Construction Leaders Podcast: Building the Future—Mentorship and Leadership in Construction

Episode Release Date: January 1, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of Season Four of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosted by Nick Soto from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the focus is sharply set on the pivotal role of mentorship and leadership within the construction industry. The episode delves into the workings of Fortitude Advisory, a nonprofit organization making significant strides in fostering the next generation of construction leaders.

About Fortitude Advisory

Fortitude Advisory, established in 2021 by a group of 14 global executives from diverse sectors including architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate, is dedicated to mentorship and education. The organization's mission centers on nurturing soon-to-be college graduates, junior career professionals, and transitioning military personnel, aiming to develop future industry leaders. As Tom Gannon succinctly puts it, Fortitude isn't just about "opening doors to the built environment" but also about "fostering personal growth and creating meaningful partnerships" (06:43).

Guest Introductions

Emma Davies (01:35), Director at Atkins Realis based in London, brings over three decades of experience in the real estate industry. Her career spans various facets from planning and development to valuation and construction, with a current focus on the early stages of projects, engaging in large master plans across residential, commercial, healthcare, and community sectors.

Tom Gannon (03:20), President and CMA Fellow, shares his extensive 30-year background in real estate and construction development across multiple market segments globally. His diverse experience ranges from working with Turner Construction in New York City to leading major educational programs and contributing to the establishment of Fortitude Advisory.

Rahul ILH (05:08), with a 36-year tenure at CMAA, is a passionate civil engineer and certified construction manager. His involvement spans various leadership roles within CMAA and collaborations with multinational firms like Parsons and STV, emphasizing his commitment to mentoring and developing industry talent.

Founding Inspiration and Funding

When asked about the genesis of Fortitude Advisory, Tom Gannon (06:43) highlights three core principles that inspired its creation:

1. Paying It Forward: A sense of gratitude and the desire to give back, recognizing that their career successes were built upon the support of others.
2. Passion for Mentorship: A collective enthusiasm for mentoring, coaching, and networking that each founder brought from their professional journeys.
3. Addressing Industry Needs: Acknowledging the complexities of the built environment and the overwhelming array of opportunities available to junior professionals, Fortitude aims to provide clarity and guidance.

Fundamentally, Fortitude operates as a self-funded, volunteer-run organization, leveraging the diverse experiences of its team members to create a global impact (06:43).

Fortitude's Programs

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Fortitude's Global Cohort Program. Emma Davies (09:08) outlines the program's structure:

• Application and Selection: Candidates apply through various channels, including direct applications and university partnerships. Selected applicants are matched with mentors.
• Mentorship and Engagement: Participants engage in one-on-one mentoring sessions, group events, presentations, and discussions designed to enhance both professional and personal development.
• Alumni Network: Upon completing the cohort, participants remain part of Fortitude's alumni network, fostering ongoing connections and support.

Emma emphasizes the human-centric approach of the program, focusing not just on building structures but on building communities and nurturing passion within the profession (09:08).

Mentorship Approach

The mentorship model employed by Fortitude distinguishes itself from traditional professional development programs through its global perspective and emphasis on personal growth. Rahul ILH (13:44) shares his experiences, highlighting the benefits of a global network that transcends geographical boundaries. He states, "Fortitude Advisory has opened up the world for me as a mentor," underscoring the reciprocal learning and broadening of horizons that the program facilitates.

Tom Gannon (16:30) further elaborates on how Fortitude assists different groups:

• College Students: Helping them understand the built environment and navigate career paths post-graduation.
• Early Career Professionals: Guiding those with 1-5 years of experience to map out long-term career trajectories.
• Transitioning Military Personnel: Assisting with leveraging transferable skills and easing the transition into civilian construction roles.

University Collaborations

Collaboration with academic institutions is a cornerstone of Fortitude's strategy. Rahul ILH (21:45) discusses partnerships with universities like the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, George Mason, and Pratt University. These collaborations facilitate seminars, mentorship opportunities, and align Fortitude's programs with academic curricula to ensure relevance and impact.

Tom Gannon (23:38) underscores the importance of university partnerships in expanding Fortitude’s reach and tailoring programs to meet student needs. He notes, "We are really looking to collaborate with them and get their understanding and their feedback on what we're doing."

Involvement and Contributions

For listeners eager to engage with Fortitude Advisory, Emma Davies (25:03) provides multiple avenues:

• Website Contact: Directly reaching out through fortitudeadvisory.org.
• LinkedIn: Connecting via LinkedIn pages of Fortitude members.
• University Channels: Applying through partner universities.

Fortitude encourages prospective mentees and mentors to utilize these platforms to join or support the program, thereby strengthening the global network.

Long-term Goals

Looking ahead, Tom Gannon (26:29) shares Fortitude’s vision for the next five years:

• Expansion of Programs: Introducing additional cohorts annually and expanding services to mid and senior-level professionals.
• 42 Leadership Academy: Developing a comprehensive leadership program that leverages the diverse expertise within Fortitude to offer seminars and training across various disciplines, including construction management, engineering, law, and real estate.
• Global Network Growth: Enhancing the global footprint by engaging participants from diverse backgrounds and regions, enriching the program’s multicultural dynamic.
• Sustainable Funding: Transitioning from a self-funded model to initiating fundraising campaigns to support paid staffing and program expansion.

Tom envisions Fortitude evolving into a "premium level boutique brand," recognized for its unique blend of global diversity and comprehensive mentorship offerings (26:29).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with acknowledgments and a brief overview of upcoming content, including a future discussion on workplace cultures led by Jonathan Cinelli. Listeners are encouraged to visit fortitudeadvisory.org to learn more and get involved.

Carly Trout (30:16) wraps up by expressing gratitude to the guests and highlighting Fortitude Advisory's commitment to enhancing the construction industry's workforce through strategic mentorship and leadership development.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Gannon (06:43): “Fortitude is dedicated to mentorship and education... fostering personal growth and creating meaningful partnerships.”
• Emma Davies (09:08): “We talk about how it feels to start working... building communities... building passion within the profession.”
• Rahul ILH (13:44): “Fortitude Advisory has opened up the world for me as a mentor.”
• Tom Gannon (26:29): “We see Fortitude five years from now... being a more mature brand... catering to the overall life cycle of someone's career.”

Connect with Fortitude Advisory:

• Website: fortitudeadvisory.org
• LinkedIn: Search for Fortitude Advisory members

Stay tuned for the next episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, where Jonathan Cinelli discusses the impact of transactional and toxic workplace cultures on the construction industry.