Podcast
Building Better Futures
Hosted by Infinite Consulting · EN
Welcome to the Building Better Futures podcast, where host Eric Hirani connects with visionary thought leaders who are building the future. Together they delve into what it takes to not only build companies and structures but how to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, creating the leaders of tomorrow.
This is the show for you if you’re interested in:
- Learning more about building and delivering iconic projects and companies
- Cutting-edge innovation
- Cultivating positive work cultures
- Helping everyone reach their full potential
- Creating exceptional teams
Together we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities and society, one inspired individual at a time.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 47: Know Your Contract, Know Your Business with Phil Collin of Mott MacDonald
1w ago00:54:44Tap to summarizeJoin us as we sit down with Phil Collin, Chief Growth Officer of Mott MacDonald, to explore what it takes to lead growth with purpose in the AEC industry. Drawing on three decades of engineering and program management experience, he shares lessons on culture, mentorship, communication and knowing your contract inside and out.KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00 Introduction.01:00 Phil Collin introduces himself and his path from Maine to a 30-plus-year career in engineering and construction.08:00 What the Chief Growth Officer role actually looks like day to day.12:00 Why sustainable growth means building a stronger business, not just a bigger one.17:00 Connecting everyday project work to a larger sense of purpose.19:00 Revisiting the Goethals Bridge replacement, a career-defining P3 project.31:00 Why lessons learned and project reviews matter more than most firms admit.33:00 What leaders should do first to build a stronger culture.39:00 Advice for young professionals on understanding the business side of engineering.46:00 The mantra that has shaped how Phil approaches every conversation.53:00 Fast-fire questions on music, sports and Phil’s go-to comfort meal.Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.RESOURCES MENTIONEDMott MacDonald Website: https://www.mottmac.com/Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown (book referenced by Phil Collin): https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/CMAA - Construction Management Association of America (mentorship program referenced in the episode): https://www.cmaanet.org/Phil Collin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-collin-29633712/Mott MacDonald LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mott-macdonald/#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 46: Building Great Teams by Letting Go of Being the Expert with Edward Broderick of Gilbane, Inc.
3w ago00:46:52Tap to summarizeEdward Broderick, Chief Executive Officer of Gilbane, Inc., joins us to discuss what five generations of family ownership teaches you about leadership, trust and building for the long term. We explore how leadership evolves at every stage of a career, why humility is a practice not a destination, and how Gilbane's integrated model of construction and real estate development serves clients across the built environment.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.02:34 Gilbane starts every meeting with a "Gilbane Cares moment," pausing to recognize the community and people before diving into work.05:32 Edward grew up in Westchester, studied finance at Manhattan College, and began his career as a laborer at Gilbane before becoming a management trainee.11:07 Leadership evolves at every career stage — mastering skills, managing teams, setting vision and relying on experts better than yourself.15:46 Watching five different leaders with distinct styles early in his career shaped Edward's understanding of who he wanted to be as a leader.18:36 Public-private partnerships allow Gilbane to bring construction, development, financing and planning together in one trusted relationship.23:06 Eastern Michigan University case study: Gilbane helped the university downscale its campus while maintaining quality, delivering a full roadmap of cost, schedule and financing.38:28 Humility is not a fixed state — leaders lose it, and the best ones recognize that and keep listening.41:18 Edward never entered Gilbane with becoming CEO as an aspiration. Breadth of experience and trust built over decades prepared him for the role.44:00 Five generations of family business: core values and evolving governance, including an outside-majority board, are what keep Gilbane strong.Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.Resources Mentioned:Gilbane, Inc.:https://www.gilbaneco.comTrunk Tools:https://trunktools.com"Good to Great" by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0712676090l"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R Covey:https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 45: How Great Leaders Delegate, Step Back and Let Teams Grow with Lawrence Fitzpatrick of The LiRo Group
Jun 3000:51:03Tap to summarizeLawrence Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President and Deputy Business Unit Head of The LiRo Group, shares what great leadership looks like across a construction career built from the ground up. From running residential crews at 19 to leading large-scale public infrastructure programs, Lawrence offers a candid look at how to build client trust, develop young professionals and create the team cohesion that drives predictable project outcomes.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.05:34 Lawrence's path from Bronx jobsites to SVP, and why going back to construction after college was the best thing that happened to him.09:55 What great construction leadership looks like: taking ownership, staying humble, leading by example and communicating openly across generations.14:13 How to earn lasting client trust through execution, consistency and delivering on your word.17:05 The armory project for the New York National Guard, and the ribbon-cutting moment that stopped Lawrence mid-sentence.22:07 The structured post-meeting debrief that accelerates young professionals' growth faster than any training program.26:31 How Lawrence learned to step back and let his team take the first shot, and why jumping in with the right answer can backfire.38:35 Why team cohesion — not technology — is the single most important investment for predictable project outcomes.46:09 What Lawrence lives by: explaining the why to everyone, every time.48:28 Builder's Blitz: overrated leadership buzzwords, what every team should normalize and Lawrence's long-term bet.Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.Resources Mentioned:The LiRo Group:https://www.ligrogroup.com“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss:https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 44: Inspiring the Next Generation Through Advocacy and Architecture with Julia Murphy of SOM
