Building Justice: Rethinking Construction, Climate, and Care (EP.89)

Construction sits at the intersection of some of today’s most urgent challenges—workforce shortages, climate change, housing insecurity, and culture change. It’s also where solutions are being built, literally and figuratively.

In this episode, host Tim Cynova continues the Climate Justice HR series with Mel Baiser and Kate Stephenson, co-founders of HELM Construction Solutions, a people- and planet-forward consulting firm helping construction companies transform their culture, strengthen business resilience, and lead on climate action.

They explore:

• What it means to embed justice, care, and clarity into hiring, leadership, and everyday operations.
• Why construction’s cultural transformation could unlock lessons for every sector.
• How HELM helps companies evolve from “chaotic job sites” to thriving, values-aligned workplaces.
• The industry’s overlapping crises—from labor shortages and mental-health challenges to ICE raids and climate emergencies.
• How coaching, community-building, and shared learning can shift entire systems, not just individual job sites.

Despite the gravity of the challenges, Mel and Kate also share a deep sense of hope—that by centering connection, humility, and interdependence, we can build not only structures but the systems that sustain us.

Highlights:

• 01:06 Meet the Guests: Kate Stephenson and Mel Baiser
• 02:19 Personal Backgrounds and Career Paths
• 07:30 The Origin and Vision of HELM Construction Solutions
• 12:55 Challenges in the Construction Industry
• 16:38 HELM's Approach to Addressing Industry Challenges
• 28:09 Leadership and Business Development
• 41:51 Climate Justice and Workforce Issues
• 51:11 Client Success Stories and Future Vision

Links & Resources

• Recording of the event “Building Solidarity: Construction Workers, Jobsite Safety, and ICE” mentioned during the episode.
• HELM Resource Library containing a wealth of materials to inform, support (and occasionally entertain) you as you develop your company.
• HELM Job Board if you're looking to join a forward-looking company with a great work culture.

About the Guests

ABOUT MEL BAISER | Co-Founder & Director of Vision & Strategy, HELM

Mel (they/them) believes in the transformative potential of the construction sector. This industry, which contributes nearly 40% of the carbon emissions wreaking havoc on our planet, is well positioned to become a catalyst for change in the movement for climate justice. Mel is passionate about making that happen. One could say Mel was destined to enter the construction trades. A 7th-generation Vermonter, they come from a long line of builders and homesteaders.

After years working as a residential carpenter, project manager, and estimator in both the San Francisco Bay Area and New England, Mel couldn’t ignore the tremendous opportunities for improvement they saw for the industry. With a degree in sociology, decades of organizing experience, and a desire to engage with the building world, Mel co-founded HELM to provide a