24. From Family Legacy to Leadership Mastery: How Lindsey Fortunato Champions Culture and Strategy

Construction Trailblazers: Paving The Way to Excellence

Construction Trailblazers: Paving The Way to Excellence

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

about a year ago 26:24

MP3•एपिसोड होम

01:24 Lindsay Fortunato's Early Influences
01:43 Architectural Inspirations
03:39 Business Lessons from the Family
05:02 Life Beyond the Family Business
06:59 People-First Approach
11:01 Balancing Work and Family
16:46 Post-COVID Workforce Adaptations
19:40 Hiring and Culture
21:34 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
24:21 First Steps to Success

33 एपिसोडस

24. From Family Legacy to Leadership Mastery: How Lindsey Fortunato Champions Culture and Strategy

published about a year ago

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MP3•एपिसोड होम

33 एपिसोडस

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32. Depth Over Directives: The Leadership Shift You Need to Make with Jesse Hernandez 43:51

4 days ago43:51

43:51

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Jesse to explore a powerful 30-day challenge for new field leaders to build trust and stand out. They discuss the importance of building relationships by genuinely getting to know people on-site and advocating for yourself by clearly communicating your contributions. Jesse also shares a game-changing leadership skill: listening more than talking. Too many managers create dependency by always having the answers instead of fostering critical thinking. This conversation is packed with energy, wisdom, and practical steps to become a stronger leader.…

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31. No More Excuses: Busting Hiring Myths in Construction with Josh Nieves 33:24

11 days ago33:24

33:24

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige talks with Josh Nieves, a master electrician turned regional workforce development manager at Miller Electric Company. He shares his journey from an electrician to a farm owner and founder of Ascend Consulting. He dispels common myths about the construction industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship, leadership coaching, and positive company culture. Through their discussion, they address the misconceptions surrounding the industry, the need for continued education, and the value of investing in the younger workforce. Josh's passion for transforming lives and breaking down barriers is evident as he shares impactful stories and actionable insights.…

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30. The One Thing Missing from Your Handoff Meetings That Drives Project Success 14:36

18 days ago14:36

14:36

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the critical yet often overlooked element that can significantly enhance the success of handoff meetings and overall project outcomes. By focusing on the voice of the customer, Samantha explains how understanding and integrating these personal details can lead to higher customer satisfaction, better project performance, and stronger client relationships. Tune in to learn how to capture and utilize customer insights to transform your handoff meetings and project delivery processes.…

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29. From Apprentice to Powerhouse: Karl Jefferson’s Ironclad Success Story 19:59

25 days ago19:59

19:59

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge interviews Karl Jefferson, the founder and president of Kadilex Construction. Karl shares his journey from joining an ironworkers apprenticeship to building a successful Midwest-based ironworking company known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. The conversation covers Karl's early days, mentorship from his father, the challenges and lessons learned in growing his business, hiring the right team members, and his vision for the future efficiency of his company.…

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28. Building Trust: Giving Feedback Without Micromanaging 17:07

about a year ago17:07

17:07

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the crucial balance between providing effective feedback and avoiding micromanagement. She emphasizes the importance of communication skills, conflict resolution, and maintaining a broad vision while executing tasks. Samantha shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, like the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) model, to help leaders give actionable and respectful feedback that fosters trust and improves team performance. Links: Manager Superhero Quiz…

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27. Dignity, Spirit, and Legacy in Construction: Wisdom Lessons from Herb Sargent 33:19

about a year ago33:19

33:19

In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige interviews Herb Sargent, CEO of Sargent Corporation. With a rich history and nearly a century-long legacy, Herb shares his journey in the construction industry, the transition to employee ownership, and insights into building a successful and people-focused company culture. Listen as he discusses leadership, mentorship, and the importance of investing in employees for long-term success.…

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26. Come to Me with Solutions, Not Problems 15:09

about a year ago15:09

15:09

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses why the common managerial phrase 'Come to me with solutions, not problems' can often lead to frustration both for managers and employees. She explores the reasons behind its ineffectiveness and offers practical strategies to cultivate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in employees. This episode provides insights into fostering a solutions-oriented team and encouraging a collaborative, open communication culture within and across departments. Link to the episode about Technical Skills vs. Soft Skills here . 00:57 Unpacking the Phrase and Its Impact 02:42 The Necessary Skills Gap 03:45 Encouraging Communication and Providing Guidance 05:24 Cross-Department Dynamics and Collaboration 07:18 Teaching Big Picture Thinking 07:53 The Three Key Components 11:02 Coaching Your Team Through Problem Solving 13:51 Closing Thoughts…

