Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Women in AEC: Wine After Work

The right fit doesn't always show up first. Sometimes it shows up after you've tried the wrong things, learned what you're actually made of, and gotten honest about what you're uniquely positioned to build. Lindsay Friedman is a four-time founder who failed twice before finding the work that was hers to do and she built it directly from her experience as a caregiver.

Lindsay joins Bryce to talk about entrepreneurship, purpose-driven work, and what it looks like to stop chasing the right opportunity and start building from the right foundation. She works at the intersection of technology, advocacy, and eldercare an industry that touches almost every family and gets very little attention until a crisis hits. This conversation is about finding your lane, building inside it with everything you have, and why the work that comes from lived experience hits differently than the work that comes from a business plan.

This episode is for anyone navigating a career pivot, sitting with a business idea they can't shake, or trying to figure out whether what they're building is actually the right fit or just the next thing.

About Lindsay Friedman: Lindsay Friedman is a four-time founder, lifelong multigenerational caregiver, and former nursing assistant with hands-on experience in memory care and eldercare. She is the founder of CareBloom and LTCareNav, a platform that connects families with vetted long-term care experts to make quality care more accessible and affordable. Lindsay combines technology, personal experience, and advocacy to empower families navigating complex care decisions and is committed to transforming how society cares for seniors. 

What We Cover:

• Lindsay's background as a caregiver, nursing assistant, and multigenerational care advocate

• What her first two failed companies taught her that success couldn't

• How CareBloom and LTCareNav came directly from personal experience, not a market gap analysis

• What the long-term care space actually looks like for families trying to navigate it

• Building a platform at the intersection of technology and human advocacy

• The right fit question how passion and lived experience together create a different kind of business foundation

• What workplace autonomy looks like when you're the founder and the mission is personal

• Where to find Lindsay and how to connect with her work

Key Takeaways:

• Failure is not the opposite of the right fit sometimes it's the path to it

• The businesses that come from lived experience have a staying power that market-driven ideas often don't

• Passion alone isn't enough, but passion plus experience is a legitimate competitive advantage

• The long-term care space affects nearly every family and most people don't engage with it until they're already in crisis

• Workplace autonomy as a founder means you get to decide what problem is worth your career

Resources + Links:

• CareBloom: https://carebloom.com/

• LTCareNav: https://ltcarenav.com/

• Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfriedman1/

Leaving a career you're good at is harder than leaving one that isn't working. Ryan Sullivan was a successful mechanical engineer who built a department from scratch — and then chose to walk away and start over. This episode is about that decision, what it took, and what he's built on the other side.

Ryan joins Bryce to talk about career transitions, financial autonomy, and what it looks like to build a life by design instead of by default. He works exclusively with architects and engineers, which means he understands the mindset of someone who's been trained to solve complex problems — and he applies that same precision to financial and business planning. This is not a generic money conversation. It's about using financial clarity as a tool for making better career and life decisions.

This episode is for AEC professionals at any stage who are wondering whether their financial position is actually giving them options — or quietly taking them away.

About Ryan Sullivan: Ryan Sullivan, PE is the founder and principal wealth engineer of Off the Beaten Path Financial. He began his career as a mechanical engineer, built an engineering department from the ground up, and transitioned into financial and business planning to serve architects and engineers specifically. Ryan combines engineering precision with dynamic investment strategy to help clients build resilient financial plans that give them freedom and flexibility to live life on their terms. Learn more at [Off the Beaten Path Financial URL — confirm with Ryan].

What We Cover:

• Ryan's background in mechanical engineering and what led him to leave

• The decision to become a financial advisor and what that transition actually looked like

• Why he chose to focus exclusively on architects and engineers

• Cash flow as the foundation of financial health — what that means in practice

• Aligning money with purpose — and why that's different from standard financial planning

• How engineering precision translates into dynamic, adaptive investment strategy

• What financial autonomy actually looks like for AEC professionals

• The right fit question — how to know when to stay on a path and when to leave it

• Where to find Ryan and how to work with him

Key Takeaways:

• Leaving a career that works is a different kind of hard — it requires clarity about what you're moving toward, not just what you're leaving

• Cash flow is the foundation; everything else — freedom, flexibility, options — gets built on top of it

• A financial plan that doesn't account for what you want your life to look like isn't a plan, it's a spreadsheet

• AEC professionals are well-positioned to think in systems — applying that to personal finance changes outcomes

• True financial autonomy means money stops making your decisions for you

Resources + Links:

• Off the Beaten Path Financial: https://www.obpfinancial.com/

• Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-sullivan-pe/

High performance and burnout are not opposites. For a lot of people, they're the same thing wearing different clothes. This episode is for the professional who is achieving by every external measure and still feeling like something is off — because that feeling is data, not weakness.

Nancy Gentle Boudrie joins Bryce to talk about the inside-out approach to career alignment: what it means to make regulated, values-driven decisions about your work instead of just reacting to demands and hoping things improve. Nancy brings neuroscience and mindfulness together in a way that's practical and direct — no meditation retreat required.

This episode is for high-achievers who are tired of running on autopilot and ready to make intentional choices about where their energy actually goes.

About Nancy Gentle Boudrie: Nancy Gentle Boudrie is a mindset coach, corporate wellness speaker, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of coaching experience and more than three decades of business leadership. She is the creator of the Pathway to Inner Peace — Featuring the 4R Method®, an evidence-based framework blending neuroscience, mindfulness, and energy mastery. She is also the founder of the Awaken with Light App, a digital platform offering mindfulness tools and live emotional resilience practices.

What We Cover:

• Nancy's background and what led her to build a framework around inner peace for high performers

• What "living on autopilot" actually looks like in a demanding career

• The inside-out approach — why regulation and values alignment have to come before strategy

• Burnout as a signal, not a failure — what it's telling you and how to listen

• The 4R Method and how it works in real professional contexts

• How to evaluate whether you're in the right fit — job, role, or career path

• Finding the right fit through entrepreneurship vs. staying and building from within

• Where to find Nancy and how to work with her

Key Takeaways:

• Autopilot isn't neutral — it's a slow drift away from what you actually want from your career

• Burnout in high performers often looks like more output, not less — it hides well

• Regulation comes before decision-making — you cannot make good career choices from a dysregulated state

• Values alignment is not a soft concept; it's a performance variable that shows up in your work, energy, and retention

• The question isn't always "should I leave" — sometimes it's "am I showing up as myself here"

Resources + Links:

• Awaken with Light: https://www.awakenwithlight.com/

• Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyboudrie/

There's a gap between people who grow in their careers and people who wait to be grown. This episode is for anyone sitting in that gap, wondering why the effort isn't translating. Elizabeth Barber has a clear answer and it has nothing to do with working harder.

Elizabeth and Bryce dig into workplace autonomy, practical innovation, and what it actually looks like to take ownership of your visibility, your decisions, and your career trajectory. This isn't motivational talk, it's operational. Elizabeth brings frameworks she's used inside real organizations, and she doesn't sugarcoat what it takes.

This episode is for professionals who are done waiting and leaders who want to build teams that don't need to be rescued.

About Elizabeth: Elizabeth Barber is an operations leader specializing in customer experience, scalable systems, and practical AI adoption. A U.S. Navy veteran, she's known for bringing clarity, structure, and a no-fluff approach to leadership and execution. She works at the intersection of AI, software, communications, operations, and leadership.

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbarber/

What We Cover:

• Elizabeth's background and the through line from Navy service to operations leadership

• What "own your agency" actually means in a workplace that rewards waiting

• Momentum over permission, making decisions without waiting to be rescued

• Practical AI adoption: small steps, real outcomes, and what doesn't make the cut

• Why clarity beats cleverness in communication and leadership

• How to stay visible and active in your own career planning

• Where to find Elizabeth and what she's working on now

Key Takeaways:

• Visibility is active, not passive if you're hoping someone notices, you've already lost ground

• The filter for any tool or process: does it reduce friction and improve outcomes? Use it. If not, cut it

• Shipping at 80% is a strategy, not a shortcut waiting for perfect keeps you invisible

• Clear communication is a leadership skill bullets, white space, and a direct call to action will outperform clever copy every time

• You can build systems that support your growth without waiting for an org chart to give you permission

Most AEC firms treat PR like a nice-to-have, something you think about after you've won the work. Julia Bonner, founder and president of Pierce Public Relations, has spent her career proving that's exactly backwards. In this conversation with Bryce, Julia gets into what strategic communications actually looks like for firms in the built environment and why the firms investing in their story now are the ones winning the work later.

