Breaking Barriers: Women Thriving in Construction with Dr. Gretchen Gagel

Dr. Gretchen Gagel shares her journey in the construction industry, focusing on her role in industry committees and promoting diversity. She discusses technology's impact on scaling AEC businesses, overcoming gender biases, and the importance of diversity and organizational agility. Dr. Gagel reflects on leadership differences in various-sized companies and her chair role at Brinkman Construction. The episode explores strategies for attracting women to construction, addressing labor issues, and the role of cohorts in leadership development. It concludes with Dr. Gagel's insights on AI's impact, influential leaders, and organizational culture.

  Connect with Gretchen -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-gagel/  Website: https://womenthrivinginconstruction.org/     Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help  

(0:00) Introduction to Dr. Gretchen Gagel and her work in construction industry committees (1:21) The role of technology in scaling AEC businesses (2:30) Dr. Gagel's journey into the construction industry (5:00) Overcoming challenges and biases as a woman in construction (7:07) The importance of diversity and Dr. Gagel's research on organizational agility (11:11) Leadership differences in large vs. small construction companies (13:02) Dr. Gagel's chair role at Brinkman Construction and founding Women Thriving in Construction (19:13) Men's involvement in promoting gender diversity in construction (22:39) Strategies to attract and retain women in the construction industry (27:52) Addressing labor and retention issues in construction (31:33) Cohorts and their role in leadership development (37:16) Enhancing self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership (40:02) The significance of investing in leadership skills and continuous learning (41:18) Core values and the 'right person, right seat' concept (42:57) Influential leaders in organizational culture and making people feel valued (50:15) The impact and applications of AI in the construction industry (57:49) Dr. Gagel's advice to her younger self and information on her book (1:00:18) Final thoughts, appreciation, and episode wrap-up (1:00:42) Recap of the three pillars of scaling a business and cybersecurity strategy call-to-action (1:01:13) Sign-off and farewell