Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

The Power in Having an Open Mind

Is it time to start taking ego out of the innovation equation? Join Todd and guest Jessica Vance as they discuss the role of continuous improvement in construction, the need for industrywide communication and mentorship, and the importance of leadership in driving positive change for future generations.
Jessica Vance is the Business Improvement Solutions Director at Cummings Electrical. With nearly two decades of experience in Electrical Engineering within the Construction industry, she has developed expertise across a range of roles, from hands-on engineering and project management to advanced virtual design and construction (VDC). Her career journey reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, leveraging technical insights, and strategic leadership to deliver impactful results.
TODD TAKES
The Power of "Slow Down to Speed Up" in Construction: In an industry with tight margins and countless moving parts, adopting the principle of “slow down to speed up” is essential. Taking time to strategically plan and think through the most efficient processes allows teams to work smarter and avoid costly errors down the line.
Empowering Frontline Workers for Meaningful Change: Incorporating ideas from frontline workers into the continuous improvement process is a game-changer. Not only does this foster their buy-in for changes, but it also ensures the solutions directly address day-to-day challenges, leading to more impactful and practical improvements.
Checking Egos for Genuine Innovation: Innovation and process improvement require a team-wide effort to leave egos at the door. Success comes from consciously pursuing better methods and being open to adopting the ideas and strategies that drive true progress, even if they challenge the status quo.
 
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Sustainability’s Role in Design

If sustainability and the human experience were at the forefront of architectural design, what changes would we see? Live from Autodesk University 2024, Nehama Schechter-Baraban joined the podcast for an important conversation on the intersection of technology and nature, how Revit plays into effective landscape architecture modeling, the potential for healthier and greener urban spaces, and how sometimes, all that’s needed to innovate an industry is a new point of view.
Nehama Schechter-Baraban is Chief Operations Officer of Arch-Intelligence. She is a landscape architect graduate of Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and a Revit expert.
TODD TAKES
Context Matters in Design:It's crucial for architects to consider how their buildings interact with the surrounding environment. Whether it's grading the landscape or understanding the site’s topography, integrating context ensures the structure fits naturally into its setting, enhancing both the human experience and the project’s efficiency.
Sustainability as a Mindset:Sustainable design goes beyond specific tools; it’s about designers having a mindset focused on environmental impact. From choosing native plants to minimizing land disturbance, sustainability is achieved by making conscious design choices that benefit the ecosystem and reduce costs.
Simplifying Technology for Designers:The goal of innovation in design technology is to remove barriers, making tools more intuitive and accessible. This way, designers can focus on creativity, sustainability, and human-centric design rather than struggling with complex software.
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The Power of AI in Modern Construction

What do you get when you combine marketing expertise with construction industry experience? You get the opportunity to bridge an enormous gap. In another live episode from Autodesk University 2024, join Todd and guest Kyle Seyler as they unpack how Autodesk Construction Cloud is transforming the industry, how AI is changing the game with upgrades to onsite safety, how the gap between the office and the field is steadily closing, and the art of using standardization and collaboration to innovate.
Kyle Seyler is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Autodesk. With over 10 years of experience in growth, product, and lifecycle marketing, he is passionate about creating value propositions, go-to-market strategies, and customer journeys for innovative software solutions. In his current role, he is responsible for the go-to-market of Autodesk Construction's Building Information Modeling (BIM) offerings, which help architects, engineers, contractors, and owners collaborate and deliver better outcomes for their projects.
TODD TAKES
Streamlining Data for Better Decision-Making:In today’s construction industry, there’s more data available than ever before, but not all of it is useful at every level. The trend now is toward tools and systems that help professionals quickly access the specific information they need, allowing them to cut through the noise and make informed, impactful decisions without getting bogged down by irrelevant data.
AI as a Workflow Accelerator:Artificial intelligence is becoming a valuable tool in construction, particularly when it comes to organizing and retrieving complex project data. By using AI to interpret data in everyday language, construction professionals save time on mundane tasks, reducing the need to sift through lengthy documents. This makes the decision-making process faster, more accurate, and easier to manage.
Enhancing Collaboration Among Project Stakeholders:Effective collaboration remains a top priority, and the industry is moving toward more integrated systems and shared workspaces. New technologies are making it easier for contractors, subcontractors, and project owners to work together seamlessly, whether within a single platform or through interoperable solutions. This focus on connected workflows fosters trust, aligns goals, and ultimately improves project outcomes.
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The Trades Are Leading the Way