Pierce PR is a certified woman-owned boutique agency working with some of the most recognized names in AEC, Wold Architects and Engineers, ESa, Reeves Young, BELL Construction. Julia started her career in New York City with a master's degree from NYU, built a practice around the built environment, and has become one of Nashville's most recognized business leaders in the process. She's not talking about press releases and award submissions. She's talking about what it takes to build a brand that actually moves a business forward.

This episode is for firm leaders who know their work speaks for itself and are starting to realize that might not be enough.

About Julia Bonner: Julia Bonner is the founder and president of Pierce Public Relations, a certified woman-owned boutique PR and marketing agency specializing in the AEC and professional services industries. Her clients include Wold Architects and Engineers, ESa, Reeves Young, and BELL Construction. A Nashville-based leader, Julia holds an M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from NYU and a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Tennessee. She is a recipient of the Nashville Business Journal's Most Admired CEO Award (2024), Women of Influence Award (2020), and 40 Under 40 Award (2017), and has been named to the Nashville Post's "In Charge" list four consecutive years (2022-2025).

• Website: https://pierce-pr.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaebonner/

What We Cover:

• Introduction and Julia's path from NYU and New York City to building Pierce PR in Nashville

• What PR and strategic communications actually means for AEC firms — beyond press releases and award submissions

• Why most firms in the built environment wait too long to invest in their brand

• What the best communicators in AEC do differently than everyone else

• How Julia has grown Pierce PR to represent some of the most recognized names in the industry

• What it means to run a woman-owned boutique agency in a historically male-dominated space

• Julia's community leadership — ULI Nashville, Young Leaders Council, Nashville Film Festival — and why she invests there

• What she's learned about leadership from building her own firm

• Where to find Pierce PR and what working with them looks like

Key Takeaways:

• PR is not reactive — the firms using it strategically are building relationships and reputation before they ever need them

• Most AEC firms undersell themselves not because they lack good stories, but because they're too close to their own work to see what's remarkable about it

• A boutique agency in a specialized industry can outperform a generalist firm every time — because deep industry knowledge changes everything about how you tell the story

• Community investment isn't separate from business building — it's how the best leaders create lasting influence

• Running a woman-owned business in AEC requires both credibility and persistence in equal measure

FMI's founder once said: "You don't build a business, you build people, and then people build the business." Julie Witecki has spent her career helping leaders in the built environment actually live that out — and in this conversation with Bryce, she gets specific about where most firms fall short.

Julie advises executives and ownership teams across construction and AEC on leadership development, talent strategy, people systems, and organizational growth. She brings a perspective shaped by years inside some of the industry's most complex firms, and she's not here to give comfortable answers. This episode covers what firms are still getting wrong about why people leave, how leadership behavior drives retention more than compensation ever will, and what the next generation of leaders in the built environment actually needs to look like.

This episode is for firm owners, principals, and anyone in AEC who has ever said "people are our greatest asset" and then wondered why the good ones keep leaving.

About Julie Witecki: Julie Witecki is a consultant and advisor at FMI, one of the most trusted management consulting and investment banking firms serving the built environment. She works with leaders across construction, architecture, and engineering on leadership development, people strategy, talent, and organizational growth. Julie is a recognized voice on leadership, culture, and women in the AEC industry.

• Website: www.fmicorp.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewitecki/

What We Cover:

• Introduction and Julie's career arc advising leaders across the built environment

• What "trusted advisor" actually means at FMI and how those relationships are built

• How the definition of leadership success has shifted over the last decade in AEC

• Doc Fails' founding philosophy — "you build people, and people build the business" — and what that looks like inside firms today

• Where leaders struggle most when developing people, especially as firms scale

• What separates firms that say people are a priority from those that actually operate that way

• How strong leaders balance accountability with empathy in high-pressure environments

• What firms are still getting wrong about why people leave

• How employee expectations have shifted post-pandemic and who is adapting well

• Why leadership behavior drives retention more than compensation, flexibility, or benefits

• The biggest strategic blind spots holding firms back right now

• Hard conversations leaders are avoiding that they need to be having

• What progress for women in construction looks like — and where the work is unfinished

• How organizations can support women leaders without performative DEI

• What qualities will define the most effective leaders in AEC over the next decade

• Julie's one piece of advice for a principal or executive listening today

• How Julie defines success at this stage of her own career

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership behavior is the number one driver of retention — more than comp, flexibility, or benefits. Firms that don't understand this will keep losing people and blaming the market.

• There is a difference between saying people are your priority and building systems that prove it. Most firms are still operating on the former.

• The hard conversations leaders are avoiding — about performance, direction, and accountability — are exactly the ones their teams are desperate to have.

• Supporting women in leadership isn't a DEI initiative. It's a business decision. The firms that treat it as the latter are the ones making actual progress.

• The next generation of AEC leaders will need to hold technical credibility and people leadership simultaneously. Firms that only develop one are building a gap.

Most architecture, engineering, and construction firms are so focused on building things that they forget to build their brand. Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman, the powerhouse duo behind Brand Groupies, have spent their careers fixing exactly that. In this episode, Bryce sits down with both women to talk about what strategic communications actually looks like for leaders in the built environment — and why getting it right changes everything.

Carey and Lauren bring a combined perspective that's rare: luxury brand storytelling from Gucci and Hublot meets insider knowledge of the construction and design world. They've used that combination to build a nationally recognized communications firm and a podcast network that ranks in the top 5-10% globally. This conversation covers how leaders in AEC can claim their story, show up with authority, and use podcasting as a real business development tool.

This episode is for firm owners, principals, and anyone in the built industry who knows their work is exceptional but struggles to articulate why it matters to the people they want to reach.

About Carey Balogh: Carey Balogh is the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Brand Groupies, a women-owned strategic communications agency serving the built industry, which she founded in 2015. With a background working with luxury brands including Gucci and Hublot, and years of experience abroad and in New York City, Carey brings a global, high-end brand perspective to architecture, design, and real estate. She also launched the Brand Groupies Podcast in 2018 and previously co-founded Frolic!, a children's play space later acquired by the Children's Museum of Manhattan.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandgroupies/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careybalogh/

• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/brand-groupies/id1336590849

About Lauren Sleeman: Lauren Sleeman is Chief Executive Officer of Brand Groupies, joining in 2020 after running the fashion and lifestyle divisions at one of New York City's top PR firms. Her experience with legacy fashion brands including Hermès and Burberry, combined with her family's roots in construction and design, gives her a rare dual fluency in brand storytelling and the built environment. Under her leadership, Brand Groupies has grown from a boutique agency into a nationally recognized communications firm. She has been recognized on the New York Real Estate Journal's "Rising Stars" list.

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-sleeman-11437982/

What We Cover:

• Introduction — who Carey and Lauren are and how Brand Groupies came to be

• What strategic communications actually means for firms in the built environment

• Why most AEC firms are underselling themselves and how to fix it

• What luxury brand storytelling from Gucci and Hermès taught them about the built industry

• Podcasting as an executive visibility and business development tool

• How to identify what sets your firm apart when you're too close to see it

• What it looks like to build a brand that outlasts any individual project or client

• Where to find Brand Groupies and what working with them looks like

Key Takeaways:

• Your brand is already telling a story — the question is whether you're the one telling it

• Podcasting isn't just content; it's a relationship-building tool that traditional PR can't replicate

• The firms that win future work are the ones that make their expertise visible before someone needs to hire them

• What makes luxury brand storytelling transferable to AEC: specificity, consistency, and knowing exactly who you're talking to

• You don't need a massive marketing budget to build authority — you need clarity and consistency

There's a version of leadership that looks good from the outside and feels like chaos on the inside. Corinne, founder of The Gav Group, has built her entire practice around helping C-Suite leaders close that gap. In this conversation, she and Bryce dig into what it actually means to perform at the executive level — not just deliver results, but lead in a way that builds something lasting.

