Get the kNACk: Recent Episodes
Get the kNACk
Having “the knack” is to be proficient in your industry’s ever-changing realities. Moderated by our hosts Jerry, Bill, and Anna, 'Get the kNACk' shares the knowledge, insights, and wisdom of NAC members to give you the skills and expertise to master your career. Visit our website at https://www.naocon.org/get-the-knack/.
In this episode of the Get the kNACk podcast, host Sue Steele brings together leaders from academia and industry to explore a central theme: "safer does not always mean safer." Joining her are NAC members Jesus M. de la Garza, Professor and Director of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at Clemson University, and Craig Martin, retired CEO and President of Jacobs. Together they share their research on risk compensation, the tendency for people to adjust their behavior in response to changes in safety, and how this impacts safety outcomes.
They share the story of how they got started with this research and what their key findings are. They reveal that safety is not just about processes and procedures, it is also about behaviors, perception, and the human willingness to take risks. Importantly, understanding this human behavior also creates the opportunity for breakthrough safety performance. The guests share the leadership implications of their research and what it takes to create lasting change to transform the industry and build a better nation.
Read the full executive insight on this topic published by the National Academy of Construction here: Risk Tolerance in Safety
More on Safety from NAC: Safety Insights
NAC's Safety Culture Series: Understanding Safety Culture
In this episode of the Get the kNACk podcast, host Sue Steele welcomes Stuart Harrison, NAC member and Executive Director of the Charles Pankow Foundation, to discuss some of the Foundation's latest initiatives and its ongoing efforts to drive innovation across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The Charles Pankow Foundation has long been a leader in AEC industry research and development, supporting projects that challenge conventional practices and accelerate the adoption of new technologies, materials, and processes. Stuart shares updates on the Foundation's latest work, including efforts to accelerate construction through modularization, reduce embodied carbon in the built environment, and improve the energy performance of building envelopes. Stuart describes how these projects engage industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners from academia and the private sector, bringing together expertise from around the world to transform the industry and build a better nation.
https://www.pankowfoundation.org/
In this episode of Get the kNACk, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Dr. Bill O’Brien, Associate Director for Technology at the Construction Industry Institute and Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Known for his research in construction productivity, advanced work packaging, and supply chain management, Dr. O’Brien discusses why productivity growth in construction has lagged behind many other industries and explores the challenges contributing to the issue. As construction serves as a critical economic enabler for countless other industries, he emphasizes the importance of addressing these productivity challenges to support broader economic growth and development. He highlights the need for stronger incentive structures and greater industry awareness, as well as strategies such as a focus on early Front-End Planning, Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) and supply chain integration that can help drive better project outcomes. Additionally, the conversation underscores that achieving lasting progress depends on strong owner leadership and industry-wide collaboration. Together, these factors can help Transform the Industry to Build a Better Nation.
In this episode, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Paul Giroux, a leading construction historian with decades of experience on mega projects and a professor of engineering practice at the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University, to discuss the current challenges facing engineering education. Paul explains that engineering programs are facing growing industry complexity and a gradual erosion of credit hours, both of which contribute to a widening skills gap. While increasing credit hours may not be feasible, Paul shares how schools can improve outcomes by taking a holistic approach, embedding communication, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and critical thinking throughout the curriculum. Paul also emphasizes the importance of helping students understand their Body of Knowledge (BOK) journey from an early stage and fostering lifelong learning through the use of case studies, visual tools, and real-world examples. Ultimately, this empowers students to take ownership of their career growth and plan their path to success in the engineering and construction industry.
Host Kevin Hilton welcomes back Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), to continue their powerful conversation on mental health and suicide in the construction industry. In this episode, they explore the intersection of substance use, mental health, and suicide to raise awareness of how these issues deeply impact individuals and communities across the industry. Together, Kevin and Cal discuss the urgent need to break the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of open, honest conversations to raise awareness, support recovery, and encourage those struggling to seek help.
Episode References:
Articles on Recovery-Friendly Workplaces
From For Construction Pros website:
Ken Serviss — The Role of Employee Assistance Programs and Opioids in Construction
Building Trades Recovery Week — Breaking Down Stigma and Creating Hope
Naloxone Success Stories
Ryan Companies — Ryan Partners with SAFE Project to Combat Overdoses on Project Sites with Naloxone and Response Training
SAFE Project — Why Vulcan Materials Company Stocks Naloxone at All Operating Facilities
Alcohol Awareness
TheSnowball.org — (3-minute video)
In the construction industry, half of all companies don’t make it past five years. In this episode of Get the Knack, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Jeff Ehret, founder and chairman of PENTA Building Group, to discuss starting and sustaining a construction company. Jeff shares his personal experience starting his own company and the lessons he learned along the way that allowed him to turn challenges into opportunities. He explains the leading causes of contractor failure, outlines different types of project and enterprise risk, and offers ways to mitigate them. Jeff also highlights the key elements behind PENTA’s success, including a culture that prioritizes people, safety, and communication to sustain long-term growth.
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, host Kevin Hilton welcomes Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), for an important conversation on mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. They discuss the severity of this issue and the urgent need for action to combat this growing epidemic. Cal discusses the initiatives he has been involved with to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open dialogue around mental health. He reflects on how these efforts have evolved over time and the progress the industry has made in addressing mental health challenges. Additionally, Cal shares the importance of educating others about available resources and reinforces the message that true strength lies in asking for help. Cal urges all industry leaders to move upstream to consider how to reduce stigma and barriers to care relating to substance use and misuse among the industry’s workforce.
To learn more about SAFE Project, please visit https://www.safeproject.us/.
SAFE Project is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the United States. Established in 2017 by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld after the tragic loss of their 19- year-old son Jonathan due to an opioid overdose, SAFE Project aims to save lives impacted by substance use and mental health challenges through overdose prevention and response, education on stigma, and development of prevention and recovery programs. SAFE Project also provides tailored guidance and training within its four key initiatives: SAFE Campuses, SAFE Communities, SAFE Workplaces, and SAFE Veterans.
