1. Lynn Wong

Episode Summary:

In this keynote episode from Zweig Group's ElevateAEC2025 Conference, Lynn Wong delivers a powerful talk on what it takes to thrive—both personally and collectively—in the architecture, engineering, and construction world. Drawing from her global leadership experience and some transformative moments along the way, Lynn explores where well-being, conscious leadership, and innovation meet.

She opens up about her own story: climbing the ladder across three continents, hitting burnout hard, then finding her way back through slowing down and living with intention. Lynn connects the dots between wellness science and team dynamics, the importance of unlearning old patterns, and how to navigate the disruptions reshaping the AEC industry. Her message is clear: make conscious choices, take care of yourself, and build resilience—in your own life and across the profession.

1. Intentional Leadership: Being fully present, knowing oneself deeply, and making conscious choices are foundational to thriving as a leader—especially amid rapid industry change.
2. Slowing Down to Speed Up: Sustainable progress in AEC comes not from relentless pace but from mindful “slowing down”—pausing for clarity, reflection, and purposeful action.
3. Personal Well-Being Fuels Teams: Core habits like breathing deeply, moving joyfully, mindful eating, and sleeping gratefully are essential for personal health, which in turn impacts collective performance and creativity.
4. Embrace Unlearning for Innovation: Growth and transformation in organizations and individuals require an openness to “unlearning” old habits and perspectives and a willingness to navigate discomfort.
5. Celebrate Team Strengths: Success in the AEC industry is rooted in collaboration, recognizing individual and team strengths, and honoring human potential in every project.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

1. Connect with Lynn Wong on LinkedIn
2. Learn about the Zweig Letter and subscribe: https://thezweigletter.com/
3. Connect with Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.

Stay tuned for more

• Mark Zweig

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Mark Zweig for a candid conversation about leadership, optimism, and embracing change in the AEC industry. Drawing from decades of experience and stories from the design trenches, Mark unpacks how leaders can break with outdated thinking, foster resilience, and turn market challenges into opportunities.

From evolving workplace cultures—including tales of "buttoned down" firms in the '90s—to the importance of decisive leadership, Mark and Randy explore what it takes to maintain an entrepreneurial mindset in uncertain times. The conversation digs into strategies around client outreach, the risks of overanalyzing decisions, and why open-book management and broader ownership structures drive firm success.

Tune in for actionable advice and fresh perspectives on thriving through economic uncertainty.

• Leadership in Uncertainty: In challenging times, leaders must combine realism with optimism, set the tone for their teams, and believe in success despite obstacles.
• Action Over Analysis: Effective leaders act decisively, avoid “paralysis by analysis,” and seize opportunities quickly—especially when others hesitate.
• Continuous Client Outreach: Consistent, genuine relationship-building (such as regular check-ins) pays off in business development—cold emails and calls still work!
• Break Old Rules: Firms that creatively rethink ownership, encourage wider stock participation, and adopt open-book management foster loyalty and long-term growth.
• Recruit Proactively: Treat recruitment like building a sports team—always be looking for top talent, even if you’re not filling a current vacancy.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

• Connect with Mark Zweig on LinkedIn
• Learn about the Zweig Letter and subscribe: https://thezweigletter.com/
• Connect with Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.

Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!

Architecture with Heart - Carley Chastain

From Specs to Stories with Cherise Lakeside

Bridging Design and Construction with Dan Crist

AI Transforming AEC with KP Reddy

• Carley Chastain

Episode Summary:

This episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, hosted by Randy Wilburn and joined by marketing co-host Luke Carothers, traces Carley Chastain's unique path through the architecture profession. Carley, an emerging architectural professional at Marlon Blackwell Architects in Northwest Arkansas, shares how she was drawn to architecture not by tradition, but by curiosity, community, and a keen desire to make the built environment serve real people.

From Auburn University's Rural Studio—where students design and build for underserved communities—to Mass Design Group's healthcare infrastructure projects in Rwanda, Carley unpacks the transformative power of purpose-driven design. Her journey from Alabama to Montana, Boston, and Kigali has shaped her approach to design as one focused on social impact, community resilience, and equity. Listeners will gain perspective on how intentional architecture can shape lives, tackle rural housing and infrastructure gaps, and deliver facilities that truly respond to community needs.

The conversation also spotlights the next generation of AEC professionals prioritizing equity, resilience, and local advocacy. Carley's reflections offer valuable strategies for increasing diversity, retaining talent, and ensuring architecture's continued relevance for the future.

• Community-first Design: Purposeful engagement with local people and issues creates projects that are meaningful and sustainable—whether it’s rural housing or urban centers.
• Tackling Obstacles Holistically: Carley’s experience on the $20K House and the Front Porch Initiative demonstrates how architects can identify and address systemic barriers like access to fire stations and insurance, not just building design.
• Value of Diverse Experience: Exposure to international practice and local development, as well as cross-disciplinary networking, gives young professionals context and resilience—qualities vital for evolving the AEC industry.
• Advocacy and Retention: To retain diverse talent, firms must foster strong community connections, empower staff with local resources, and invest in personal and professional development.
• Importance of Public Health: Architecture’s role extends to building infrastructure that supports public health and preventive care—a lesson Carley saw firsthand with Mass Design Group in Kigali and current healthcare projects in Arkansas.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

• Marlon Blackwell Architects: https://www.marlonblackwell.com/
• Mass Design Group: https://www.massdesigngroup.org/
• Auburn University Rural Studio: https://ruralstudio.org/
• Contact Carley Chastain: carley@marlonblackwell.com
• Connect with Carley Chastain on LinkedIn
• Learn about