Constructive Behaviors

Hosted by Barb Allen

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

About the show

Are you growing a company or building a career in Construction? Barb has experience in the field and office, on the General Contractor and Developer sides of the industry. Through her experiences and those of her guests, you will learn what it takes to reach the next level in today's construction industry.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 7, 202649 min

EP 83: Leading Before the Title... with Dr. Richard Bruce

In this episode of *Constructive Behaviors*, Barb Allen sits down with Dr. Richard Bruce , Associate Professor of Construction Management at the University of Central Missouri . With experience in higher education, workforce development, and the construction industry, Richard brings a unique perspective to a conversation about the Sticky Rungs from Barb's book, OneLadder to Leadership . Together, Barb and Richard discuss how future construction leaders can begin practicing leadership before they have the title, from college student organizations and apprenticeships to early-career industry involvement. They also explore the signals leaders often use to judge readiness, why confidence and ambition can sometimes be misleading, and how humility, curiosity, collaboration, and even failure can be important indicators of future leadership potential. This episode is a reminder that leadership readiness does not magically appear with a promotion. It is developed through opportunity, feedback, experience, and support. If we want to make the Sticky Rungs less sticky, we have to get better at recognizing readiness in all the different ways it can show up. Connect with Dr. Bruce through LinkedIn or directly by email at bruce@ucmo.edu Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

June 16, 202659 min

EP 82: Communication Gaps at Work... with Kelly Price

In this episode of the Constructive Behaviors Podcast , Barb Allen sits down with Kelly Price , founder of Thrive HR , to explore the "Missing Rungs" from Barb's newly released book, OneLadder to Leadership . Together, they discuss how vague feedback, unclear expectations, and poor communication can unintentionally stall employee growth and advancement... and what both leaders and climbers can do to improve communication cultures inside organizations. In this episode: • Why vague feedback hurts growth • How onboarding impacts communication culture • Why employees often assume hard work should "speak for itself" • How leaders can create clearer advancement pathways • The importance of ownership from both leaders and climbers • Why communication must flow both up and down the ladder Memorable Quotes: • "Leaders are support staff." • "If you want to grow and develop, you have to own that." Connect with Kelly Price & Thrive HR Facebook l Instagram Grab YOUR copy of OneLadder to Leadership: Amazon / Audible Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

May 26, 202642 min

EP 81: When Strength Becomes Heavy... with Dr. Ashley Smith

In this intentionally timed Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Barb welcomes Dr. Ashley Smith back to the Constructive Behaviors Podcast for a conversation around mental health, construction culture, and leadership… while simultaneously tying it to the Sticky and Slippery Rungs from Barb’s book, OneLadder to Leadership. This episode explores: • the mental load of constantly feeling like you have to prove yourself • chronic stress, burnout, and impression management • the pressure many people in construction feel to just “handle it” • unconscious expectations around toughness and emotional suppression • and how we can begin redefining strength, resilience, and mental health in the industry Connect/Follow Dr. Ashley: LinkedIn - YouTube - TikTok - Facebook - Instagram Subscribe to Dr. Ashley's Newsletter HERE Dr. Ashley's Book: The Way I See It Grab Barb’s Book: OneLadder to Leadership Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

May 12, 202642 min

EP 80: Take the Vacation... with Kelli Paskert

What happens when a driven, ambitious woman who has spent her entire career climbing suddenly realizes she needs to stop long enough to breathe? In this episode, Barb sits down with construction industry leader, speaker, and business advisor Kelli Paskert for a conversation that starts with leadership ambition and career growth… and eventually lands on something many high performers struggle with: learning how to step away. Kelli shares her journey from corporate America to the construction industry, the bold decision to openly state her leadership ambitions early in her career, the resistance she encountered along the way, and the sponsors who helped pull her up the ladder. She also opens up about what happened when she finally walked away from a long-term executive role and why taking time between careers became one of the healthiest decisions she has ever made. Although this episode centers around the idea of "Take the Vacation," if you are familiar with Barb's book, OneLadder to Leadership, you will recognize several real-world examples of the Missing, Broken Sticky, & Slippery Rungs discussed throughout the book: • women communicating ambition and career goals • sponsorship and advocacy • leadership perception • confidence vs. arrogance • navigating leadership as women in predominantly male industries • and the importance of visibility during the climb This conversation gives you the opportunity to hear what those ladder dynamics sound like in real life through Kelli's personal experiences and reflections. Whether you are climbing the ladder yourself, leading others, or simply trying to figure out how to build a successful career without losing yourself in the process, this episode delivers honest conversation, laughter, insight, and probably a few moments that hit closer to home than expected. Listen now and then... schedule the vacation! Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn Check out her website Purchase Barb's book, OneLadder to Leadership Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

