Episodes

  • 005 - Kyle Nitchen - ​Finding Your Path in Construction
    May 20 2024
    Episode Highlights:
    • Guest: Kyle Nitchen
    • Senior Project Manager at Layton Construction
    • Active writer and thought leader on LinkedIn
    Key Discussion Points:
    • Kyle's Career Journey:
    • Early years as a landscape laborer and field engineer with Kiewit
    • Transition to project engineer and project manager at Layton Construction
    • Importance of self-exploration and finding one’s lane in the industry
    • Balancing Passion and Skill Development:
    • Shift from seeking passion to becoming highly skilled
    • Finding fulfillment through leadership and team management
    • Growth Mindset and Continuous Learning:
    • Influence of mentors and thought leaders like Jocko Willink
    • Importance of reading, self-improvement, and setting ambitious goals
    • Industry Insights and Advice:
    • Opportunities in the construction industry for young professionals
    • The need for improved knowledge transfer and less siloed working environments
    • Implementation of lean methodologies for better efficiency
    Timeline:
    • 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction by Brad Coleman
    • 01:00 - Kyle's unconventional career path and early experiences
    • 03:00 - College years and discovering construction management
    • 05:00 - First role at Layton Construction and transition to project engineer
    • 07:00 - Challenges of the project engineering role and internal turmoil
    • 09:00 - Finding passion through becoming skilled and leading teams
    • 12:00 - Importance of self-awareness and self-exploration
    • 15:00 - Transition from East Coast to West Coast and first project management role
    • 18:00 - Kyle's growth mindset and driving factors
    • 21:00 - Goals for the next 5-10 years, both personal and professional
    • 24:00 - Recommended books and authors influencing Kyle
    • 27:00 - Talent shortage in the construction industry and advice for newcomers
    • 30:00 - Knowledge transfer and mentoring within the industry
    • 33:00 - Implementing lean methodologies in construction
    • 36:00 - Desired industry changes and reducing silos
    • 39:00 - Synergy and team collaboration
    • 41:00 - Final thoughts and advice for young professionals
    Key Quotes:
    • "Instead of trying to figure out what I was passionate about, I shifted my focus to getting really good at something."
    • "Lean is just a better way of doing things. It's about being more efficient and creating more value."
    • "Having a big vision of where I want to be and who I want to become drives my growth mindset."
    Connect with Kyle:
    • LinkedIn: Kyle Nitchen
    • Newsletter: The Influential Project Manager
    Resources Mentioned:
    • Books:
    • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
    • The Captain Class by Sam Walker

    33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene

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    44 mins
  • 004 - Stefanie Reichman - Embracing Career Pivots and Finding Happiness
    May 20 2024
    Episode Highlights:
    • Guest: Stefanie Reichman
    • Customer Success Manager at Bluebeam Inc.
    • Creator of Pivot Checklist, providing mentoring and advice on career pivots
    Key Discussion Points:
    • Stefanie's Career Journey:
    • Background in civil engineering and construction management
    • Transition from Assistant Project Manager to Virtual Design and Construction Manager
    • Pivot to customer success role at Bluebeam
    • Balancing Career and Personal Life:
    • Impact of life changes such as having a baby and the COVID-19 pandemic
    • Importance of finding a job that aligns with personal interests and strengths
    • Career Pivots and Mentoring:
    • Insights on making strategic career moves and embracing career pivots
    • Importance of creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning in career development
    • Practical Advice for Professionals:
    • Advocating for oneself and communicating effectively
    • Leveraging LinkedIn for career growth and networking
    • Developing a professional story and aligning resume and LinkedIn profile with career goals
    Timeline:
    • 00:00 - Welcome to Building Blocks: Introduction by Brad Coleman
    • 01:00 - Introduction of Stefanie Reichman and her career background
    • 02:00 - Stefanie's career pivots: From civil engineering to construction management to customer success
    • 03:00 - Balancing career and personal life during significant life changes
    • 04:00 - Transitioning to Bluebeam and leveraging previous experience
    • 05:00 - Stefanie's role at Bluebeam: Customer Success Manager
    • 06:00 - Importance of creativity and problem-solving in career roles
    • 07:00 - Discussion on nonlinear career paths and the value of varied experiences
    • 08:00 - Stefanie's approach to career pivots and mentoring others
    • 09:00 - Advocating for oneself and communicating effectively in the workplace
    • 10:00 - Leveraging LinkedIn for career growth and networking
    • 11:00 - Developing a professional story and aligning resume and LinkedIn profile with career goals
    • 12:00 - Final thoughts and advice from Stefanie
    • 13:00 - Conclusion and call to action
    Key Quotes:
    • "Creativity is really important to me. I love the concept of being given a problem and coming up with a solution on my own."
    • "Advocating for yourself is crucial. You can say anything you want as long as it's the truth and you're being respectful."
    • "Finding a job that aligns with your personal interests and strengths can lead to career happiness."
    Connect with Stefanie:
    • LinkedIn: Stefanie Reichman, PE
    Resources Mentioned:
    • Pivot Checklist: Stefanie's guide for career pivots, available on her LinkedIn profile