Host Sue Steele welcomes back Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of Building Cyber Security and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, for the final episode of a three-part series on cybersecurity in construction. In the previous episodes, Lucian discussed the importance of establishing a cybersecurity standard of care and integrating cyber safety considerations into the design phase. In this final installment, he expands on those concepts with techniques and actionable tips to enhance cyber safety in construction project delivery, including incorporating a cyber commissioning requirement distinct and unique to the traditional building commissioning process. The discussion offers valuable insights for safeguarding both life and property from cyber threats throughout construction and turn-over to the owner.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the construction industry. In this episode of Get the kNACk, host William O’Brien is joined by Dr. Burcin Kaplanoglu, Vice President of Oracle’s Industry Lab, to explore the evolving role of AI in construction. Burcin shares insights on where AI is delivering value, its current and future applications, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry. He also discusses how professionals can navigate challenges by adapting best practices, embracing technology, and leveraging tools that drive meaningful improvement.
Construction Safety Week brings the industry together to promote safety, celebrate its importance, and strengthen safety culture across all jobsites. In this episode of Get the Knack, host Jerry Eyink is joined by Mike Choutka, CEO of Hensel Phelps and 2025 Chair of Construction Safety Week, to recap the week’s impact and share key takeaways. Mike discusses how the focus has expanded beyond compliance to embrace total human health, including mental wellness, psychological safety, and holistic support for craft professionals. He also recaps this year’s theme, All In Together, which aimed to unite the industry around a shared commitment to safety. Mike describes how this commitment was promoted through daily safety topics and online resources, which contributed to the week’s success and effectively spread safety awareness across the industry.
Careers in the skilled trades not only address critical workforce gaps but also provide long-term opportunities for growth, stability, and impact within the construction industry. In this episode of Get the Knack, hosts Sue Steele and Jerry Eyink are joined by Don Pohl, President of Ranken Technical College, for an insightful discussion on the value of technical education. Don shares why a student might choose a path in technical education, highlighting benefits such as faster entry into the workforce, lower costs, hands-on learning, and strong career prospects. Additionally, Don outlines the key elements that have led to Ranken Technical College’s success and its 98% job placement rate in graduates’ chosen fields. These include a high-quality, career-focused education delivered through accredited degree programs, evaluations based on work ethic and career readiness, and strong ties to the local community. The conversation makes it clear that a technical education is a great choice for an individual’s future opportunities.
In this episode, host Bill O’Brien is joined by Keith Molenaar, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, for a conversation on the evolving landscape of project delivery and risk management in the construction industry. Drawing on decades of experience, Keith reflects on how industry values have shifted and how modern delivery methods are helping build trust and confidence among stakeholders. Additionally, Keith emphasizes the role of continuous learning for project owners, and gives his perspective on how technology will continue to shape the industry. Tune in for valuable insights on the trends driving innovation and progress in the construction industry.
In this episode of Get the Knack, host Jerry Eyink is joined by Dr. Sam Ariaratnam, professor and program chair at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University, and Mackenzie Schmader, a 2024 NAC Scholarship recipient and the 2025 Outstanding Graduate of ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. Together, they share valuable insights on the impact of student internship programs. Mackenzie reflects on completing four internships during her time at ASU and how those experiences helped shape her career path, bridge classroom learning with real world applications, and prepare her for a successful future in construction. Dr. Ariaratnam offers the university’s perspective, outlining key elements of ASU’s internship program that drive its success, including a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. Their insights demonstrate the value of student internships in building a strong foundation for long-term success in the construction industry.
In this episode of Get the kNACk, host Sue Steele is joined by Michael Loose, the 2024 recipient of the Ted C. Kennedy Award, to discuss leadership in construction. Mike was honored with the Ted C. Kennedy Award for outstanding career achievement that has measurably improved the design and construction industry. He is a retired Vice Admiral and former Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in the U.S. Navy, as well as a former executive in the infrastructure construction sector. Mike shares key lessons learned throughout his career, offers thoughtful advice to young professionals, and discusses how to foster meaningful collaboration to move the industry forward. He emphasizes that true success in the industry ultimately comes down to character, integrity, ethics, and compassion—offering valuable insights into what it takes to be a genuine leader.
Host Sue Steele welcomes back Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of the nonprofit Building Cyber Security, for the second episode of a three-part series on cybersecurity in the built environment. In the first episode, Lucian emphasized the importance of taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity threats. Now, he builds on that foundation by exploring how the engineering industry can reduce risk during the design and planning stages. He outlines six key strategies, including the appointment of a technologist of record, the use of digital twins, and the integration of cybersecurity into engineering decisions from the very beginning of project development. The discussion addresses the rapidly evolving threat landscape and offers practical solutions the industry can adopt to enhance cyber safety in the planning process.
In this episode, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Lillian Borrone to share valuable insights on career choices and lessons learned in the construction industry. Lillian retired from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as Assistant Executive Director and served over 12 years as Director of the Port Commerce Department, overseeing the New York and New Jersey Marine Terminals. She also served as a political appointee at the U.S. Department of Transportation and remains active on industry boards, including the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Public Administration, and the Maritime Association Hall of Fame. Lillian shares her experiences and explains how success in the industry stems from continuous learning, strategic planning, and a positive mindset. She emphasizes the importance of building strong connections, seeking mentorship, and maintaining a big-picture perspective. Reflecting on the challenges she faced, Lillian demonstrates how setbacks serve as opportunities for growth, ultimately advancing both career and personal development
In this episode, host William O’Brien welcomes Doug Omichinski for a discussion on leading change within project organizations in the construction industry. Doug recently retired as a Principal Vice President and Corporate Manager of Construction for Bechtel. He has an extensive background in implementing best practices and technological innovations on projects and within organizations. In addition, he has conducted significant research with the Construction Industry Institute on Advanced Work Packaging. Doug shares real-world examples from his career, offering effective strategies for driving change across complex project environments. He discusses how evidence-based groundwork can enhance execution methods, foster innovation, and improve project outcomes. Additionally, he provides practical insights on presenting change in a way that encourages adaptability and cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. Tune in for valuable insights on leading change, overcoming industry challenges, and advancing project execution.
