Summary of "From Mentorship to Leadership: Constructing an Inclusive Future" – Construction Leaders Podcast
Podcast Information:
- Title: Construction Leaders Podcast
- Host/Author: Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
- Episode: From Mentorship to Leadership: Constructing an Inclusive Future
- Release Date: March 1, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, host Nick Soto, along with co-host Carli Troup, delves into the transformative journey from mentorship to leadership within the construction industry. The discussion centers on fostering an inclusive future through leadership development, mentorship, and the cultivation of diverse leadership styles. The episode features insightful conversations with Andrea Jensen, CEO of Ambition Theory, and Doreen Bartoldis, a seasoned construction professional and leader in NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction).
Guest Introductions and Background
Doreen Bartoldis’ Journey: Doreen Bartoldis shares her extensive 45-year career in construction, spanning from hands-on contractor roles to consultancy. Her commitment to fostering diversity led her to both CMAA and NAWIC, where she held leadership positions, including past national president of NAWIC. Doreen discusses her motivation to establish the Leadership Academy, emphasizing the need for structured leadership training for women in construction.
"I felt that leadership was something that was somewhat unique to women. I was learning things kind of in a weird way." – Doreen Bartoldis [01:36]
Andrea Jensen’s Path to Leadership: Andrea Jensen recounts her unconventional entry into the construction industry. Initially working in marketing, Andrea found her way into construction leadership through her husband’s involvement in a general contracting firm. Her impromptu participation as a speaker at a groundbreaking conference led to the founding of Ambition Theory, a company dedicated to empowering women in construction through leadership development.
"I was hustling, you know, just putting myself out there... It went so well that I got construction clients." – Andrea Jensen [04:47]
The Leadership Academy: Structure and Impact
Program Overview: Andrea details the Leadership Academy’s focus on transformational leadership, contrasting it with the prevalent transactional leadership style in construction. The program is designed to help women harness their natural transformational leadership traits—such as collaboration, relationship-building, and forward-thinking—to advance their careers and drive organizational success.
"We are a transformational leadership course. It's completely virtual, with self-guided content and live coaching." – Andrea Jensen [09:15]
Unique Approach: Unlike traditional leadership programs that are content-heavy, the Leadership Academy emphasizes the practical implementation of leadership tools within participants' organizations. This hands-on approach has resulted in significant career advancements for graduates, including promotions and securing major projects without competitive bidding.
"Within the program, participants are implementing tools that lead to real-world outcomes, like getting promotions or closing big deals." – Andrea Jensen [14:34]
Overcoming Barriers in Construction Leadership
Challenges Faced by Women: Doreen highlights two primary barriers women encounter in advancing their careers: the lack of sponsorship and the undervaluing of transformational leadership. Women often receive feedback to be more confident yet are simultaneously criticized for being too assertive.
"76% were told they need to be more confident, but 70% were also told they need to be less bossy." – Doreen Bartoldis [14:52]
Role of Sponsorship: Andrea elaborates on the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship. While mentorship focuses on advice and preparation, sponsorship involves active advocacy and creating opportunities for mentees to showcase their abilities.
"Mentorship is about advice and preparation, whereas sponsorship is about exposure and opportunity." – Andrea Jensen [27:26]
Success Stories and Tangible Outcomes
Career Advancements: Graduates of the Leadership Academy have reported substantial career growth, including high-stakes project assignments and increased recognition within their organizations. Doreen shares her personal experience of overcoming barriers through sponsorship, which led to managing multimillion-dollar projects.
"Because somebody sponsored me and said, I know you can do it, I probably wouldn't be talking to you today if that didn't happen." – Doreen Bartoldis [14:52]
Organizational Benefits: Companies partnering with Ambition Theory have witnessed enhanced team dynamics, improved client relationships, and increased repeat business, all stemming from the adoption of transformational leadership practices.
"The client is going to give us more work...the company can just meet us there and give them this incredible opportunity." – Carli Troup [23:25]
Strategic Partnerships and Future Initiatives
CMAA and NAWIC Collaboration: The partnership between CMAA and NAWIC, facilitated by Ambition Theory, aims to integrate leadership development into the broader construction management framework. This collaboration ensures that more women are recognized and supported in their pursuit of leadership roles.
"Bringing us together as NAWIC and CMAA has really helped me realize that passion." – Doreen Bartoldis [25:45]
Global Expansion: Looking ahead, NAWIC plans to expand its Leadership Academy globally, extending its reach to the UK, Australia, Qatar, and beyond, fostering a more inclusive construction industry worldwide.
"NAWIC is building a global alliance. So watch for that in the future." – Doreen Bartoldis [32:04]
Advice for Emerging Leaders
Building Relationships: Both Andrea and Doreen emphasize the importance of networking, investing in oneself, and actively seeking sponsorship opportunities. Emerging leaders are encouraged to build genuine relationships and contribute meaningfully to their leaders' goals to gain sponsorship.
"Make it about them first... build trust, you get to know them, and then you're on their mind for important opportunities." – Andrea Jensen [27:26]
Authentic Leadership: Embracing one’s authentic leadership style and leveraging inherent strengths can lead to significant personal and organizational growth. The Leadership Academy supports women in showcasing their true selves, fostering environments where they can thrive without compromising their values.
Conclusion
"From Mentorship to Leadership: Constructing an Inclusive Future" provides a deep dive into the essential elements required to cultivate inclusive leadership within the construction industry. Through the experiences of Andrea Jensen and Doreen Bartoldis, listeners gain valuable insights into overcoming systemic barriers, the power of transformational leadership, and the importance of strategic sponsorship. The episode underscores the pivotal role of organizations like Ambition Theory and NAWIC in shaping a diverse and dynamic future for construction management.
For more information on the NAWIC Leadership Academy, visit NAWIC Leadership Academy. To learn about Ambition Theory, visit ambitiontheory.com.