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    47 mins
  • 003 - Josh Luebker - Navigating Career and Family Life: Advice from a Trailblazing PM
    May 20 2024
    Episode Highlights:
    • Guest: Josh Luebker
    • Project manager consultant with extensive experience
    • Transition from active roles in construction project management to strategic roles as a fractional CFO
    Key Discussion Points:
    • Balancing Career and Family:
    • Importance of prioritizing career before starting a family
    • Challenges of balancing personal interests with family commitments
    • Strategic planning for career advancements
    • Project Management Insights:
    • Understanding the technical aspects of project management
    • Value of networking and making contacts
    • Being adaptable and open to changes in career and family plans
    • Advice for Young Professionals:
    • Career growth and time management
    • Impact of life changes on professional goals
    Timeline:
    • 00:00 - Navigating Family, Career, and Personal Growth
    • 00:33 - Advice for Future Parents: Career Focus Before Kids
    • 01:05 - Finding Balance: Hobbies, Health, and Family Life
    • 01:53 - Seasons of Life: Embracing Change with Kids
    • 03:34 - Strategic Career Moves for Long-Term Flexibility
    • 04:16 - Transitioning to Part-Time: A Personal Journey
    • 05:39 - The Shift to Consulting: Leveraging Experience
    • 06:08 - Crafting Your Professional Message
    • 07:55 - Launching the Building Blocks Podcast
    • 08:46 - Guest Spotlight: Josh Luebker's Unique Journey
    • 13:02 - Project Management Insights: From Technical Skills to Leadership
    • 22:36 - The Importance of Process and Trust in Project Management
    • 31:28 - Looking Ahead: Proactive Project Management
    • 33:11 - Navigating Construction Project Challenges
    • 33:56 - The Power of Checklists in Project Management
    • 34:30 - Technical Skills and Training in Construction
    • 36:30 - Mentoring the Next Generation of Project Managers
    • 37:47 - Career Growth and the Importance of Experience
    • 45:21 - Leveraging Video Games for Leadership Skills
    • 46:05 - Tenacity: The Key to Success in Project Management
    • 47:46 - Effective Leadership and Ownership in Teams
    • 01:02:35 - Strategic Career Moves and Personal Growth


