The Leadership and Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk talks with safety expert and author Brian Fielkow about why sustainable workplace safety is fundamentally a leadership and culture issue, not just a compliance exercise. Drawing on his experience leading high ‑ hazard operations and his new book Making Safety Happen, Brian explains how the best organizations move beyond polic...

In this solo episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, Randy Goruk shares practical leadership insights for navigating a slow market in the building materials and construction industry. As projects slow down, margins tighten, and competition intensifies, many organizations fall into reactive thinking. Randy challenges leaders to think differently. Instead of lowering prices, defending volume...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk sits down with Eric "Coach Rev" Reveno, James C. Gaither Associate Head Coach and General Manager for Stanford Men's Basketball , to discuss why great leaders often emerge from great teammates. Drawing on three decades of Division I coaching experience, Coach Rev shares practical insights on leadership, authenticity, accounta...

In this episode, host Randy Goruk has a conversation with Ed DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors, about how construction leaders can evolve from old school, command-and-control styles to adapt to a people-first, emotionally intelligent approach. Ed shares his personal journey from grinder and stress overload to servant leader and explains why he now treats humanity as a strategy investing in emotion...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk sits down with Andrea Piering, President of Sun State Builders, to explore how leaders can better attract, recruit, and retain women in construction. Listeners will learn: How Andrea Piering went from working job sites as a teenager to becoming President of Sun State Builders Why construction can be a fulfilling and creative...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, Randy Goruk welcomes Angela Tait, CEO and founder of Tait Consulting and author of The Human Capital Playbook, to unpack what really drives employee retention in construction and similar project-driven environments.   In this episode you will learn how to: Build and maintain trust Use vulnerability effectively Design high-impact onboarding Cr...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk sits down with Jessper Maquindang, fractional Chief People Officer and leadership development consultant, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain high-performing construction teams.   Together they discuss why so many contractors struggle with hiring and retention, and how to move beyond filling roles with "warm...

In this episode of The Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes back cyber security expert Robert Siciliano for his third appearance to unpack the rapidly evolving world of cybercrime. You will learn: What a "Strategic Human Firewall" is and why it's important. How the "human blind spot" works. Why cyber criminals now target people instead of systems. How AI has supercharged scam...

In this episode, host Randy Goruk explores practical innovation advice for the construction and building materials industries. His guest is Neall Digert, Vice President of Innovation and Market Development with Kingspan Light and Air, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance daylighting and ventilation solutions.   Listeners will learn: A practical definition of innovation.   Why fear of...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk talks with Ryan Hogan, founder and CEO of Talent Harbor about how leaders in construction and building materials can recruit better employees and retain them longer. Ryan shares the three critical phases of effective hiring. You'll also learn: Why generic job descriptions fail How to build a simple blueprint for every role Ho...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk sits down with Robert Kennedy III, founder and CEO of Kennetik Kommunications, to explore how leaders can use storytelling to build trust, create clarity, and drive real change.   Robert shares practical ways leaders can use stories to:   Make safety meetings and toolbox talks more engaging and memorable   Strengthen trust wi...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk explores a fundamental question faced by leaders: when should you give your team credit for accomplishments, and when (if ever) should you take credit yourself? Drawing on real coaching conversations and timeless leadership wisdom, Randy emphasizes why team success is never about the individual leader, but about collective ac...

Join host Randy Goruk in this insightful episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast as he welcomes Scott Peper, CEO of Mobilization Funding. Together, they dive deep into operational discipline as an underrated tool for recruiting and retaining top talent in manufacturing, construction, and operations. Scott draws from his extensive experience to reveal how a well-organized, safe, and empoweri...

This episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast offers a practical and inspiring roadmap for leaders seeking to make a greater impact in 2026 and beyond. Host Randy Goruk explores three core challenges facing today's leaders while sharing actionable strategies that drive real results. Listeners will discover how intentional leadership development, consistent engagement, and value-driven safety...

Join host Randy Goruk in this engaging episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, featuring industry innovator Kevin Hubschmann. Kevin shares lessons from his comedy and business career. Discover how humor, storytelling, and improv can transform the way leaders connect, inspire creativity, and handle tough conversations. Whether you're a seasoned executive or new to leadership, this episode d...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes award-winning media executive and author Andy Regal for a candid exploration of workplace bullying and toxic leadership. Drawing from Andy's extensive experience at top media organizations and his personal journey both as a target and leader, the conversation uncovers the realities of bullying across industries, the...

In this inspiring episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Dennis Bott, North American Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Element 5. Dennis shares his remarkable journey from working in a family-owned lumber yard to becoming a leader in the mass timber industry. He discusses how "raising your hand" and how stepping up for new opportunities while embracing lif...

Join host Randy Goruk as he sits down with accomplished entrepreneur Mark Scambray for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and business growth in the construction industry. Discover how Mark transitioned from sales to launching and building his own successful companies.   Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or interested in actionable advice on...

Host Randy Goruk welcomes Dr. Gretchen Gagle, a trailblazer in the construction industry, to discuss her journey, leadership insights, and efforts to empower women in male-populated fields. This episode offers practical advice for both male and female leaders. You will learn how companies can attract and support female talent, overcome bias, and build inclusive, high-performing teams. Listeners wi...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Steve Harms, General Manager at Builders FirstSource, who draws on over 40 years of experience in the building materials industry. Steve shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading successful improvement initiatives, including the implementation of Kata teams, fostering a culture of ownership, and achieving...

Host Randy Goruk on the Leadership and Learning Podcast as he welcomes Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, for an insightful discussion on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Bryan shares his 25-year journey in the industry, explains how AI is revolutionizing operations—from capturing expert knowledge to enhancing safety and productivity—and addres...

In this episode of the Leadership in Learning podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Daniel McCauley, Director of Engineering and Business Development for Ultimus Engineering. They dive into the critical role of effective communication in high-performing construction and engineering teams, exploring how miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes, project delays, and safety issues. Daniel shares insi...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes guest Dennis Schleder to discuss the realities of job searching in today's competitive market. Whether you're actively seeking a new role or supporting someone who is, this episode offers actionable strategies and encouragement to help you succeed in your career journey. You will learn: Practical advice on navigating...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk has an insightful conversation with leadership development expert David Graddy. David is a leadership development expert with over 40 years of experience in retail and aerospace industries, emphasizing integrity, team growth, and effective communication as key leadership responsibilities. He advocates for the "learn, do, ment...

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk visits with Lexi Engelbart, Product Manager Ergodyne. Lexi also serves as Vice Chair of the International Safety Equipment Association's Heat Stress Product Group and is a leading expert in heat safety.  Together, they explore the serious risks of heat stress in various industries and discuss why prevention is more important...