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25. Trailblazing Tactics: 5 Leadership Lessons from Hell’s Kitchen for Building Stronger Teams 10:55

about a year ago10:55

10:55

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge shares insights from the show Hell's Kitchen that can be applied to building and managing successful teams. Lessons include the importance of pausing to reassess when things go south, demanding accountability, fostering team decision-making, avoiding ego-driven mistakes, and observing the traits of successful individuals. 02:26 Lesson 1: Pause and Reassess 03:32 Lesson 2: Demand Accountability 04:55 Lesson 3: Foster Team Decision-Making 06:13 Lesson 4: Avoid Ego-Driven Mistakes 07:29 Lesson 5: Observing Successful Individuals…

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24. From Family Legacy to Leadership Mastery: How Lindsey Fortunato Champions Culture and Strategy 26:24

about a year ago26:24

26:24

In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige talks with Lindsay Fortunato, CEO of Fortunato Construction Group. Lindsay shares her journey growing up in a construction environment, her leadership style, balancing work life, and how she maintains a people-first culture. Discover insights into customer-centric approaches and the importance of teamwork and employee retention. 01:24 Lindsay Fortunato's Early Influences 01:43 Architectural Inspirations 03:39 Business Lessons from the Family 05:02 Life Beyond the Family Business 06:59 People-First Approach 11:01 Balancing Work and Family 16:46 Post-COVID Workforce Adaptations 19:40 Hiring and Culture 21:34 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 24:21 First Steps to Success…

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23. Trailblazing Tactics: Simplifying Success by Cutting Through The BS 12:23

about a year ago12:23

12:23

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the common tendency of businesses to overcomplicate processes. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity in operations, highlighting its impact on team efficiency, morale, and overall business success. Discover how to identify and eliminate unnecessary complexities by adopting lean management techniques, asking critical 'why' questions, and focusing on effective and efficient solutions that drive quality results.…

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22. Bridging the Gap: Building a Stronger Connection Between PMs and Accounting with Josh Luebker 31:07

about a year ago31:07

31:07

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige talks to Josh Luebker, a fractional CFO and COO, about bridging the gap between project management and accounting in the construction industry. They explore how to help subcontractors find stability and growth through consistent processes, efficient project management, and effective communication. Josh shares his journey in the industry and offers practical advice for achieving a better work-life balance and long-term business success.…

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21. Why I Didn't Get Promoted 14:14

about a year ago14:14

14:14

In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestidge shares her personal story of being passed up for a management position early in her career. She discusses three key reasons for not getting the promotion and provides advice for employees and managers on how to navigate similar situations.

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20. Becoming The Easy Button: Problem Prevention And Customer Centricity with Craig Montz 27:56

about a year ago27:56

27:56

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige speaks with Craig Montz, the Industrial Special Projects Business Group Leader for the Iowa region at Myron Construction. With over 20 years of experience, Craig shares his insights on being a generalist, problem prevention, customer centricity, and balancing internal and external customer needs. He emphasizes the importance of showing up, having a good attitude, and being willing to learn.…

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19. Trailblazing Tactics: How Vague Job Descriptions Sabotage Teams 20:00

about a year ago20:00

20:00

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the importance of clear job descriptions in the hiring process. She delves into common pitfalls of vague job descriptions, the impact of these on team dynamics, and practical strategies to create effective job descriptions that ensure better hiring outcomes. Samantha shares insights on establishing clear expectations, responsibilities, and qualifications to improve interviewing, onboarding, and overall team performance. Tune in to learn actionable steps to transform your hiring practices and build stronger, more efficient teams. 00:55 The Problem with Vague Job Descriptions 02:30 The Consequences of Poor Hiring Practices 03:32 The Importance of Clear Job Descriptions 06:29 Creating Effective Job Descriptions 10:42 Understanding Role Expectations 14:08 Identifying the Right Candidate 17:05 Building Strategic Interview Questions 18:34 Onboarding and Training Tips…

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18. Beyond the Ladder: Finding Passion Through Lateral Career Growth with Kerri Smith 31:41

about a year ago31:41