This week is Women in Construction week, and host Jerry Eyink welcomes Gretchen Gagel to discuss building women leaders in the construction industry. Gretchen shares her extensive journey in the industry and discusses the significance of inclusivity, allyship, and strong relationships. She describes the leadership qualities of successful women leaders, emphasizing authenticity and staying grounded in purpose and values. Gretchen offers her advice to women in the industry on navigating conflict and shares how men can proactively support women leaders. Additionally, she introduces the new global institute she founded, Women Thriving in Construction, which aims to grow collaboration and funding for initiatives supporting and elevating women in construction. Tune in for valuable takeaways on advancing inclusivity, advocating for change, and building strong women leaders.
Proactively managing and mediating construction disputes is essential to minimize risks and keep projects on track. In this episode, host Jerry Eyink is joined by Mike Loulakis, president and CEO of Capital Project Strategies, LLC, to discuss the root causes of construction disputes and strategies for effective resolution. With over 45 years of experience advising public and private sector owners on project delivery, procurement, and contracting, Mike provides expert insights into risk management, the responsibilities of owners, and how different delivery methods influence disputes. The conversation covers key topics such as contractual ambiguities, subcontractor coordination, and the importance of change management in preventing conflicts. Jerry and Mike also discuss how leadership, organizational readiness, and proactive communication can help mitigate disputes before they escalate. Tune in to gain expert perspectives on navigating complex construction challenges ensuring smoother project execution.
Host Sue Steele welcomes Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of the nonprofit organization Building Cyber Security and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, for the first episode of a three-part series on cyber security. In this episode, Lucian lays the foundation by discussing the evolving landscape of cyber threats to U.S. national infrastructure, and the critical need for a proactive response from the engineering community. He introduces the concept of a "cyber standard of care" and describes the necessity for specialized education in cyber safety, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence within the design process. Lucian sets the stage for the next two episodes, which will explore how the construction and engineering sectors can provide effective solutions for owners, along with the strategies owners can implement to enhance cyber safety in their assets.
A career in ironworking offers women valuable opportunities while helping to grow the skilled labor workforce. In this episode of Get the kNACk, hosts Sue Steele and Kevin Hilton sit down with Vicki O'Leary, Director of Diversity for the Ironworkers International Union, to discuss efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable construction industry. Vicki shares her journey into ironworking and the impactful initiatives she has led. She discusses progressive maternity leave policies designed to better support tradeswomen and the development of the “Be That One Guy” program, which empowers ironworkers to address and prevent workplace bullying and harassment. Additionally, Vicki shares how women can enter the ironworking field and why they choose to stay. This episode highlights the vital role of fostering diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in traditionally male-dominated industries, building a stronger, more equitable workforce.
Host Jerry Eyink welcomes Dr. Bill O'Brien and Fernando Espana to discuss research by the Construction Industry Institute focused on understanding and enhancing project culture. The discussion addresses the challenges of fostering a high-performance culture and strategically aligning industry practices with cultural norms to ensure sustainable and productive teamwork. Fernando shares the findings from his research, revealing a significant real-life statistical correlation between project success and cultural factors within organizations. He highlights the importance of leadership, psychological safety, and strategic communication in cultivating a culture that not only meets but exceeds project goals. Demonstrating how the measurement and refinement of cultural impact in construction projects, offers a new dimension of accountability and growth for teams.
Culture is at the core of project success, as Host Jerry Eyink and NAC CEO and President Edd Gibson discuss in their exploration of the critical intersection between technology and people in the construction industry. They share their evolving understanding of balancing technical expertise with the human element and how this balance enhances project outcomes. Edd shares the importance of front-end planning and the development of the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) to integrate technical and people-oriented aspects of project management. He also gives insight into a recent effort to build an integrated project/program management (IP2M) tool at the Department of Energy, which empirically proved the socio-technical interaction. In effect, maturity of business systems or technology usage is a function of the environment within the project team interacts. The discussion highlights the importance of organizational culture, alignment, and a socio-technical systems approach. Additionally, Edd shares the characteristics of mature organizations that allow them to be successful. Ultimately concluding that while technology is important and should be embraced, people are the most important part of a project.
In this episode, host Kevin Hilton, CEO of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), sits down with IMPACT General President Eric Dean and Bill Brown, Executive Director of Ideal Contracting, to discuss how the Union Ironworker model consistently succeeds in staffing mega projects. Amid today’s skilled labor shortage, they explore the union’s unique ability to provide a trained workforce that meets project requirements safely and efficiently. Eric and Bill share experiences from past projects, demonstrating how the union approach ensures safety, profitability, and the ability to meet tight schedules. They also discuss the advantages of union training programs that adapt workers to project-specific needs and address common challenges, demonstrating the union model’s essential role in successful mega projects and its capacity to meet industry demands.
Why pursue a career in construction? With October being “Careers in Construction” month, Jeff Ehret, Chairman of The PENTA Building Group, explains why he finds the construction industry both exciting and rewarding. With no two days alike and the ability to see tangible results of your work, a career in construction management is especially fulfilling. In this episode, host Jerry Eyink sits down with Jeff to explore the diverse benefits the field offers. They discuss the wide range of opportunities for both vertical and horizontal career growth, emphasizing that success is driven by a combination of technical, business, and interpersonal skills. Jeff also highlights that a career in construction management is portable and flexible allowing for travel, and lucrative opportunities. In addition, he offers valuable advice to young professionals on entering the industry and encourages listeners to see this path as an exciting career option.
