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.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 42: What Early-Career Engineers Overlook About Leadership with Luke Martinek of HDR
1w ago00:49:44Tap 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
3w ago00:45:53Tap 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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EP 37: The Power of Saying Yes to Unexpected Career Opportunities with Michele Fitzsimmons of New York City Fire Department
Mar 1000:44:32Tap to summarizeJoin us as Michele Fitzsimmons, Deputy Chief of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), discusses navigating high-stakes leadership and building trust within a team. We explore the importance of standard operating procedures, overcoming the emotional toll of demanding careers, and why saying yes to new opportunities is critical for growth.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.03:49 Family legacy and transitioning to a career in the FDNY.10:43 Why teams must fall back on established training during a crisis.13:42 Delegating responsibilities and learning to trust your team.16:25 The value of asking questions and admitting when you don't know something.20:03 Fostering a culture that accepts mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.24:07 Managing the emotional toll of a difficult job by seeking help and leaning on the community.32:44 How saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities opens new doors.Resources Mentioned:Michele Fitzsimmonshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-fitzsimmons-0b49101a0/New York City Fire Department (FDNY) | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-city-fire-department/New York City Fire Department (FDNY) | Websitehttps://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/index.pagePrinciples: Life and Work by Ray Daliohttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1501124021/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 36: Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success with Colleen Stanley of SalesLeadership, Inc.
Feb 2300:49:04Tap to summarizeColleen Stanley, President of Sales Leadership Inc., joins us to discuss how emotional intelligence drives sales success and leadership. We explore why soft skills are actually hard skills, how to reframe failure and the importance of creating a mentorship culture.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.08:27 Startups scale effectively by hiring for emotional intelligence. 10:47 Delayed gratification means doing the work to earn the reward. 15:35 Discussing adversity in interviews reveals a candidate’s character. 19:19 Self-actualization and a desire to separate high performers from the rest. 27:07 Reframing failure as a lesson turns it into a gift. 36:33 Removing cell phones from meetings improves presence and connection. 42:02 Leaders should actively seek people to mentor.Resources Mentioned:Colleen Stanleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenstanleysli/Leadership Inc. | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/salesleadership-inc./Sales Leadership Inc. | Websitehttps://www.salesleadershipdevelopment.com“Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success” by Colleen Stanleyhttps://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Sales-Success-Customers-ebook/dp/B009RQ7RCW“Emotional Intelligence for Sales Leadership” by Colleen Stanleyhttp://amazon.com/-/es/Colleen-Stanley-ebook/dp/B081N1NP37/“Be the Mentor Who Mattered” by Colleen Stanley and LeAnn Thiemanhttps://www.amazon.com/-/es/Colleen-Stanley-ebook/dp/B0FVMVTM8M“Trillion Dollar Coach” by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg and Alan Eagle https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Eric-Schmidt-ebook/dp/B076ZHG3H3/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 35: How Saying Yes Opened the Door to Transformational Projects with Jaidev Sankar of AECOM
Feb 1000:43:27Tap to summarizeJaidev Sankar, Transit Strategy and Growth Lead for the US East and LATAM of AECOM, reflects on a career shaped by mega projects, public-sector leadership and a willingness to say yes. He shares lessons from the Big Dig — the Second Avenue Subway — and his time on the owner side at Amtrak, offering a candid look at how collaboration, trust and emerging delivery models are reshaping rail and transit programs.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.02:09 Finding balance between work, family and personal passions shapes long-term career fulfillment.06:13 Early technical interests and constraints often guide engineers toward their true strengths.10:17 Long-duration mega projects accelerate learning across design, construction and delivery.12:55 Building an organization from scratch requires comfort with uncertainty and iteration.19:08 Being honest about what you want helps ensure the right role fit for both sides.24:10 When trust exists, collaborative delivery improves alignment on scope, budget and schedule.30:26 AI should be used to increase efficiency and help owners do more with limited funding.34:48 Infrastructure funding and policy decisions require long-term thinking and public engagement.36:53 Saying yes to varied opportunities builds perspective across disciplines and career stages.Resources Mentioned:Jaidev Sankarhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaidev-sankar-9aa35269/AECOM | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/AECOM | Websitehttp://www.aecom.comAmtrakhttps://www.amtrak.com/Second Avenue Subwayhttps://aecom.com/projects/second-avenue-subway-phase-one/?utm_source=chatgpt.comBig Dig (Central Artery/Tunnel Project)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_DigTren Urbano (Puerto Rico)https://tutrenpr.com/New York City Congestion Pricing Programhttps://congestionreliefzone.mta.info/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 34: Chasing Challenges as the Foundation of Long-Term Leadership with Anthony Pastore of STV Inc.
Jan 2000:47:53Tap to summarizeJoin us as Anthony Pastore, East Regional Director of STV, reflects on a career built through persistence, trust and leadership. Anthony shares his path from union carpentry to leading some of New York City’s most complex public works projects, including the World Trade Center. He discusses why communication, decision making and investing in people matter more than titles and how construction remains a powerful way to serve communities.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.06:10 Growing up in a blue-collar environment shaped early exposure to construction and work ethic.08:03 Balancing full-time field work with night school builds discipline and long-term commitment.14:14 Leadership effectiveness depends on clear communication and shared understanding.17:48 Advanced planning and steady decision-making are critical on complex projects.22:16 Public works projects are uniquely rewarding because they serve communities long term.28:06 Trust and integrity are essential to maintaining strong professional relationships.32:20 Chasing challenges and continuous learning matter more than titles for career growth.39:05 Project delivery is growing more complex while the industry faces increasing skilled labor challenges.Resources Mentioned:Anthony Pastorehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-pastore-b804091b7/STV | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/stv/STV | Websitehttps://www.stvinc.comFordham Universityhttps://www.fordham.eduInstitute of Design and Constructionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Design_and_Construction“Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brownhttps://www.danieljamesbrown.com/the-boys-in-the-boatConstruction Management Association of America (CMAA)https://cmaanet.org 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 33: How To Lead by Pouring Into Others and Creating Room for Questions with Jared Green of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
Jan 600:48:06Tap to summarizeJared Green, Principal and Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, reflects on a 23-year career in geotechnics shaped by early STEM curiosity, steady mentorship and community service. He shares why AEC can feel intimidating at first yet stays welcoming, how practical math and science teaching excites students and how leaders build safe rooms where new voices grow.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.05:26 A career feels meaningful when learning connects to real-world outcomes.10:02 Early curiosity and hands-on learning often shape long-term interests.16:05 Supportive peers and mentors make it easier to enter demanding industries.18:12 Students stay engaged when math and science feel practical and relevant.28:44 Taking a chance before feeling ready can open important doors.34:38 Strong teams communicate by asking questions early and making time to support each other.40:24 Progress in professional communities is made possible through shared effort and support from others.44:45 Long careers benefit from caring for mental health and asking for support.Resources Mentioned:Jared Greenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjaredmgreen/Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/langan-engineering-environmental-services/Langan Engineering and Environmental Services | Websitehttp://www.langan.comSalvadori Centerhttps://www.salvadori.org/National Science Foundation Engineering programshttps://www.nsf.gov/eng/programsAmerican Society of Civil Engineershttps://www.asce.org/“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelhohttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist 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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