Constructive Conflict: Why Tough Conversations Build Better Teams

In this episode, hosts Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot with CMAA sit down with Chuck Ainsworth, Founder and Chief Coaching Officer, and Ed Palpant, Chief Construction Specialist at Epic Rivers Leadership. Together, they explore the significance of having tough conversations in the construction industry, from giving effective feedback to navigating conflict and building trust. Chuck and Ed unpack their down-to-earth approach to leadership development—one that encourages slowing down, asking the right questions, and fostering stronger collaboration across teams. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in the workforce and why emotional intelligence is becoming just as essential as technical skill on today’s job sites.

This episode is sponsored by Parsons.