Corinne's XTR framework — the Executive Table Read — is unlike anything in the traditional executive coaching world. It's a thought-partnership model designed for leaders who are already successful and ready to go further. This episode gets specific: how leaders lose time without realizing it, what it looks like to operate with certainty in a landscape that gives you none, and the moment most executives realize something has to change.

This one is for leaders at any level who feel like they're working harder than they should have to — and suspect the answer isn't more hours.

About Corinne: Corinne is the founder and CEO of The Gav Group and creator of the XTR (Executive Table Read), a thought-partnership model for C-Suite leaders. She works with executives to help them reclaim their time, gain a performance edge, and lead with more certainty in an uncertain corporate world. Her clients include leaders who are high performing by every external measure and ready to go deeper.

What We Cover:

• Introduction and Corinne's background

• What The Gav Group is and who it's for

• The XTR — what the Executive Table Read is and why she created it

• What it means to truly reclaim your time as a senior leader

• The difference between being busy and being effective at the C-Suite level

• How leaders build certainty when everything around them is uncertain

• What legacy actually means and why most leaders don't think about it early enough

• Where to find Corinne and what working with her looks like

Key Takeaways:

• Busy and effective are not the same thing — most high performers confuse the two for years

• Certainty at the executive level isn't a feeling you wait for; it's a practice you build

• Legacy isn't what you leave behind — it's what you're building right now in how you lead your team

• Time reclamation starts with knowing which decisions only you can make and which ones you're holding onto for the wrong reasons

• The leaders who grow fastest are the ones willing to be honest about where they're stuck

Resources + Links:

• The Gav Group: https://www.thegavgroup.com/

• Corinne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinnegavlinski/

• Career Collective: https://www.mycareercollective.com

• Bryce Batts Consulting: https://brycebatts.co

The conversation around talent shortages in construction is everywhere—but what if we're starting too late?

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Kate Glantz, Co-Founder and CEO of Move Over Bob, to explore how early exposure, storytelling, and representation shape the future of the workforce.

After completing a carpentry pre-apprenticeship herself, Kate saw firsthand how few girls had access to visible role models in construction. That experience led her to launch Move Over Bob, a media company focused on reshaping how young women see the skilled trades.

Now distributed to hundreds of schools and youth organizations, Move Over Bob is creating new pathways into construction, manufacturing, and apprenticeship careers.

If you're thinking about talent, workforce development, or the future of AEC—this episode offers a fresh and important perspective.

What we cover:

• Why the talent pipeline problem starts earlier than hiring 

• The role of representation and visibility in career choice 

• How storytelling can influence workforce development 

• Barriers young women face entering the trades 

• Creating real, accessible on-ramps into construction careers 

• What industry leaders can do to support the next generation 

About Kate:

Kate Glantz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Move Over Bob, a media company reshaping how girls and young women see construction and the skilled trades. Through storytelling, hands-on workshops, and partnerships with industry and education, she is creating new on-ramps into construction, manufacturing, and apprenticeship pathways for the next generation.

Before launching Move Over Bob, Kate spent 15 years working across social impact, marketing, and economic inclusion in the public and private sectors. She led social impact at Luma Pictures, directed economic empowerment programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and built transportation access initiatives at Lyft. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania and Senegal.

In 2024, after completing a residential carpentry pre-apprenticeship, Kate partnered with award-winning carpenter and trades advocate Angie Cacace to launch Move Over Bob Magazine, now distributed free to more than 400 Arizona schools, libraries, and youth organizations.

Hiring in AEC is harder than ever—and many firms are feeling the strain.

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Micaela Socci, co-founder and CEO of Wemoter, to explore a new way of thinking about team building, hiring, and scalability.

Instead of relying solely on traditional hiring models, Micaela shares how firms can integrate pre-vetted remote talent alongside their internal teams to increase capacity, reduce hiring friction, and maintain quality.

They discuss the mindset shift required to embrace hybrid teams, the operational benefits of combining on-site and remote talent, and how this model is helping firms grow faster without overextending their people.

If you're trying to scale your team—or struggling to keep up with demand—this episode offers a fresh, practical perspective.

What we cover:

• Why traditional hiring models are breaking down 

• The benefits of hybrid teams (on-site + remote talent) 

• How to scale project capacity without increasing headcount 

• Overcoming trust and control concerns with remote teams 

• The role of systems and structure in making hybrid work 

• A new approach to talent strategy in AEC 

About Micaela:

Micaela F. Socci is the Co-Founder & CEO of Wemoter, where she helps AEC firms scale through people-powered growth and smarter talent strategies. With a background in International Trade and a deep passion for people management, she bridges the gap between global talent and the unique needs of architecture and engineering firms.

Through Wemoter, Micaela has helped AEC firms grow up to 20% year-over-year, reduce hiring time by 40%, and scale project workloads by 2–3x without expanding internal headcount. She is passionate about helping firms adopt new ways of working—integrating remote and in-house teams to create more flexible, efficient, and scalable businesses.

Her mission is to make insourcing the new standard for architect-led firms and to help studios grow without compromising quality or wasting time on misaligned hires.

What does it really take to build a company where people feel supported, challenged, and connected to their work?

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Daniel McCaulley, founder of Ultimus Engineering, to talk about leadership, mentorship, and building a culture rooted in purpose and community.

As a family-owned, faith-based firm, Ultimus takes a different approach to growth—one that prioritizes trust, development, and giving people the space to step into ownership of their work.

Daniel shares lessons from building and scaling his firm, mentoring younger engineers, and creating an environment where people can do meaningful work while continuing to grow.

If you're thinking about culture, retention, or leadership—this conversation will give you a practical and refreshing perspective.

What we cover:

• Why most companies misunderstand culture 

• The connection between mentorship and retention 

• Creating ownership vs. assigning responsibility 

• Building trust within teams 

• Supporting growth at different career stages 

• What purpose-driven leadership actually looks like 

About Daniel:

Daniel McCaulley, P.E. is the founder of Ultimus Engineering, a faith-based, family-owned engineering firm based in Texas. With over 13 years of experience, he leads a team that delivers MEP, structural, and aquatics engineering services across the U.S., all 100 percent made in America. Ultimus Engineering exists to "Create Engineering Solutions to Build Better Communities" and is known for delivering better, faster, and more cost-effective results by cutting out unnecessary overhead.

Daniel brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and business acumen, holding a master's degree in mechanical engineering along with an MBA. His perspective is shaped by hands-on experience as a staff engineer and as a leader in national engineering and business organizations. That combination of field experience and strategic leadership has made him a trusted partner to architects, general contractors, developers, and franchise groups who value transparency, communication, and consistent quality.

https://ultimus.engineering/

Your home isn't just where you live—it's shaping how you think, feel, and function every day.

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Ashleigh Clark, CEO and Lead Designer of IDG, to talk about the real impact of interior design—beyond just how things look.

From new builds to large-scale renovations, Ashleigh has worked with high-performing clients to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also deeply functional and aligned with their lifestyle.

They dive into how your environment influences your energy, productivity, and overall well-being—and why so many people are living in spaces that don't actually support them.

If you've ever felt like your home doesn't match your life, this conversation will change how you think about design.

What we cover:
• How your environment impacts your mindset and daily performance
• The biggest mistakes people make in home design and renovations
• Why functionality matters just as much as aesthetics
• Designing for real life (especially as a busy professional or parent)
• How to create a space that reflects you and supports your lifestyle

About Ashleigh:

Ashleigh Clark is the CEO and Lead Designer of IDG, an award-winning interior design firm recognized as Cleveland's "Best in Interior Design" for two consecutive years. Specializing in new builds, large-scale renovations, and full-scope furnishings, Ashleigh works with executives, entrepreneurs, and local leaders to create spaces that are both elevated and deeply livable.

