Soft As Steel

Glodean is an accomplished speaker, author, leadership coach, and diversity & inclusion facilitator. She partners with organizations to strengthen their culture by fostering self-awareness, cultivating belonging, and encouraging collaboration. Her work empowers teams to become innovative, influential, and engaged in environments where people truly thrive.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel Podcast , Dennis sits down with his good friend Albert Carrillo , CEO of the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association. With over 40 years in the construction industry, Albert’s journey began in the field as a plaster mixer—learning the value of listening, dependability, and hard work. But his path wasn’t a straight line. Before construction, he spent fo...

In this episode of the Soft As Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran sits down with Shawn Mahoney, CEO and President of OAC Services Inc. Together, they explore how OAC delivers innovative building and process solutions for both public and private clients. The discussion highlights the company’s multidisciplinary approach, rooted in practical experience and strengthened by its employee-owned structure....

In this episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Ryan Maibach and Ethan Uhl of Barton Malow for a compelling conversation about the evolving landscape of the construction industry. They explore the complexities of staffing large-scale projects like Ford, the growing demand for human capital, and the cyclical nature of the field. The discussion also highlights the industry's increasing focus on sus...

In this episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Ryan Maibach, President and CEO of Barton Malow, and Ethan Uhl, General Superintendent, to explore the enduring legacy of Barton Malow—now 99 years strong. They discuss the core values and essential soft skills that have shaped the company’s culture and influenced the broader construction industry. Ryan and Ethan offer personal insights into how Barton...

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran speaks with Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, a lead project superintendent at Hensel Phelps, a respected leader in the construction industry. Their conversation highlights the vital role of soft skills in the workplace, particularly in construction. Topics include the responsibilities of a superintendent, the importance of psychological safety,...

Join us on Soft as Steel as Dennis Doran chats with Sandy Hamby, CEO of Moca Systems Touch Plan. They tackle big topics: why there aren't enough women in construction, the vital role of social justice, and how AI is shaking up the industry. Sandy also shares insights into building a strong company culture and redefining core values. Plus, they dive into the impact of colorblindness and the urg...

Dennis Doran sits down with Alastair Boulding, a seasoned trades professional and educator in construction sciences and management. Together, they explore the challenges of encouraging younger generations to pursue careers in the trades, and why diversity and representation are critical to the industry’s future. Drawing from over 20 years of hands-on experience, Al reflects on his journey from app...

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Daniel Dahlinger, a young engineer with hands-on experience in the construction industry. Their conversation dives into the importance of soft skills, the challenges young professionals face when entering the workforce, and the generational friction that exists on job sites. Daniel stresses the importance of companies align...

In this episode, Dennis Doran and Jonathan Goldhill dive deep into the realities facing small and mid-sized family businesses—particularly in the construction industry. They unpack what it means to be a "disruptive successor" and why that role is often key to driving meaningful change across generations. From leadership development and succession planning to building systems that last, thi...

In this episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Adam Hoots—an industry leader with deep experience in architecture and construction—to explore how lean principles can reshape the future of construction. Adam shares insights from his personal journey and research, highlighting the urgent need to foster a culture grounded in respect, dignity, and psychological safety. Together, they tackle critical top...

Dennis Doran welcomes Manny Carrillo, founder and inventor of the Safety Anchor Post, for an insightful conversation on innovation and safety in the construction industry. With decades of hands-on experience, Manny shares the real-world challenges faced by workers at height and the critical need for reliable anchoring solutions. He takes us through his journey of inventing the Safety Anchor Post—f...

In this inspiring episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Bryon Stephens, co-founder of Pivotal Growth Partners (PGP), a powerhouse in franchise development. Together, they dive into how PGP empowers entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, all while staying rooted in strong leadership and vibrant company culture. Bryon shares real-world insights on navigating the evolving construction industry, high...

Dennis Doran sits down with Aaron Prill, Vice President of Construction at Cologix, Inc., to explore the crucial role soft skills play in the construction industry and how they help strengthen relationships. Aaron reflects on the importance of love, inclusion, social justice, and leadership in his professional journey. He opens up about his personal challenges with dyslexia and how he’s worked thr...

In this episode, host Dennis Doran sits down with Angel Lyke-Osuji , a rising leader in the construction industry . They explore Angel’s career journey and the growing importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence at work. Angel shares practical insights on clear communication , reading nonverbal cues , and leading with empathy . Together, they discuss the challenges of gender imbalance in...

In this episode of the Soft As Steel podcast, Dennis Doran sits down with "Tats," co-founder and CEO of Castagra Products and host of the Specified Growth podcast . Together, they explore the critical role of soft skills in leadership, with a strong focus on the power of listening. Tats opens up about how podcasting helped him become a more intentional and empathetic listener, and why over...

Dennis Doran sits down with Eric Miller, founder of EMC (Eric Miller Consultants), for a thoughtful conversation on the vital role of soft skills and emotional intelligence in fostering strong personal and professional relationships. Eric offers his perspective on transformational leadership, the impact of love and inclusivity, and the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussi...

In this Soft as Steel podcast episode, host Dennis Doran welcomes Brent Wilcox , a director at OAC Services—a firm specializing in design and construction management. Brent expresses his enthusiasm for the industry and his dedication to helping clients realize their goals. The conversation explores the evolving nature of the construction field and how soft skills are becoming essential in leading...

Dennis Doran welcomes Deb Coviello for a conversation about the construction industry and the crucial role of soft skills in the workplace. Deborah shares her perspectives, shaped by her experiences through her husband and daughter's boyfriend, highlighting the importance of compassionate leadership, effective communication, and understanding within the field. They explore challenges and oppor...

In this episode, host Dennis Doran welcomes guest Roberta Ndlela to discuss the importance of soft skills and effective communication in the workplace. Roberta shares her career journey, emphasizing the need for engineers to develop these skills, as they are often promoted for their technical expertise but may struggle with communication and leadership. They also explore the challenges engineers i...

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran sits down with guest Maurice Thibodeau to explore the vital role of soft skills like love, social justice, inclusion, and compassionate leadership in both personal and professional settings. Maurice emphasizes that these qualities go beyond industry boundaries and are essential for growth and transformation. They also discuss the conc...

Dennis Doran interviews Nitin Govila, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Search Ferrari Group, about the significance of soft skills in leadership and their influence on the construction industry. They highlight the value of compassion, empathy, and mindfulness in fostering supportive environments that drive innovation. The discussion also covers the impact of culture, diversity, and inclusion i...

This week on Soft as Steel , host Dennis Doran sits down with Chris Bagatelis, founder and CEO of Bagatelis Architectural Glass Systems. They explore the crucial role of people in business and the importance of fostering a culture built on respect and strong character. Chris shares insights on leadership, the challenges and opportunities in the glazing trade, and how generational transitions impac...

Dennis Doran hosts Jeff Perry, the creator of the Engineering Career Coach podcast, as they explore the role of employee connection in the workplace and its effect on personal well-being and organizational success. They discuss the health risks and financial burdens caused by loneliness and a lack of connection. Leadership is highlighted as essential in building a culture of connection, with leade...

In this episode, host Dennis Doran sits down with Wayne Crew, a respected thought leader in the engineering and construction industry. They explore the key traits that set exceptional leaders apart, including integrity, strong ethics, and a dedication to excellence. Wayne shares insights on major industry challenges, such as the skilled labor shortage and the growing need for mental wellness initi...