Strategy Meets Finance How AI and Energy Growth Are Changing Construction with Maja Ericksen of Mortenson | Ep 203
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Dec 17, 2025 Maja Ericksen, the Executive Vice President at Mortenson with decades of experience in construction, discusses the transformative impact of AI and energy demands on the industry. She highlights the boom in power generation and data center projects, particularly in rural areas, addressing workforce challenges and community effects. Maja emphasizes the importance of attracting young talent to construction, the need for innovative strategies, and fostering caring leadership. Her insights showcase where the industry is headed amidst rising costs and evolving career paths.
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Recruit Early And Market Construction Careers
- Do market construction as a career early by reaching kids and parents to change industry branding and awareness.
- If candidates are willing to relocate and learn, construction offers stable careers and opportunity for generational mobility.
Fishing Summers Built Grit
- Maja grew up fishing in Alaska and spent summers on gillnet boats, which taught grit and made construction feel easier by comparison.
- That background shaped her resilience and comfort in male-dominated, tough work environments.
Say No During Dangerous Up-Cycle Growth
- Avoid unchecked up-cycle growth and regularly evaluate if you're stretching capacity and the supply chain too thin.
- Say no when necessary and maintain discipline to prevent scaling yourself into financial distress.