Born into the industry and raised around design, Ashleigh developed her passion early—eventually studying interior design at Ursuline College and later being recruited as an adjunct professor. Her work has been featured in HGTV, Cleveland Magazine, and Homes & Gardens.

Through her designs, Ashleigh blends high-end aesthetics with real life—creating homes that feel personal, functional, and effortlessly refined.

https://www.ashleighclarkidg.com/

Communication is one of the most talked about leadership skills and one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Emma Collyer, executive coach and founder of Aspire Executive Coaching, to unpack what's really happening beneath the surface of workplace communication.

From feedback conversations that fall flat to teams that feel disconnected, Emma shares how a lack of trust and the inability to truly listen—are often the root cause.

Together, they explore how leaders can shift from one-way communication to meaningful, two-way conversations that build stronger teams and better results.

If you've ever felt like your message isn't landing… or your team just isn't fully engaged this episode is for you.

What we cover:

• Why employees feel unheard (even when leaders think they're communicating clearly) 

• The connection between feedback and trust 

• Common communication habits that damage team dynamics 

• How to give feedback that actually lands 

• The power of active listening in leadership 

• Simple ways to turn tough conversations into growth opportunities 

About Emma:

Emma Collyer is the owner and principal coach of Aspire Executive Coaching, where she helps leaders turn everyday interactions into powerful, two-way conversations that spark trust, creativity, and results. Known for her down-to-earth approach and energy in the room, she transforms "tough talks" into growth moments that bring teams closer together. A certified ICF-ACC coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner based in Canada, Emma works with leaders around the world—helping them communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and enjoy the ride along the way.

In this episode of Women in AEC: Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Katie, founder of Hire Innovations, to unpack what is really happening inside modern talent acquisition.

Katie leads a proprietary, human-centric AI platform that challenges the industry's overreliance on bots, ghosting, and automated job posts that erode trust on both sides of the hiring process.

Through Hire Innovations and its family of brands Recruitics, Talivity, and Jobstream, her team has helped more than 25 million people find employment using collective AI talent technology.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why traditional applicant tracking systems are failing candidates and employers
• How companies can turn dispositioned applicants into long-term pipeline value
• What Gen Z and Millennial talent expect from brands
• Why social media is now a primary recruiting channel
• How AI can support human decision-making without replacing accountability
• Lessons from Katie's career with brands like MTV, AOL, and The Wall Street Journal

Katie also shares how her commitment to community work, including serving on the board of the American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter, shapes her perspective on leadership and impact.

This episode is for anyone who hires, anyone who has been ghosted, and anyone who believes recruiting should feel more human.

https://getjobstream.com/

Guest: L.R. (Lee) Weeden, CM-Lean, LCI-CPC

What We Discussed:

• Lee's journey into construction leadership and lean thinking

• Why continuous improvement matters in project delivery and teams

• How lean principles shift focus from firefighting to intentional progress

• What resilience looks like in busy project environments

• The intersection of process, people, and leadership in built work

• Lessons from building teams as much as buildings

Why It Matters:
Lee brings a systems mindset to an industry that moves at the pace of relationships and momentum. His experience especially in healthcare projects, shows how intentional process and team dynamics make the difference between chaos and predictable outcomes. 

Key Highlights:

• Continuous improvement isn't a buzzword it's a set of choices and habits

• Leadership in construction happens on the ground as much as in meetings

• Lean principles are human, not just technical

Follow Lee on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lrweeden/  where he posts regularly about leadership and lean in construction.

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Elif Acar-Chiasson, P.E., founder of OPLE Leadership and former COO with over 30 years in the AEC industry.

Elif built her consulting practice after living inside what she calls a "broken autonomy model." Brilliant engineers are promoted into leadership roles, then trapped in approval culture where every decision climbs uphill for permission. The leader becomes the bottleneck. The team stops growing. Everyone burns out.

Together, Bryce and Elif unpack:

• Why technical excellence and leadership requirements are often in conflict
• The hidden addiction to approval and control inside engineering firms
• Why autonomy is not "do whatever you want," but clear decision ownership with guardrails
• How emotional intelligence supports decision-making under pressure
• What stepping away from a COO role taught Elif about fit and courage
• Why leading with both head and heart is not weakness but maturity
• What competitive ballroom dancing at 50 revealed about starting over and discomfort

Elif shares a systemic approach to leadership. Instead of coaching one overwhelmed leader in isolation, she looks at the entire decision architecture of a team. Who owns what? Where decisions stall. How trust is built or broken.

Her core belief: the most critical structural integrity is not in buildings. It is in teams.

About Elif:

Elif Acar-Chiasson, P.E., is a Professional Engineer and founder of OPLE Leadership. After 12 years as an executive, including 8 as COO at CSRS/Westwood, she now works with technical professionals who are exceptional at their craft but struggling in leadership roles. She translates emotional intelligence into engineering frameworks and helps teams redesign how decisions are made so leaders are no longer the bottleneck.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Elif brings a multicultural lens to leadership and challenges the idea that "people skills" are separate from technical rigor.

https://www.elifchiasson.com/

Success isn't always linear and sometimes the bravest move is walking away from something you worked incredibly hard to build.

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Sharla Toller, J.D., Senior Vice President and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CannonDesign, to talk about courage, career pivots, and redefining what success really means.

Sharla's journey to executive leadership in the AEC industry didn't follow a straight path. A former practicing attorney with a J.D. from Howard University School of Law, she made the bold decision to leave litigation behind to pursue work aligned with her passion: building inclusive, people-centered workplaces.

Since joining CannonDesign in 2021, she has:

• Led implementation of the firm's DEI Strategic Framework

• Directed the DEI Council and Employee Resource Groups

• Launched firmwide training programs

• Deepened partnerships with organizations like National Organization of Minority Architects

• Co-authored the children's book Deja the Dynamo

• Been named one of the Top 50 DEI Professionals in the OnCon Icon Awards (2025)

She also holds a Master of Professional Studies in HR Management/Diversity & Inclusion from Georgetown University and is a single mother who has intentionally shaped a career aligned with both passion and parenthood.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Leaving a prestigious profession to follow purpose

• How DEI work impacts retention, talent acquisition, and engagement in AEC

• What real executive leadership looks like

• Building a career that supports your life — not competes with it

• The courage required to pivot

This conversation is about alignment, authenticity, and redefining success on your own terms.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs the reminder: it's never too late to pivot toward what inspires you.

If you enjoy the episode, please rate and review Wine After Work — it helps us continue elevating powerful voices in AEC.

What does it really mean to build wealth — not just earn money?

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Doug Kinsey, founding member of the Sweater Cashmere Fund and partner at Artifex Financial Group, for a grounded conversation about wealth, investing, and long-term strategy.

With more than 25 years of experience in wealth management and investment strategy, Doug works with individuals and organizations to align financial decisions with real life goals — not just short-term performance. Holding a master's degree in management and strategy from Harvard and a certification as an Investment Management Analyst, Doug brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to building and protecting wealth.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The difference between income, success, and true wealth

• Common mistakes high earners make with investing and retirement planning

• How to think about private assets and long-term strategy

• Why clarity and intention matter more than timing the market

• Building financial confidence as your career and responsibilities grow

This episode is especially valuable for professionals who've focused on building their careers — and are now asking bigger questions about sustainability, freedom, and long-term security.

What does leadership look like when your path isn't linear — and your industry wasn't built with you in mind?

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Gwen Smothers, a long-tenured leader at Piedmont Service Group, to talk about career pivots, people-centered leadership, and the power of community in the HVAC industry.

Gwen began her career in accounting before transitioning into business systems and leadership roles — a move that required confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to step into discomfort. With more than two decades at the same organization, she shares what has kept her engaged, how the industry has evolved, and what leadership really requires beyond technical expertise.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Navigating leadership without a technical background

• Building confidence when stepping outside your comfort zone

• Long-term career growth inside one organization

• Co-founding and leading the Women in HVAC peer group at Service Logic

• Why visibility, voice, empowerment, and community matter — especially in male-dominated fields

Gwen also reflects on mentorship, culture, and what the HVAC industry must do to attract and retain diverse talent in the years ahead.

