Learnings and Missteps by Depth Builder

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse Hernandez converses with Stephanie Wood, co-founder and CEO of Coal Build Construction. Stephanie, with a background in organizational leadership and trauma-informed neuroscience, shares her journey from English literature major to a construction industry leader. The discussion covers the challenges and innovations in fostering a co...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse Hernandez sits down with Liberty Kogen, a construction social media expert with an impressive background in musical theater and business. Liberty shares her journey from performing in Legally Blonde to launching a successful babysitting agency in Atlanta and eventually transitioning into social media marketing for construction compa...

Want a year that actually changes your life? We break down a practical system to stop chasing busywork and start stacking wins that matter. It starts with a guilt-free brain dump to pull every idea, project, and half-finished goal out of your head so you can judge them by outcome, not overwhelm. From there, we introduce the Damn Matrix, a four-quadrant method that ranks your work by impact and eff...

n this episode, Jesse discusses the critical role of servant leadership in the construction industry with Wally Adamchick. They explore how a servant leadership mindset, which includes being respectful, setting expectations, and supporting employees, can lead to higher employee retention and profitability. Wally also talks about the importance of developing frontline leaders and the distinction be...

In this episode, Jesse hosts Bryce Harem, founder of BTG Services and creator of the Middleman Mindset, as they discuss the essence of true leadership, personal struggles, and the ways to effectively bridge the gap between office and field in the blue-collar industry. Jesse and Bryce explore the importance of self-leadership, authenticity, and communication, while also touching upon their personal...

Ready to stop storing your entire life in your head and start building a future you can actually live? We walk through phase one of guilt-free future planning, a simple, practical way to unload your ideas, goals, and projects so you can see them clearly and choose with confidence. No apps required. Just a pen, some paper, and the willingness to get honest about where your energy goes. We begin wit...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse interviews Uri Salgado, a bilingual business development executive at Detritus. Yuri shares her remarkable journey from helping her mother with translation in her childhood to achieving a milestone of 10 years at her previous company. She discusses the influence of her multicultural background, the importance of empathy in her career, an...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Brian Anderson, President of Bear Construction. Brian shares his journey of starting his own construction company, driven by his desire to create his own values and methods. Despite initial setbacks, such as working for companies that went under and facing financial struggles, Brian successfully established his business,...

Ever blink at 4 p.m. and wonder where your day went? We’ve been there—busy all day yet weirdly light on results. This conversation lays out a distraction detox that replaces chaos with clarity using two simple moves: track the curveballs that hit you and cage the squirrels you chase. The payoff isn’t just productivity; it’s the calm that comes from finishing what matters most. We start by exposing...

Jesse interviews Melissa Stecher, founder of Hopeful Simplicity, discussing her 3S method designed to help busy moms declutter and organize their spaces for a more peaceful lifestyle. Melissa explains the importance of aligning organizational styles with personal and family needs, the emotional aspect of letting go of clutter, and the benefits of a supportive community. They explore the balance be...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse welcomes Shane Patterson, founder and CEO of Jenga. With a background in finance and software engineering, Shane has focused on solving complex problems in the construction sector. The conversation highlights Shane's journey into the construction industry, his focus on building solutions for subcontractors, and the complexities...

Take Command of Your Day with the Daily Domination Board Gear up for the new year  The fastest path to real high performance isn’t a new app or a 4 a.m. alarm—it’s a cleaner day. We walk through a lightweight Daily Domination workflow that gets tasks out of your head, into a simple Trello board, and moving from To-Do to Done without drama. No complex frameworks, no calendar chaos—just a clear loop...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse interviews Mohit Bhagchandani, a data-led marketing expert and founder of Adeptimize. They delve into the essence of modern branding, discussing the importance of personal and business identities. Mohit highlights that a successful brand must stick in consumers' minds and emphasizes the necessary balance between organic and paid con...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse reconnects with Megan Shapiro, an accomplished lawyer and repeat guest. They discuss her evolving career and ventures, including launching the Converge Construction Summit and her business coaching initiatives. Megan shares insights on navigating setbacks, growing her network, and intentionally serving her community. With candid stories...

Ever feel overwhelmed by your to-do list? That sensation of drowning in tasks while your most important work gets pushed aside? You're not alone—and there's a solution hiding in plain sight. In this eye-opening episode, Jesse breaks down a deceptively simple framework for identifying exactly which tasks in your life and business should be automated or outsourced. Using a visual "buc...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Joseph Richards, the owner and chief takeoff officer at Flooring Takeoffs. Joseph discusses his unique career path, transitioning from an English teacher to a business owner, and the challenges he faced along the way. He talks about the importance of transparency, learning from mistakes, and the role of AI in the estimati...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages with Dr. Alejandra Rodriguez-Mielke, an expert in talent development and organizational analysis, who offers insights on cultural competence and adaptability. Dr. Alejandra shares her journey from Monterey, Mexico, to the United States, highlighting the importance of learning and teaching throughout her career. She emphasize...

The Guilt-Free Future Planning method helps prioritize personal goals that consistently get pushed aside when we're busy making things happen for everyone else. This three-step process—Brain Dump, DAMN Matrix, and Walking the Plank—creates a framework for getting your goals out of your head, prioritizing them, and committing to action. • Brain Dump: List all your goals in three categories—bus...

In this insightful episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Kabri Luhrman Schmid, a nationally recognized construction influencer and project superintendent at Hensel Phelps. Kabri shares her 18-year journey in the construction industry, focusing on complex projects and redefining leadership. The conversation delves into her approach to jobsite leadership, emphasizing t...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse revisits a conversation with Heather Jones of Archer Estimation and Consulting. Heather shares her insights on battling estimator burnout and stress, her journey to starting a business with her husband, Jake, and their lifestyle as digital nomads. They discuss the impact of traveling on reducing work stress, the importance of learning th...

We explore a comprehensive time management framework designed specifically for high achievers who excel at delivering for others but struggle to prioritize themselves. This system helps you honor personal commitments without sacrificing performance, using a three-phase approach that reduces stress and increases focus. • The Self-First Time Mastery Framework addresses the common problem of depriori...

Reclaiming the Voice of Professional Moms with Chelsea Boateng In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Chelsea Boateng, founder of The Professional Parent. Chelsea shares her expertise in helping high-achieving women navigate the intersection of professional and motherhood identities. They discuss the mental and emotional load carried by mothers, the importance...

Overcoming Fear: Helping Leaders Speak with Confidence In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Jimmy Cannon, a voice and public speaking coach from the UK. Jimmy shares his journey from being a performer and singer to becoming a specialist in helping leaders speak without fear. The conversation covers the importance of energy, finding sincerity, and overcoming...

In this episode, Jesse welcomes Ms. Phyllis Winters, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience across various industries like nuclear, healthcare, and construction. Phyllis discusses her journey from overcoming a challenging childhood to achieving significant milestones in the world of tech and business strategy. She emphasizes the importance of a problem-solving mindset and shares valuable in...

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages in a deep conversation with Mr. Jose Miguel Berlanga, an international entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Jose shares his journey from being a struggling student to becoming a successful real estate magnate and author. They discuss the importance of following one's interests, the harsh realities of entrepren...