In this episode, Jesse welcomes Ms. Phyllis Winters, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience across various industries like nuclear, healthcare, and construction. Phyllis discusses her journey from overcoming a challenging childhood to achieving significant milestones in the world of tech and business strategy. She emphasizes the importance of a problem-solving mindset and shares valuable insights on leveraging AI and technology for business growth. The episode covers practical tips for AI...
Jul 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages in a deep conversation with Mr. Jose Miguel Berlanga, an international entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Jose shares his journey from being a struggling student to becoming a successful real estate magnate and author. They discuss the importance of following one's interests, the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, the significance of continuous learning, and the unexpected link between economics and philosoph...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Ever found yourself asking too many questions or giving too many answers? You're not alone. This Solo-cast episode dives deep into the delicate balance leaders must strike between inquiry and instruction. At the heart of this episode is the "coaching scale" - a powerful framework for understanding when to ask open-ended questions and when to provide direct guidance. The key insight: your approach must match your team member's capability level. For those with high competence, questions like "What...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min
What happens when you create a vision so clear that every decision becomes obvious? Joshua McMahon, owner of McMahon Custom Homes, reveals how he transformed from laborer to business owner by focusing relentlessly on his three-year vision. The entrepreneurial journey is rarely a straight path. Joshua candidly shares how he built his business foundation 18 months before leaving his secure job—posting consistently on social media, networking with key industry players, and sharing his vision repeat...
Jun 19, 2025•53 min
What drives someone to rise from mechanical trades to vice president multiple times? For Pansy Romo of InTech Mechanical, the answer lies not in credentials or connections, but in authentic servant leadership and an unwavering commitment to valuing people. This conversation delves into Pansy's remarkable journey—one that began without a college degree but flourished through intentional relationship-building and genuine appreciation for others. "When you invest in people and value them truly for ...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Emotional intelligence pioneer Brent Darnell takes us through his remarkable 25-year journey transforming the construction industry's approach to people. With disarming honesty and profound insights, he reveals how human connection stands at the core of solving our industry's most pressing challenges—from mental health crises to workforce development struggles. "It goes beyond just being a better leader or a better manager of a construction process," Brent explains. "They become better human bei...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min
What happens when a talented estimator decides to break free from the confines of office life and build a business that serves multiple contractors while traveling the world? Jake Jones, co-founder of Archer Estimation and Consulting, shares his remarkable journey from geology student to nomadic entrepreneur in this thought-provoking conversation. Jake's natural talent for estimation was discovered almost by accident when his mentor reviewed a project budget he'd prepared and declared, "You're i...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min
What happens when only one side builds a relationship? You end up with a lookout, not a bridge. This profound realization forms the heart of my conversation with Kimberly Sauceda, bestselling author of "Meet Me on the Bridge" and a relationship expert with over 20 years of experience working with organizations like Apple. Kimberly shares the touching origin story behind her bridge-building philosophy - a spontaneous moment with her teenage son during COVID lockdown that crystallized the truth ab...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Mario's journey from the soccer field to the construction site reveals profound leadership insights that transform how we think about success. Originally dreaming of becoming a doctor, his unexpected path to becoming a senior project manager with over 20 years of experience in the painting industry demonstrates how our greatest plans often give way to our greatest purpose. "The hardest person I had to deal with was myself," Mario confesses while sharing how internal battles with self-doubt nearl...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Dr. Carrie Graham brings over 25 years of expertise in adult workplace learning to this eye-opening conversation about why most corporate training fails to deliver meaningful results. With refreshing candor and profound insights, she challenges conventional approaches that prioritize content over people. "If you're not thinking about the people, what the hell are you doing?" This powerful question cuts to the heart of where training programs go wrong. Graham explains that organizations repeatedl...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min
When Greg Crumpton pulls up his sleeve to reveal his Kaizen tattoo, you understand immediately this isn't just another trades professional – this is someone who has infused continuous improvement into every fiber of his being. The veteran HVAC expert, author, and industry advocate shares a career journey that spans from scribbling notes in a black book while running service calls in the 1980s to building and selling a successful mission-critical air conditioning company. His perspective cuts thr...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Join us for a profound exploration of faith, vulnerability, and the transformative power of investing in people. In this engaging episode, we sit down with Herb, a visionary CEO in the construction industry, who shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a successful business with a legacy spanning nearly a century. Herb digs deep into his family's history, sharing invaluable lessons learned from the journals of his grandfather and father, both of whom laid the groundwork for a meaning...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Are you struggling to connect with your ideal clients and amplify your brand message? Join us as we sit down with Fabi Paolini, a seasoned brand strategist, who uncovers the nuances of effective messaging. In this engaging episode, Fabi shares her journey from Venezuela to becoming a successful branding expert in the U.S. She reveals her unique concept of the "angle of mastery," which emphasizes the importance of crafting a message that genuinely resonates with your audience, rather than amplify...
