The Splice Girls Podcast

Rory Vaden with The Splice Girls PodcastSuccess in the built environment isn’t about the fastest path- it’s usually about the hardest one. In this episode, we sit down with Rory Vaden, New York Times bestselling author of Take the Stairs, following his keynote at the ASHE PDC Conference.We tackle the industry’s growing succession crisis, the "overachiever’s dilemma," and why the most impactful work you do is often for people who will never see your face.In this conversation, we explore:The Succession Crisis: Why the highest mark of a leader is the ability to replace themselves.Wedge the Space: Why you can't wait to be "caught up" to innovate- you have to force the space.The Permission of Imperfect: Navigating the pressure of perfectionism to leave room for a miracle.Bridging the Gap: How to gain buy-in across generations by leading with curiosity and humility.The Splice: Where experience meets fresh perspective. This season, we’re exploring the connections between generations in the built environment and the ideas moving our industry forward. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an emerging leader, join us at the intersection of lessons learned and new ambition.

In this special in-person session, the Splice Girls—Julie, Julia, and Krista—take the podcast on the road to an active data center campus in West Memphis, Arkansas. Recorded live in front of an incredible crowd of builders to celebrate Women in Construction Week, this episode moves past the small talk and dives straight into what it actually takes to "level up" in the trades. The Splice Girls are joined by two powerhouse leaders: Maria Ford, President of Commercial & Industrial at Stanley Black & Decker, and Heather Wolf, a regional safety leader who is redefining what it means to lead in the field. From a candid look at the "jungle gym" career path to the powerful reality of leading as your authentic self, this episode is a masterclass in building a stronger, more inclusive industry. We left the site feeling 'leveled up' and incredibly grateful for the connections with our field teams. Special thanks to the site Sponsors of WIC Week: DeWalt, Turner Construction, and ArchKey Solutions. 

In this special live episode, hosts Julie, Julia, and Krista take the stage at ArchKey Solutions’ POWER Leadership Conference. This wasn't your typical keynote presentation- the tables were turned as inspiring students from the Lake Street Works program took the mic to lead an unscripted dialogue about the future of the trades and the AEC landscape.The conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a career in the construction & design field, the power of mentorship, and why "belonging" is the blueprint for a stronger construction industry.

 In this landmark episode, Julie, Julia, and Krista bring Season One of The Splice Girls Podcast to a close by reflecting on the powerful stories, breakthroughs, and challenges that defined their journey. As a significant finale, this episode focuses on key themes essential to the construction industry’s future, including attracting a more diverse workforce to fill talent gaps, creating a truly inclusive industry where everyone can thrive, and encouraging male counterparts and allies to continue this vital work. The hosts celebrate the voices actively changing construction from the ground up, while also providing listeners with a sneak peek at what to expect next from The Splice Girls—specifically, a glimpse into what they will be working on during the off-season before returning for Season Two. 

Get ready for some real talk and real impact! In this power-packed episode of The Splice Girls Podcast, recorded live at the ASHE Healthcare Facilities Innovation Conference, Julie, Julia and Krista dive deep with incredible industry leaders, talking about everything from leveling up your leadership and finding amazing mentors, to gracefully navigating mistakes and learning from them. This conversation is all about building a stronger, more inclusive community – especially for our emerging pros – and celebrating the diverse voices that make our industry thrive. Our guests spill the tea on celebrating wins, empowering all team members to have a voice, and how professional associations are absolute game changers for sparking growth and innovation. Tune in for an episode that's all about connecting, inspiring, and pushing our industry forward, together! 

The Splice Girls are buzzing after an inspiring Monday, kicking off with Diana Kander's captivating keynote, "Unleash Your Curiosity." Based on her book, The Curiosity Muscle, Kander challenged attendees to fundamentally rethink problem-solving, particularly by addressing concepts like the blindspots that expertise can create.In this episode, you'll hear directly from some of the healthcare industry's leading voices LIVE from the Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference. They'll share their key takeaways on practical strategies to institutionalize curiosity, reduce the risk associated with new ideas, and avoid sabotaging future growth. Plus, the Splice Girls will share their own personal highlights from Kander's inspiring session.Get ready to have your curiosity unleashed!

Join the Splice Girls Podcast this week as they take you live to the Healthcare Facilities Innovation Conference (HFIC), thanks to ASHE! In this special episode, Krista, Julie, and Julia interview Lizzie Ortolano, a seasoned association management professional.Lizzie shares her unique path into the field, emphasizing the importance of community, connection, and belonging in building a successful organization. The conversation covers valuable advice for first-time conference attendees, from effective networking and session selection to making new "dog year friends." The Splice Girls also reveal their plans to gather attendee insights on the keynote and the crucial topic of attracting and retaining talent in the industry. Tune in for an episode packed with learning, connection, and purpose!

