode, be sure to share it with your network!

Build Better Crew Agenda and signup link

Firestop Coffee Break Training Link

Halpert Life Safety Consulting

Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

Have you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? THE January 2026 Box is Sold Out, but you can Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when the April box goes on sale!

In this special episode I take you behind the scenes of the July 14%ers Box. If you’re new to the 14%ers community, this box is a quarterly subscription curated specifically for women in construction—packed with gear that fits, swag we will actually use, and a sense of belonging for Women in Construction.

I will walk you through the thought process behind each carefully selected item from the July 2025 box meant to support women in both the field and the office.

Already a subscriber? Now you can experience the unboxing on the go—no screen required! Not a subscriber yet? Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the Anniversary box goes on sale.

Rather WATCH the Live Unboxing? Click HERE.

Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

Have you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? THE January 2026 Box is Sold Out, but you can Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when the April box goes on sale!

In this Mental Health Awareness series, we're tackling a crucial topic: mental health in the construction industry, where suicide rates are alarmingly high.

This episode's guest is Dr. Ashley Smith, a renowned psychologist and speaker with profound expertise in mental health awareness and known for her book, *"The Way I See It".

Dr. Ashley breaks down the two main pathways of suicidal ideation; Gradual Despair and Abrupt Crisis. She also dives into myths around suicide, the role language plays in promoting understanding and compassion around suicide, and she provides practical steps and resources for those wanting to be part of the solution.

🌟Remember, a simple check-in can make a world of difference. Your voice matters—start the conversations, check in on colleagues, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.

Get a free chapter of Dr. Ashley's book when you subscribe to her monthly newsletter: www.drashleysmith.com/subscribe

Suicide-related articles by Dr. Ashley:

"How to Talk about Suicide, from a Psychologist Who Lost a Loved One"

"What I Wish Everyone Knew About Suicide"

"My Suicide Notes"

Articles about mental health more broadly

"Rethinking Mental Health"

Dr. Ashley's BLOG

Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

Have you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? THE January 2026 Box is Sold Out, but you can Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when the April box goes on sale!

Part TWO of my conversation with Lea Rummel on Mental Health Awareness and will remind you that behind every project, REAL PEOPLE face significant challenges.

Lea talks about creative approaches, such as:

➡️ placing mental health resource cards in portable toilets

➡️and integrating education into first aid training to demonstrate a company or project's dedication to making mental health support accessible and relatable.

Let’s break the stigma and equip ourselves with the knowledge to support one another.

Where to find Lea:

Instagram, Watch her story HERE

Mental Health Resources:

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP)

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)

You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health by Ken Duckworth, MD

You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health by Christine M. Crawford, MD

Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

Have you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? THE January 2026 Box is Sold Out, but you can Join the Waitlist to be the first to know when the April box goes on sale!