This episode is a powerful listen for anyone leading through change — or considering a career path that doesn't fit the traditional mold.

What does it really take to lead boldly in spaces where women are still the exception — not the norm?

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Toni Will, trailblazing leader, keynote speaker, and author, for a candid conversation about leadership, courage, and choosing a life aligned with your values.

As the first female general manager in the history of the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, Toni knows what it means to break barriers and lead authentically in male-dominated environments. She shares lessons from her journey in professional sports, the realities of high-visibility leadership, and how redefining success — including choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle — transformed both her career and personal life.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Leading confidently in male-dominated industries

• Navigating pressure, visibility, and imposter syndrome

• What authentic leadership really looks like behind the scenes

• Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle and challenging cultural norms

• Redefining success on your own terms

Toni also talks about her work as a keynote speaker, her podcast Women In…, and her upcoming book (releasing March 1, 2026), all rooted in one mission: inspiring women to lead with courage, clarity, and authenticity.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning old definitions of success — and ready to write their own.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/

https://www.toniwill.com/

What does it look like to build a career that blends technical mastery with creative freedom?

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Nicole Roe, founder of R. Nickson Interiors, to talk about her unconventional path from construction to couture-level interiors — and what it takes to carve your own lane in a male-dominated industry.

With more than 15 years of experience across construction and design, and a degree in Building Construction from Georgia Tech, Nicole brings a rare blend of technical credibility and expressive creativity. She shares how her background allows her to design spaces that aren't just beautiful, but deeply functional and aligned with how her clients actually live.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Transitioning from construction into high-end interior design

• Building confidence and credibility as a woman in male-dominated spaces

• Why understanding the full construction process changes how you design

• Scaling a boutique design firm with operational control (including launching a warehouse and receiving space)

• Designing homes that support real life, not just aesthetics

Nicole also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, creativity with structure, and ambition with authenticity — all while raising four energetic boys and building a design brand that refuses to fit into a single box.

If you're navigating a career pivot, building a business, or redefining success on your own terms, this episode will resonate.

https://rnicksoninteriors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rnicksoninteriors/

What happens when technical excellence is no longer enough to lead?

This week on Wine After Work, Bryce is joined by Kirby Lee, Professional Engineer, third-generation HVAC construction professional, and AEC leadership expert, for a candid conversation about what leadership really requires in today's AEC industry.

With more than 23 years of experience spanning consulting engineering, owner's representation, HVAC construction, and equipment sales, Kirby brings a rare, holistic perspective on the pressures facing AEC leaders today. He shares how his engineering background — combined with decades in the field — led him to recognize a critical gap in traditional leadership development programs.

In this episode, Bryce and Kirby discuss:

• Why most leadership training fails AEC professionals
• The transition from technical expert to people leader
• How emotional intelligence shows up on real projects
• What resilient leadership looks like in an evolving AEC workforce
• Why the industry needs leadership systems designed for AEC, not borrowed from elsewhere

Kirby also shares insights from his work with ASHRAE and how service, mentorship, and intentional leadership shape stronger teams and better outcomes.

If you're an AEC professional navigating leadership, growth, or transition — this episode will resonate.

What happens when working harder stops working?

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Ritu G. Mehrish — former corporate executive, leadership advisor, and author of Leader's Block and Rewrite the Rules.

After leading global teams across five continents and managing multi-million-dollar business lines, Ritu reached a pivotal moment many high-performing leaders quietly face: the strategies that once worked… no longer did.

That turning point became the foundation of her work today — helping leaders navigate burnout, loss of clarity, confidence dips, and high-stakes transitions that don't show up on performance reviews.

This is a grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to recover, reset, and lead forward when the path isn't clear.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why high performers often feel "stuck" — even when they're successful on paper

• The hidden leadership moments no one prepares you for (burnout, self-doubt, transition missteps)

• Ritu's "Critical Quarter" framework for navigating the first 90 days of leadership change

• How perception-based stakeholder feedback can create momentum instead of fear

• The invisible cultural dynamics impacting Asian women leaders — and what leaders can learn from that research

• How to rewrite the rules when your old playbook no longer fits

Who This Episode Is For:

• Leaders navigating change, transition, or burnout

• Women questioning visibility, confidence, or next-level growth

• Executives who want clarity without clichés

https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Linkedin

What if true workplace autonomy wasn't about working alone — but about working in alignment?

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Virginia Muzquiz, widely known as The Referral Diva® — founder of Master Connectors and creator of the Referrals on Demand® system.

Virginia believes autonomy doesn't come from grinding harder or escaping structure — it comes from aligning your work with your values, strengths, and relationships. Whether you're in a corporate role or building your own business, the right environment creates trust, breathing room, and sustainable success.

Through her work, Virginia helps entrepreneurs reduce dependency on hustle and cold outreach by building referral ecosystems and strategic alliances that feel natural — and profitable.

This episode is a powerful conversation about designing work that supports your genius, honors your values, and actually feels like home.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• What real workplace autonomy actually looks like

• Why trust (not supervision) fuels productivity

• How referrals and relationships create freedom in business

• Designing work around values, strengths, and alignment

• Letting go of hustle culture without sacrificing growth

• Building businesses — and careers — that give you breathing room

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs tired of cold outreach and constant hustle

• Professionals craving more autonomy and alignment

• Leaders building businesses rooted in trust and relationships

Business By Referral podcast

LinkedIn

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Adam Jackson, CEO and founder of Braintrust, the world's largest user-owned talent network and the company behind Braintrust AIR, the first end-to-end AI recruiting platform built to benefit both companies and talent.

Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey—from founding telemedicine giant Doctor on Demand to building Braintrust—and unpacks how AI is fundamentally changing hiring. We dive into what Braintrust AIR actually does, why now is the moment for AI in recruiting, and how technology can finally make hiring faster, fairer, and more human.

Plus, we talk misconceptions around AI, how leaders should approach change, and Adam's unexpected creative outlet: running a wine label called Asymmetric.

If you're curious about the future of recruiting, talent acquisition, or how AI can work with people instead of replacing them, this episode is a must-listen.

What we cover:

• Adam's career journey and the origin story of Braintrust

• The vision behind a user-owned talent network

• What Braintrust AIR is and how it reduces time-to-hire from months to days

• How AI can improve outcomes for hiring managers and job seekers

• Common myths about AI in recruiting (and what's actually true)

• How to lead through technological change

• Entrepreneurship, creativity, and wine 🍷

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

LinkedIn

Braintrust

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce Batts is joined by Kate Kripke, LCSW, PMH-C, maternal mental health expert and transformative coach for high-achieving women navigating motherhood.

Motherhood can be deeply meaningful — and deeply overwhelming — especially for women who are used to excelling, leading, and carrying a lot of responsibility. Kate helps women break free from emotional overwhelm, guilt, and burnout by shifting old patterns, regulating their nervous systems, and reconnecting with their intuition.

In this conversation, we explore how mothers can thrive without sacrificing ambition, identity, or personal success — and why calm, confidence, and control are learned skills, not personality traits.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to burnout in motherhood

• How guilt and emotional overwhelm show up — and how to interrupt the cycle

• The importance of emotional regulation for both mothers and children

• Reconnecting with intuition while balancing career and family

• What it really means to thrive as a mother and pursue your passions

This episode is for any woman who has ever wondered if there's a better, calmer way to do motherhood — without losing herself in the process.

Website

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce Batts is joined by Rachel Burr, executive coach, leadership consultant, and expert in people and organizational dynamics.

Leadership is hard — not because leaders are doing it wrong, but because people are complex. And leaders? They're people too.

Rachel brings more than 20 years of experience working with leaders who stepped into management not because they were trained to lead people, but because they were exceptional individual contributors. In this conversation, we unpack why that transition is so challenging — and how leaders can develop authentic, effective leadership without forcing themselves into rigid, one-size-fits-all models.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why high performers often struggle most when they step into leadership
• The hidden people-dynamics that derail even well-intentioned leaders
• How self-awareness, values, and individuality drive better leadership outcomes
• What it really means to build high-performing, values-aligned teams
• Why leadership development must be human-centered to actually work

If you're leading people — or considering stepping into leadership — this episode will challenge how you think about performance, culture, and your own potential.

