Dennis Doran interviews Erin O'Brien-Hofmann, the Director of Training and Education for District Council 21 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. The conversation delves into Erin's advocacy for women in the construction industry, highlighting her efforts to increase female participation in the trades through initiatives like the Philadelphia Women's Committee and the WINK (Women in Non-Traditional Careers) program. They discuss the challenges women face, such as stereotypes and discrimination, and the importance of male allies in changing the industry narrative. Erin emphasizes the need for equal treatment and opportunities for women to prove their capabilities on construction sites.

Dennis Doran speaks with David Bradley, a global architect and certified professional coach. Bradley discusses the critical role of soft skills in the architecture industry and his mission to help professionals live intentionally and purposefully. He highlights how integrity, empathy, effective communication, and respect are essential for building relationships and resolving conflicts. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Bradley and Doran explore the nuances of coaching, the importance of dreaming big, and the careful use of assessments in personal development.

In this episode of Soft As Steel, guest host Madison Hull leads a panel discussion on the experiences of women in construction. Panelists Cynthia Grant, Aaron O'Brien Hoffman, Robert Williams, and Doreen Bartoldus share insights on overcoming unconscious biases and creating inclusive workplaces. They highlight the importance of mentorship, flexible policies for parents, and educational programs to empower women. The conversation underscores the need for industry change to support and increase women's representation in construction roles.

In this special episode of 'Soft As Steel,' guest host Madison Hull fills in for Dennis Doran to discuss women in the construction industry. Industry thought leader Barb Allen presents, sharing her experiences and the challenges women face in this male-dominated field. She introduces the "one ladder framework," detailing barriers like missing and slippery rungs that represent biases and obstacles. Barb stresses the importance of increasing women's representation and calls for collective action to create a fair and safe working environment. The episode concludes with appreciation for Barb's insights and a preview of an upcoming panel on empowering women in construction.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Dan Wies, President of Wies Offsite. They explore the human side of the construction industry, discussing the importance of leadership, values, and building a culture of care. Dan emphasizes collaboration, servant leadership, and the significance of relationships in business. They address the challenges of an evolving industry, such as the integration of technology and the generational shift in the workforce. The episode concludes with a focus on the role of love and character in fostering a successful and sustainable construction business.

Dennis Doran interviews Coty Fournier, a seasoned commercial construction executive and entrepreneur. Fournier shares her 25-year career trajectory, starting from Turner Construction to co-founding Jobsite123.com, and discusses the importance of a well-rounded career path. She highlights her early experiences, the challenges of starting a tech venture in construction, and the value of soft skills. The conversation sheds light on Fournier's achievements, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the significance of empathy and respect in leadership within the construction industry.

In this episode of Soft as Steel, host Dennis Doran welcomes Henry Nutt, who shares his inspiring story of overcoming discrimination and challenges in the construction industry. As a proponent for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Henry has become a thought leader and has authored a book to guide others to success. The discussion focuses on the value of soft skills, the power of following one's passion, and the need to break down stereotypes in construction. They explore strategies for attracting diverse talent and emphasize the importance of an inclusive work environment to ensure equal opportunities for all.

In this episode, host Dennis Doran talks with Dan Fauchier, a seasoned construction and design professional. Dan discusses his journey from frustration with wasteful processes to embracing lean construction and design principles. He shares how adopting lean techniques improved his work-life balance and led him to coach others. The conversation covers the significance of soft skills, peer-to-peer learning through local lean communities, and the role of integrated project delivery in enhancing collaboration. They conclude by addressing the challenges in adopting lean practices industry-wide and the need for a paradigm shift to recognize the value of lean and reduce waste.