Dennis Doran sits down with Eric Miller, founder of EMC (Eric Miller Consultants), for a thoughtful conversation on the vital role of soft skills and emotional intelligence in fostering strong personal and professional relationships. Eric offers his perspective on transformational leadership, the impact of love and inclusivity, and the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also covers important topics like mental health, addiction, and embracing diversity. The episode wraps up with Dennis highlighting Eric’s website and book, along with a mention of his own book, Soft as Steel.

In this Soft as Steel podcast episode, host Dennis Doran welcomes Brent Wilcox, a director at OAC Services—a firm specializing in design and construction management. Brent expresses his enthusiasm for the industry and his dedication to helping clients realize their goals. The conversation explores the evolving nature of the construction field and how soft skills are becoming essential in leading meaningful change.

They also delve into how OAC is embracing extreme leadership principles and fostering a strong workplace culture. Brent shares insights on how vendor and supplier evaluations are shifting, with increased emphasis on soft skills and diversity. Dennis commends Brent’s generation for steering the industry toward greater responsibility and ethical standards. The episode ultimately underscores the value of relationships, emotional intelligence, and cultivating a positive culture in the business of construction.

Dennis Doran welcomes Deb Coviello for a conversation about the construction industry and the crucial role of soft skills in the workplace. Deborah shares her perspectives, shaped by her experiences through her husband and daughter's boyfriend, highlighting the importance of compassionate leadership, effective communication, and understanding within the field. They explore challenges and opportunities in working across generations and address the underrepresentation of women in the industry. Deborah advocates for equality and fostering a safe environment where women can thrive. The episode wraps up with recognition of Deborah’s expertise and communication skills, leaving listeners eager for more.

In this episode, host Dennis Doran welcomes guest Roberta Ndlela to discuss the importance of soft skills and effective communication in the workplace. Roberta shares her career journey, emphasizing the need for engineers to develop these skills, as they are often promoted for their technical expertise but may struggle with communication and leadership. They also explore the challenges engineers in South Africa faced during the post-apartheid transition. The conversation covers diversity and inclusion, self-awareness, and the importance of authenticity and speaking up in professional settings.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran sits down with guest Maurice Thibodeau to explore the vital role of soft skills like love, social justice, inclusion, and compassionate leadership in both personal and professional settings. Maurice emphasizes that these qualities go beyond industry boundaries and are essential for growth and transformation. They also discuss the concerning suicide rates in the construction industry and the importance of emotional development and difficult conversations. As the Chief Illumination Officer at Illumination Experiences, Maurice provides coaching and therapy to help individuals overcome emotional obstacles.

Dennis Doran interviews Nitin Govila, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Search Ferrari Group, about the significance of soft skills in leadership and their influence on the construction industry. They highlight the value of compassion, empathy, and mindfulness in fostering supportive environments that drive innovation. The discussion also covers the impact of culture, diversity, and inclusion in the industry. Additionally, they delve into the connection between love, self-awareness, and inner peace, emphasizing the benefits of meditation. Speaker 3 shares personal experiences and encourages others to begin their own meditation journey.

This week on Soft as Steel, host Dennis Doran sits down with Chris Bagatelis, founder and CEO of Bagatelis Architectural Glass Systems. They explore the crucial role of people in business and the importance of fostering a culture built on respect and strong character. Chris shares insights on leadership, the challenges and opportunities in the glazing trade, and how generational transitions impact the industry. Their conversation also highlights the value of inclusion, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and leading with love. Tune in for an engaging discussion, and don’t forget to check out Dennis Doran’s book, Soft as Steel, and subscribe to the podcast for more thought-provoking episodes.

Dennis Doran hosts Jeff Perry, the creator of the Engineering Career Coach podcast, as they explore the role of employee connection in the workplace and its effect on personal well-being and organizational success. They discuss the health risks and financial burdens caused by loneliness and a lack of connection. Leadership is highlighted as essential in building a culture of connection, with leaders encouraged to set an example and prioritize the well-being of their teams. The conversation stresses the need for connection at every level of the organization, as well as the importance of self-awareness, soft skills, curiosity, inclusion, and diversity in leadership. The episode wraps up with a recommendation for leaders to ask questions to better understand themselves and their team members.