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PODCAST

Construction Conversations

Build Better Media

Honest, in-the-field conversations with builders, leaders, and innovators shaping the future of construction. From foremen to founders, each episode unpacks real challenges, emerging tech, and the human side of building better.

business management

All Episodes

48:55

Ep. 27 – Leadership at Hyperscale: Why Culture Beats...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/11/18

In this episode, Tim Straub, Senior Technical Program Manager at Google, discusses his transition from general contractor to owner-side leadership, how that shift changed his approach to quality and commissioning, and the challenges of delivering data centers in the fast-paced AI/ML era.Tim covers leadership through influence, the evolving priorities of testing and lifecycle risk, labor and equipment constraints, and practical advice for young engineers: seek to understand, adopt a growth mindset,

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53:13

Ep. 26 – Empathy Is a Strategy: What 30 Years in...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/10/21

In this episode, Stephen sits down with Al Ricci, Global Director of Customer Success at Oracle, for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with Canadian Thanksgiving and porchetta — and ends with three decades of hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of construction tech.Al shares how empathy became his most powerful leadership strategy, why sales and customer success must work hand in hand, and what founders often miss when building customer-centric teams. Together, they trace the industry’s

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45:32

Ep. 25 - Field First, Tech Second: How BIM Became...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/09/23

Alex Belkafor shares his journey from project engineer to leading digital strategy at McCarthy, explaining how a field-first approach to BIM and VDC drives better project planning, integration with owners, and streamlined construction delivery.He discusses measuring value through reduced downstream risk (the "cost of goals not scored"), the rise of connected jobsite technologies, the promise and caution of AI and data, and practical advice for the next generation entering construction

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56:58

Ep. 24 – Beyond Recordables: Highwire’s David...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/09/16

In this conversation, David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire, shares insights on the evolving landscape of safety in the construction industry. He discusses his career journey, the importance of collaboration between owners and contractors, and the role of technology in enhancing safety practices. The conversation delves into the significance of prequalification processes, understanding serious injury potential, and the impact of AI on safety management. David emphasizes the need for a

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56:04

Ep. 23 - The $405M Bet: Field AI’s Plan to Robotize...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/09/02

Stuart Maggs, Director of Commercial Product of Field AI and former architect discusses their $405 million raise, his path from architecture to robotics, and early hands‑on experiments that sparked a career redefining how buildings get made.The episode explains Field AI’s software “brain” for robots, how navigation and perception unlock real jobsite use cases, the API/SDK future for specialized apps, and what needs to change in construction for wider robot adoption. Subscribe to our newsletter:

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52:30

Ep. 22 – Senior PM – Tech Saturation, Jobsite Culture...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/08/19

Senior Project Manager John Riggs (Suffolk) shares his journey from plant genetics and political science to leading complex construction projects. He unpacks what’s really happening on today’s jobsites, from subs to GCs, and how curiosity and hands-on learning shaped his career.John breaks down where tech helps—and where it adds friction—covering BIM and digital delivery, reality capture and drones, punch lists, scheduling, and the promise and limits of AI. He explains how owners, designers, and

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46:48

Ep - 21 - Mentorship & Leadership in Construction:...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/07/23

Welcome back to Construction Conversations. In this episode, we discuss the crucial role of mentorship and coaching in the construction industry with Chris and Tim Smith, two experienced leaders from Ellis Don. Tim, with 30 years of experience and previously an executive vice president, now dedicates his time to coaching and leadership development. Chris, a general superintendent, shares his journey of working with Tim and the impact it has had on his leadership style.The conversation delves into

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50:28

Ep. 20 - Raise Robotics - Iteration, Integration &...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/06/28

Welcome to this episode of Construction Conversations, where we dive into the story of Raise Robotics, a trailblazer in the field of construction automation. Join hosts Lars and Stephen as they chat with Conley and Gary from Raise Robotics about their journey from a chance LinkedIn connection to redefining construction workflows with cutting-edge robotics technology.Discover how Conley and Gary's backgrounds in autonomous vehicles and construction led them to create a unique solution that addresses

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45:51

Ep. 19 - Founder, Projexion - Data, Risk & Defining...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/06/24

In this episode of Construction Conversations, we chat with Joe Wilson of Projexion, diving into the data challenges within the construction industry. We explore Joe's origin story, from managing projects on the field to developing a product that enhances project outcomes through data clarity and efficiency. Discover how aligning technology with construction processes can dramatically reduce risks and improve project success rates. Join us to understand the pivotal role data plays in shaping the

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49:08

Ep 18 – Construction Yeti – If You Want to Train the...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/06/12

Join us in an insightful episode of "Construction Conversations" as we sit down with Matt Graves, popularly known as the Construction Yeti, to explore his unique journey from a civil engineer to a creative force in the construction industry. In this episode, we delve into Matt's experiences at Texas A&M, his early days navigating the construction world without formal guidance, and how he built Construction Yeti into a platform for innovative industry insights and humor. Through engaging