Jun 1600:43:26Tap to summarizeJulia Murphy, Partner of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), joins us to discuss architecture as a legacy and a force for community impact. We explore her journey as a third-generation architect, her advocacy for women in design and construction, the structural challenges of Manhattan West and why she believes the people behind every project matter more than anything else.Key Takeaways00:00 Introduction.03:42 Julia shares her path into architecture and the influences that shaped her career.06:00 How SOM's collaborative culture differs from other firms.11:38 The challenges facing women in architecture and the responsibility to make space for different voices.18:47 The role of SOM's work in reshaping cities and landmark projects.24:57 Walking through the early days of the Manhattan West development.30:29 How AI and emerging technology are reshaping architecture's future.41:10 Julia's people-first leadership philosophy and what it means to lead with care.41:55 Where to connect with Julia and closing thoughts.Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.Resources MentionedKohn Pedersen Fox (KPF): https://www.kpf.comManhattan West (Brookfield): https://manhattanwestnyc.com SOM's Manhattan West project page: https://www.som.com/projects/manhattan-west-development/ NYCHA Preservation Trust: https://www.preservationtrust.org NYC Planning (Housing Opportunity): https://www.nyc.gov/content/planning/pages/our-work?search=cityofyes #PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 43: What the Next Generation of AEC Leaders Gets Right — and What They're Still Missing with Danielle Dy Buncio of VIATechnik
Jun 200:48:47Tap to summarizeDanielle Dy Buncio, Co-Founder and CEO of VIATechnik, joins us to discuss why VDC is far more than a BIM exercise, how digital twins are transforming building operations and what the next generation of AEC leaders needs to understand about business to make technology stick.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction. 16:20 VDC aligns people, process and technology around project objectives, not just BIM adoption. 17:03 Owner alignment through VDC turns project delivery problems into measurable competitive wins. 21:09 Digital twin adoption starts by asking what questions an owner needs to answer about their building. 27:30 AI chat interfaces on building data let owners query their facilities in plain language. 37:15 Ordering from the model, a trade contractor eliminated its entire overtime budget on a Hawaii project. 43:24 Understanding what leadership measures makes technology pitches far more likely to succeed.Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.Resources Mentioned:“An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth” by Chris Hadfield:https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316253030VIATechnik's digital twin platform:https://www.viatechnik.com/capabilities/operations/digital-twin/Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University:https://cife.stanford.edu/#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 42: What Early-Career Engineers Overlook About Leadership with Luke Martinek of HDR
May 1900:49:44Tap to summarizeLuke Martinek, Senior Program Manager and Associate Vice President of HDR, joins us to explore how 19 years across survey crews, civil design, operations, and business development prepared him for the Penn Transformation Project. We discuss mentorship on hard days, the business side of engineering, making stakeholders "complicit," and the Kurt Vonnegut mantra that still guides his leadership.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction. 05:20 Growing up in San Antonio and finding engineering through family. 10:30 The Penn Transformation Project and the magnet that is Penn Station. 15:45 The change order that opened up the business side of engineering. 23:30 Stepping into a general manager role during the pandemic. 25:20 How variety has fueled two decades of career moves. 32:30 Why helping someone else is the fastest way out of a bad day. 35:45 Making every stakeholder "complicit" in the same mission. 38:15 The most impactful projects of his career. 44:05 A Kurt Vonnegut mantra he still leads by. 46:10 Hot takes on innovation, growth, and transparency.Resources Mentioned:Luke Martinekhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-martinek-p-e-8b979b6/HDRhttps://www.hdrinc.comPenn Station Transformation Projecthttps://media.amtrak.com/2025/10/penn-station-transformation-fact-sheet/Texas A&M Universityhttps://www.tamu.eduLangan Engineeringhttps://www.langan.comSam Schwartzhttps://www.tylin.com/samschwartzAKRFhttps://www.akrf.comGrain Collective Landscape Architecturehttps://graincollective.comNYC School Construction Authorityhttps://www.nycsca.orgNYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC)https://www.nycsca.orgNYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC)https://edc.nycMatthews Nielsen Landscape Architectshttps://mnlandscape.com Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 41: Challenging the Status Quo Inside City Government with Danielle Grillo Pemberton of Sweet Group LLC
May 500:45:53Tap to summarizeDanielle Grillo Pemberton spent over 15 years inside New York City government before crossing to the private sector as Vice President of Sweet Group LLC — and she brought everything she learned with her. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to challenge the status quo, how she earned her seat at the table in male-dominated fields, why she hires for hunger over credentials, and what it means to lead large-scale modernization projects that genuinely transform communities.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction. 05:19 The transition from 15+ years in city government to the private side. 10:08 Heading up the licensing unit at the Department of Buildings and falling in love with the construction industry. 11:09 Getting swept into the Sandy recovery with the mayor's office. 25:36 Navigating the deep networks and cultures of male-dominated fields. 31:39 Challenging what has always been done inside city government. 37:56 Delivering comprehensive modernization projects with NYCHA and the Housing Preservation Trust. 41:19 Why keeping your word matters more than the contract. 43:01 Hiring for hunger over experience. 43:50 The hard lesson of releasing control as you rise.Resources Mentioned:Sweet Group website:https://www.sweetconstruction.comNYCHA (New York City Housing Authority):https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/index.pagePublic Housing Preservation Trust:https://www.preservationtrust.orgNew York City Department of Buildings:https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/index.pageNYPD Facilities and Capital Construction:https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/administrative/management-budget.pageUrban Umbrella:https://www.urbanumbrella.comThanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 40: Fostering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders with Kirsten Sibilia of Dattner Architects
