Construction Leaders Podcast

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout of CMAA sit down with Bryan Vanlenten and Steve Warhoe of Arcadis to unpack insights from Arcadis’ 15th Annual Construction Disputes Report. The discussion explores how dispute values are rising even as resolution times shrink, and what that means for today’s construction landscape. The guests break down the most common causes—like contract errors, compliance lapses, and lingering labor and supply chain challenges—while sharing how technology such as AI and BIM is reshaping project management and dispute resolution. The conversation underscores the power of communication, contract clarity, and proactive risk assessment in preventing costly conflicts. This episode is sponsored by IHG Business Edge.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, hosts Nick Soto and Carly Trout of CMAA sit down with Shannon McElveen, COO of AIA Contract Documents, to explore why standardized contracts are essential to successful projects. Shannon highlights how well-crafted agreements promote efficiency, strengthen collaboration, reduce disputes, and even support sustainability goals. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how AIA updates its contracts to reflect evolving industry practices and legal standards. The conversation wraps up with practical tips for project leaders on why keeping contracts current and consistent is key to smooth project delivery. This episode is sponsored by STV.    The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Nick Soto, Carly Trout, and Evan Hendershot from CMAA are joined by Daphne Bryant, executive director of the ACEC Research Institute, and Dr. Keith Molenaar, of the University of Colorado Boulder, to unpack the growing momentum behind Progressive Design-Build (PDB). Drawing from the ACEC report "Progressive Design-Build: Practice, Perceptions, and Potential," the conversation highlights how PDB fosters transparency, collaboration, and stronger outcomes compared to traditional delivery methods. The discussion also explores what’s driving adoption across sectors, how risk is more effectively managed, and the qualities that enable lasting owner–design builder partnerships. This episode is sponsored by HNTB.    The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot with CMAA sit down with Chuck Ainsworth, Founder and Chief Coaching Officer, and Ed Palpant, Chief Construction Specialist at Epic Rivers Leadership. Together, they explore the significance of having tough conversations in the construction industry, from giving effective feedback to navigating conflict and building trust. Chuck and Ed unpack their down-to-earth approach to leadership development—one that encourages slowing down, asking the right questions, and fostering stronger collaboration across teams. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in the workforce and why emotional intelligence is becoming just as essential as technical skill on today’s job sites. This episode is sponsored by Parsons.

In this episode of the Construction Leaders Podcast, Carly Trout and Evan Hendershot from CMAA talk with Tim Singleton, PMCM  business leader at Jacobs, and Ai Kurokawa, architect and principal at Isgenuity. Together, they explore what it takes to build high-performing teams in the construction industry. The conversation highlights the value of resilience, diversity, and psychological safety in driving successful project outcomes. Drawing from their own professional journeys, the guests share practical insights and strategies for fostering continuous improvement and team excellence in every phase of a project. This episode is sponsored by MindForge.   The Construction Leaders Podcast is produced by Association Briefings.