LinkedIn

https://catamentum.com/

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce Batts sits down with Anthony Fasano, founder of Engineering Management Institute, to talk about what leadership really looks like inside engineering and AEC firms today.

Anthony has spent years helping engineers grow beyond technical excellence into confident, people-first leaders — and in this conversation, we unpack what firms get wrong about leadership development, why burnout is so common in AEC, and how engineers can build careers that feel both successful and sustainable.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why technical skill alone isn't enough to advance in engineering leadership
• The biggest leadership blind spots holding AEC firms back
• How engineers can develop communication, confidence, and influence without losing credibility
• What career growth really looks like in today's AEC landscape
• How firms can retain talent by investing in leadership development earlier

Whether you're an engineer navigating your next career move or a leader trying to build stronger teams, this episode offers practical insight and perspective you won't want to miss.

https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyjfasano/

Today on Wine After Work, I'm sitting down with someone whose work is unlike anything you've ever heard before — and exactly what so many women need: Michelle Boyde, Registered Master Hypnotist, subconscious expert, and the creator of The Alchemy Sequence™.

Michelle specializes in helping visionary women who've walked away from "successful" careers — only to realize they're still operating from outdated identities and old rules that no longer fit. Through her transformational hypnotic work, she guides women through The Liminal Space — that electric, uncomfortable, deeply powerful territory between who you were and who you're becoming.

In this conversation we dig into:

✨ What really happens in the liminal space (and why so many women get stuck there)
✨ Why your subconscious identity is the real bottleneck to stepping into your next-level life or business
✨ The truth about trying to recreate corporate success in "prettier packaging."
✨ How hypnosis dissolves old identities and clears the way for the truest version of you
✨ The moment Michelle knew she could never go back to her former career
✨ The surprising ways your body and mind sabotage expansion — and how to overcome it
✨ How The Alchemy Sequence™ works (and who it's for)
✨ Why your next evolution requires more than strategy — it requires a new identity

Michelle has hypnotized over 1,000 people and brings a depth, clarity, and electric honesty that I know will land for so many of you. If you've ever felt like you left the job, but the job is still inside you — this episode is your invitation to shed the version of you that no longer fits.

Connect with Michelle:
🔮 Discover your Liminal Archetype:
https://www.michelleboyde.com/liminalarchetypequiz

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/michelleboyde_hypnotist/

🌐 Website:
https://www.michelleboyde.com

On this week's episode of Wine After Work, I'm joined by someone whose heart, experience, and leadership style will resonate with so many of you Kelly Price, founder of ThriveHR, and a woman who built an entire career around empowering people to thrive at work.

Kelly's journey started in hospitality at Marriott International, where she learned how to create meaningful experiences and make people feel seen. She carried that passion into the world of HR becoming a recruiter, Benefits Manager, Director of HR, and eventually a VP of HR. Along the way, she reduced turnover, strengthened cultures, and reshaped how companies took care of their people.

But her biggest transformation came when she stopped molding herself to whatever company she worked for and instead discovered what she valued, believed, and wanted. Kelly calls it "figuring out my own flavor of Kool-Aid" and it changed everything: the clients she takes, the way she leads, the work she does, and the results she gets for the people and companies she supports.

In this conversation, we dive into:

✨ How Kelly learned to lead from her values — not from corporate expectations
✨ The turning point that pushed her to step out and build ThriveHR
✨ Why so many women lose their identity in the workplace (and how to reclaim it)
✨ What she wishes every employee and every leader understood about people
✨ How HR has changed — and what companies must do differently to retain talent today
✨ The power of building a business that reflects who you actually are
✨ Why authenticity is the real ROI in leadership

Kelly's energy is contagious, and her insights are a gift for anyone navigating career growth, leadership, or entrepreneurship. Whether you're building a business or defining a new chapter in your career, this episode will remind you that you don't need to fit anyone else's mold you only need to find your own flavor.

About Kelly Price:
Kelly Price is the founder of ThriveHR and a dynamic leader whose career reflects her deep passion for helping others succeed. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Kansas State University, she began her career at Marriott International, where her love for creating meaningful experiences was born.

Kelly transitioned into Human Resources as a recruiter and quickly climbed the corporate ladder, serving as a Benefits Manager, Director of HR, and VP of HR. She has played a major role in reducing turnover, improving engagement, and reinventing people strategies across organizations. Today, as a small business owner, she uses her extensive HR background to help companies grow, engage, and retain their people with positivity, integrity, and heart.

Connect with Kelly:
ThriveHR Website: https://www.thrivehrkc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellypricethrivehr/

This week on Women in AEC: Wine After Work, I sit down with the powerhouse herself — Brooke Kromer, a luxury real estate advisor helping athletes, high-net-worth buyers, and entrepreneurs invest in Florida's booming 30A market.

Brooke was raised inside the NFL world, learned business by watching teams get built from the inside, and today uses that same philosophy to build her own elite team in a male-dominated industry.

In this episode, we cover:

✨ How Brooke built a team around skill sets, not clones
✨ Why "vision alignment" is the most overlooked key to growth
✨ The difference between hiring and building a roster
✨ What athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs really look for in real estate investments
✨ How growing up in a construction family shaped her instincts as an investor
✨ The discipline, mindset, and resilience she learned from the NFL environment
✨ What women need to hear about leading confidently in male-heavy industries

Brooke brings the perfect mix of strategy, storytelling, and grit. Whether you're building a team, leading one, or trying to grow into your next level, this episode gives you a front-row seat into her playbook.

This week on Women in AEC: Wine After Work, I'm joined by the brilliant Seyka Mejeur, CEO and Founder of AdAstra Talent Advisors—an executive search firm helping early-stage Clean Tech and New Space startups build high-performing leadership and technical teams.

Seyka has built her career around one philosophy:
👉 People thrive when they're given autonomy and placed in environments that align with their strengths, values, and long-term goals.

In this conversation, we explore:
✨ What true workplace autonomy looks like (and why most companies still get it wrong)
✨ How to match talent with roles where they feel energized—not drained
✨ Why misalignment is one of the most common (and most avoidable) causes of turnover
✨ What founders misunderstand about hiring in the early stages
✨ The behind-the-scenes of building teams for cutting-edge Hard Tech startups
✨ The power of clarity, communication, and designing roles around human beings— not just job descriptions

Seyka blends recruiting, operations, and organizational design in a way that few people do, which makes this episode a gift for anyone looking to lead better, hire better, or build a career with intention.

Pour a glass and join us for a conversation packed with honesty, strategy, and the kind of insight every leader needs.

Guest(s):

• Norgerie Rivas, Licensed Architect (Houston, TX) — 10 years of experience in commercial design projects, co-creator of She Builds Podcast, passionate about uncovering the untold stories of women in architecture, engineering, and construction.

• Jessica Rogers, Marketing & Office Coordinator at an architecture firm in Miami, co-host of She Builds Podcast, advocate for women's representation and recognition across creative industries.

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Norgerie and Jessica from She Builds Podcast — a show dedicated to shining light on the women who shaped the AEC industry long before diversity was a buzzword.

Together, they unpack:

• The origin story of She Builds and how storytelling creates visibility and connection.

• What "the right fit" really means — and why it's not a destination, but an evolving relationship with your work.

• How autonomy, creativity, and purpose intersect in architecture and beyond.

• The power of legacy: honoring those who came before while paving a new path forward.

If you've ever questioned your place in a structured industry or felt the pull between security and self-expression, this conversation will resonate deeply.

She Builds Podcast : https://www.shebuildspodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shebuildspodcast/

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Erin Fantozz to explore what "finding the right fit" really means in architecture and beyond. Erin shares her journey—from commercial A&D design to launching her own firm and building systems that support autonomy, growth, and meaningful leadership.

Together they discuss:

• The tension between design passion and the structures that support it.

• How autonomy comes from systems, not isolation.