The value and impact of mentorship is tremendous in transforming the lives of both the mentee and mentor. In this episode, Milo Riverso joins our host, Jerry Eyink, to discuss the importance of mentorship. Milo is the retired President and CEO of the STV Group and currently serves as the President of Manhattan University. Throughout his career, Milo has been involved in mentorship, having served as chairman of the ACE Mentorship Program and currently serving on the National ACE Mentor Board Executive Committee. At Manhattan University, Milo launched a highly successful mentorship program that significantly boosted retention rates for engineering students. He shares the key qualities of a successful program and his strategies for strong mentor-mentee relationships. Emphasizing with strong leadership and recognition of success, mentorship proves to be win-win for all.
Temporary structures play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of construction projects. In this episode, Charles (Chuck) Jahren, Morrill Professor Emeritus at Iowa State, joins host Bill O'Brien to share his expertise. Chuck offers valuable insights into the significance of temporary structures and strategies to mitigate the challenges they pose. He emphasizes the importance of investing in careful planning to ensure project success. Chuck recounts his experience working on various projects, describing how practical exposure helped him gain a deeper understanding of temporary structures. He calls for careful planning of temporary structures early in the project. He also encourages young practitioners to seek hands-on opportunities to enhance their spatial awareness, a crucial skill for mastering this key aspect of construction.
The Hoover Dam stands as one of the greatest civil engineering construction achievements in history, as it was unprecedented in its size, scope, and technical complexity. Built during the challenging times of the Great Depression, it not only showcased incredible project management and innovation but also served as a symbol of hope. In this episode of “Lessons of the Great Builders”, host Jerry Eyink is joined by Paul Giroux, a leading construction historian with decades of experience on mega projects and a professor of practice at Purdue University. The discussion centers around three critical areas of knowledge from the project: technical innovations, and professional and personal outcomes. Paul discusses the project's challenges, highlighting the technological advancements and safety improvements that emerged as a result. He also explores the key attributes that enabled the project leaders to achieve success. Through this conversation, valuable insights from the Hoover Dam's construction continue to be shared across the industry, serving as a reminder that even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.
Join us for the sixth installment of our “Leadership in Construction” series, featuring Jan Tuchman, a remarkable leader in the construction industry. Jan served as the editor-in-chief of Engineering News-Record (ENR) and now leads content development for ENR’s live and virtual events. Her dedication to the industry extends to her work with construction organizations and nonprofits. She serves on the National Academy of Construction’s awards, collaboration, and communications committees and chairs the Industry Leaders Council of the American Society of Civil Engineers. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Jan was honored with the 2020 Ted C. Kennedy Award from NAC. In this episode, she joins host Sue Steele to discuss the leadership qualities that have driven her success. Jan shares stories of the challenges she’s faced, the strategies she used to overcome them, and the attributes that enabled her to lead effectively. She also discusses emerging industry trends, such as the transition to renewable energy sources, and offers advice to young professionals, encouraging them to stay focused on their vision and mission.
Join us for the second part of our two part series on the Building Owner Assessment Tool (BOAT), developed by the Charles Pankow Foundation (CPF) and the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments. In this episode, host Sue Steele is joined by BOAT project collaborators: lead researcher Carrie Sturts Dossick, Pankow Foundation Board and NAC member Greg Gidez, NAC member Laura Stagner, and architect Markku Allison. The discussion focuses on how the BOAT tool aids teams in understanding the owner's organizational characteristics, improving project outcomes by aligning efforts with the owner's goals and cultural context. Tune in to learn how the BOAT tool can facilitate discussions on delivery methods, stakeholder capabilities, and team dynamics for optimal project success.
Join us for the fifth installment of our “Leadership in Construction” series featuring Dominick Servedio. Dominick is chairman of STV Group, Inc., an organization he joined in 1977 following an extensive career with the New York Metropolitan Authority. His exceptional achievements have been recognized with the 2022 “Ted C. Kennedy” Award and the 2021 Richard Tucker Award, honoring his ongoing service and support to the National Academy of Construction. In this episode, Dominick joins our host, Jerry Eyink, to discuss the qualities and importance of true leadership. Dominick shares what it means to be a leader and explores the latest trends and challenges in the construction industry. He offers valuable advice to young professionals, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and encouraging them to be a sponge, to listen and learn.
Capital effectiveness is essential for business success. In this episode, host Bill O'Brien is joined by Professor Carlos H. Caldas from the University of Texas at Austin. With over 30 years of expertise in construction engineering and project management, Carlos offers valuable insights into the concept and significance of capital effectiveness. Project teams need to support business decision-makers better to ensure facilities are not only built efficiently but also are an effective use of scarce capital. Carlos emphasizes the critical interaction between project and business teams. He shares strategies to enhance organizational collaboration, ensuring that teams work together effectively to achieve business and project goals.
Understanding team culture and selecting the optimal delivery method is crucial to a project's success. Building owners can now enhance collaboration and develop strategies to overcome challenges using a new tool created by the Charles Pankow Foundation (CPF) and the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments. The Building Owner Assessment Tool (BOAT) enables business owners to reflect on their decision-making profiles, helping them identify and implement the most efficient project delivery methods. In the first episode of a two-part series, NAC and Pankow Foundation Board member Greg Gidez and lead BOAT project researcher Carrie Sturts Dossick join our host, Sue Steele. They outline the project's goals and explore the design process, offering valuable insights into how the BOAT tool was developed to address industry needs. Tune into part two to discover how the BOAT tool can be utilized and applied!
The fourth installment of our “Leadership in Construction” series has arrived! David Nash, senior vice president of MELE Associates, Inc. and retired admiral of the U.S. Navy, accompanies our host, Sue Steele, in a profound discussion about his career and life experiences. The former “Ted C. Kennedy” award-winner explains why he stayed in the Navy for 33 years after being drafted in the Vietnam War. Admiral Nash, Ret. highlights the importance of collaboration and how to overcome failure.
