Extending The Ladder with Nancy Novak

In this uplifting episode of Extending the Ladder, host Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Data Centers, welcomes Cathy Russell, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Illinois. Cathy shares her inspiring journey from passionate mom to advocate for youth development, sparked by the transformative experiences of her own son who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Through heartfelt storytelling, Cathy discusses how the Boys and Girls Club provided Keegan—and countless other children—a safe space to build confidence, friendships, and life skills. The conversation dives deep into the significance of mentorship, the power of creating inclusive opportunities, and the role of community in fostering resilience and academic achievement.Cathy and Nancy explore actionable strategies for volunteering, engaging with youth, and the critical impact of reducing screen time and embracing outdoor activities. Listeners will walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and practical steps for making a positive difference in the lives of young people, whether as parents, professionals, or volunteers.Timestamped Overview00:00 Unexpected Friendships Keegan's Story04:31 Empowering Through Community Spaces09:29 Mutual growth through connection12:22 Start with a Club Tour16:42 From trouble to classroom helper20:06 Empowering Parenting and Discipline Approaches23:56 Youth success story summary25:15 Actionable Takeaways for Education29:20 Get outside less screen time31:16 Transformative Stories and Action

In this episode of Extending the Ladder, host Nancy Novak, Chief of Innovation at Compass Data Centers, engages in a compelling conversation with Rachel Neal, the VP of Global Safety for Compass Data Centers. With a rich background in psychology, human environmental sciences, and over 14 years working in safety, Rachel brings a unique perspective to this discussion.Rachel shares insights into Compass’ new global safety program, emphasizing the importance of the human element and culture. The initiative strives to empower frontline supervisors, encouraging introspection and humility, with a focus on creating safe and productive work environments. A key aspect is promoting empathy, time management, and open communication, which are vital to improving workplace safety and overall culture.The episode also touches upon critical issues such as mental health concerns in the construction industry, the alarming suicide rates, and the stigma surrounding machoism. Rachel highlights the need for personal connections, mutual support, and creating safe spaces for discussions on sensitive topics. Moreover, the conversation explores the role of AI in enhancing safety and the potential of technology to prevent injuries and fatalities. Through collaborative efforts, Compass aims to set industry trends and foster meaningful advancements.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Transitioned careers, leveraging social science background, aligned perfectly.05:26 Frontline supervision crucial for industry-wide safety improvement.07:00 Prioritize introspection for improved outcomes, emphasizing humility.10:44 Reflecting on support needs for time management.16:25 Gender-neutral term can reduce construction industry stigma.20:09 Encourage industry appreciation to attract skilled trades.22:28 Encourage others to promote industry innovation enthusiastically.25:31 AI enhances safety in construction with alerts.29:32 Excited by program's industry impact and feedback received.

In this episode of "Extending the Ladder," host Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Data Centers, is joined by three remarkable engineering students from Michigan State University: Elena Ristoski, Eleanor Deprez, and Emily Schoepke. Each student brings a unique perspective with their respective disciplines in electrical engineering, applied engineering sciences, and civil engineering, all with a focus on sustainability.Throughout the conversation, the guests share their inspiring journeys into the world of engineering, highlighting the impact of mentors, support networks, and personal experiences in shaping their careers. They discuss the challenges they face in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity and building genuine connections. Key topics include overcoming gender biases, the significance of networking, and the need for more inclusive outreach programs to attract and retain women in STEM fields.The episode also delves into visionary ideas for the industry's evolution, such as achieving gender parity and addressing implicit biases. The discussion is rich with insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of engineering and diversity in STEM.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Lucky high school exposure leads to career.06:09 Striving for authenticity and building genuine connections.07:04 Personal connections improve professional relationships and support.10:23 Thriving, diverse perspective, funny Marine Corps dad.16:09 "Conversations about women in workforce are crucial."17:53 Challenges in bringing women together for networking.22:31 Promoting awareness and action against bias and discrimination.25:06 Belonging and potential are key to success.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Extending the Ladder," host Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Data Centers, is joined by Angela Seaman, the accomplished founder and CEO of Seaman Group. With over a decade's experience in the plastic resin distribution industry, Angela has not only carved a niche for herself but has also pioneered significant sustainable practices by recycling over 10 million pounds of resin, thereby diverting waste from landfills and oceans.In this candid conversation, Angela shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, deeply rooted in her small-town Texas upbringing and a background in family construction business. She delves into the personal challenges and milestones that have shaped her, emphasizing the importance of grit, tenacity, and a supportive network. The discussion also highlights the critical role of partnerships in scaling businesses, the significance of having a clear vision and set goals, and the power of persistence and a positive attitude. Angela’s story is a testament to the resilience needed to turn adversity into opportunity, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders alike.Angela’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-seaman-853137

Today, Nancy is joined by Amanda Brown and Meghan Thomas, senior construction managers at Compass Datacenters. Amanda and Meghan share their inspiring journeys into the construction industry, drawing from their non-traditional backgrounds and highlighting the value of transferable skills and adaptability in their roles. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the construction industry, emphasizing the value of soft skills, networking, and continuous personal and professional development. They address the significance of mentorship and advocacy for women in construction, articulating the impact of bias and the need to change the narrative around talent in the industry. The episode delves into the importance of building trust, fostering a positive work environment, and breaking down barriers to create more opportunities for women in the construction field.