As the industry forges toward more and more tech adoption, how do we keep track of these new goalposts, tools, and processes? In another live episode from Autodesk University 2024, Benny Baltrosky joins the podcast (in his second appearance) to discuss the oncoming adoption of prefab and offsite construction, the very recent transformation of DeWalt into a technology company, and how MSUITE plays into improving productivity for MEP contractors—even when brand-new tech is on the scene.
Benny Baltrosky is COO of MSUITE. He is a B2B Sales as a Service (SaaS) leader driving sales and growth. He is also VP of Partnerships and Go To Market at Stanley Black & Decker, Board Member & Cofounder of Construction Progress Coalition.
TODD TAKES
Offsite Construction and Prefabrication are on the Rise: A major trend in construction is the growing move toward offsite construction and prefabrication, which brings greater speed, safety, and efficiency to projects. By preparing components in controlled environments, teams can avoid on-site delays and reduce overall project risks. With labor shortages affecting both field and design teams, this shift to offsite work is becoming essential for meeting tight schedules and maintaining quality standards.
The Trades Are Leading the Way in Tech Adoption: MEP contractors and tradespeople are embracing technology faster than ever, transforming how they work on complex projects. They're integrating digital models, automated processes, and data-driven tools to streamline workflows, improve safety, and boost productivity. This proactive adoption is positioning the trades as leaders in the construction industry’s tech evolution, quietly driving innovation from the ground up.
Collaboration Across Tools and Technology is Essential for Success: Bringing together different tools and technology into a single, unified workflow is making a big impact on construction projects. By integrating processes, teams can reduce inefficiencies, improve communication, and ensure every phase—from design to field work—runs smoothly. This approach of centralizing technology and collaboration helps construction teams manage their projects more strategically, making it easier to achieve goals on time and within budget.
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Building the Path to Net Zero: DFW International Airport

How can one of the busiest airports in the world lead the charge toward sustainability? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2024, Kendra Brown and Robert Brown join the podcast to discuss how Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is breaking ground on visionary sustainability initiatives. From the construction of the new Electric Central Utility Plant (E-CUP) to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030—20 years ahead of global targets—DFW is setting the bar for sustainable airport infrastructure.
Kendra Brown is a BIM Coordinator at Keville Enterprises, Inc. and the ACC System Administrator for DFW International Airport. She coordinates civil projects such as the 17R Runway rehabilitation, International Parkway Right Exits, and Southwest End-Around Taxiway.
Robert Brown is Sr. Project Controls System Manager at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). He is a certified Remote Pilot and Weightlifting Performance Coach, and he has additional experience as Survey Party Chief, Engineering Tech III, and Construction Education Adjunct Professor.
TODD TAKES
Real World Demands and Ambitious Goals: The team at DFW Airport knows the stakes are high—balancing real-world demands with ambitious targets, like reaching net-zero emissions by 2030 instead of 2050. Big goals create urgency, keeping everyone motivated to push harder and innovate.
Failing Forward and Building Buy-In: Getting leadership support for bold initiatives is crucial, but so is creating a culture where it’s okay to fail. At DFW, they embrace the idea that failure is part of progress, which allows their team to take calculated risks and explore new tech solutions without fear.
Leveraging Technology to Connect and Adapt: DFW uses tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and digital twins to keep everyone—from field crews to executives—connected and aligned on projects. The focus is on creating seamless communication and adaptability, ensuring all parts of the team work as one well-oiled machine.
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The Role of Reinvention in the Autodesk Ecosystem

