9 Conversations That Are Redefining Construction Leadership

Episode 1 – Defining the Edge: Ben Thomas on Growth, Accountability and Team Trust

Ben Thomas set the tone for CPC with a candid discussion about growth, accountability, and what it means to build trust inside construction teams. He unpacked how leadership isn’t about titles, but about creating systems where people can rely on each other to deliver.

“Trust is the foundation. Without it, you don’t have a team, you just have people working in the same place.”

This conversation reminded us that in an industry facing pressure from talent shortages and rising project complexity, trust is non-negotiable. Recruitment can put the right people in the room, but it’s leadership and accountability that turn those individuals into a functioning team.

Episode 2 – Chicks in Construction: Building Boldly with Mikki Paradis

Mikki Paradis brought sharp insights into what it takes to thrive as a woman in leadership within a male-dominated industry. She spoke openly about the obstacles, but also about the opportunities that come when you approach leadership with clarity and boldness.

“When I walk into a room, people don’t expect me to be the owner. And that’s okay, because it gives me an opportunity to show them exactly what women can do in this industry.”

Hearing Mikki’s story underscored the importance of diversity and representation in construction leadership. The industry cannot afford to overlook female talent, not only for the sake of inclusion but because bold, diverse leadership drives innovation and resilience on projects.

Episode 3 – Voices of Vision: Fred Redd on Leading Projects and Hitting the High Notes

Fred Redd brought a rare blend of perspectives: a career leading large-scale infrastructure projects, alongside his passion as a classically trained baritone. He spoke about learning the industry from the ground up, managing high-stakes programs, and how communication and culture shape success.

“Every project lives or dies on communication. If you don’t talk, you fail.”

Fred’s story was a reminder that even the most technical projects come down to people. Communication breakdowns remain one of the biggest risks in construction delivery, and building a culture of transparency is as critical as technical expertise.

Episode 4 – Leading with Heart: Pam Donaldson on Building People, Partnerships, and Purpose

Pam Donaldson spoke about the people-first approach to leadership, emphasizing that long-term success in construction depends on building strong partnerships and cultivating purpose-driven teams. Her episode highlighted how empathy and vision can turn projects into platforms for growth.

“I’ve always believed that leadership is about leaving people better than when you found them.”

Pam’s perspective reinforced that while technical expertise delivers projects, it’s relationships that sustain companies. In a market where collaboration across clients, contractors, and communities is essential, people-first leadership is not optional, it’s the competitive edge.

Episode 5 – Build with a Smile: Chris Caputo on Culture, Quality and Construction

Chris Caputo reflected on his unconventional path into construction and the lessons that shaped his leadership. He spoke about resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of building a team that can carry the weight of quality and culture together.

“You’re going to have to make all the sacrifices. You’re going to have to make all the hard decisions… My advice to anybody, just be prepared. When you go into something like this, you’re going to have to be that person.”

Chris’s words were a sharp reminder that leadership in construction isn’t cushioned, it demands resilience, long hours, and tough calls. But what stood out is how this commitment builds a culture of accountability, where teams know their leader is in it with them, not above them.

Episode 6 – Building a Culture of Courage with Tricia Kagerer

Tricia Kagerer spoke about risk, resilience, and the responsibility leaders have to create safe, supportive environments in construction. Her insights blended risk management with human connection, showing that courage in leadership is about more than compliance: it’s about culture.

“The boss has to want to hear bad news. That’s the kind of culture you create, one where people can raise their hand and say, ‘this is what’s actually going on.’”

Tricia’s words hit home: in an industry with constant risk; physical, financial, and human, courage is a cultural asset. Empowering people to speak up isn’t just about safety; it’s about unlocking innovation, accountability, and trust across projects.

Episode 7 – Built to Heal: Steve Phifer on the Heart of Healthcare in Construction

With nearly four decades at Rogers, Steve Phifer shared lessons from a career dedicated to healthcare construction. He described the pressures of building in live hospital environments, the resilience required to rebuild after crises, and why healthcare projects are different from any other sector.

“Healthcare is a calling, and you have to really love it to want to do it… most of the healthcare projects are on existing campuses that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that gives you all kinds of different challenges.”

Steve’s story showed us that healthcare construction demands a unique type of leadership, one that balances technical precision with empathy. Working in live hospital settings where patient safety comes first is proof that construction is never just about buildings, but about the people whose lives depend on them.

Episode 8 – From Toll Booths to Legacy Builds: Renee Guerrieri on Leading with Heart

Renee Guerrieri shared a deeply personal journey of carrying her father’s legacy while shaping her own path as President & CEO of LoDuca Associates. Her episode was about heritage, leadership, and the responsibility of building with both vision and heart.

“I used to ride around with my dad and he would point out the toll booths he had built. That stuck with me… knowing that what you build can last and serve people long after you’re gone.”

Renee’s story was a reminder that construction leadership is about legacy. Every project leaves an imprint: on communities, on families, and on future generations. For us, it reinforced that the best leaders in construction are those who build with heart, knowing the impact of their work goes far beyond the jobsite.

Episode 9 – The Human Side of Hardhats: Jim Beale on Workplace Design and Team Culture

Next up on Construction Presidents Club, we sit down with Jim Beale, Principal of Project Delivery at Formcraft. With more than 30 years of experience spanning design, engineering, and construction, Jim brings a rare, end-to-end perspective on how workplaces are built and why they matter.

In this conversation, Jim reflects on his transition from design to construction management and what it means to lead projects with people at the center. He talks candidly about how COVID reshaped the workplace, why hybrid work strategies demand new thinking, and what companies must do to keep employees engaged.

“It’s not just about desks and conference rooms, workplace strategy is about how people actually live their workday. That’s where real culture is built.”

Jim’s insights highlight that construction leadership now extends beyond bricks and mortar: it touches workplace culture, employee wellbeing, and long-term talent retention. For us, the big takeaway is that firms who treat workplace design as a people strategy, not just a project, will be the ones attracting and keeping the best talent.

Closing Thoughts

Nine episodes in, one thing is certain: construction leadership in 2025 looks different.

These conversations revealed that it’s not just about delivering projects on time and on budget: it’s about building trust, empowering people, and leaving a legacy that lasts longer than the concrete.

From Ben Thomas on accountability, to Mikki Paradis on bold leadership, to Renee Guerrieri on legacy, each guest has shown us that the future of construction belongs to leaders who value courage and culture as much as technical expertise.

At Just Construction, we see this reflected daily in our work with clients across the US and UK. The companies that will thrive are those who invest in people, embrace new ways of working, and lead with purpose.

🎙️ Episode 9 with Jim Beale is next, join us live on LinkedIn on Tuesday, 30 September at 5PM EST or stream it from 6:30PM EST on streaming platforms.



👉 Catch up on past episodes here: Construction Presidents Club