Women in AEC: Wine After Work

In this episode of Wine After Work , I sit down with Jim Riney , a seasoned recruiter and talent acquisition leader who has spent 25 years in the AEC industry . Jim's journey is remarkable—starting at an agency, moving into corporate at a national firm (later acquired by a global giant), and spending several years shaping talent acquisition operations before joining Freese and Nichols . Four years...

In this powerful episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Marcia Dawood — early-stage investor, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author of Do Good While Doing Well. As a venture partner at Mindshift Capital and Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association, Marcia brings a wealth of insight into what it means to invest with impact, support women-led startups, and champion innovation in sp...

This week on Wine After Work, I'm joined by Arivee Vargas — award-winning executive coach, bestselling author of Your Time to Rise, host of the Humble Rising Podcast, and a fierce champion of empowering women to break free of limiting beliefs. Arivee draws on nearly two decades of legal and corporate executive experience to guide high-achieving lawyers and corporate leaders toward more confidence,...

In this solo episode, Bryce breaks down key takeaways from the article "Building Tomorrow's Crew: Strategies to Recruit and Retain Young Talent in Construction," and pairs it with real-world insights from her consulting work across the AEC industry. From labor shortages to leadership engagement, she shares why the future of hiring in AEC depends on smart, strategic moves today. You'll learn how to...

Guest: Amanda Hinman, Founder of Hinman Holistic Health, Best-Selling Author Overview: In this episode, Amanda shares her journey as a Functional Medicine Health Coach and the inspiration behind her best-selling book, 'The Thyroid & Hormone Solution.' We discuss the importance of understanding hormone health, the struggles many women face, and practical strategies for achieving balance and energy...

What does it take to lead with heart, overcome challenges, and build a legacy rooted in emotional intelligence? This week, I'm joined by Nada Lena Nasserdeen—internationally acclaimed thought leader, keynote speaker, and founder of Rise Up For You—to talk about her latest #1 bestselling book, the power of soft skills, and how she's helped transform over 100,000 lives across 50+ countries. We get r...

What if you could land a job making $70K more while working fewer hours and feeling less stress? In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Chawaga, career and business coach, former architect, and founder of The Healthy Architect, to talk about how she's helping architects reclaim their time, energy, and income. From negotiating unheard-of benefits to ditching burnout-inducing mindsets, Morgan is sh...

Inside the 2025 ENR 500: Why the Real Battle Is for Talent, Not Just Projects In this episode of Wine After Work , Bryce breaks down the newly released ENR Top 500 Design Firms list for 2025 —and why it's more than just a revenue leaderboard. With $135 billion in combined design revenue and firms rapidly expanding into infrastructure, data centers, and sustainability, the AEC industry is clearly b...

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld, a seasoned HR leader with over 25 years of experience, to discuss her journey in the world of Human Resources and her passion for helping startups build strong, people-first cultures. As the founder of Retain and co-founder of Eleven, Lisa-Maree shares her insights on scaling businesses while ensuring a solid and compliant HR foundation. Key...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Patricia Stepler, the owner of Creating Top Producers, who specializes in helping business owners and entrepreneurs unlock their potential, boost productivity, and achieve the freedom they desire in both time and finances. A former educator turned personal development and business coach, Patricia shares her transformative journey and the insights she gained fr...

In this episode, we dive into the current landscape of talent acquisition and hiring trends within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Join me as I explore the challenges and opportunities that professionals face in today's competitive market, and share insights on how firms can attract and retain top talent. Key Topics Covered : Overview of the AEC job market and its e...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Amanda Johnson, known as The Story Oracle, who shares her journey of transforming pain into empowerment through storytelling. With over twenty-five years of experience in story literacy, writing, and narrative medicine, Amanda equips individuals and organizations to leverage the power of stories for personal growth and community connection. Key Discus...

