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Building Better Futures

by Infinite Consulting

Welcome to the Building Better Futures podcast, where host Eric Hirani connects with visionary thought leaders who are building the future. Together they delve into what it takes to not only build companies and structures but how to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, creating the leaders of tomorrow.This is the show for you if you’re interested in:- Learning more about building and delivering iconic projects and companies- Cutting-edge innovation- Cultivating positive work cultures- Helping everyone reach their full potential- Creating exceptional teamsTogether we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities and society, one inspired individual at a time.

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Episodes

  1. EP 53: Mistakes Make Innovation Possible with Christopher Sharples of SHoP Architects

    Join us as Christopher Sharples, Founding Principal of SHoP Architects, explains how manufacturing thinking, model-based delivery and a culture of trust are changing the way buildings come together. He shares what architects gain by engaging in means and methods, why lifecycle value matters more...

  2. EP 52: Why Curiosity and Change Define Tomorrow's Leaders with Tom Scarangello of Thornton Tomasetti

    Join us as we talk with Tom Scarangello, Managing Principal and Senior Advisor of Thornton Tomasetti, about what it takes to build an enduring organization. Tom shares how his firm grew from 30 people to more than 2,000, why curiosity and openness to change matter for emerging leaders, and how…

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  3. EP 51: Public Service as a Team Sport with Commissioner Ahmed Tigani of New York City Department of Buildings

    Commissioner Ahmed Tigani of the New York City Department of Buildings oversees more than 1,600 public servants and 1.1 million buildings across New York City. He joins to unpack what it takes to lead an agency at the center of housing, safety and economic development citywide. Ahmed traces his...

  4. EP 50: Measuring Success by the Lives You Impact with Jim Hirani of Hirani Group

    In today’s special episode, Jim Hirani, President and Founder of Hirani Engineering and Land Surveying, D.P.C., and the Hirani Group, joins us to discuss what nearly four decades in engineering teaches a person about others. We explore the path from a $4-an-hour first job in New York to leading a...

  5. EP 49: A Boss Is Followed, a Leader Is Chosen with Michael J. Vardaro of Zetlin & De Chiara

    Join us as we sit down with Michael J. Vardaro, Managing Partner of Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, to discuss the legal risks that quietly decide how construction projects end. Drawing on a career that starts with a framing crew and a civil engineering degree long before it reaches a courtroom. Michael...

  6. EP 48: Building Credibility Before You Have the Title with Kevin Khemraj of Welkin Mechanical

    Join us as we sit down with Kevin Khemraj, Vice President of Welkin Mechanical, to talk about building a career and a team in heavy mechanical construction. He shares what separates good contractors from great ones, why mentorship is worth asking for directly and how young professionals earn...

  7. EP 47: Listen First, Lead Better with Phil Collin of Mott MacDonald

    Join us as we sit down with Phil Collin, Chief Growth Officer of Mott MacDonald, to explore what it takes to lead growth with purpose in the AEC industry. Drawing on three decades of engineering and program management experience, he shares lessons on culture, mentorship, communication and knowing...

  8. EP 46: Building Great Teams by Letting Go of Being the Expert with Edward Broderick of Gilbane, Inc.

    Edward Broderick, Chief Executive Officer of Gilbane, Inc., joins us to discuss what five generations of family ownership teaches you about leadership, trust and building for the long term. We explore how leadership evolves at every stage of a career, why humility is a practice not a destination,...

  9. EP 45: How Great Leaders Delegate, Step Back and Let Teams Grow with Lawrence Fitzpatrick of The LiRo Group

    Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President and Deputy Business Unit Head of The LiRo Group, shares what great leadership looks like across a construction career built from the ground up. From running residential crews at 19 to leading large-scale public infrastructure programs, Lawrence offers a...

  10. EP 44: Inspiring the Next Generation Through Advocacy and Architecture with Julia Murphy of SOM

    Julia Murphy, Partner of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), joins us to discuss architecture as a legacy and a force for community impact. We explore her journey as a third-generation architect, her advocacy for women in design and construction, the structural challenges of Manhattan West and why...

  11. EP 43: What the Next Generation of AEC Leaders Gets Right — and What They're Still Missing with Danielle Dy Buncio of VIATechnik

    Danielle Dy Buncio, Co-Founder and CEO of VIATechnik, joins us to discuss why VDC is far more than a BIM exercise, how digital twins are transforming building operations and what the next generation of AEC leaders needs to understand about business to make technology stick. Key Takeaways: 00:00...

  12. EP 42: What Early-Career Engineers Overlook About Leadership with Luke Martinek of HDR

    Luke Martinek, Senior Program Manager and Associate Vice President of HDR, joins us to explore how 19 years across survey crews, civil design, operations, and business development prepared him for the Penn Transformation Project. We discuss mentorship on hard days, the business side of…

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  13. EP 41: Challenging the Status Quo Inside City Government with Danielle Grillo Pemberton of Sweet Group LLC

    Danielle Grillo Pemberton spent over 15 years inside New York City government before crossing to the private sector as Vice President of Sweet Group LLC — and she brought everything she learned with her. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to challenge the status quo, how she earned...

  14. EP 40: Fostering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders with Kirsten Sibilia of Dattner Architects

    Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Partner of Dattner Architects, discusses the evolution of a firm committed to civic justice and the public realm. We explore her journey from product design to leadership, the firm's transition to a woman-owned business and how empowering the next generation of leaders...

  15. EP 39: The Importance of Process and Passion in Development with Spencer Levine of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC

    Join us as Spencer Levine, President of RAL Companies & Affiliates LLC, discusses navigating complex real estate developments and building trust within communities. We explore the importance of transparency with stakeholders, balancing profitability with positive social impact, and why leaving…

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  16. EP 38: How To Inspire Action Through Powerful Storytelling with Carmine Gallo of Gallo Communications Group

    Communications Coach, Harvard Instructor and Bestselling Author Carmine Gallo, Founder and CEO of Gallo Communications Group, reveals how to master storytelling in the digital age. We explore the enduring power of human imagination over AI, the AMP framework for presentations, and why an…

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  17. EP 37: The Power of Saying Yes to Unexpected Career Opportunities with Michele Fitzsimmons of New York City Fire Department

    Join us as Michele Fitzsimmons, Deputy Chief of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), discusses navigating high-stakes leadership and building trust within a team. We explore the importance of standard operating procedures, overcoming the emotional toll of demanding careers, and why saying…

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  18. EP 36: Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success with Colleen Stanley of SalesLeadership, Inc.

    Colleen Stanley, President of Sales Leadership Inc., joins us to discuss how emotional intelligence drives sales success and leadership. We explore why soft skills are actually hard skills, how to reframe failure and the importance of creating a mentorship culture. Key Takeaways: 00:00...

  19. EP 35: How Saying Yes Opened the Door to Transformational Projects with Jaidev Sankar of AECOM

    Jaidev Sankar, Transit Strategy and Growth Lead for the US East and LATAM of AECOM, reflects on a career shaped by mega projects, public-sector leadership and a willingness to say yes. He shares lessons from the Big Dig — the Second Avenue Subway — and his time on the owner side at Amtrak…

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  20. EP 34: Chasing Challenges as the Foundation of Long-Term Leadership with Anthony Pastore of STV Inc.

    Join us as Anthony Pastore, East Regional Director of STV, reflects on a career built through persistence, trust and leadership. Anthony shares his path from union carpentry to leading some of New York City’s most complex public works projects, including the World Trade Center. He discusses why...

  21. EP 33: How To Lead by Pouring Into Others and Creating Room for Questions with Jared Green of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

    Jared Green, Principal and Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, reflects on a 23-year career in geotechnics shaped by early STEM curiosity, steady mentorship and community service. He shares why AEC can feel intimidating at first yet stays welcoming, how practical math...

  22. EP 32: How Long-Term Vision and Relationships Drive Success with Eric Alemany of New York Power Authority

    On this episode, Eric Alemany, Senior Director, Supplier Relationship Management of the New York Power Authority, shares his 27-year journey in public power. We cover how supplier relationships drive execution, why patience and resilience matter, and how NYPA supports communities through...

  23. EP 31: Transforming Leadership Through Empathy and Peer Connection with Ahad Ghadimi of forums@work

    Ahad Ghadimi, CEO and Founder of forums@work, discusses vulnerability, psychological safety and the story behind his book “Turnaround Artist: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps.” In today’s discussion, we uncover Ahad’s entrepreneurial roots, we look at culture change...

  24. EP 30: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy From Jessica Sherman of The Douglaston Companies

    Jessica Sherman, Vice Chair and Principal of The Douglaston Companies, discusses family-rooted leadership, community-first development and how character, accountability and partnerships shape impact in New York real estate. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:49 Family inspiration drives...

  25. EP 29: Embracing Change and Finding Plan B in Engineering Careers with Michael Shamma of TYLin

    In this episode, Michael Shamma, New York Metro Executive of TYLin, talks about leading major infrastructure projects in New York. He shares the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks, the mentors who shaped his leadership and how engineering can connect communities and improve lives. Michael...

  26. EP 28: How Leadership and Mentorship Shape the Future of Construction with Milo Riverso of Manhattan University

    Milo Riverso, Senior Advisor to the President and Board of Manhattan University, reflects on leadership lessons, career insights and the challenges facing higher education and the construction industry. Milo traces his path from working construction as a child to leading major organizations,...

  27. EP 27: Leading With Purpose and Integrity in Public Service with Vlada Kenniff of New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust

    Vlada Kenniff, President of New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, discusses her journey from Uzbekistan to New York City and her leadership in sustainability, resiliency and affordable housing. Vlada talks to us about the creation of the Trust, the challenges of preserving public…

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  28. EP 26: Building Stronger Communities Through Institutional Projects with Raffaela Dunne of VHB

    Raffaela Dunne, Regional Institutional Market Director of VHB, shares her career journey, insights on public-private partnerships and perspectives on shaping healthcare and higher education infrastructure. Raffaela discusses mentorship, leadership and the importance of simplifying complexity in...

  29. EP 25: Career Growth: From Engineering to Leadership with Joanne Iddon of Arup

    Joanne Iddon, Principal - Regional Service Leader (Project and Program Management) of Arup, has over three decades of experience in structural engineering, owner representation and program leadership across the UK and North America. She discusses the contrasts between public and private sector...

  30. EP 24: Leading With Impact with Amanda Rogers of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

    Amanda Rogers, Director of Construction and Chief of Construction - Aviation of The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, shares insights from her career leading complex transportation and infrastructure projects. Amanda highlights lessons on resilience, collaboration and the importance of...

  31. EP 23: Building Legacy and Culture in Architecture with Guy Geier of FXCollaborative

    We’re joined by Guy Geier, Senior Partner at FXCollaborative, who shares insights from a distinguished career in architecture spanning decades of transformative urban design and sustainability. Guy discusses FXCollaborative’s recent merger with Lemay, the cultural alignment that made it possible,...

  32. EP 22: How Community Engagement Elevates Building Design with Eleftherios Pittas of Tishman Speyer

    Today, we’re joined by Eleftherios Pittas, Senior Director of Design and Construction of Tishman Speyer. Eleftherios shares his background in civil engineering and how it shaped his approach to real estate development and problem-solving. He highlights the value of community engagement,...

  33. EP 21: Building Safer Job Sites and Stronger Communities with Elizabeth Crowley of Building Trades Employers’ Association

    Elizabeth Crowley, President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA), joins us to discuss leadership in the construction industry, mental health advocacy, safety reform and the power of union solidarity. Drawing from her personal journey from art restoration to union painter…

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  34. EP 20: What Leadership Needs To Know About Empowering Young Talent with Delia Riggi of HNTB

    We’re joined by Delia Riggi, Associate Vice President and Program Manager of HNTB. Delia shares her journey from growing up in a third-generation family business to managing major public infrastructure programs. She reflects on how early influences, demanding work experiences and community...

  35. EP 19: Inspiring the Next Generation Through Mentorship and Vision with Luis Delgado of STV

    Luis Delgado, President of the Construction Management Division of STV, joins us for this episode. He shares his journey from recovering architect to executive leader, highlighting the pivotal moments and choices that shaped his career. He reflects on the value of communication, the lessons he...

  36. EP 18: Creating Meaningful Career Paths for the Next Generation with Tom Giordano of Suffolk Construction

    We’re joined by Tom Giordano, General Manager, New York Region of Suffolk Construction. Tom shares his journey from practicing law to leading one of the most innovative construction firms in the country. He reflects on leadership lessons, workforce development challenges and the role of…

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  37. EP 17: Leaving a Lasting Legacy Through Purpose-Driven Projects with Joseph Pizzurro of VHB

    Join us for a conversation with Joseph Pizzurro, SVP and Northeast Regional Manager of VHB. Joseph reflects on his path from manual drafting to executive leadership and how VHB is driving impact across public and private markets through innovation, strategic planning and a commitment to shaping…

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  38. EP 16: Balancing Legacy and Innovation in Construction with Michael Gargiulo of Citnalta Construction Corp

    Michael Gargiulo, President of Citnalta Construction Corp., reflects on his journey from laborer to leader. He shares lessons from building community-first projects, navigating public sector complexities and growing into executive leadership. Michael also offers candid advice on mentorship…

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  39. EP 15: Leading Change in Public Construction Through Collaboration with Yvi McEvilly of NYC Department of Design and Construction

    Yvi McEvilly, Assistant Commissioner, Design-Build Unit of NYC Department of Design and Construction, joins us to discuss the dynamic environment of alternative delivery in public infrastructure. She shares insights into the benefits of design-build, the legislative changes shaping procurement…

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  40. EP 14: Leadership, Mentorship and Innovation in Architecture with Joseph Lauro of Gensler

    Architecture shapes the world around us, influencing how we live, work and interact with our environment. Joseph Lauro, Managing Director and Principal of Gensler, shares with us his insights on architecture, leadership and urban transformation. He discusses his journey from construction to...

  41. EP 13: The Intersection of Healthcare, Engineering and Innovation with Oscar Gonzalez of NYC Health & Hospitals

    Managing large-scale healthcare infrastructure requires strategic planning, adaptability and a keen understanding of evolving technology. Oscar Gonzalez, CCM and Senior Assistant Vice President of Capital Development with New York City Health and Hospitals, discusses managing a vast portfolio of...

  42. EP 12: Bridging Vision and Delivery in Complex Programs with Priya Jain of Mace

    For this episode, we’re joined by Priya Jain, President, Americas Mace Consult of Mace. Priya discusses delivering complex projects, fostering collaboration and creating lasting community impact. She shares insights on Mace's approach to project delivery, the role of technology in construction…

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  43. EP 11: Building New York’s Future Through Advocacy and Action with Carlo Scissura of The New York Building Congress

    Leading an organization that shapes New York City’s future requires vision, dedication and a deep understanding of advocacy. Carlo Scissura, President and CEO at The New York Building Congress, shares his journey from law to leading a prominent organization advocating for infrastructure and…

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  44. EP 10: Leading Change for Women in Construction with Palmina Whelan of Palmina Whelan Strategic Solutions

    Palmina Whelan, Capital Program Director of The New Terminal One JFK and Founder of Palmina Whelan Strategic Solutions, shares her experience leading transformative aviation and construction projects. From managing JFK Terminal 8 to founding her boutique consultancy, Palmina’s career reflects...

  45. EP 09: Integrity, Timing and Transparency in Construction Management with Richard Cote of Hudson Meridian Construction Group

    Richard Cote, CCM, Assoc. DBIA and Executive Vice President of Hudson Meridian Construction Group, joins us to talk about his journey from military service to leading impactful public and private sector projects. Richard dives into leadership strategies, disaster response and the role of…

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  46. EP 08: Making Infrastructure Projects More Sustainable for Future Generations with John Dionisio of Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc.

    For this episode, we’re joined by John Dionisio, Managing Director of Corporate Development at Global Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. John shares his extensive experience in the infrastructure sector, discussing the evolution of public-private partnerships (P3) and the importance of simplicity in...

  47. EP 07: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Engineering with Arthur J. Alzamora, Jr. of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

    Arthur J. Alzamora, Jr., Principal/Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, discusses his career path, NYC’s evolving engineering landscape and his approach to mentorship and impactful project management. Arthur provides insights into urban development, preservation and…

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  48. EP 06: Guiding Future Leaders Through Hands-On Mentorship with Michael Wallace of LiRo-Hill

    Join us as Michael Wallace, Senior Vice President of LiRo-Hill, shares his journey from engineering intern to seasoned leader in construction management. With 33 years at the Port Authority, Michael reflects on pivotal projects, the role of teamwork, and his approach to mentorship. His advice for...

  49. EP 05: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Construction with Brennan Gilbane Koch of Gilbane Building Company

    Brennan Gilbane Koch, Vice President and Director, Strategic Partnerships and Client Relations at Gilbane Building Company, joins us to talk about her role in leading business development at one of the nation’s largest family-owned construction and real estate firms. Brennan discusses the ways…

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  50. EP 04: Transforming Communities Through Landmark Projects with Michael Sweeney of HNTB

    Michael Sweeney, Executive Vice President/Eastern US President of HNTB, joins us to discuss his journey in the civil engineering field, the impact of major infrastructure projects and the unique employee-owned culture at HNTB. With over 37 years of experience, Michael shares insights into the...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to the Building Better Futures podcast, where host Eric Hirani connects with visionary thought leaders who are building the future. Together they delve into what it takes to not only build companies and structures but how to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, creating the leaders of tomorrow.This is the show for you if you’re interested in:- Learning more about building and delivering iconic projects and companies- Cutting-edge innovation- Cultivating positive work cultures- Helping everyone reach their full potential- Creating exceptional teamsTogether we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities and society, one inspired individual at a time.

HOSTED BY

Infinite Consulting

CATEGORIES

business management

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Building Better Futures have?

Building Better Futures currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Building Better Futures about?

Welcome to the Building Better Futures podcast, where host Eric Hirani connects with visionary thought leaders who are building the future. Together they delve into what it takes to not only build companies and structures but how to inspire individuals to reach their full potential, creating the...

How often does Building Better Futures release new episodes?

Building Better Futures has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Building Better Futures?

You can listen to Building Better Futures on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Building Better Futures?

Building Better Futures is created and hosted by Infinite Consulting.
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