Feb 27, 2025•58 min
Discover the transformative power of lean methodologies in the construction industry with our insightful conversation featuring Mr. Matthew Kitzmiller, a professional shooter, journeyman electrician, and lean trainer for Rosenden Electric. Gain practical insights into the crucial role of discipline and communication in developing craft professionals, as Matthew shares his extensive experience and introduces a groundbreaking handbook for continuous improvement. With contributions from experts lik...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Imagine discovering that the very aspects of your personality you've been told to suppress could actually be your greatest strength. Nate Rogers, founder of Four Eyes Facilitation, joins us to unpack his journey of embracing empathy as a leadership tool. Through his candid insights, Nate challenges the societal norms that often pressure men to mask their emotions and shares how authenticity and empathy can transform team dynamics and leadership effectiveness. This episode isn't just about listen...
Feb 13, 2025•43 min
Can accountability truly exist without corrective action, especially in the high-stakes world of leadership in the construction industry? Join me as we unpack the often-blurred lines between these two crucial concepts. You'll discover why leaders must secure commitments with clear communication while employees need to establish and understand expectations. This episode promises to shift your perspective on how accountability is built through commitments from both sides and why corrective actions...
Jan 23, 2025•11 min
Discover the fascinating journey of Miss Renee Glendenning, a visionary who transformed her career from the dance floor to the construction site. In this inspiring episode, we explore Renee's unconventional path, highlighting her dynamic transition from working with NASA to establishing her own construction business. Her story is all about embracing life's unexpected twists—like a spaghetti disaster—where every turn offers invaluable lessons and connections. Renee's tale exemplifies the power of...
Jan 16, 2025•46 min
Ever tried squeezing a big ego into a safety helmet? Join us as we embark on a rollercoaster through the thrilling world of entrepreneurship with my childhood friend, Tyler Campbell, a self-proclaimed social media anarchist and brand-building wizard. We reflect on the essence of leadership as servitude and the challenges of staying humble amidst success. Our lively discussion touches on maintaining authenticity and the humorous trials of fitting an inflated ego into a safety helmet. This episode...
Jan 09, 2025•54 min
Ever feel like your dreams are gathering dust while your calendar is jam-packed with obligations? Discover how to reclaim your time and prioritize your personal goals amid life's chaos. In this episode, we break down your schedule into three key areas: job, people, and self. By focusing on the often-overlooked 'self' bucket, we reveal the imbalance that hinders personal growth. We'll guide you to identify your aspirations—whether it's learning a new skill or launching a side project—and challeng...
Jan 03, 2025•11 min
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Georgia Sarjeant, a remarkable social media strategist who turned a personal challenge into a professional triumph. Initially destined for a career in journalism, Georgia’s life took a surprising turn during the pandemic, leading her to use Instagram as a platform to support those dealing with eating disorders. Her story is a powerful testament to how community and service can redefine one’s path and highlights the often overlooked complexities of soc...