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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 002 - Jonathan Cor - Building Blocks: Unveiling the Journey of a Construction Marketer
    May 20 2024
    Episode Highlights:
    • Guest: Jonathan Cor
    • Successful construction marketing entrepreneur
    • Journey from a construction family to a career in marketing
    Key Discussion Points:
    • Jonathan's Path:
    • Transition from growing up in a construction family to exploring a music career
    • Pivot to marketing within the construction industry
    • Founding His Company:
    • Assisting construction companies in establishing a social media presence
    • Creation of the Construction Marketers community to educate industry professionals
    • Marketing Insights:
    • Importance of creativity and strategic planning in marketing
    • Learning from outside the construction sector
    • Power of trial and error in discovering effective strategies
    • Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship:
    • Creating a life and career that align with passions
    • Using a 'life mapping' framework for decision-making and contributions to the world
    • Combining skills, interests, and industry nuances for entrepreneurial success
    Timeline:
    • 00:00 - Welcome to Building Blocks: Unveiling the Journey of a Construction Marketer
    • 00:32 - Jonathan's Path: From Construction Family to Marketing Maestro
    • 03:44 - The Pivot: Music, Ministry, and the Leap into Marketing
    • 05:14 - Breaking into Marketing: A Story of Mentorship and Opportunity
    • 09:36 - Mastering Marketing in Construction: Strategy, Creativity, and Disruption
    • 17:34 - Leadership and Innovation: Setting New Standards in Construction Marketing
    • 20:01 - Navigating Career Paths: Big vs. Small Companies
    • 22:04 - The Entrepreneurial Leap During the Pandemic
    • 23:01 - Building a Business from Scratch
    • 24:33 - Narrowing Focus for Business Growth
    • 25:38 - Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth
    • 30:49 - Life Mapping: A Framework for Personal and Professional Development
    • 35:40 - Embracing Flexibility in Career and Life Goals
    • 40:12 - Connecting and Concluding Thoughts


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    44 mins
  • 001 - Jesse Hernandez - Scratching the Surface of the Lean Construction World: Lessons in Lean and Growth
    May 20 2024
    Episode Highlights:
    • Guest: Jesse Hernandez
    • Background in construction
    • Transition to lean construction management and leadership
    • Focus on continuous learning, serving others, and professional development
    Key Discussion Points:
    • Jesse's journey from hands-on trade to leadership role
    • Personal anecdotes and experiences
    • Importance of continuous learning and professional growth
    • Overcoming challenges in the construction industry
    • Making strategic career moves
    • Taking calculated risks to open opportunities
    • Insights and inspiration for professionals at all career stages
    • Encouraging self-improvement and critical thinking about career paths
    • Embracing opportunities to learn and grow
    Additional Insights:
    • Blend of perspectives from industry leaders in construction and utility sectors
    • Broader discussion on career development, leadership, and personal growth
    • Learning from mistakes
    • Importance of being people-centered in leadership
    • Emphasizing continuous learning and personal branding
    • Dynamics between different generational cohorts in the workforce


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    55 mins
  • Welcome to "Building Blocks"
    Apr 15 2024

    Ready to get ahead in your career? Curious what moves to make next? What if you had two really good options? How do you know which is the right choice?


    It took me 20 years to understand my strengths, how I work best, and the value I could bring to an organization. And much of my value was in the various career experiences (and mistakes) I had up to that point.


    I landed a dream job that fits my skills perfectly, gives me the flexibility I need for the work life balance I want, and resulted from an old boss calling me out of the blue after 10 years.


    It took me 20 years. This podcast will teach you how to do it in less time, with much less pain.


    On this show, I interview professionals in the energy, utility, and construction fields about their career paths, successes, failures to distill the patterns of success that you can use to build the career you want, based on your goals and how you want to create your life.


    It's easy to look at polished top leaders in our industry and be intimidated by their status. We often think "there's no way I could do that" or "I don't have the training or schooling they do to get there."


    The truth is, our careers are rarely carved out in a straight line. There were several years where I felt like my career was, at best, stagnant, and at worst, completely off course. The truth is that it wasn't until others began to see my value that I was able to also see the value within myself.


    Once I found my way, it gave me more confidence in my own abilities and all those years of prior experience started to be seen for the wisdom that I had been building over the last 20 years.


    My goal for this podcast is to help you realize that we all have our own path, that our failures don't define our future, and you have more control over the future direction of your life than you realize.


    In these interviews you will see that even the most successful leaders have their doubts, insecurities, and mistakes along the way.

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    1 min