Season 2 · Episode 8
The Craft & Calling Podcast
From Operator to Leader: What Actually Has to Change

Most contractors don’t burn out because they lack systems. They burn out because they’re trying to solve the wrong problem.

In this conversation, Christene Marie sits down with Adam Swauger, co-founder of Reconstruct Consulting Group, to unpack what actually holds leaders back as they try to grow. This is not another conversation about delegation or hiring. It is about what is happening underneath the surface. Identity, internal capacity, and the quiet absence of hope that limits what is possible.

If you are working harder, pushing longer, and still feel like something is not clicking, this episode will challenge where you are looking for answers and point you back to what actually needs to change.

Most conversations around construction leadership focus on systems, processes, and team management. Those things matter. But they only work when the leader behind them is aligned.

Adam shares how hope drives resilience, why empathy is a critical leadership skill, and how learning to listen, both to others and to yourself, can change how you lead your business and your family. Through personal experience, including addiction, recovery, and rebuilding, he brings a perspective that most leadership conversations miss.

This episode is for the contractor who knows there is another level, but realizes it will not come from doing more of the same.

🔍 What We Talk About

Why contractors burn out before they ever step into leadership
The role of hope in resilience, performance, and growth
Why systems alone will not fix what is happening internally
How empathy and listening shape stronger leadership

⏱️ Chapters

0:00 Intro

0:45 Guest Intro

2:45 Adam’s story and role of hope in resilience and leadership

13:34 Raising your ceiling and expanding what is possible

18:03 The power of listening and presence

28:22 Journaling, reflection, and self-awareness

34:38 Empathy and understanding people deeply

38:20 Identity versus business performance

42:16 Leadership, legacy, and what really matters

49:07 Fixing internal alignment for the calling of your business

1:01:18 Outro

📂 Resources From This Episode

Books Recommended:

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

Podcast Episode Recommended:

From Hustle to Time Rich: Systems That Buy Back Your Life with Guest Mike Abramowitz: https://youtu.be/YjHnQprdlwE

👤 About the Guest

Adam Swauger is the co-founder of Reconstruct Consulting Group, where he works with construction business owners to bring clarity to chaos and align their leadership, systems, and long-term vision.

He previously ran a remodeling business through seasons of addiction, mental health challenges, and recovery. That experience now shapes how he approaches leadership and growth. His work goes beyond operations and focuses on the internal development required for sustainable progress.

Today, he partners with leaders across the construction industry to help them build businesses that reflect who they are and who they are becoming.

https://reconstructconsultinggroup.com/

🎙️ About The Craft & Calling

The Craft & Calling is a podcast for builders, tradespeople, and leaders who are committed to doing more than just growing a business.

We explore the intersection of craftsmanship, leadership, and calling. The goal is to help you build something that lasts, both on the job and at home. Through real stories, practical insight, and honest conversations, this space is designed to strengthen how you lead, live, and show up every day.

From foundation to finish, this space was built with you in mind.

Explore more conversations and resources at:
https://thecraftandcalling.com/linktr/

🔧 A Note on Foundation First Marketing

Foundation First Marketing helps home service businesses build marketing strategies grounded in clarity, systems, and real performance data.

Get a free marketing quote.
Request a free website design.
https://foundationfirstmarketing.com/