With the rebranding of Autodesk University, innovation in construction, and advancements in cloud technology, what lies ahead? Live from Autodesk University 2024, Rachel Tuller of Autodesk joined the podcast to discuss the importance of the company’s reinvention, a closer look at the hybrid model of cloud and desktop solutions, and how successful global partnerships are crucial to solve complex customer problems.
Rachel Tuller is Vice President, Global Channels at Autodesk. With a background at Cloudera, Rachel carries a history of wins in AI ISV and Cloud Alliances, driving daily success with partners. Her expertise lies in strategic leadership and building high performing teams, skills honed through direct experience with global partner sales and ecosystem strategy.
TODD TAKES
Reinvention is Key in Construction: In today’s construction world, staying the same just isn’t an option. The companies that keep pushing forward—updating their tools, refining their processes, and keeping an open mindset—are the ones that thrive. Reinventing continuously helps tackle industry challenges head-on, creating room for exciting new opportunities and growth.
Data and AI: Game Changers with a Plan: Data and AI have huge potential to reshape construction, but without a clear plan, they can create more noise than value. The key is to know exactly what data to gather, how to use it, and what insights matter most. When approached strategically, AI and data aren’t just trendy tools—they’re the powerhouse behind smarter, faster decision-making.
Leverage the Power of Partnerships: No company needs to go it alone; in fact, working with trusted software providers and partners is where the magic happens. Partners bring specialized knowledge and solutions that can be fine-tuned to fit local needs, making innovation easier to implement and scale. With the right partners, companies can stay agile, grow stronger, and meet changing demands head-on.
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How to Design, Make, and Innovate

What does the future hold for the world of Design and Make—and how is Autodesk working to shape that future? Straight from Autodesk University 2024, we’re joined by Dara Treseder, Chief Marketing Officer at Autodesk, to explore the company’s leadership and proactivity. Dara shares insights into the rebranding of Autodesk University to AU: The Design & Make Conference, Autodesk's partnership with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, key takeaways from the State of Design & Make Report, along with a spotlight on AI innovation and what’s next for Autodesk in 2025.
Dara Treseder is a proven technology business leader with expertise in building and leading high performing global marketing, communications, consumer, and commercial organizations. She is currently Chief Marketing Officer of Autodesk — a leading, innovative technology & software company changing how the world is designed and made. In 2024, she became the first Black person to be inducted into the Forbes CMO Hall of Fame. In 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 she was recognized by Forbes as one of the World’s Most Influential CMOs based on a weighted aggregate of 12 indicators. A champion of public health, women's issues, and diversity initiatives, Dara is the Chair of the board of the Public Health Institute (PHI). She also serves on the board of Robinhood. Dara graduated cum laude from Harvard University with highest honors in field and holds an MBA from Stanford University.
TODD TAKES
Industry Transformation: The construction industry has so much to be proud of, especially with its ongoing transformation into a high-tech powerhouse. This shift has been in progress for years, but it's now picking up significant momentum and redefining how we build.
AI as an Inspiration: AI is not something to fear, but rather something to inspire us. Though we're still in the early stages, AI is gaining speed and is here to stay. Embracing this technology is key to staying ahead in the industry.
LA28 Olympics and Autodesk: The LA28 Olympics present an incredible opportunity for the construction industry, and it’s exciting that Autodesk is part of it. This is a chance to impact not only a city but the world, while showcasing the innovation and power that construction brings to life.
 
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How to Create a Circular Economy of Water

Having access to clean, potable water is a basic human right—so how do we bridge the gap and make water more accessible on the job site? Join Todd and guest Alan Pyle of WaterFleet, LLC as they discuss the critical nature of water management in construction, the successful implementation of water reuse systems in WaterFleet, and the endless potential of concepts like emergency preparedness and continuous water treatment.
Alan Pyle is Founder and Executive Chairman at WaterFleet, LLC. The company’s innovative technology and green solutions have transformed the remote-location water and domestic wastewater industry, significantly improving remote workforce living conditions and reducing the cost and environmental risk of traditional wastewater services. WaterFleet operates a technology-as-a-service platform by leasing its systems to customers and providing ongoing compliant treatment and remote monitoring services.
Todd Takes
Clean Drinking Water is a Basic Human Right and Jobsite Necessity: Clean drinking water is essential for the health, safety, and well-being of every worker on a construction site. Beyond being a basic human right, having easy access to safe water enhances productivity and reduces health risks. By focusing on more efficient ways to supply and reuse water, construction sites can significantly reduce waste while improving the quality of life for workers. This not only leads to a healthier workforce but also contributes to more sustainable jobsite operations, reducing the environmental footprint of the project.
The Circular Water Economy in Construction is Both Possible and Necessary: As Alan mentioned, creating a circular water economy in the construction industry is not just possible, but crucial. A circular approach involves recycling and reusing water as much as possible, minimizing the strain on local water resources. However, to achieve this, the industry needs better education on the technology and systems that make water reuse feasible. By embracing water recycling, construction sites can reduce costs, conserve water, and promote sustainability—helping to build a future where water efficiency is standard practice, not an afterthought.
Modeling the Future of Sustainability in Construction: Alan’s point about being a model for the future of sustainability is a powerful call to action for the construction industry. To create a more sustainable future, we must rethink how we handle resources like water. This means developing cleaner, more efficient construction processes that prioritize water conservation and reuse. By reducing waste, the industry can lessen its environmental impact, align with global sustainability goals, and set the standard for how future projects are executed. Sustainability isn’t just an option—it’s a responsibility that must be modeled across every stage of construction.
 