• What firms can do to attract and retain talent by offering clarity, culture, and career trajectories.

• Why defining your "fit" is less about the job title and more about alignment with values, people, and purpose.

Connect with Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efantozz/
Follow Bryce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-batts-recruiter/

In this special episode of Wine After Work, Bryce shares highlights from her recent METALCON presentation, "Unlocking Talent: Proven Strategies for Attracting External Candidates in 2025/2026."

The AEC industry is facing a turning point — labor shortages, an aging workforce, and shifting expectations are redefining how firms attract and retain talent. In this solo episode, Bryce breaks down the data, the real challenges, and what top-performing firms are doing differently.

You'll learn:

• Why speed and communication are your new hiring advantage

• The top 3 barriers keeping firms from landing great talent — and how to fix them

• How to redefine the ideal candidate beyond years of experience

• What "post and pray" hiring gets wrong (and what to do instead)

• Why retention is your new revenue strategy — the $500K problem every firm is ignoring

• How to build internal leadership pipelines through mentorship + sponsorship

• Actionable 2025/2026 talent acquisition tactics that firms can implement now

Whether you're a firm leader, recruiter, or HR professional in AEC, this episode will leave you with practical tools to attract the next generation of talent — and keep them.

🎧 Listen now and take notes — this one's packed with insight.

Connect with Bryce:
📘 The Career Architect → [Amazon Link]
💼 Career Collective 

In this episode of Wine After Work: Women in AEC, Bryce sits down with architect, advocate, and podcast host Caitlin Brady, the creative mind behind The Architectette Podcast.

Caitlin shares her journey from launching her career in architecture to becoming a recognized leader and 2023 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award recipient. She opens up about her experience working in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and D.C., and how a "digital nomad" year sparked the idea for The Architectette Podcast.

Together, Bryce and Caitlin dive into:

• The importance of finding the "right fit" in your firm and career — and how that concept has shaped Caitlin's work and interviews.

• The realities of relocating across states as an architect and how to research and evaluate new opportunities before you move.

• The power of mentorship, representation, and storytelling in shaping the next generation of women in design.

• Why amplifying women's voices in AEC is crucial — and how podcasts like Architectette are changing the narrative.

Whether you're an emerging designer, seasoned architect, or simply navigating your next career chapter, this conversation will remind you that you can define success on your own terms — and build a career that aligns with your values, vision, and voice.

Connect with Caitlin Brady:
🔗 Website: architectette.com
🎧 Listen to The Architectette Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
📸 Instagram: @architectettepodcast
🏛️ Firm: Ayers Saint Gross

About Caitlin:
Caitlin Brady, AIA, LEED BD+C, is an accomplished architect, project leader, and advocate for empowering women in the design and construction industry. With over a decade of experience, Caitlin excels in leading complex projects while fostering collaborative and innovative team environments. She has been recognized with the 2023 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award and has spoken nationally on topics such as mentorship, leadership, and advocacy. Caitlin also hosts the Architectette Podcast, which amplifies the voices of women in architecture, sharing their stories and inspiring the next generation of designers.

How do you go from $80K/year to nearly $400K… and then turn that into a 7-figure business?

This week on Wine After Work, I'm joined by Delaney William—former product manager turned entrepreneur, and founder of Elevated Tech. Delaney is the only coach teaching how to ethically stack remote jobs and use AI + automation to multiply income without starting a business or burning out.

In this conversation, Delaney shares:

• His journey from $80K to $390K/year by stacking remote jobs.

• Why he walked away from it all to build a business that now generates $1M+ annually.

• How his team applied to over 100,000 jobs in one year, helping 120+ clients land roles at Google, Meta, Netflix, Airbnb, and more.

• Practical tips on using AI and automation to increase income and peace of mind.

• Why true success is about more than money—it's about aligning your career with mental health, fitness, and faith.

Whether you're curious about job stacking, exploring AI tools, or rethinking what success looks like, this episode is packed with strategies and inspiration.

✨ Tune in to hear how Delaney is helping people unlock financial freedom and fulfillment—without the grind.

This week on Wine After Work, I'm joined by Kasey D'Amato—business strategist, executive life coach, and aligned empire builder.

With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales, dermatology, entrepreneurship, and real estate, Kasey has built multiple businesses, launched a global skincare brand, and created a multi-seven-figure investment portfolio—all while maintaining a thriving personal life.

In this conversation, Kasey shares:

• The roadblocks that hold high-achievers back and how to break through them.

• Why self-mastery and emotional intelligence are just as important as strategy for business growth.

• How to redefine success so you don't sacrifice fulfillment in the process.

• The daily habits and mindset shifts that allow leaders to thrive in business and in life.

Kasey's work proves that success doesn't have to come at the expense of your relationships, energy, or joy. If you're ready to align your ambition with fulfillment, this episode is for you.

✨ Tune in for strategies to build not just a business, but an empire—aligned with the life you actually want.

In this episode of Wine After Work, I sit down with Emily, the visionary behind Milliman Design Studio, an interdisciplinary landscape architecture practice in Raleigh, NC. With over 12 years of experience, Emily has worked on complex international projects—ranging from parks and plazas to trails, resorts, and university campuses.

We talk about how her work blends technical expertise with artistic vision, the role of community engagement in design, and why she believes landscapes should foster a deep connection between people and the environment. Emily also shares her journey from earning her MLA at Harvard GSD to being recognized by ASLA, the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, and the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards, as well as how she continues to weave art and teaching into her practice.

If you're curious about how design shapes culture, or how thoughtful spaces can strengthen community bonds, this episode will inspire you.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why landscapes are more than "outdoor spaces"—they're opportunities to tell stories and build connections.

• How Emily balances technical problem-solving with artistic expression in design.

• Lessons from working internationally and locally, from plazas to estates.

• The power of community engagement in shaping meaningful projects.

• How recognition and teaching have influenced her career journey.

https://www.millimandesignstudio.com/

In this special solo episode of Wine After Work, Bryce shares the heart behind her upcoming book The Career Architect. Just like a building needs vision, a foundation, and a blueprint, your career deserves intentional design.

Tune in as Bryce explores:

• Why too many professionals "fall into" roles that don't align with their values

• Why women often leave mid-career — and what firms can do to change that

• How to uncover your core values and use them as a filter for every career decision

• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship — and why both matter

• A simple but powerful career audit you can do this week to get unstuck

At the end of the episode, Bryce reads the introduction to The Career Architect and shares how you can support the launch.

👉 Become part of the launch team: https://forms.gle/T7tk86gSPEVxFLYX9

In this inspiring episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Charity — keynote speaker, author, and coach — to talk about the powerful shift from corporate executive life to thriving entrepreneurship.

Charity shares her signature 4Ps Method (Power, Planning, Positioning, and Profits) and her Happy CEO framework, which has helped countless women accelerate growth while embracing joy and purpose.

You'll learn:
✨ How to successfully transition from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship
✨ The 4Ps every woman needs to build a sustainable business
✨ Why positivity, resilience, and strategy are the cornerstones of success
✨ Practical ways to clarify your vision and set ambitious but achievable goals

Whether you're dreaming about leaving corporate, already building your own business, or simply looking for a mindset reset, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and equipped.

👉 Connect with Charity: https://charitybrown.biz/
👉 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-brown-3539533a/

The engineering industry is staring down a projected shortfall of 600,000 engineers by 2027. Recruiting alone won't close the gap. Retention and equity have to be part of the conversation.

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Michele Heyward—civil engineer turned tech founder and CEO of PositiveHire—to talk about why engineers are leaving the profession and how firms can rethink workplace culture to keep them.

We cover:

• Why 40% of women engineers leave between 10–20 years into their careers

• The persistent barriers to retaining women and underrepresented talent in engineering

• Why graduating more women engineers isn't solving the pipeline problem

• Practical steps AEC firms can take to make workplaces more inclusive and sustainable

About Michele Heyward:
Dirt road born and raised in rural South Carolina, Michele Heyward is a civil engineer turned tech founder on a mission to build a more equitable infrastructure future, one inclusive workforce at a time. As CEO of PositiveHire, she's helping AEC firms tackle two of their biggest challenges: the engineering talent shortage and the underrepresentation of women of color in technical roles.

