A CFO I worked with used to say, “The difference between an accountant and an engineer is that the accountant doesn’t think they can do engineering.” It’s a funny line, but there’s some real insight behind it. Most accounting firm owners I’ve worked with are sharp, disciplined, and deeply grounded Read more…
What’s New, What’s Next, and What Hasn’t Changed Attending AIA 2025 was a reminder of how quickly the design and construction industry is evolving—and how much remains grounded in the enduring values of the profession. The Rise (and Rise) of AI Artificial Intelligence was no longer a fringe idea or Read more…
Vulnerability is often celebrated as a hallmark of great leadership. Countless articles in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and WSJ highlight how leaders who are open, transparent, and willing to admit mistakes build trust, inspire loyalty, and create high-performing teams. And they’re right—up to a point. But let’s talk about the Read more…
Accountability isn’t just a leadership buzzword—it’s the backbone of every successful organization. Yet, as leaders, we often undermine this critical cultural element without even realizing it. Through my experience as a firm leader and consultant, I’ve seen three behaviors that erode accountability faster than you can say, “Who’s responsible for Read more…
In today’s culture, working hard is often painted as “uncool.” The narrative seems to be: do just enough to get by, maximize leisure, and aim for “work-life balance”—a phrase increasingly used to justify the bare minimum at work. But what’s lost in this perspective is the undeniable truth that a Read more…
Leadership sets the tone for how processes and tools are adopted within a firm. But it’s not enough to invest in technology or introduce new procedures. To see meaningful adoption—especially when it comes to project management—leaders must be explicit about expectations and hold their teams accountable for following through. In Read more…
In the design and construction industry, every successful project begins with a solid plan, but even the best plans can fall apart without proper execution. AEC firms understand that effective project management is critical to delivering on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction. However, there’s often a gap Read more…
The rapid advancement of AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, has sparked a fervent debate about the future of jobs, particularly in fields like design engineering and architecture. Some predict that AI will soon eliminate these roles, but history suggests a more nuanced view. To illustrate, let’s look at two previous Read more…
In my work with company leadership, I frequently encounter dissatisfaction with current software programs and digital tools, particularly in project management and enterprise resource management (ERP). Many leaders are evaluating or considering a change in their business software, believing that new tools will solve their problems. However, a closer look Read more…