Technological advancements have the potential to make our buildings better adapt to our needs. Burçin Becerik-Gerber, Dean’s Professor and Department Chair of the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California, chats with our host, Bill O’Brien, about her vision for human-centric environments and shares examples of her research. Dr. Becerik-Gerber describes her work to increase the comfort of our individual spaces within office settings, and relates this to measures of improved cognitive performance and productivity. The conversation shifts gears to discuss modeling human behavior in emergency settings and using the results to improve design and facility operations. The discussion provides insights into ongoing R&D that can tangibly improve the ways we interact with buildings.
Conversations about mental health awareness are valuable, but taking action to improve mental health issues is how powerful changes are made. Kevin Hilton, CEO of IMPACT, and Bert Royer, 38-year member of the Iron Workers Union and IMPACT’s Canadian Regional Director, join our host, Sue Steele, in an open conversation about enacting meaningful advancements with mental health problems. Mr. Royer explains the most damaging mental health stressors including financial stress and job demand. The guests elaborate on resources such as the 988 lifeline as well as Mr. Royer’s involvement with the Construction Industry Institute and the Construction Safety Research Alliance, where he was involved in Research Team 401 that reviewed medical literature and collected data from construction workers to create a practical mental health guide for construction professionals.
NAC is excited to announce a special release for Safety Week 2024! Mr. Dan Johnson, president and CEO of M. A. Mortenson Company, accompanies our host, Jerry Eyink, in a thoughtful conversation about this year's Safety Week. One of the major themes this year is to "value every voice" in the workplace. Mr. Johnson shares the value of Safety Week to highlight its importance and raise awareness. The history of past safety weeks is discussed as well as their evolution and overall benefits to the construction industry.
Advanced Work Packaging can be an integral part of well-managed construction projects. Dr. Bill O'Brien, professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, and Jamie Gerbrecht, new Executive Director of the Construction Industry Institute (CII), discuss the functions and benefits of AWP. The pair accompany our host, Jerry Eyink, in an eye-opening conversation about AWP's value in the construction process and across the project life cycle. Each guest provides their own fascinating anecdotes of their involvement with AWP during their careers.
Welcome back to the next exciting session in our new series with NAC Masters. Mr. Charles (Chuck) Thomsen, former architect, construction manager, corporate executive, and educator, accompanies our host, Jerry Eyink, in an informative discussion about his leadership experiences. Mr. Thomsen reminisces upon his humble beginnings and talks about winning the Ted Kennedy Award in 2019. The guests elaborate on important leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and offer advice for the younger generation.
Dr. Tanya Wattenburg Komas, President/CEO and Founder of the CPI Foundation and newest NAC inductee (2023), makes her podcasting debut with "Get the kNACk". The CPI Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation partnering with the US Departments of Defense and Interior to train active-duty military service members hands-on repairing landmark structures in national parks, most notably Alcatraz Island and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and as interns with construction industry companies nationwide. Dr. Komas connects with our host, Jerry Eyink, in a discussion about her program and how CPI’s military participants are prepared for full-time employment throughout the industry upon civilian transition.
Welcome to the newest edition of our "Leadership in Construction" series, where we learn invaluable wisdom from highly experienced NAC members. Mr. Thomas F. (Tom) Gilbane, Jr., chairman and CEO of Gilbane, Inc, joins our host, Sue Steele, in a knowledge-filled conversation about imperative qualities of leadership and perspectives of the dynamic growth of the construction industry. Mr. Gilbane addresses the importance of a good reputation and offers priceless advice to upcoming professionals. The pair shed light on acknowledging mental health issues and how to promote open dialogue on the difficult subject. To close, Mr. Gilbane describes what good leaders look like.
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence requires careful attention and vigilance from its users. Ms. Jamey Barbas, project director at the New York State Thruway Authority, and Ms. Jill Tietjen, president and CEO of Technically Speaking, Inc., examine the benefits, challenges, and ethical implications of A.I. The two guests accompany our host, Dr. Anna Franz, in an enlightening review of the importance of human interaction with A.I. and themes of psychology. The episode travels to additional discussion upon developing a culture of no fear in the workplace as a bonus for listeners.
Internship Programs are a Win-Win for students and the construction organization. Mr. Elie Homsi, Senior Vice President and Fellow at Parsons, and Ms. Daisy Dominguez-Hooper, student at Cal Poly Pomona University and Wayne A. Crew NAC Scholarship Recipient (2023), discuss the importance of internship programs. The two guests join our host, Jerry Eyink, in an engaging conversation about the benefits and challenges of internships. Mr. Homsi and Ms. Dominguez-Hooper highlight their perspectives as mentor and mentee.
As the new year advances, technological innovations continue to progress rapidly. Dr. Lucio Soibelman, the Fred Champion Estate Chair in Engineering Professor at USC, analyzes the growing integration of automation within construction. Dr. Soibelman accompanies our host, Bill O'Brien, in a compelling discussion about examples of current robotics usage and their limitations. He also explains why robotics integration is not as simple as some people may think and his expectations for automation in the future.
A new "Get the kNACk" series makes its debut. Jim Porter, retired chief engineer and vice president of DuPont, provides masterful wisdom and insight into imperative leadership qualities in construction. Mr. Porter joins our host, Jerry Eyink, in a fascinating conversation about leadership and navigating a successful yet challenging career. Eight compelling questions related to opportunity, collaboration, and innovation are discussed in this episode.
Welcome back to another exciting study of the Lessons of the Great Builders. Professor Paul Giroux, visiting professor of civil engineering at Purdue University, returns to expound upon the challenges and triumphs of the construction of the Panama Canal. Professor Giroux accompanies our host, Jerry Eyink, in an informative discussion about the context behind the project's origins as well as its technical, professional, and personal outcomes. Professor Giroux explains the differences in leadership during the project and the unique challenges faced during the Panama Canal's completion.
Planning for and managing risk is a vital component of all construction projects. Dr. William (Bill) J. O’Brien, professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, accompanies Jerry Eyink, in a thoughtful conversation about risk allocation. Dr. O’Brien breaks down the main parts of project risks and discusses factors that influence risk in certain ventures. Another topic examined during the session is the comparison between design-build and design-bid-build contracts. To conclude, Dr. O’Brien provides the definition of a “risk register” and offers lessons learned from his career experiences.
Hardhats are no longer the safest option to protect construction workers from traumatic brain injuries. William (Bill) Calhoun, Jr., Vice Chairman and Executive VP of Clark Construction, and Kris Manning, Chief Operating Officer of Clark Construction's Infrastructure Group, join Sue Steele in a discussion about the construction industry's dire need to transition from hardhats to helmets on project sites. The guests examine the vulnerabilities of hardhats and explain why helmets can be safer alternatives. Calhoun and Manning provide research findings on helmet standards that can be applied to future integration within construction projects. To conclude, the guests establish their goals for a successful helmet transition and emphasize its imperativeness in order to prevent further brain injuries.
No matter what the circumstances are, it is always important to finish strong. Ron May, retired executive from DTE Energy, joins our host, Anna Franz, as they accentuate the imperativeness of closing out projects successfully. May provides several strategies to assist in thorough project resolutions. Lastly, Ron May mentions the use of high-level planning to ensure projects are effectively finished.
In today’s successful construction projects, establishing a strong safety culture is paramount. Jeff Ehret, Chairman of the PENTA Building Group, joins our host, Sue Steele, in a discussion about the evolution of safety culture within the construction realm over the past 25 years. Ehret explains how earlier projects typically emphasized schedule and minimizing cost, placing safety as a third objective. To conclude, Ehret provides strategies for creating and upholding a “Safety First” culture in the workplace.
Life is sprinkled with an infinite supply of twists and turns. Few scenarios can be executed perfectly. Ron May, retired executive from DTE Energy, discusses adaptations to change with our host, Anna Franz. In the session, May outlines a plan of action for responding to unexpected changes during projects. May reveals the secret to balancing life’s curveballs and how to stay ahead when it comes to project management.
Explore the marvels of iconic projects in this Lessons of the Great Builders. Our guest, Paul Giroux, has 5 decades of mega project industry experience and currently is a visiting professor of civil engineering at Purdue University. Paul joins our host, Jerry Eyink, on a journey to share the story of the captivating construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Paul mentions his personal outcomes in regard to the project as well as the lessons learned from its project execution. Lastly, Paul provides the most important aspects from his experience and explains how these lessons are still relevant today after 150 years.
What qualities define a leader and how does one become successful? Jamey Barbas, project director at the New York State Thruway Authority, and Jill Tietjen, president and CEO of Technically Speaking, Inc., join our host, Anna Franz, to craft a brilliant process for successful leadership. The guests elaborate on characteristics of exceptional leaders and provide their own fascinating anecdotes from their work experiences. To conclude, Jamey and Jill emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence, the need to excite people about their careers, and empowering innovation in the workplace.
Joint Venture collaboration unlocks new ideas and opportunities that cannot be obtained individually in project execution. Jeffrey Ehret, Chairman of The PENTA Building Group in Las Vegas, NV, joins our host, Jerry Eyink, to explore the details of joint ventures in the construction sphere. During the session, Jeff highlights several fascinating joint venture arrangements that had significant impacts. He shares the value of team alignment, collaboration and culture to create trust for successful JV project delivery. To conclude, four major challenges of joint ventures are outlined to provide a recipe for success in future projects. The bottom line- a successful joint venture is a Win, Win, Win opportunity for all stakeholders.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and NAC continues our focus on the importance of mental health and safety for all people in the Construction Industry. Kevin Hilton, CEO of IMPACT, Tom Shelby, Executive VP of Kiewit, and Alicia Edsen, VP of safety at Kiewit join Sue Steele, as she hosts a panel discussion to dive deeper into mental health awareness, including suicide in the construction industry. Each guest shares their experiences with mental well-being and discusses strategies to prevent suicide, including “get-help” medallions and mobile apps with direct hotlines. To conclude, Kevin briefly mentions the connection between opiate addiction and suicide which should also be acknowledged for prevention strategies.
Edd Gibson, President and CEO of the National Academy of Construction (NAC), joins our host Sue Steele to highlight the pertinent issue of mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Recapping his Front-End Planning Guru podcast episode with David James from 2022, Edd discusses the importance of early planning in reducing the impact of mental health problems and outlines key focus areas that can be addressed in the project planning phase. David outlines a number of strategies that can be followed to positively impact mental health. Closing out the episode, Edd talks about the current state of mental health awareness in the construction industry and the steps being taken, as well as the need for a more proactive approach to navigate and mitigate this issue.
Key words: Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Front End Planning, Construction
Sarah Slaughter, founder and president of the Built Environment Coalition, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss the growing emphasis on sustainability in the built environment. Sarah discusses the value & importance of incorporating sustainability and resilience from an early phase in projects to tackle natural and unexpected changes. Sarah also details some of the advancements made in construction practice, equipment, and engineering systems and outlines how collaboration between owners and industry experts is crucial to setting and achieving lofty sustainability goals. Sarah started the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative and led the MIT Energy Initiative as an associate director for building and infrastructure.
Ray Levitt, Kumagi Professor Emeritus at Stanford University and an Operating Partner in Blackhorn Ventures, joins our host Bill O’Brien to discuss technology adoption in the construction industry. Ray shares his deep experience as an academic, startup founder, and now venture capitalist to frame the challenges of deploying technology and the promise of convergent trends. Ray discusses the trials that the industry has had in adopting technologies that were not capable enough to address its needs, as well as the capability of technologies today to provide radical productivity increases. He concludes with guidance for firms seeking to stay ahead of the technology trends. Ray is a Distinguished Member of ASCE and the recipient of several significant awards for his research. He is a founder of three firms and, prior to joining Blackhorn Ventures, was an active angel investor. Ray has had many service roles; notably, he was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger as a Commissioner of the California Public Infrastructure Advisory Commission (PIAC) in 2008 and served as a Commissioner of PIAC from 2008-2013.
Ron May, retired executive from DTE Energy, joins our host Anna Franz to discuss the importance of quality management for a construction project. Ron outlines the key aspects of a robust quality management plan and the differences in quality control versus quality assurance. Ron emphasizes that risk is closely linked with quality control and the need for a comprehensive effort from the project team to ensure a high-quality product. Ron’s leadership roles have ranged from building electric generation facilities and nuclear power plants to corporate executive leadership.
Frank Falciani, president of FWF Construction Consulting, LLC, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss contract management, highlighting its importance for successful project execution. Frank talks about the important aspects of contract management including the 4 legs of the project stool; safety, quality, cost, and schedule. In addition, Frank emphasizes that effective communication and relationships between project stakeholders are critical for successful project delivery.
Frank Falciani, president of FWF Construction Consulting, LLC, returns with our host Jerry Eyink to conclude the two-part series on project management. Frank continues his discussion on the project execution plan detailing the importance of project schedule, engineering, procurement, and project cost control. Effective project management provides value in leading the project team, including team alignment, monitoring project progress, and providing a road map for successful project completion.
Frank Falciani, president of FWF Construction Consulting, LLC, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss the tools required for the successful management of a construction project. Frank outlines a well-defined project execution plan (PEP), detailing how the steps of the PEP guide the project and support the project team to achieve its goals. This first episode focuses on the importance of project organization, project approach, and the project phasing plan.
Eric Dean, IMPACT ironworker co-chair, joins our host Sue Steele in the second of this two-part safety series on the health and safety of today’s labor force. Eric provides insight into the safety challenges currently affecting the ironworker labor force, and how IMPACT is working closely with the industry to create a ‘Culture of Caring’.
Bill Brown, IMPACT contractor co-chair, joins our host Sue Steele in the first of this two-part safety series to provide insights into the health and safety of today’s labor force. Bill discusses the evolution of worker safety in construction over the years, outlining the change in management efforts toward improving the physical and mental health, of the ironworker labor force.
Jill Tietjen, President, and CEO of Technically Speaking, Inc., joins our host Jerry Eyink to share her insights on career planning and advancement strategies in the construction industry. Jill provides valuable life lessons to young professionals based on her own experiences and interactions during her 40-year career in the construction industry.
Bob Prieto, Chairman & CEO at Strategic Program Management LLC, returns with our host Jerry Eyink in the final episode of this two-part series on Enterprise Risk Management. Bob dives deeper into project risks, discussing approaches to identify and track risks, and strategies to mitigate them utilizing the latest in technology.
Bob Prieto, Chairman & CEO at Strategic Program Management LLC, joins our host Jerry Eyink in the first episode of a two-part series on Enterprise Risk Management. As risk management in construction is crucial to the success of any project, Bob outlines the importance of ERM and discusses the different categories of risks and how they impact the strategy & operation of an organization.
Sandy Hamby, CEO & president of MOCA Systems, Inc., joins Jerry Eyink in this episode to share her journey as a woman in the construction industry and the challenges she has faced along the way. The share of construction workers who are women, and the total number of women in the construction industry is at an all-time high. Sandy discusses what the industry can do to support and empower women, and shares her thoughts on how to create a more diverse and equitable work environment.
Ron May, retired executive at DTE Energy, joins our host Bill O’Brien to discuss his Executive Insight, “Developing the Project Charter.” Ron discusses the formation process of a charter, the key components it needs to cover, and how it can be used as a tool for project alignment, control, and to ensure project success.
Wayne Crew, President & CEO of the National Academy of Construction, joins our host Sue Steele as the NAC prepares for its third Safety Symposium. Wayne discusses the importance of incorporating safety early on in engineering education and how the Safety Symposium series aims to bring together leading educators and the industry to address this knowledge gap. The episode outlines details for the upcoming symposium for attendees as well as corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Bill Beck, retired vice president of quality assurance/quality control at WorleyParsons, joins our host Bill O’Brien to discuss hisExecutive Insight, “Supplier Quality.” Bill recalls experiences from his career to highlight the importance of supplier quality in a construction project and the key elements involved in ensuring supplier quality.
Ross Myers, Chairman and CEO of Allan Myers, and Scott Cassels, Executive Vice President of Kiewit Corporation, join our host Jerry Eyink to discuss the growing concerns for mental wellness in the construction industry. They discuss how mental health was a previously ignored facet of worker safety but is now a key focus for most organizations. Ross and Scott talk about the problems their companies have faced regarding mental wellness and the efforts being taken to provide mental wellness support to their workforce. Mental health issues are common in the workplace today, where data suggests that 1 in 5 US workers experience mental health issues each year.
Dave Nash, senior vice-president of MELE Associates, Inc. and a retired admiral of the U.S. Navy, joins our host Anna Franz to discuss leadership and some of the blind spots in leadership. Dave shares his characteristics of a good leader and how to overcome these potential blind spots.
Carl Haas, University Research Chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Waterloo, joins our host Bill O’Brien in this two-part series to discuss the concept of circular engineering in the built environment. Carl introduces the idea of circular economy in construction and how crucial it is for the industry going forward, highlighting some emerging concepts pushing towards a future of sustainable construction.
Doug Gransberg, president of Gransberg & Associates. Inc and recently retired Professor who held an endowed chair at Iowa State University, returns with our host Bill O’Brien in the second episode of this series on innovative project delivery methods. In this episode, Doug discusses some of the more recent advances in construction project delivery and how it benefits from the early involvement of stakeholders.
