Building Better Futures

Join us as Christopher Sharples , Founding Principal of SHoP Architects , explains how manufacturing thinking, model-based delivery and a culture of trust are changing the way buildings come together. He shares what architects gain by engaging in means and methods, why lifecycle value matters more than first cost and what the next generation of AEC leaders should focus on. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 00:00 Why...

Join us as we talk with Tom Scarangello , Managing Principal and Senior Advisor of Thornton Tomasetti , about what it takes to build an enduring organization. Tom shares how his firm grew from 30 people to more than 2,000, why curiosity and openness to change matter for emerging leaders, and how the AEC industry advances faster through collaboration. Key Takeaways:  00:00 Why the best mentors he...

Commissioner Ahmed Tigani of the New York City Department of Buildings oversees more than 1,600 public servants and 1.1 million buildings across New York City. He joins to unpack what it takes to lead an agency at the center of housing, safety and economic development citywide.  Ahmed traces his path into public service back to his mother and the community in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, that raised hi...

In today’s special episode, Jim Hirani , President and Founder of Hirani Engineering and Land Surveying, D.P.C., and the Hirani Group , joins us to discuss what nearly four decades in engineering teaches a person about others. We explore the path from a $4-an-hour first job in New York to leading a firm, why he measures success by who is thriving around him and why he sends every young engineer in...

Join us as we sit down with Michael J. Vardaro , Managing Partner of Zetlin & De Chiara LLP , to discuss the legal risks that quietly decide how construction projects end. Drawing on a career that starts with a framing crew and a civil engineering degree long before it reaches a courtroom. Michael explains why communication sits at the heart of most disputes, what firms get wrong about AI tool...

Join us as we sit down with Kevin Khemraj , Vice President of Welkin Mechanical , to talk about building a career and a team in heavy mechanical construction. He shares what separates good contractors from great ones, why mentorship is worth asking for directly and how young professionals earn credibility long before they earn a title. KEY TAKEAWAYS  00:00 Build the right balance, don’t rush int...

Join us as we sit down with Phil Collin , Chief Growth Officer of Mott MacDonald , to explore what it takes to lead growth with purpose in the AEC industry. Drawing on three decades of engineering and program management experience, he shares lessons on culture, mentorship, communication and knowing your contract inside and out. KEY TAKEAWAYS  00:00 Introduction. 01:00 Phil Collin introduces him...

Edward Broderick , Chief Executive Officer of Gilbane, Inc. , joins us to discuss what five generations of family ownership teaches you about leadership, trust and building for the long term. We explore how leadership evolves at every stage of a career, why humility is a practice not a destination, and how Gilbane's integrated model of construction and real estate development serves clients across...

Lawrence Fitzpatrick , Senior Vice President and Deputy Business Unit Head of The LiRo Group , shares what great leadership looks like across a construction career built from the ground up. From running residential crews at 19 to leading large-scale public infrastructure programs, Lawrence offers a candid look at how to build client trust, develop young professionals and create the team cohesion t...

Julia Murphy , Partner of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) , joins us to discuss architecture as a legacy and a force for community impact. We explore her journey as a third-generation architect, her advocacy for women in design and construction, the structural challenges of Manhattan West and why she believes the people behind every project matter more than anything else. Key Takeaways 00:00...

Danielle Dy Buncio , Co-Founder and CEO of VIATechnik , joins us to discuss why  VDC is far more than a BIM exercise, how digital twins are transforming building operations and what the next generation of AEC leaders needs to understand about business to make technology stick. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction.  16:20 VDC aligns people, process and technology around project objectives, not ju...

Luke Martinek , Senior Program Manager and Associate Vice President of HDR , joins us to explore how 19 years across survey crews, civil design, operations, and business development prepared him for the Penn Transformation Project. We discuss mentorship on hard days, the business side of engineering, making stakeholders "complicit," and the Kurt Vonnegut mantra that still guides his leadership. Ke...