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56:26

Ep 17 - Marketing Manager - If You Want Adoption,...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/06/02

In this conversation, Jackie Guilbault, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Document Crunch shares her unique journey into the construction tech industry, emphasizing the importance of field experience, curiosity, and effective storytelling in marketing. The discussion covers various aspects of construction roles, the significance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of hiring practices. Jackie highlights the need for authenticity in marketing, particularly in an industry often misunderstood as

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55:58

Ep 16 - Director - Breaking BIM Silos & Building with...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/05/23

In this conversation, we discuss with Brian Skripac the evolution of BIM and VDC within the construction industry. Brian shares his journey from architecture to industry advocacy, highlighting the importance of collaboration and technology in improving project outcomes. We explore the challenges of implementing BIM, measuring success, and the cultural barriers that hinder technology adoption in construction. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset to fully leverage the benefits of

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47:53

Ep 15 - CEO - Elevating the Craft of Planning in...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/05/17

In this conversation, Nitin Bhandari, CEO of Planera shares his journey into the construction tech industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities he encountered while developing technologies in other industries. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and understanding industry pain points. Nitin also highlights the need for a focused go-to-market strategy and the significance of empowering project teams with technology to improve efficiency and decision-making

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54:23

Ep 14 - CEO - The Future of Steel Design &...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/05/04

Join us in a captivating conversation with Jeff Sharp, the CEO and co-founder of Qnect, as he shares his unique entrepreneurial journey that started as a dishwasher at 14. In this insightful episode, Jeff discusses his diverse experiences across various industries, including tech, biofuels, and structural engineering. He reveals how a common thread of entrepreneurship ties these ventures together, fueled by his passion for efficiency and innovation.Delve into the revolutionary impact of Qnect in

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50:45

Ep 13 - Technology Leader - Leading Without Titles:...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/04/23

Join us for a captivating episode of Construction Conversations as we delve into the remarkable career of Hannu Lindbergh, the maestro of construction technology at DPR. Discover how Hannu's diverse experiences, from working on the field to leading tech innovations at Disney and DPR, have shaped his approach to integrating technology in construction.Explore the unique title-free culture at DPR and its impact on fostering creativity and continuous improvement within the organization. Hannu shares

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56:19

Ep. 12 - Managing Partner - The VC Playbook for...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/03/20

In this conversation, Stephen Poppe, Lars Herman, and Aaron Toppston discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital in the construction industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies, and the importance of mentorship and team dynamics. They explore the skepticism surrounding VC investments, the role of AI, and the future of robotics in construction, while emphasizing the need for effective go-to-market strategies and understanding workflow. The discussion highlights the

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54:53

Ep. 11 - Sr. Superintendent - The Reality of Tech...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/03/12

In this engaging episode of 'Construction Conversations,' hosts Stephen and Lars sit down Chris Massey, Senior Superintendent from Ellis Don, to explore the evolution of a career in construction. Chris reflects on his childhood aspirations and the journey that led him to become a leader in the industry, emphasizing the impact of a construction background and the critical role of on-the-ground experience.The discussion dives deep into the industry's resistance to technology adoption, juxtaposed with

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54:24

Ep. 10 - VP of Partnerships - Rethinking the GC Model...

Construction Conversations ·

2025/02/18

In this episode of Construction Conversations, hosts Stephen and Lars Herman are joined by Hamad Chaudhry, a seasoned expert in construction innovation and technology. Together, they delve into the pressing challenges facing the construction industry in the US and Canada, including technology integration, labor issues, and cultural shifts.The discussion sheds light on how traditional construction methods are falling short and explores ways in which leadership and innovation can bridge these gaps

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51:00

Ep. 09 - BIM Director - Exploring the Global State of...

Construction Conversations ·

2024/12/20

Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Ralph Montague, director at ArcDocs and co-founder of the BIM Coordinator Summit, for an insightful discussion on Building Information Modeling (BIM) in 2024. Ralph shares his perspective on the current state of BIM across the globe, highlighting the disparities in adoption and the key drivers behind its implementation, particularly in Europe.Dive into the challenges faced by various sectors and regions, and explore the potential solutions

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50:15

Ep.08 CEO - Transforming Construction with...

Construction Conversations ·

2024/12/07

In this engaging episode, join us as we sit down with Michael Pink, founder of SmartPM, to explore his unique journey from celebrating Thanksgiving in Georgia with his family to revolutionizing the construction industry through data-driven scheduling. Michael shares personal anecdotes about family traditions and cultural insights with a focus on the importance of optimizing processes in construction projects. Discover how his background in industrial engineering and early experiences at KPMG laid

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27 results

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