Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in Construction

Welcome to Rethinking Leadership in Construction. This is where we unpack what’s getting in the way of progress—and explore the ideas, people, and strategies that can actually move the industry forward. From workforce challenges to culture shifts, we’re here to spark the conversations that create real change. In this episode, Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen , and Director of Marketing, Amanda...

Welcome to Rethinking Leadership in Construction. This is where we unpack what’s getting in the way of progress—and explore the ideas, people, and strategies that can actually move the industry forward. From workforce challenges to culture shifts, we’re here to spark the conversations that create real change. Join Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen , and Director of Marketing, Amanda Portinari ,...

In this conversation, we reverse-engineered the behaviors and steps required to start a sponsorship relationship. We also discussed what was in it for Sophie (the protege), what was in it for Brian (the sponsor), and what the value was to Kiewit, the company where they both work. If you want to learn how to start using sponsorship to advance your career,  uplift others, and provide exponential val...

In this episode, Dr. Giovanna Brasfield (Popularly known as Dr. G), the CEO and Principal Consultant at Brasfield Associates, discusses her journey in the construction industry, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. G is an award-winning diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) advocate and changemaker with over 18 years of experience in leadership consulting and DEI program developm...

In this episode, Beth Tubbs, the Chief Fire Protection Engineer at ICC, shares her journey of growth, both personally and professionally, within the construction and engineering sectors.  She delves into the significance of building codes for public safety and energy efficiency, her role in developing these codes, and how she finds purpose in her work.  Beth also discusses the impact of attending...

In this episode, Kathryn Payne, a Project Executive with LeChase Construction, shares her inspiring journey in the construction sector. Kathryn fell in love with the field early on at Clemson University, and her passion for problem-solving and creating has driven her career. Sponsors have played a crucial role in Kathryn's growth, facilitating opportunities for her and others. She believes in inve...

Doreen Bartoldus is the past national president of the National Association of Women in Construction and one of the 2023 Construction Power 100 for New York City. She is a certified construction manager recognized by the  Construction Management Association of America with the Champion Coins of Excellence award. Doreen is a trailblazer in the construction industry, someone who holds the door open...

Getting more women into leadership roles is important for every industry but especially for manufacturing. The sector lags behind others in terms of representation, particularly in the C-Suite. What does it take to attract women to the industrial space? What can companies do to retain these women? What guidance do current women leaders have for the next generation to improve their chances for a su...

Sponsorship is one of the most powerful tools to advance women in the construction industry. Once you learn about this concept, it’s easy to want to implement it. But it isn’t always straightforward. There’s no sign-up sheet or 3-step plan; it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Rachael Ferrera from Zachry Construction unpacks how sponsorship has shown up for her over her 15-year career - even t...

There’s a labor shortage in the construction industry today, which has started a trend of companies wanting to attract more women. While the motivation may have started with getting more people in the door, the truth is that women bring a ton of value to the industry. Today, much of this value is untapped and isn’t leveraged. Dr. Tim Taylor from the National Center for Construction Education and R...

It's actually not all about the money. Well, salary might get women in the door. What they really want as they progress is a clear path to career advancement. This episode is an excerpt from Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Building Better Report.   Highlights:   What women want when they are looking for career opportunities  Why women don’t a...

The best way to start implementing sponsorship as a tool to advance women is to start by modeling sponsorship behaviors. Cultural transformation is really about behavior change, and all it takes is one person to start, and others will follow.  This episode is an excerpt from Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Building Better Report.   Highlights...

Investing in your women employees' leadership development is an excellent retention tool. But knowing what kind of training you should invest in can get overwhelming.  Andrea Janzen reads a Forbes Coaches Council article in this episode to show you the difference between 1:1 and group coaching.  Highlights:   The difference between coaching and traditional leadership training   The outcomes you ca...

Transactional leadership involves providing direction, giving praise, and offering critical feedback. On the other hand, transformational leadership involves sharing a vision and inspiring people to contribute to that vision. In the construction industry, you need to leverage both styles of leadership.  Andrea Janzen reads a Forbes Coaches Council article in this episode to show you how to leverag...

In 2019, Andrea Janzen wrote a series of articles in the Forbes Coaches Council about the difference between sponsorship and mentorship. The hypothesis then was that sponsorship, not mentorship, would become the answer to advancing women in the construction industry. Fast forward to today, and Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research have quantitative researc...

In 2019, Andrea Janzen wrote an article in the Forbes Coaches Council about the difference between sponsorship and mentorship. The hypothesis then was that sponsorship, not mentorship, would become the answer to advancing women in the construction industry. Fast forward to today, and Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research have quantitative research that sho...

Liz Wiseman is a New York Times bestselling author and executive advisor. Her books include Multipliers, The Multiplier Effect, Rookie Smarts, and Impact Players. She is the Founder of the Wiseman Group and a leading global authority on leadership. Highlights  What a multiplier is and how they make everyone smarter  What a diminisher is and how to manage our accidental diminisher behaviors like be...

Dr. Paul Hickey studies gender diversity in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction leadership. Paul studies women’s industry representation and identifies methods to improve diversity.  Highlights:   What Linked In tells us about the path to leadership for women.  Women face greater obstacles than their male counterparts in career advancement.  Women’s path requires extra rungs on the corpora...

Ambition Theory partnered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) on Building Better: Women In Construction Study. Many Women In Construction initiatives celebrate the contributions of women in the industry, which is important. This session aims to take things a step further–we’re focused on ways to take action and drive real change. Tim Taylor, the Director of Res...

Angelo Suntres is the author of the book The Human Side Of Construction. He has represented both contractors and owners and understands the struggles from both sides of the fence. Angelo believes that focusing on the human principles of connection, including effective communication and fostering healthy relationships, is a critical part of ensuring a successful future for the construction industry...

Jerry Naranjo, the CEO of Naranjo Civil Constructors, is a passionate, engaging, innovative, and heart-centered business leader with over 30 years of experience. He has been a pioneer in the civil construction industry in Colorado, leading his firm to build some of the state’s most iconic and innovative river restoration projects. Jerry is a trusted advisor to employees, and clients alike, guiding...

Kat Von Kamrath and Laura Beneteau have worked in the construction industry for about ten years.  A couple of years ago, each of their company’s employee resource groups discussed how standard-issue safety vests don’t fit women’s bodies very well. Kat is in the US, and Laura is in Canada, and they both brought this issue up with senior management and got the go-ahead to order some new vests. It tu...

Kathryn Hart guides others to pursue fulfilling and intentional career paths within the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As founder and host at Space to Build, she advises others on navigating their roles on and off-site, leads community discussions on the real questions women have in our industry, and shares honest dialogue with women in roles across the industry. High...

Tonia Rivers is a military spouse and mother of three with seventeen years of experience in the construction industry. She is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Mothers in Construction, which is committed to elevating the voice of mothers in the industry. Tonia is also the owner and president of WLS Construction Consultants LLC, a construction consulting firm that provides mentors...

Marius Tawembe is a strategic, charismatic, and results-driven construction management professional with a proven ability to build strong, effective teams and inspire people to be better and make a difference. Highlights: Marius’s strategy for building and developing high-performing teams and the skills he looks for when hiring. How to leverage people's strengths beyond their technical abilities....