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Training the Future Workforce of Construction

How important is it to prioritize a positive company culture? When it comes training to the new workforce, it can make the difference between a company surviving or thriving. Join Todd and guest Mat Gates as they discuss insights on recruitment, retention, and the future of construction technology, especially when it comes to the need for better trades worker training programs.
Mat Gates is President of Erickson-Hall Construction Co. He joined the company in 2004 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his expertise in managing complex projects and solving challenges before they arise. A Civil Engineering graduate from San Diego State University, Mat holds both CCM and LEED accreditation. As President since 2019, he oversees company growth, employee development, and the implementation of cutting-edge technology to ensure Erickson-Hall remains an industry leader.
 
Todd Takes
Building a Culture of Innovation: Creating a company culture that not only tolerates but actively encourages new ideas is crucial for innovation. This requires setting egos aside and genuinely listening to diverse perspectives. By fostering this environment, you unlock a powerful source of creativity and problem-solving within your team.
Embracing the "Summer Sprint" Mentality: Every project should adopt the urgency and focus of a "Summer Sprint" approach. Taking time at the outset to align all stakeholders, build trust, and set a unified direction is key. This early effort ensures smoother execution and a more cohesive team throughout the project.
Aligning Team Goals for Success: Getting everyone’s individual goals on the table is essential to creating a unified project team goal. A shared vision acts as a common north star, aligning all parties and fostering collaboration. Leading with empathy and actively listening strengthens the team, making it greater than the sum of its parts.
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The Role of Leadership in Mental Health Support

Breaking the stigma around mental health issues in construction is crucial and often overlooked. In this episode, Todd and guest Elizabeth Crowley of the Building Trades Employers Association discuss the critical importance of addressing mental health in the construction industry. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma around this discussion, the role of leadership and company culture in fostering a supportive environment, and the legislative actions needed to better address these challenges.
Elizabeth Crowley is President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers’ Association, representing 1200 union contractors in New York City. She is the first woman to lead the organization, advocating for increased union-led construction, safety, and diversity in the industry. Previously, Elizabeth served on the New York City Council, where she championed construction safety and expanded opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.
Todd Takes
Speak Up and Seek Help: If you’re struggling, please reach out for help as soon as possible. It's important to understand that it’s okay to not be okay, and no one should feel ashamed about needing support. As Elizabeth emphasized, real strength comes from being open and vulnerable with those around you.
The Employer’s Role in Mental Health: Employers have a significant responsibility and opportunity to foster healthier conversations about mental health. It’s essential for workers to feel valued as individuals, knowing that their well-being matters more than just the company’s bottom line. Creating a supportive environment where employees feel the company "has their back" can make a profound difference.
Building Authentic Relationships: We are not robots who can simply shut off our emotions when we arrive at work. It’s important to take the time to get to know the people behind the job titles and build genuine relationships with those we work alongside. By fostering authentic connections, we create a more supportive and understanding workplace culture.
Thank you for joining us for this important conversation. Remember, if you or someone you care about is facing a mental health crisis, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988, or speak with a mental health professional. There’s always help and hope available, and you matter.
 
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