Danielle Grillo Pemberton spent over 15 years inside New York City government before crossing to the private sector as Vice President of Sweet Group LLC — and she brought everything she learned with her. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to challenge the status quo, how she earned her seat at the table in male-dominated fields, why she hires for hunger over credentials, and what it...

Kirsten Sibilia , Managing Partner of Dattner Architects , discusses the evolution of a firm committed to civic justice and the public realm. We explore her journey from product design to leadership, the firm's transition to a woman-owned business and how empowering the next generation of leaders shapes a better urban environment. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:06 Kirsten’s early entreprene...

Join us as Spencer Levine , President of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC, discusses navigating complex real estate developments and building trust within communities. We explore the importance of transparency with stakeholders, balancing profitability with positive social impact, and why leaving your title at the door is critical for flawless project execution. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction...

Communications Coach, Harvard Instructor and Bestselling Author Carmine Gallo , Founder and CEO of Gallo Communications Group, reveals how to master storytelling in the digital age. We explore the enduring power of human imagination over AI, the AMP framework for presentations, and why an authentic voice remains your greatest professional asset. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 06:29 Protecting...

Join us as Michele Fitzsimmons , Deputy Chief of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), discusses navigating high-stakes leadership and building trust within a team. We explore the importance of standard operating procedures, overcoming the emotional toll of demanding careers, and why saying yes to new opportunities is critical for growth. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:49 Family legacy...

Colleen Stanley , President of Sales Leadership Inc. , joins us to discuss how emotional intelligence drives sales success and leadership. We explore why soft skills are actually hard skills, how to reframe failure and the importance of creating a mentorship culture. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 08:27 Startups scale effectively by hiring for emotional intelligence.  10:47 Delayed gratif...

Jaidev Sankar , Transit Strategy and Growth Lead for the US East and LATAM of AECOM , reflects on a career shaped by mega projects, public-sector leadership and a willingness to say yes. He shares lessons from the Big Dig — the Second Avenue Subway — and his time on the owner side at Amtrak, offering a candid look at how collaboration, trust and emerging delivery models are reshaping rail and tran...

Join us as Anthony Pastore , East Regional Director of STV , reflects on a career built through persistence, trust and leadership. Anthony shares his path from union carpentry to leading some of New York City’s most complex public works projects, including the World Trade Center. He discusses why communication, decision making and investing in people matter more than titles and how construction re...

Jared Green , Principal and Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services , reflects on a 23-year career in geotechnics shaped by early STEM curiosity, steady mentorship and community service. He shares why AEC can feel intimidating at first yet stays welcoming, how practical math and science teaching excites students and how leaders build safe rooms where new voices grow. Key Ta...

On this episode, Eric Alemany , Senior Director, Supplier Relationship Management of the New York Power Authority , shares his 27-year journey in public power. We cover how supplier relationships drive execution, why patience and resilience matter, and how NYPA supports communities through accessibility, diversity and forward-looking energy initiatives. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 05:39 A s...

Ahad Ghadimi , CEO and Founder of forums@work , discusses vulnerability, psychological safety and the story behind his book “Turnaround Artist: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps.” In today’s discussion, we uncover Ahad’s entrepreneurial roots, we look at culture change in practice and delve into how peer forums strengthen trust and communication across teams. Key Take...

Jessica Sherman , Vice Chair and Principal of The Douglaston Companies , discusses family-rooted leadership, community-first development and how character, accountability and partnerships shape impact in New York real estate. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:49 Family inspiration drives purpose-driven work across building, management and community. 08:39 Integrity and a strong moral compass g...

In this episode, Michael Shamma , New York Metro Executive of TYLin , talks about leading major infrastructure projects in New York. He shares the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks, the mentors who shaped his leadership and how engineering can connect communities and improve lives. Michael also shares insights on moving between public and private sectors, navigating organizational change an...