In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran sits down with Wally Adamchik, a respected speaker, coach, and consultant with over 23 years in the construction industry. Wally shares insights on empowering construction leaders to enhance productivity, improve employee retention, and strengthen business performance through values-based leadership. He highlights the importance of authentic leadership in achieving long-term success and how fostering a supportive environment can drive growth at every level.

Tune in to learn how Wally’s transformative approach to leadership is reshaping the construction landscape—a topic he passionately discusses across his coaching and consulting work.

Today’s guest has dedicated more than half of his career to educating engineers on the business aspects of their field. But that’s only one facet of his journey. Lee has also consulted with global engineering organizations, offering expertise in strategic planning, team building, relationship management, and leadership development.

In this episode of the Softest Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran chats with Sasha Reed from Procore, an advocate for innovation and transformation in the construction industry. Sasha delves into the growing influence of technology, like AI, and the crucial role of soft skills in leadership. She highlights the industry's ongoing efforts to shed its reputation as slow to change, emphasizing new roles that create opportunities for underrepresented communities, including women. Sasha also discusses the power of collective action, referencing her work with organizations like AGC, ABC, and the Get Construction Talking campaign.

Tune in to discover how transformative leadership is shaping the future of construction—a topic regularly explored in The Power of Construction podcast, which Sasha co-hosts with Kristopher Lengieza.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Freeman—an inspiring speaker and perseverance coach with a unique twist. Despite having a speech impediment, Jason delivers powerful insights on overcoming challenges with humor, resilience, and positivity. His story will inspire you to see obstacles as opportunities.

I’m especially excited to welcome today’s guest, Brent Darnell, a transformative figure in the construction industry. Engineering News Record describes him as the man who’s turning the industry's traditional alpha males into service-focused leaders. Brent is an international best-selling author and a renowned authority on emotional intelligence, with a passion for reshaping leadership through empathy and human connection.

It's a true honor to introduce a young man I've had the privilege of knowing for several years on the Soft As Steel podcast. Nick Corilla serves as the Vice President of the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association. In his own words, he focuses on supporting contractor members, bridging the gap between labor and management, and addressing the needs of both contractors and the labor community within the finishing trades.

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend, Frank DeAngelis, the former principal of Columbine High School. On April 20, 1999, Frank was at Columbine High School, where he served not just on that tragic day but also for three years before and 15 years after. His entire career at Columbine spanned 35 years. Since retiring, he continues to serve society as an education consultant and is the author of a vitally important book entitled, They Call Me Mr. D: The Story of Columbine’s Heart, Resilience, and Recovery. I'm not only pleased but honored and humbled to welcome Frank to the Soft As Steel podcast to share his incredible journey and insights on leadership, resilience, and recovery.

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend, John Burcaw, the Director of Academic Education and Chief Administrative Officer for the Finishing Trades Institute in Minneapolis. John began his career as a union commercial industrial painter and joined the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades in 1997, leading to his current role. With over 20 years of experience in developing programs and strategic initiatives across the U.S. and Canadian construction industry, John shares valuable insights into leadership and creating lasting impact