Dec 26, 2024•45 min
Ready to unlock the secrets of successful entrepreneurship in the tech and construction sectors? Join us as we engage with Bryant and JD, the visionary co-founders of ControlQore. Discover how their personal frustrations with software integration and misinformation in the AI era sparked a transformative business journey. JD shares his inspiring evolution from a family business employee with zero tech background to a driven, tech-savvy entrepreneur. Together with Bryant, they illuminate the power...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Trailblazing Yale alum and Guinness World Record holder Demi Knight Clark joins us as she reveals her path from childhood challenges to becoming a leader in the push for a new generation of welders. Inspired by her grandmother, one of the first female Marines, Demi's story is one of resilience and defiance against societal norms. Her experiences underscore the power of facing fears and advocating for oneself while leaving a positive impact. Demi's journey is a testament to the courage needed to ...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 2 min
What happens when a former Canadian Army sergeant takes his military precision and applies it to the world of safety consulting? Craig, our distinguished guest and founder of Keep Safe Consulting, joins us to share his transformative journey from high-pressure military operations to empowering workplaces with a people-first safety culture. His fascinating story of evolving from instructing mountaineers to advising industrial leaders is sure to captivate anyone interested in real-world applicatio...
Dec 05, 2024•47 min
Dr. Colleen Saringer, an expert on workplace toxicity, joins us for an episode rich with insights and personal stories. Growing up in a blue-collar family in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Colleen's background shapes her unique perspective on the challenges many face in toxic work environments. A passionate runner and mental health advocate, she shares her journey from marathon starting lines to advocating for healthier work cultures, all while revealing her love for Halloween. Our conversation navigates ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Ever wondered how the relentless drive for success can shape and even challenge personal relationships and life pursuits? Join us for an engrossing conversation with Steve Mellor, an executive coach and former world-class swimmer, as he unpacks the paradox of hyper-competitiveness. With tales from his transformation from a fiercely competitive athlete to a more aligned individual, Steve illustrates how this drive can be both a superpower and a vulnerability. His insights pave the way for underst...
Nov 07, 2024•53 min
As a safety professional, I found myself standing at a crossroads, faced with two divergent paths: one leading towards genuine care for workers, and the other veering into the rigid territory of compliance and regulation. Our latest episode unpacks this contrast, inviting you to journey with us through my personal experiences at a pivotal training session. There, amidst a sea of compliance-driven peers, I uncovered the empowering essence of people-centered safety practices. Join us as we unravel...
Oct 31, 2024•15 min
Imagine channeling the fierce determination of an aspiring actress into the plumbing industry. That's the awe-inspiring journey of Allie Perez, the spirited CMO of George Plumbing, who joins us to share her incredible story. Allie's transition from drama at NYU to becoming a powerhouse in trades is not just about career change—it's about reshaping perceptions and proving that women can excel in non-traditional careers. Her experiences, fueled by a mix of resilience and a bit of defiance, offer f...
Oct 24, 2024•53 min
How does one transform from a budding entrepreneur to a celebrated leader who stands on stage at the Cowboys stadium? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Ms. Elizabeth Ponce, the inspiring president of Picasso Contractors and a dedicated community leader. Elizabeth's story is one of resilience, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence, culminating in her recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year. Her commitment to giving back is evident as she plans to use her award's prize ...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Step into the world of entrepreneurship with Jim Penman, an Australian trailblazer who transformed his life from the brink of debt to pioneering the largest franchising empire in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the unexpected power of traditional service roles as Jim walks us through his journey from a simple lawn mowing venture to a diversified business empire that includes cleaning and dog washing services. This episode challenges the common narrative that success lies solely in high-tech in...
Oct 04, 2024•53 min
Ever wondered how the most successful entrepreneurs pivot from corporate roles to founding groundbreaking startups? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Stephanie Del Valle and Isabel Rodriguez, the powerhouse duo behind BuilderFi. Discover how these two inspiring women leveraged their Colombian roots and professional backgrounds to address a critical issue in the construction industry—slow payments. You'll hear firsthand how their shared vision and complementary skills have driven their m...
Sep 26, 2024•46 min