Join the Splice Girls Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gary Hamilton, author of "From Grit to Glory." This episode dives into Gary's remarkable journey, illustrating how his unwavering grit and resilience transformed adversity into a powerful sense of purpose. Gary shares his passion for healthcare, driven by his personal experiences and a deep commitment to providing equitable access for all. His story is a testament to the transformative power of finding your passion, and the profound impact of aligning your career with your purpose. 

In this episode, hosts Julie and Krista sit down with Heather Stafford, Associate Dean of Construction Sciences at Dunwoody College (Minneapolis, MN), and Dunwoody alumnus Paul Bison. They tackle key topics: empowering new entrants to the AEC fields, the power of technical education, and fostering inclusivity in construction.Hear Heather's inspiring journey from an unexpected start to a thriving career in education, along with valuable insights on hands-on learning, evolving perceptions of trades, and work-life balance. The Splice Girls and Heather also discuss strong support systems and self-advocacy. Tune in for encouragement to explore new paths – your next career passion could be just around the corner!To learn more about Dunwoody College, visit www.dunwoody.edu or contact Heather Stafford at [email protected].   Resources and Support in AEC Fields:Mental Health Resources: Construction Safety Week Description: This section of the Construction Safety Week website provides valuable resources and tools focused on promoting mental health and well-being within the construction industry. It offers support and information to help address mental health challenges faced by construction professionals.URL: https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com/safety-culture/mental-health-resources/Networking & Professional Development: National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)Description: NAWIC is a leading association dedicated to strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry. They provide professional development, education, networking, and leadership opportunities for women across all sectors of construction. URL: https://nawic.org/Networking & Professional Development: American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE)Description: ASHE is a personal membership group of the American Hospital Association that supports healthcare engineers and facility managers. It provides essential resources, education, and networking for professionals in the vital field of healthcare construction and maintenance.URL: https://www.ashe.org/There are many, many more organizations that provide support and resources specifically for AEC professions. If you are in need of support, please reach out to someone in your region. For mental health support, remember: you are not alone.NAMI HelpLine The NAMI HelpLine offers free, confidential, one-on-one emotional support, mental health information, and resources. They can help you, your family, or friends navigate challenging situations.Availability: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM ETWebsite: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/You can also explore their self-help online resources for answers.In A Crisis? Immediate help is always available:Call or Text: 988Chat: 988 Lifeline This connects you with the 988 Lifeline for crisis support.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation on The Splice Girls Podcast! Hosts Julie, Julia, and Krista are joined by special guest Monica Ross, VP Strategic Projects at ArchKey Solutions. Drawing on 30 years in construction, Monica offers a unique perspective, sharing her journey "from muddy boots to boardrooms." This episode is a must-listen if you're interested in work-life balance, the evolving future of women in construction, workforce inclusivity, and empowerment. Tune in as the Splice Girls and Monica discuss the power of confidence and the essential need for an inclusive workplace. 

Hosts Julie and Krista welcome special guest Chad Beebe, AIA, CFPS, FASHE, Deputy Executive Director of ASHE and AHA to discuss his journey into the healthcare engineering field after starting in architecture, highlighting the unique and ever-changing nature of healthcare projects. The conversation touches on navigating self-doubt, pushing through imposter syndrome, and the benefits of mentorship and community.  Tune in for an intriguing, encouraging, and impactful episode for anyone connected to this critical industry.

This episode features a conversation between Julie, Julia, and Krista about their experiences as women in the construction industry and the impact of mentorship on their early careers. In honor of Women's History Month, the hosts share personal anecdotes and discuss the importance of mentorship, emphasizing that it can come in various forms, and from various sources. Tune into this episode for thoughts on the importance of work ethic, the impact of mentorship, and the value of connection. 

The "Splice Girls Podcast" pilot episode introduces hosts Julie, Julia and Krista, who share their extensive experience in the construction industry and their goal to create an inclusive space for women and individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. They discuss their career journeys, the importance of diversity, and their hopes to inspire and connect professionals through open conversations and mentorship.

Be part of the conversation as we work toward a stronger, more inclusive construction industry through real, unfiltered conversations. From wins to challenges, we’re creating a space where every voice is valued. Listen, get inspired, and join us! Subscribe today!