Michele holds a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Industrial Management from Clemson University. She spent over a decade in the energy sector as a construction project manager, where she helped build the power grid, breaking gender barriers in the field. Her career spans technical sales, technology transfer, and leading billion-dollar infrastructure projects. Recognizing that solving the engineering talent crisis means retaining the talent you already have, Michele launched PH Balanced, a proprietary software platform that helps AEC companies retain technical professionals, especially mid-level women of color engineers and scientists.

As a 2024 LinkedIn Top Voice, Michele uses the platform to connect with industry leaders and share practical insights on how to close the gap between workforce needs and inclusive innovation. She believes the future of infrastructure starts with who's at the table—and she's here to make sure it's not the same few faces.

In this episode of Wine After Work, I sit down with Andrea Kanaris, a social scientist, social impact professional, and founder of All Things Social Impact. Andrea's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

From navigating toxic workplaces and a failed business to being made redundant at age 55, Andrea could have let those setbacks define her. Instead, she chose to design the future on her own terms building a platform that equips businesses and professionals with practical, actionable strategies to embed social responsibility and drive long-term value.

Andrea shares:

• What it's like to be first-generation Australian, one of eight siblings, and the daughter of immigrant parents with traditional expectations.

• The lessons she's learned from navigating career challenges, undervaluation, and redundancy.

• How social impact work can move beyond compliance and become a true business asset.

• Why resilience, determination, and self-belief are the foundation of any successful career journey.

Andrea is also the author of A Practical Guide to Social Impact Assessment for the Real World and host of a YouTube channel where she sparks important conversations with early- and mid-career professionals about the ups and downs of professional life.

Tune in and be inspired by Andrea's story of perseverance, impact, and the power of designing a career on your own terms.

The "post and pray" era of hiring is over — and the AEC industry is feeling it more than ever in 2025.

In this solo episode, Bryce Batts shares:
✅ Why top candidates are gone in 10–14 days
✅ What mid-career professionals and Gen Z are demanding beyond a paycheck
✅ How retention has become the new recruitment strategy
✅ The "Career Architect" mindset — and how it transforms hiring into a long-term investment

And for the big news… Bryce reveals a project she's been quietly working on: her upcoming book The Career Architect: How to Build a Career That Aligns with Your Vision and Values, launching October 1st.

Whether you're an AEC leader, hiring manager, or professional designing your own career, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action today.

🎧 Listen now and get a sneak peek into the future of hiring — and a framework that could change the way you think about careers.

What if selling could feel fluid, simple, and easy, without the grind, burnout, or self-sacrifice?
In this episode, I'm joined by Kirstin Carey, a neuroresilience specialist and serial entrepreneur who's built multiple six- and seven-figure businesses both brick-and-mortar and online.

After healing from two autoimmune conditions brought on by years of overwork, Kirstin now helps high achievers master the trifecta of sales, resilience, and balance. With over 30 years of experience across industries—restaurants, health coaching, business consulting, and more—she's sold millions in products, services, retreats, and high-ticket coaching.

We dig into:

• Why burnout is the hidden business killer (and how to avoid it)

• The truth about why selling feels hard (and what to do instead)

• How to build a business that doesn't just look good from the outside, but feels good on the inside

• The surprising role neuroresilience plays in consistent, confident sales

If you've ever felt like building your business comes at the cost of your health, relationships, or joy, this conversation is your permission slip to do it differently.

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In this episode of Wine After Work, I sit down with the powerhouse that is Dee Davis a construction industry veteran, professional educator, Master Composter (yes, really!), Certified Energy Manager, and LEED AP. With over 25 years in construction and 15 years as an educator, Dee shares how she blends sustainability and professional development through her work at Yellowstone Professional Education.

We talk about the importance of leading with integrity, staying curious, and why setting "big hairy audacious goals" isn't just encouraged — it's essential. Dee opens up about what drives her: nature, people, and the pursuit of knowledge. This is more than a career — it's a calling.

We discuss:

• What it means to build with sustainability in mind

• Why education is key to evolving the construction industry

• The bold mission behind Yellowstone Professional Education

• How to lead with honesty, tenacity, and purpose

• What firms can do right now to future-proof their workforce

Dee's Motto:
"I exist to enlighten and inform others honestly and responsibly; accelerating skills, knowledge and helping to set and exceed big hairy audacious goals."

If you're looking to bring heart, strategy, and sustainability into your leadership or your firm, this episode is for you.

🔗 Learn more about Dee at [Yellowstone Professional Education].

What if your leadership legacy wasn't about the perfect metrics or flawless PowerPoints, but about the ripple effect you create in the lives of those around you?

In this episode of Wine After Work, I sit down with Lisa Even, a keynote speaker, author of Joy Is My Job, and host of the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast. Lisa is on a mission to help leaders and organizations spark engagement, connection, and thriving cultures through what she calls the Good Ripple Effect.

We talk about:
🍷 How leaders can build cultures people choose to engage with.
🍷 What it really means to create a positive ripple at work (and at home).
🍷 Simple, actionable ways to bring more joy into your leadership style.

If you've been looking for fresh inspiration to lead in a way that truly makes an impact, this conversation is for you.

👉 Tune in and let's create some good ripples together!

https://lisaeven.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-even-have-good-ripple-effect-0778b112/

https://www.instagram.com/lisaeven_/

Why Finding Talent in AEC Is Harder Than Ever (And What to Do About It)

Have you noticed how hard it is to find great talent right now?
You're not imagining it—the AEC industry is feeling a real talent squeeze.

In this solo episode of Wine After Work, I break down what's really happening in today's talent market, why it matters, and what you can do about it.

Here's what we cover:
The big-picture forces behind the talent shortage in AEC

What top talent actually wants in 2025 (it's more than just money)

The hiring challenges firms are facing right now 

What smart firms are doing differently to attract and retain the best

Actionable steps you can take to make your firm a talent magnet

After 25 years in recruiting, I've never seen a time when talent expectations and firm expectations were so misaligned—and that's actually an opportunity if you're willing to adapt.

👉 Tune in and let's make sure your firm doesn't just survive this market, but thrives in it.

In this episode of Wine After Work, I sit down with Jim Riney, a seasoned recruiter and talent acquisition leader who has spent 25 years in the AEC industry. Jim's journey is remarkable—starting at an agency, moving into corporate at a national firm (later acquired by a global giant), and spending several years shaping talent acquisition operations before joining Freese and Nichols.

Four years ago, Jim joined Freese and Nichols to do something unprecedented in their 130-year history: build their first talent acquisition team from the ground up. Today, he leads a team of eight with an ambitious mission—to hire 350 people this year—all while shaping a culture that attracts and retains top talent in a competitive market.

Pour a glass, tune in, and discover:

• What it takes to build a high-performing TA team from scratch in a legacy firm

• How Jim and his team approach hiring at scale without losing the human touch

• Lessons learned over 25 years in AEC recruiting and why culture matters now more than ever

Listen in and get inspired by Jim's vision for the future of hiring in our industry.

In this powerful episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Marcia Dawood — early-stage investor, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author of Do Good While Doing Well. As a venture partner at Mindshift Capital and Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association, Marcia brings a wealth of insight into what it means to invest with impact, support women-led startups, and champion innovation in spaces that need it most.

Marcia also serves on the SEC's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and is an associate producer of the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money, a film that pulls back the curtain on how (and why) funding for women founders remains unequal — and what we can do about it.

Grab a glass and join us as we talk about:
🍷 Why angel investing isn't just for the ultra-wealthy
🍷 How to align your values with your investment decisions
🍷 The real barriers facing women in entrepreneurship
🍷 What inspired Do Good While Doing Well
🍷 The behind-the-scenes journey of Show Her the Money

Connect with Marcia:
🔗 Website: https://www.marciadawood.com
📚 Book: Do Good While Doing Well – [Available on Amazon]
🎥 Documentary: Show Her the Money
🎧 Podcast: The Angel Next Door
📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciadawood