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.