April 30, 202613 min

EP 79: OneLadder to Leadership...A Preview of My New Book

You may have heard about my new book, OneLadder to Leadership . Now here’s your chance to get a closer look inside! In this quick 15-minute episode, I walk you through the core concepts behind the book and why I wrote it. Whether you are working to move up or leading others who are, this episode will start to connect some dots. I’ll cover: What is actually keeping people from advancing, even when they are delivering results The four types of “rungs” that create challenges on the leadership ladder. Real patterns I have seen across roles, from tradeswoman to executive Where climbers may be unknowingly holding themselves back Where leaders may be unintentionally creating or reinforcing these challenges This episode is a high-level overview designed to give you insight into the concepts inside the book and encourage you to take a deep dive into Oneladder. If this episode resonates, you can find OneLadder to Leadership on Amazon and Audible . Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

April 9, 202644 min

EP 78: Building The Bridge...with Kimberly Sauceda

In this episode of the Constructive Behaviors Podcast, I sit down with Kimberly Sauceda to talk about what it really takes to build strong relationships at work-and why those relationships are often the difference between teams that struggle and teams that thrive. Kimberly shares her journey from leading roles in major companies like Apple and Logitech to becoming an executive coach focused on helping leaders and teams create better connections and stronger outcomes. We dive into her "build the bridge" concept, what it means to create real connection instead of just going through the motions, and how small, intentional actions can completely shift the way teams work together. We also talk about: Why one person can start building the bridge The difference between transactional vs. relational interactions How expectations, alignment, and curiosity impact team dynamics And how to repair relationships when things break down If you've ever felt the tension of misalignment, poor communication, or just "not clicking" with someone at work, this episode will give you practical ways to approach those situations differently. Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

April 1, 202634 min

EP 77: Ownership Sets the Standard...with Erika Scherman

In EP 77, I sit down with Erika Scherman , owner of MC Tool and Safety , to talk about her unexpected path into construction and what it means to run a business in this industry. We get into how ownership gives her a unique perspective on the products being put in front of customers every day, and the responsibility that comes with choosing what actually works in the field. We also talk about the evolution of PPE for women, why fit and functionality matter, and she shares some of the brands and products she's seen perform well for women in construction. Links to some of those are below! Radians Women’s T-shirt Radians Women’s two-tone vest PIP Women’s vest PIP Women’s two-tone vest Portwest Women’s Jacket E rgodyne General Purpose 7000 Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

March 26, 202655 min

EP 76: Relationship Capital...with Shannon Seipel

In EP 76, I sit down with Shannon Seipe l to talk about the power of relationship capital, what it is, how it's built, and why it matters more than most people realize. Shannon shares her unexpected path into the construction industry, how she built credibility from the ground up, and the role relationships played in shaping her career. We break down the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, why sponsors are critical to career growth, and how showing up, asking questions, and staying curious can create opportunities you never planned for. We also dive into what it looks like to pay it forward, recognizing potential in others, supporting the next generation, and using your own relationship capital to help others grow. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to have doors open for them, this conversation will give you a new perspective on what's really behind it. Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

December 23, 202549 min

EP75: Your Boots, Your Story...with Renae Sams

In this episode, I’m joined by Renae Sams , Founder, Executive Director of Build-Her.org , and author of Build-Her, Be Heard . We talk about her path into construction, the challenges that shaped her confidence, why she launched Build-Her, and how storytelling impacts recruitment, retention, and belonging for Women in Construction. Renae also shares the heart behind her book and the message she hopes every woman in this industry hears.Whether you’re in the field, in the office, leading teams, or just starting out, this episode is packed with perspective and encouragement for anyone navigating a predominately male industry. Ways to connect with Renae: Read some of her Story Features: Story Features | Join the Movement Today — BUILD-HER.ORG Share your story with Renae!: Story Submission | Share Your Journey - Inspire Others — BUILD-HER.ORG Purchase the Build Her, Be Heard book at her Website: Www.build-her.org or buy the digital eBook replica on Kindle: https://a.co/d/aYayF88 Ways to Donate to Build-Her.org: Benevity Cause (Employer Donation Match) https://causes.benevity.org/causes/840-992074263 Venmo: Venmo | Build-Her.Org Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SRA2JWCVDB88J Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61559607329020 LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/company/build-her-org Instagram: @build_her_org Build-Her.Org (@build_her_org) • Instagram photos and videos X: build-her.org (@build_her_org) / X TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@build_her_org?_r=1&_t=ZT-91N70VtnZWw Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com

November 18, 202539 min

EP 74: Say More...with Shannon Vogel

In EP74, Shannon Vogel , owner of Reach Social and founder of Tall Poppy , joins me to talk about her new workbook Say More and the power of rediscovering who you are. ( Say More was featured in the 14%ers October Anniversary box!) We dig into how the workbook helps women navigate people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, and the loss of self that often comes with working in predominately male industries. Shannon shares how Say More blends tough questions with a light, approachable style, encouraging reflection without pressure and helping women reconnect with confidence and joy. The workbook is available now in paperback and hardcover on Amazon. Tune in for a conversation about growth, authenticity, and meaningful support of and for women. Connect & Follow Shannon HERE Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! Barb@ConstructionBarb.com