Building Justice: Rethinking Construction, Climate, and Care (EP.89)

Construction sits at the intersection of some of today’s most urgent challenges—workforce shortages, climate change, housing insecurity, and culture change. It’s also where solutions are being built, literally and figuratively.In this episode, host Tim Cynova continues the Climate Justice HR series with Mel Baiser and Kate Stephenson, co-founders of HELM Construction Solutions, a people- and planet-forward consulting firm helping construction companies transform their culture, strengthen business resilience, and lead on climate action.They explore:What it means to embed justice, care, and clarity into hiring, leadership, and everyday operations.Why construction’s cultural transformation could unlock lessons for every sector.How HELM helps companies evolve from “chaotic job sites” to thriving, values-aligned workplaces.The industry’s overlapping crises—from labor shortages and mental-health challenges to ICE raids and climate emergencies.How coaching, community-building, and shared learning can shift entire systems, not just individual job sites.Despite the gravity of the challenges, Mel and Kate also share a deep sense of hope—that by centering connection, humility, and interdependence, we can build not only structures but the systems that sustain us.Highlights:01:06 Meet the Guests: Kate Stephenson and Mel Baiser02:19 Personal Backgrounds and Career Paths07:30 The Origin and Vision of HELM Construction Solutions12:55 Challenges in the Construction Industry16:38 HELM's Approach to Addressing Industry Challenges28:09 Leadership and Business Development41:51 Climate Justice and Workforce Issues51:11 Client Success Stories and Future VisionLinks & ResourcesRecording of the event “Building Solidarity: Construction Workers, Jobsite Safety, and ICE” mentioned during the episode.HELM Resource Library containing a wealth of materials to inform, support (and occasionally entertain) you as you develop your company.HELM Job Board if you're looking to join a forward-looking company with a great work culture.About the GuestsABOUT MEL BAISER | Co-Founder & Director of Vision & Strategy, HELMMel (they/them) believes in the transformative potential of the construction sector. This industry, which contributes nearly 40% of the carbon emissions wreaking havoc on our planet, is well positioned to become a catalyst for change in the movement for climate justice. Mel is passionate about making that happen. One could say Mel was destined to enter the construction trades. A 7th-generation Vermonter, they come from a long line of builders and homesteaders.After years working as a residential carpenter, project manager, and estimator in both the San Francisco Bay Area and New England, Mel couldn’t ignore the tremendous opportunities for improvement they saw for the industry. With a degree in sociology, decades of organizing experience, and a desire to engage with the building world, Mel co-founded HELM to provide a much-needed service—while simultaneously disrupting business as usual. They became a BPI- and PHIUS-certified professional, are an ICF PCC-accredited coach, and have been providing business consulting, coaching, and project management services to companies throughout North America over the past ten years.As Director of Vision and Strategy, Mel leads the effort to generate and hold HELM’s vision of making a positive impact on the world in the areas of climate change and social justice. They live in Brattleboro, VT, with their wife and son where they enjoy monthly hikes on big mountains, speaking Spanish, and listening to music.ABOUT KATE STEPHENSON | Co-Founder & Director of Training & Finance, HELMKate (she/her) is an experienced leader in the fields of green building, professional education, sustainability, and business management. She’s worked with established and emerging businesses and non-profits to achieve triple bottom line metrics, develop business systems, and plan for a dynamic and resilient future. She has deep experience in post-secondary education, and led the Yestermorrow Design/Build School for over thirteen years.Kate helped to develop and is a facilitator for NESEA’s BuildingEnergy Bottom Lines program. Kate is a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program, a member of the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee, and serves on the Boards of NESEA and the Studio for High Performance Design and Construction. She holds a MS in Management from Antioch University New England and a BA in Anthropology and Environmental Science from Haverford College.ABOUT TIM CYNOVATim (he/him) is the host of the Work Shouldn’t Suck podcast, where he and guests explore bold ideas and practical strategies for creating workplaces where people thrive. At the consulting firm WSS HR Labs, he draws on deep experience leading and advising mission-driven organizations through growth, change, and complexity to help them dust off outdated policies, challenge default approaches, and design values-centered workplaces that align people strategy, organizational culture, and operational infrastructure. A certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and trained mediator, Tim’s path has taken him from orchestral trombonist to C-level roles in multiple $25M+ nonprofits around the globe. Whether consulting, teaching, or recording, he brings curiosity, candor, and a knack for making workplace design engaging and actionable.