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In this Episode: Angela Gardner and Christi Powell interview Kerri Smith from Baker Construction, the nation's leading concrete contractor. Kerri shares her 20-year journey within the company and discusses her current role as Chief People and Strategy Officer. The conversation covers innovative leadership strategies, the importance of mentorship, and the unique challenges and rewards of being a mother in the construction industry. They also explore the critical role of early education and sports in developing careers in construction. The episode emphasizes fostering a supportive culture for women in male-dominated fields and encourages listeners to connect with Kerri and explore opportunities at Baker Construction.

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In this episode: Christ and Angela review the second part of NCCER's report, 'In Her Own Words', which highlights strategies for advancing women in the construction industry. The discussion covers three main topics: offering training opportunities, increasing the number of women in field leadership positions, and improving job site experiences. Key points include mentoring and sponsorship programs, the need for tailored safety equipment, fostering communication between team members, and the importance of diversity in leadership roles. The hosts emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment for learning and growth that is applicable to both men and women in the industry.

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In this episode: Angela Gardner and Christi Powell engage with David Wolke, Vice President of Hill Electric, to discuss the company's effective strategies in operations management, safety, and workforce development. The conversation covers Hill Electric's career outreach programs, their strong partnerships with local technical colleges, and the unique challenges of operating in industrial and hospital settings. Emphasizing community involvement, inclusive hiring practices, and an employee-centric work environment, Hill Electric's commitment to training future electricians through programs like Coop University and focus on soft skills and safety standards are highlighted. Insights from both Hill Electric's leadership and personal anecdotes from teaching at Clemson underscore the powerful impact of supportive workplace relationships and community contributions. For more information, listeners are encouraged to visit hillelectric.net or connect with them on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

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In this episode: Angela Gardner and Christi Powell dive into the latest NCCER report, which includes insights from 176 tradeswomen and serves as a call to action from the field. They discuss topics such as treating women equally, accommodating mothers, eliminating discrimination and harassment, and ensuring consistent hiring practices. They emphasize the importance of equal treatment and opportunities, flexible work conditions for parents, transparent hiring, and pay equity. They also highlight the necessity of establishing strong anti-discrimination policies. Angela and Christi encourage organizations to support and understand the diverse needs of women in the construction industry for better retention and morale.

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner engage in an inspiring conversation with Ines, founder and president of Intec Group. The discussion centers around Ines's journey as a female entrepreneur in the construction industry, highlighting her achievements, challenges, and the importance of mentorship. Ines shares her experiences of moving from Venezuela to the U.S., establishing her business, and her recent accolade of being listed among the top 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America. The podcast emphasizes the value of organizations like WCOE in supporting women in non-traditional roles, advocating for policy changes, and fostering a supportive community. Ines also discusses the significance of mentorship, networking, and the role of simple business practices in her company's success.

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner engage in an insightful conversation with Nancy Novak, CIO of Compass Data Centers. The discussion highlights the impact of women in critical construction roles, particularly in construction management and frontline supervision. Nancy shares her personal journey, and advice to her younger self, and elaborates on Compass Data Centers' efforts in promoting gender diversity. They discuss the significance of prefabrication techniques in creating family-friendly work environments and the unique culture at Compass. The episode underscores the importance of safety, mental health, and innovation, emphasizing the role of women in driving success and culture change in the construction industry. Additionally, Compass's comprehensive approach to data center development and operation is explored, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and diversity.

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In this episode of Women Talk Construction, co-hosts Angela Gardner and Christi Powell discuss the critical issues of confidence and self-esteem among women and girls. They share personal stories, surprising statistics, and actionable tips for building self-confidence, including the importance of supportive communities and personal experiences in career development. The discussion also highlights the impact of workplace environments on self-esteem and the significance of addressing mental health in the professional sphere. Resources and further reading are suggested for listeners seeking to enhance their confidence levels.

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In this episode: Angela Gardner and Christi discuss with special guest Melody Hackett, a seasoned leader in the building materials industry and breast cancer survivor. Melody shares her inspiring journey from working part-time at 15 to becoming the Director of Sales and Business Development at 84 Lumber Company. She talks about her initiatives, like a builder program connecting industry executives, and her involvement with professional organizations such as the She Built Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. Melody offers insights and advice for women looking to enter the construction industry and emphasizes the importance of persistence, collaboration, and claiming a deserved seat at the table.

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