Podcast Videos

Most leaders think resistance is the problem during change. It’s not. In this clip from Activating Curiosity, we break down why asking better questions—not giving more direction—is what actually drives clarity, commitment, and progress within teams. Instead of asking “why are they resisting,” strong leaders ask: What’s unclear right now? What’s making this difficult? How do we stay committed when things get hard? This is the shift from managing change… to building a stronger relationship with change. If you’re leading teams in construction, AEC, or any fast-moving industry, this mindset will change how you lead. Watch or listen to the full episode here. https://www.activatingcuriosity.com/building-a-stronger-relationship-with-change-in-construction-leadership/ https://youtu.be/M_yXoMybyDg?si=gy-BzBRrTjYch1by

Massive shifts in technology, project delivery, and industry expectations are creating ongoing change across the construction industry. For many leaders, this leads to change fatigue — where constant transformation creates resistance, uncertainty, and stress across project teams. In this episode, Ryan Ware explores how construction leaders can build a healthier and more resilient relationship with change by applying the Five C’s of Change: Choice, Control, Clarity, Commitment, and Curiosity. These principles help leaders reflect on their past experiences with change, navigate current challenges more effectively, and lead construction teams with greater confidence. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why change fatigue is common in the construction industry • How leaders can reframe their relationship with change • The Five C’s framework for navigating transformation • How curiosity helps reduce resistance within teams • Practical leadership insights for navigating industry disr…

This clip from the last episode of Activating Curiosity, explores how AI can transform leadership and change management in the AEC industry. Listen to Ryan Ware and Kristin Kautz of JAM Idea Agency as they reveal practical strategies to turn resistance into momentum, elevate project delivery, and develop leadership development programs for modular and prefab construction. Learn how to align operations with AI-enabled workflows, foster curiosity, and lead change across construction projects. https://www.activatingcuriosity.com/kristin-kautz-ai-aec-firms/

Activating Curiosity | Leading Change in the Construction Industry features Ryan Ware in a deep dive with Kristin Kautz of JAM Idea Agency on AI in the AEC sector. They explore change management challenges in construction, the slow pace of technology adoption, and how storytelling can overcome resistance to AI integration. Kristin highlights curiosity and strong leadership as essential to navigating the evolving AI landscape, stressing that AI is not just a tool but a core part of modern construction workflows. The discussion covers construction leadership development, coaching, and training to preserve human agency while embracing innovative technologies. Listeners will gain actionable insights on leadership clarity, how AI can solve industry challenges, and strategies for leading change in construction projects. This episode delivers practical tools and perspectives for AEC leaders pursuing digital construction innovation and sustainability through effective change management an…

The Hidden Barriers to Change Most Businesses Refuse to Face. Fear and inertia often stall transformation in construction — but understanding these forces is the first step to overcoming them. In this clip for an upcoming episode of Activating Curiosity , Kristin Kautz dives into why change in the construction industry feels slow and what leaders can do to accelerate progress. She unpacks the emotional barriers behind resistance to digital transformation, leadership development, and innovation in projects like modular and prefab construction. Learn how fear of losing jobs or control fuels inertia and how recognizing these barriers is crucial to leading change effectively in the AEC industry. What you’ll learn: Why change in construction is slow and how to accelerate it How fear and inertia hinder digital transformation and leadership development Practical steps to move from resistance to action in change management for construction teams The mindset shifts that turn perceived tech …

Why AI Isn't a Strategy — It's a Lens That Transforms How You Work. This clip of the upcoming episode with Kristin Kautz of @jamideaagency reframes AI as a lens that enhances, not overwhelms, your construction leadership and change-management efforts. What you’ll learn AI isn’t separate from leadership or project delivery; it’s a lens that boosts efficiency and insight How to approach AI as an everyday tool for growth in construction leadership Practical steps to weave AI thinking into change management for construction teams The mindset shift that turns tech overwhelm into a strategic advantage The role of leadership coaching in navigating digital transformation in the AEC industry Why it matters Ignoring AI’s potential can stall growth and project delivery. See how curiosity-driven thinking with AI can unlock smarter decisions, better team alignment, and future-ready leadership. Who this is for Construction managers, project leaders, change managers, and leaders in the AEC indu…

Unlock the power of curiosity and authentic leadership in construction and beyond. Embrace asking questions and unlock growth, connection, and transformation — a proven path to elevating project management, leadership development, and change leadership in the AEC industry. In this episode, we explore the simple act of asking bold questions—how shameless curiosity opens doors in the AEC sector, fosters strong leadership during change, and accelerates your growth as a construction leader. Whether you’re managing complex projects or exploring modular, prefab, or digital construction methods, curiosity is your competitive edge. What you’ll learn: Why asking questions drives change leadership and project success How curiosity fuels leadership development and builds trust within teams Practical steps to become more confident asking bold questions in high-pressure environments Why asking is a leadership act—building relationships and guiding change with genuine interest Why it matters: Ig…

Unlock the power of curiosity and authentic leadership in construction and beyond. When you embrace asking, you tap into growth, connection, and transformation—it's the secret that can elevate your project management, construction leadership, and change leadership skills to new heights. Listen to the latest episode of Activating Curiosity with Ali Salman and Host Ryan Ware. What you’ll learn How shameless asking drives change leadership and project outcomes How curiosity fuels leadership development and builds trust with teams Practical ways to ask bold questions in high-pressure environments How curiosity-based leadership strengthens collaboration across modular, prefab, and traditional construction Leaders who ask more openly unlock faster learning, stronger teams, and clearer paths to delivering complex projects. This episode shows how a simple habit—asking the right questions—can accelerate your growth and transform your approach to change in the AEC industry. Guest Ali Salm…

Summary In this episode, Ryan Ware sits down with Ali Salman of Workspace Modular Structures, a seasoned entrepreneur, to explore the transformative potential of prefab and modular construction within the construction industry. They discuss how overcoming resistance to change and adopting a proactive mindset is essential in driving innovation and addressing major infrastructure challenges globally. The conversation highlights the crucial role of change management in the construction industry and how leadership development supports this transition. Ali emphasizes the importance of productization in construction for scalability and improved market fit, underscoring the need for more disruptive leaders and entrepreneurs in the AEC industry. The episode also delves into how curiosity-driven leadership and continuous learning can empower professionals to navigate the human side of change management effectively. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on integrating change leadership p…

Curiosity-Driven Change Leadership in the Construction Industry In this episode of Activating Curiosity, host Ryan Ware deep dives into how curiosity fuels change management and construction leadership development. Building on the Four C’s of Change (choice, control, clarity, and commitment), this episode shows how activating curiosity helps construction leaders navigate industry challenges with psychological safety and a growth mindset. Learn practical, human-centered strategies to accelerate learning, problem-solving, and resilient project delivery in the dynamic AEC landscape. What you’ll learn The role of curiosity in change leadership for construction projects How the Four C’s of Change (choice, control, clarity, commitment) intersect with curiosity Techniques to foster psychological safety and a growth mindset on teams Practical approaches to enable learning, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving in construction leadership and change management How to apply curiosity-…