Katie O'Malley is an Executive Coach and Leadership Educator with 20 years of experience across nonprofit, education, and corporate sectors. After earning her Master's Degree in Counseling and Board Certification in Coaching in 2012, she founded (en)Courage Coaching to provide accessible coaching services. Since 2018, she has worked with clients nationwide and in the UK, focusing on authentic care...

In this episode, we dive into Tiffany Rosik's insights on helping women achieve their full workplace potential. Drawing from her experience as a mentor, coach, and leader, Tiffany shares practical strategies and real-world advice to empower women to navigate the challenges they face in the professional world. Key Discussion Points: Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap: Tiffany's motivation behind writ...

Meet Dona Amelia, a dynamic leader who spearheads Asia's largest peer network for C-Suite executives and entrepreneurs. With a rich background as an award-winning singer, actress, DJ, and TV host, Dona combines her artistic talents with her entrepreneurial spirit. As a keynote speaker and coach, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering connections that drive success. Episode Overvi...

In this episode, we sit down with Molly Rose Speed, a leading expert in online operations and business automation, to discuss how entrepreneurs can reclaim their time and focus on growth. As the founder of Virtual Assistant Management, Molly has transformed the way small business owners delegate tasks and streamline their operations. Key Topics Discussed: The Evolution of Virtual Assistance: Explo...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Adelajda Child, a certified PSYCH-K® instructor who shares her remarkable journey of transformation and self-discovery. After graduating in finance and embarking on a corporate career in Amsterdam, Adelajda faced burnout and dissatisfaction that led her to hit rock bottom at the age of 27. Determined to rebuild her life, she explored self-healing techniques an...

Episode Overview: In this episode, we welcome Veronica Di Polo, a seasoned marketing and messaging expert with a diverse corporate marketing and personal branding background. Veronica shares her journey from organizing global events as a Marketing Director to pursuing her passion as an image consultant in Monaco, where she worked with high-profile clients. Key Topics Discussed: Corporate to Entrep...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Heather Marie Gessling, a Family Medicine Physician and the owner of Gessling Family Wellness, a successful cash pay medical practice. Dr. [Your Name] shares her inspiring journey from the constraints of the insurance-driven healthcare system to the freedom and fulfillment of running her own direct primary care practice. Join us as we explore the benefits of c...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Michelle Hawk, an Alchemist, Shaman, Master Healer, and Spiritual Mentor, who has dedicated her life to helping others unlock their potential and align their work with their true values. Beginning her journey in Shamanism at just 15 years old, Michelle is a naturally gifted psychic and intuitive channel, utilizing her extensive training in Alchemy and he...

In this episode, we sit down with Doris Zhang, a talented young architectural designer currently living and working in Paris. Born and raised in China, Doris brings a unique perspective to her work, having studied and lived in various cultural settings, including the U.S., coastal China, and California. With a BA in architecture from UC Berkeley, she embodies a fusion of diverse influences that sh...

In this episode, we sit down with co-founder Stephanie Florio to discuss how Swob is transforming the job search process for young job seekers. With a focus on high-turnover industries like retail and food service, Swob connects employers with talent in a way that simplifies recruitment and enhances job opportunities. Stephanie shares her journey of launching Swob, the innovative features of the a...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dan Adkins, a dynamic certified coach who has dedicated his career to empowering entrepreneurs and business leaders through effective communication. With a diverse background in entertainment, marketing, and coaching, Dan brings unique insights that help his clients thrive in their professional endeavors. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Communication: D...

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Stu Morris, a Cognitive Communications expert with nearly 30 years of experience in applied neuroscience. Stu shares groundbreaking strategies that empower individuals to rewire their brains for success in just minutes a day. His latest book, "Power Influence Purpose: 10 Questions to Define Your Legacy," is set to launch in California on October 4, and he's...

Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Stefanie Reichman, a licensed civil engineer and career strategist, who is passionate about helping fellow engineers transition into construction tech and other fulfilling roles. As the founder of Engineers Who Pivot, Stefanie has developed an 8-week program designed to transform engineers from feeling stuck and unmotivated into confiden...