Doug Gransberg, president of Gransberg & Associates. Inc and recently retired Professor who held an endowed chair at Iowa State University, joins our host Bill O’Brien for a two-part series on innovations in project delivery. Doug talks about the changes that have occurred in project delivery and shares his experiences from over 40 years, detailing the pros and cons of some of the more common methods in use right now in the construction industry.
Bob Prieto, Chairman and CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC, joins our host Jerry Eyink in this episode to talk about corruption, one of the most corrosive factors impacting the construction industry. Bob details the ways in which corruption occurs in construction and how the industry has been trying to prevent such instances.
Barbara Jackson, director of the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management at the University of Denver, joins our host Jerry Eyink in this episode to discuss the triple bottom line as a metric for measuring project performance. Barbara shares her experiences on how project evaluation has evolved over time to include non-traditional indicators impacting the people, planet, and profit.
Mike Goddu, co-founder, partner, and managing director of JMJ Associates returns with our host Sue Steele for the second episode on safety culture. Continuing from the previous episode, Mike and Sue discuss how a company can implement a strong safety culture and recall examples from their real-life experiences showing how some leaders and executives made safety personal.
Mike Goddu, co-founder, partner and managing director of JMJ Associates, joins our host Sue Steele in the first of this two-part episode on safety culture. In this episode, Mike introduces us to the concept of a safety culture and how it should be a personal priority for all personnel involved in construction projects.
Edd Gibson, professor and Sunstate Chair of Construction Management and Engineering in the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University, joins our host Jerry Eyink for this episode to talk about front-end planning. As construction projects get more complex, Edd discusses the benefits of adopting FEP for better planning and project performance.
For more Front End Planning wisdom, please check out Edd’s ‘The Front End Planning Guru’ podcast at ASU: https://anchor.fm/frontendplanning
Maggi Walker, retired Vice President of Engineering and Technology at Dow Chemicals, joins our host Jerry Eyink for this episode. Maggi shares experiences from her distinguished career leading various groups and explains how good leadership dictates the success of a construction project.
Jim Porter, Founder and President of Sustainable Operations Solutions, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss how collaborative efforts from the owner and contractor are key in ensuring and uplifting safety standards practiced in construction.
Robert Prieto, Chairman and CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC, returns with our host Jerry Eyink to talk about his Executive Insight, “Trust.” Bob discusses the importance of trust and details the challenges and strategies to gain trust in a construction project while sharing his experiences.
Bill Badger, Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, joins our co-hosts Anna Franz and Jerry Eyink to provide us insights on building a leadership culture. Bill has written several books on leadership and provides us with tangible takeaways from a career that spans over 50 years in the construction industry, explaining his Executive Insight, “Organizational Leadership― It’s About People, Not Process.”
Jamey Barbas, project director at the New York State Thruway Authority, joins our host Bill O’Brien to discuss an interesting Executive Insight, “The Design and Construction of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.” Jamey is known as one of the first in developing and advancing a methodology in suspension bridge cable condition assessment and she joins us to share her wisdom.
Douglas Gransberg, president of Gransberg & Associates, Inc and recently retired research chair in the construction engineering program at Iowa State University, joins our host Bill O’Brien for this episode. In a world that is now moving much faster than ever, Doug shares his experience of over 40-years in the industry with us through his Executive Insight, “Accelerating Project Delivery through Early Contractor Involvement.”
Bill O’Brien, Professor in the Construction Engineering and Project Management program at UT Austin, continues his discussion on Advanced Work Packaging with our host Jerry Eyink in the second part of this exclusive podcast only Executive Insight.
Bill O’Brien, Professor in the Construction Engineering and Project Management program at UT Austin, joins our host Jerry Eyink in the first part of an exclusive podcast only Executive Insight on advanced work packaging. Bill’s 30-year career is well versed ranging from an internet startup to interim director of Fiatech.
Jim Scotti, retired senior vice-president and chief procurement officer of Fluor Corporation, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss his Executive Insight, "Procurement and Supply Chain ― Introduction." Listen while Jim shares his collected wisdom from a 40-year career and explains why proper supply chain management is critical to successful projects in today's world.
Joseph Brewer, retired vice president and Sadara chief implementation officer of Dow Chemical, joins our host Bill O’Brien to discuss his Executive Insight, "Pitfalls of Mega/Giga Projects." As the chief implementation officer of the Sadara project, Joseph shares his wisdom, successes and failures, on managing and constructing one of the world’s largest project to date.
Robert Prieto returns in this episode with our host Jerry Eyink to discuss large complex projects. Different from our previous podcast, “Diseconomies of Scale,” Bob now takes us on a journey of scaling for large projects through his Executive Insight, "Introduction to Large Complex Projects."
Bill Calhoun, vice chairman and executive vice president of Clark Construction Group, joins our host Bill O’Brien to discuss the keys to a successful megaproject delivery. As projects get larger, so does the complexity. Listen to Bill share his wisdom from his Executive Insight, "Case Study of a Successful Megaproject Delivery," on how to best manage such projects.
‘Get the kNACk’ shares the knowledge, insights, and wisdom of leading members from the National Academy of Construction to give you the skills and expertise to master your career.
For more information about NAC, visit our website at www.naocon.org.
Stu Anderson, retired as Professor and Holder of the Zachry Chair in Construction Integration from Texas A&M University, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss his Executive Insight, “Early Project Cost Estimating for Decision-Making on Project Execution.” Stu shares his wisdom and experience over a career where he's graduated hundreds of students, published over 150 papers and technical reports, and stayed involved with several boards.
Dr. Clifford J. Schexnayder, Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss his Executive Insight, “Pricing Work for a Profit: Developing a Construction Estimate.” Cliff shares wisdom and experience from over 40 years in the construction industry where he has published several books on construction and construction management, and has served in the public and private sectors.
Robert Prieto, Chairman and CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss his Executive Insight, “Diseconomies of Scale.” In this episode, Bob shares insights curated over 30 years in the construction industry. This episode is the first in the “Get the kNACk” podcast, and a great introduction episode to begin with.