Issue: Fall 2024
Eliminate This to Fix Your Culture
by: BJ Kraemer, MCFA
A buddy of mine and I swap leadership stories and lessons from time to time.
He has a pretty high profile, high criticism leadership role and we both get value from each other's perspectives. Different leadership environments, same leadership challenges - creating a winning culture, empowering subordinate leaders, "bringing people along", tapping into human potential and ultimately responsible for outcomes!
He recently introduced me to Urban Meyers book and in particular the concept of "BCD" - Blame, Complain, Defend.
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Construction Trends & Predictions: An Economist's Take
by: Matt Handal, Help Everybody Every Day
In a world where costs are rising and labor is increasingly scarce, the construction industry faces an evolving set of challenges.
To gain insight into these critical issues, I sat down with Ken Simonson, a seasoned economist who has spent 23 years with the Associated General Contractors (AGC).
Our conversation explored the nuances of material pricing, the role of immigration, and how automation and AI may shape the future of the industry.
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Google Picks Small Nuclear Reactors to Secure US Data Center Power
by: Debra K. Rubin | Reprinted courtesy of ENR
Deal with developer Kairos could have first facility on line as early as 2030
Just weeks after Microsoft said it will buy nuclear power to supply its AI-focused data centers, Google announced Oct. 14 it is entering into a deal it claims is the first U.S. corporate energy purchase from small modular reactors now in development.
Google said it has a power purchase agreement with California-based developer Kairos Power LLC for the power set to come from small sites that would generate up to 500 MW of new nuclear power by 2035—with the first reactor coming online as soon as 2030.
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BOOK EXCERPT
Powerful Conversations: How to Talk About What Matters Most in Work and Life
by: Kyle Majchrowski, Banner Health
We need the ability to connect and converse in thoughtful and meaningful conversations. Isolation and loneliness are societal issues, so how can we improve our ability to connect? How can we intentionally strengthen human connection in our world?
The answer may be as simple as conversations. Meaningful conversations are anything but simple. Powerful Conversations explores the idea that through intentional conversations, we can truly connect as human beings.
Kyle has generously shared an excerpt from his recently published book. If you like what you read, you can purchase here.
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Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: An Interview with Lora Toothman
by: Matt Handal, Help Everybody Every Day
In the world of construction project management, few individuals embody both resilience and innovation quite like Lora Toothman, a volunteer with COAA’s Communications Committee, and a co-president of COAA-VA. With a background in urban planning and a career spanning over two decades, Lora has managed a range of challenging projects, from community revitalization efforts to K-12 educational facilities. Despite the traditionally male-dominated field, she has thrived, breaking down barriers with her commitment to effective communication and problem-solving.
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COAA Cares Continues
by: Howie S. Ferguson, COAA
COAA Cares was created in early 2020 to Connect Attendees with Rewarding Experience & Service. Its roots were formed at COAA’s fall 2019 conference in Atlanta. Conference attendees assembled and finished wooden rocking chairs for children in support of CHRIS 180, an organization that “helps children, adults, and families who have experienced trauma change the direction of their lives to become more productive, self-sufficient members of the community.”
The popularity of this effort – and the broader sense that COAA and its events ought to incorporate similar “greater good” activities – led to the creation of COAA Cares.
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