13. The Psychology of Profitable Construction with Julie Strong

In this episode of Pressure Tested, host Kelly Roberts dives into the remarkable career journey of Julie Strong, CEO of a women-owned engineering and construction company. Julie shares her non-linear path, starting with a psychology and Spanish degree, navigating psychiatry research and the TV industry before joining her family's business, TD Industries. Listen as Julie recounts the challenges and triumphs of working in a male-dominated industry and eventually co-founding and leading C1S Group with her husband. She offers insights into the niche world of critical environment construction, building highly specialized clean rooms for semiconductor manufacturing, where precision and meticulous execution are paramount. Julie also discusses the evolution of her company, expanding into new construction projects like the unique "Bomb Factory" venue. She emphasizes the importance of people and core values in her business, highlighting their servant leadership philosophy and focus on attracting and retaining the right talent. Tune in for a candid conversation about the pressures of entrepreneurship, the delicate balance of working with a spouse, and the strategies C1S Group employs for growth, maintaining a strong company culture, and navigating the complexities of the construction industry in Dallas. Julie also shares her perspectives on work-from-home policies, the challenges women face in leadership, and the importance of building trust and fostering open communication within a team, drawing from her experience with the Traction framework and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team."