Soft As Steel

In this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Matt Graves. It's a pleasure to introduce Matt, who has been in the construction industry since his graduation from Texas A&M University in 2010. Matt is a Millennial construction project manager by trade and has a vision of helping as many developing construction professionals as he can accelerate their career.

In this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Albert Carrillo. It's a pleasure to introduce Albert, the CEO of the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association. With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Albert began his career working for a plastering contractor, learning on the job, initially as a mixer. Before embarking on his construction career, Albert...

In this episode of the podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Rebecca Jones. With over 30 years of experience in management leadership, Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Her diverse background spans business administration and development, as well as construction and project management. Rebecca’s expertise includes resource planning, staffing, finance, and safety, offering val...

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Bob Swanson, a retired professional who dedicated 45 years to the construction industry. For the last 25 years of his career, he served as President of Swanson Youngdale Incorporated, a national painting and decorating contractor renowned as one of the most highly regarded companies in the Upper Midwest. The convers...

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Shawn Mahoney, CEO and President of OAC Services Inc. They discuss the firm's commitment to providing innovative building and process solutions for both public and private clients. The conversation delves into OAC's multidisciplinary approach, which is grounded in real-world experience and the benefits of be...

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Dr. Norman Fortenberry, Chief Executive Officer of Great Minds in STEM. They discuss the organization's mission to create a diverse workforce in science, technology, engineering, math, and medical health professions. The conversation highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in technical fiel...

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes Joe Frankie, President and Founder of JV3 Associates. Joe, a West Point graduate and combat veteran, shares his extensive experience in executive coaching and talent development. He discusses the importance of soft skills, emphasizing active listening and taking care of people. Joe reflects on his military and priva...

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Mark Bridges, a seasoned consultant in the construction industry. They discuss the critical role of soft skills, such as trust and communication, in achieving success alongside technical expertise. Mark emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationships and effective communication in building trust and achie...

Dennis Doran speaks with Irish Horsey from Procore Technologies. They discuss Horsey's unique perspective as a woman of color in the construction industry, her dedication to diversity and inclusion, and the challenges of increasing female representation in construction. The conversation covers the importance of soft skills, Procore's philanthropic efforts, and the role of love and spiritua...

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Jennifer Wilkerson, Vice President of Innovation and Advancement at NCCER. They discuss the importance of increasing women's representation in construction, highlighting the need for intentional recruitment and retention efforts. Jennifer shares insights on the industry's progress, challenges, and the role...

In this episode of the "Soft as Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran welcomes guest Jevon Wooden, a speaker, facilitator, and coach specializing in empathetic leadership. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and soft skills in the workplace. Javon emphasizes the need for leaders to understand interpersonal dynamics and the challenges of transitioning from technical roles to m...

In this episode of the "Soft As Steel" podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Leandris Weeden, a seasoned professional with over 18 years in the construction industry. They delve into lean construction principles, emphasizing productivity, respect for people, and diversity. Leandris shares his journey into lean construction, beginning in 2014, and discusses his role in mentoring operations...

Dennis Doran speaks with Alejandra Mielke, an expert in leadership development and cross-cultural relations. They explore the significance of soft skills, empathy, and understanding cultural differences in effective leadership. Emphasizing the need for self-awareness, they discuss how leaders can manage their biases and connect with diverse teams. Mielke underscores the importance of inclusivity a...

Dennis Doran speaks with Janine Trinidad, a senior trainer at Procore Technologies with a rich background in construction education. Trinidad shares her unconventional path into the construction industry, her personal struggle with burnout, and how she became a transformational coach. They discuss the importance of soft skills, rhetoric, and personal development in construction. Trinidad also deta...

Dennis Doran speaks with Michael Fortinberry, CEO of Protiv, about their productivity program designed to revolutionize project-based incentives and hourly wages. Fortinberry explains how Protiv incentivizes quality, safety, and teamwork, leading to increased profits and worker earnings. He clarifies that the program promotes collective performance over individual speed, fostering a culture of acc...

Dennis Doran interviews Erin O'Brien-Hofmann , the Director of Training and Education for District Council 21 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. The conversation delves into Erin's advocacy for women in the construction industry, highlighting her efforts to increase female participation in the trades through initiatives like the Philadelphia Women's Committee and...

Dennis Doran speaks with David Bradley, a global architect and certified professional coach. Bradley discusses the critical role of soft skills in the architecture industry and his mission to help professionals live intentionally and purposefully. He highlights how integrity, empathy, effective communication, and respect are essential for building relationships and resolving conflicts. Through per...

In this episode of Soft As Steel, guest host Madison Hull leads a panel discussion on the experiences of women in construction. Panelists Cynthia Grant, Aaron O'Brien Hoffman, Robert Williams, and Doreen Bartoldus share insights on overcoming unconscious biases and creating inclusive workplaces. They highlight the importance of mentorship, flexible policies for parents, and educational program...

In this special episode of 'Soft As Steel,' guest host Madison Hull fills in for Dennis Doran to discuss women in the construction industry. Industry thought leader Barb Allen presents, sharing her experiences and the challenges women face in this male-dominated field. She introduces the "one ladder framework," detailing barriers like missing and slippery rungs that represent biase...

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Dan Wies, President of Wies Offsite. They explore the human side of the construction industry, discussing the importance of leadership, values, and building a culture of care. Dan emphasizes collaboration, servant leadership, and the significance of relationships in business. They address the challenges of an evolving indus...

Dennis Doran interviews Coty Fournier, a seasoned commercial construction executive and entrepreneur. Fournier shares her 25-year career trajectory, starting from Turner Construction to co-founding Jobsite123.com, and discusses the importance of a well-rounded career path. She highlights her early experiences, the challenges of starting a tech venture in construction, and the value of soft skills....

In this episode of Soft as Steel, host Dennis Doran welcomes Henry Nutt, who shares his inspiring story of overcoming discrimination and challenges in the construction industry. As a proponent for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Henry has become a thought leader and has authored a book to guide others to success. The discussion focuses on the value of soft skills, the power of following one'...

In this episode, host Dennis Doran talks with Dan Fauchier, a seasoned construction and design professional. Dan discusses his journey from frustration with wasteful processes to embracing lean construction and design principles. He shares how adopting lean techniques improved his work-life balance and led him to coach others. The conversation covers the significance of soft skills, peer-to-peer l...

Dennis Doran hosts Jan Tuchman, a seasoned journalist and leader in the construction industry. They explore the industry's evolution, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence and the ethical considerations it brings. They discuss the economy's unexpected growth in 2023, the role of Engineering News Record in tracking construction costs, and the importance of social justice an...

This week, Dennis Doran engages with Jackie Bailey, who has dedicated her life to empowering others to find their voice. Having overcome her own childhood abuse, Jackie established a nonprofit to teach public speaking and leadership skills. They delve into the significance of communication, active listening, and the transformative power of words in building confidence and leadership. Jackie's...