The Long Game: Stephanie Wood on Culture and Commercial Success

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse Hernandez converses with Stephanie Wood, co-founder and CEO of Coal Build Construction. Stephanie, with a background in organizational leadership and trauma-informed neuroscience, shares her journey from English literature major to a construction industry leader. The discussion covers the challenges and innovations in fostering a collaborative and human-centered approach within construction, debunking the myth of toughness, and promoting grit and resilience. They introduce Builders Grit, an initiative designed to improve workplace culture and performance by addressing trauma and developing leadership skills. Stephanie also highlights the importance of creating environments for flourishing and the transformative impact her company's philosophy has on the industry's future. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 02:45 The Meaning Behind Co Build 04:35 Challenges and Pushback in the Industry 06:33 The Importance of Respect and Collaboration 09:41 Shoutout to LnM Family Member 11:21 Building a Collaborative Construction Business 13:31 Hiring and Leadership Development 24:09 Personal Journey and Neuroscience of Trauma 30:35 Neglect and Abuse in Subcontracting 31:11 Falling into Leadership Roles 32:45 Learning Leadership Skills 33:50 Embracing Leadership and Overcoming Resistance 38:09 The Myth of Toughness in Construction 41:37 Understanding Trauma and Recovery 45:52 Introducing Grit and Resilience Cohorts 53:58 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Lets leave the Construction Industry Better than We Found It https://www.depthbuilder.com/construction-leadership-lab Download the free PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be