Apr 2100:40:10Tap to summarizeKirsten Sibilia, Managing Partner of Dattner Architects, discusses the evolution of a firm committed to civic justice and the public realm. We explore her journey from product design to leadership, the firm's transition to a woman-owned business and how empowering the next generation of leaders shapes a better urban environment.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:06 Kirsten’s early entrepreneurial roots and her lifelong drive to live in New York.04:46 How a liberal arts background and product design education shaped Kirsten's approach to architecture.06:09 Translating direct sales and design experience into a strategic business leadership role.08:05 Defining project success through positive civic, environmental and financial outcomes.10:32 Expanding geographic reach while maintaining a commitment to transit-oriented development and public spaces.14:16 Richard Dattner's legacy and the firm’s progressive transition to majority women ownership.19:43 Identifying and developing the next generation of entrepreneurial, big-picture thinkers.21:06 The value of seeking professional leadership and learning opportunities outside of your firm.26:02 Delivering dignity and respect through the thoughtful design of essential architecture, like women's shelters.Resources Mentioned:Kirsten Sibiliahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstensibilia/Dattner Architects | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dattner-architects/Dattner Architects | Websitehttps://www.dattner.com/New York Building Congress Foundationhttps://buildingcongress.com/new-york-building-foundation/Project Renewalhttps://www.projectrenewal.org“10 Birds That Changed the World” by Stephen Mosshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1541604466Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 39: The Importance of Process and Passion in Development with Spencer Levine of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC
Apr 700:39:16Tap to summarizeJoin us as Spencer Levine, President of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC, discusses navigating complex real estate developments and building trust within communities. We explore the importance of transparency with stakeholders, balancing profitability with positive social impact, and why leaving your title at the door is critical for flawless project execution.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.01:45 Spencer shares his professional good news: a unique municipal bond finance deal for student housing in Florida.03:19 How being a family-owned business gives RAL the nimbleness to creatively structure project financing.07:47 The philosophy of pursuing projects that do well financially while doing good for the community.11:48 A key lesson from the job site: leaving your ego at the door and learning from everyone, regardless of their title.13:21 Eric shares a story of how an on-site mason corrected a flawed engineering detail.15:10 How the definition of "technology" intersects with modern real estate development.19:24 Creating "step-up" office spaces with flexible leases to help growing companies transition from coworking environments.27:22 Navigating community stakeholders and complex public-private partnerships.31:15 Advice for the next generation: balancing new tools like AI with the lost art of reading paper drawings and building personal relationships.Resources Mentioned:Spencer Levinehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-levine-665b1078/RAL Companies & Affiliates LLChttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ral-companies-&-affiliates-llc/RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC | Websitehttp://www.ralcompanies.comZero Irvinghttps://zeroirving.comCivic Hallhttps://civichall.org.Fedcap Rehabilitation | Websitehttps://www.fedcap.orgThanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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EP 38: How To Inspire Action Through Powerful Storytelling with Carmine Gallo of Gallo Communications Group
Mar 2300:52:37Tap to summarizeCommunications Coach, Harvard Instructor and Bestselling Author Carmine Gallo, Founder and CEO of Gallo Communications Group, reveals how to master storytelling in the digital age. We explore the enduring power of human imagination over AI, the AMP framework for presentations, and why an authentic voice remains your greatest professional asset.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.06:29 Protecting cognitive energy by avoiding doom scrolling and starting the day with gratitude.14:10 Why soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, are the ultimate differentiators in the AI era.16:24 AI lacks human imagination and goals, making your authentic lived experience irreplaceable.22:10 Using the AMP framework — ability, message and practice — to double down on natural strengths and amplify presentation skills.28:43 Keeping initial pitches concise to focus purely on securing a second meeting.33:57 Leveraging unique, personal stories to connect with audiences, stand out and convey business values.40:57 Understanding that the brain ignores boring things to craft tighter, more compelling messages.48:58 Countering the negativity of social media algorithms by actively consuming content focused on human progress.Resources Mentioned:Carmine Gallohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carminegallo/"Viral Voices" audiobook by Carmine Gallohttps://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250371966/viralvoices/"Talk Like TED" by Carmine Gallohttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1250041120"The Storyteller's Secret" by Carmine Gallohttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1250072239"The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs" by Carmine Gallohttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0071636080"The Next Renaissance" by Zack Kasshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1394381085"Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinkerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0525427570Contractors for Kidshttps://contractorsforkids.org/HumanProgress.orghttps://humanprogress.org/Bryan Stevensonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_StevensonNeil deGrasse Tysonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_deGrasse_Tyson Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast
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