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Welcome back to the Sparky Life with your host, Lia Lamela! In this episode, Lia discusses the importance of women supporting women in the construction industry.

Key points from this episode:

• The challenges women face in male-dominated spaces and how networking and support can help.
• An appeal for women to come together, build each other up, and create larger networks for success in their careers.
• The need for genuine support and sponsorship rather than superficial interactions.
• The idea that women need to take responsibility for making changes and improving relationships with one another.
• A call to action for women to support, sponsor, employ, and uplift each other.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Women in Construction
00:01:24 - The "Mean Girl" Phenomenon
00:02:24 - Networking and Sponsorship
00:03:27 - Superficial vs. True Support
00:04:27 - Changing the Culture
00:05:14 - Responsibility on Women
00:06:16 - Tribal Sisterhood
00:06:57 - Call to Action
00:07:23 - Listener Engagement
00:07:58 - Your Construction Network
00:08:42 - Closing Remarks

Quotes:

"If we came together and focused more on building each other up and really supporting one another... a lot of the challenges that we face in our industry, we wouldn't face." - 00:01:47

"I have met so many, so many different amazing people in the construction industry, but I have really found that it is hard to find women that really support other women." - 00:03:13

Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m

🔥 Don’t forget to 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 👍, 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 💬, 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄 🔔 for more motivation & success tips!

📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures:
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Join Lia Lamela on The Sparky Life as she interviews Jack Teetor, the creator of the documentary, Blind Logic: The Ralph Teter Story. This captivating film tells the inspiring story of Ralph Teter, a man whose life intertwined with the birth of the American automobile age and the industrial revolution.

Discover the extraordinary journey of Ralph Teetor, who became a leader in the automotive industry. One remarkable American visionary of the automotive industry. His fierce determination, rise to leadership, and his extraordinary achievements . . . against unthinkable odds inspired generations.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Ralph Teter and Blind Logic
00:02:58 - Ralph Teter: An American Icon
00:04:15 - The Impact of Blindness on Ralph's Life
00:06:10 - Early Engineering Feats
00:08:01 - The Making of the Documentary
00:10:08 - Historical Accuracy and the Growth of the Automobile Industry
00:12:12 - Ralph Teter's Impact on his Community
00:13:52 - The Rise of Unions and Labor Relations
00:15:56 - Union Strikes and the Mafia's Influence
00:17:40 - Martial Law and Employee Loyalty
00:19:02 - The Value of Good Leadership
00:20:32 - Ralph Teter's Visionary Thinking
00:21:06 - The Meaning of "Blind Logic"
00:22:01 - Distribution of the Documentary
00:23:59 - Ralph's Legacy and Parallels to the Modern Automobile Industry

This episode offers a sneak peek into an inspiring documentary about an extraordinary man. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the automobile, leadership, and the power of vision and determination.

For more information visit - BLIND LOGIC

Thanks to our sponsor! - www.supplyhouse.com/t-m

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to The Sparky Life for more stories about the builders of our civilization!

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This podcast episode features a discussion between Lia Lamela and Coach Ike, a construction industry veteran, focusing on the challenges and nuances of working in construction, particularly the relationship between tradespeople and superintendents.

The conversation highlights how important it is to understand the pressures and perspectives of everyone on a job site. Coach Ike shares his experiences and insights on leadership, communication, and how to navigate difficult situations and people.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Coach Ike and the Podcast
Welcome back to the Sparky Life with Leah LaMela and guest Coach Ike, discussing superintendents in construction.

00:01:04 - Sponsor Message: SupplyHouse
A quick word from the sponsor, SupplyHouse.com, highlighting their services and inventory.

00:01:41 - Coach Ike's Experience in Construction
Lia introduces Coach Ike and his extensive experience in the construction industry.

00:02:38 - Learning from Mistakes
Discussion on the importance of learning from failures and sharing personal experiences.

00:03:39 - Coach Ike's Early Blunder
Coach Ike shares a story from his early days as a superintendent and a mistake he made.

00:05:42 - Understanding Superintendents
Lia reflects on her experiences with superintendents and the common misconceptions about them.

00:06:54 - Frustrations on the Job Site
Lia shares her frustrations with a subcontractor during a fire alarm installation project.

00:09:34 - Identifying Poor Leadership
Lia asks Coach Ike how to identify ineffective superintendents and their leadership styles.

00:10:58 - The Coffee Bean Analogy
Coach Ike discusses the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges.

00:12:56 - Navigating Relationships with Superintendents
Advice on building rapport with superintendents and understanding their perspectives.

00:17:02 - The Role of Superintendents
Leah shares insights from a YouTube video about the responsibilities and challenges faced by superintendents.

00:19:21 - Handling Ethical Dilemmas
Discussion on how to respond to unethical requests from superintendents or higher-ups.

00:24:11 - Maintaining Integrity in the Industry
Coach Ike emphasizes the importance of integrity and reputation in construction.

00:28:04 - Opportunities in the Construction Industry
Leah talks about the abundance of job opportunities in the construction field.

00:30:18 - Effective Communication Strategies
Coach Ike shares tips on how to communicate effectively with superintendents and team members.

00:32:17 - Asking the Right Questions
Advice on how to ask questions that elicit valuable information from superintendents.

00:40:16 - Dealing with "Yesing"
Strategies for handling situations where team members agree without taking action.

You can find out more about Coach Ike here:

Instagram - @the_construction_mentor
Course - coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=IG

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Welcome to Sparky Life, where we chat with the builders of our civilisation! In this episode, Lia Lamela welcomes James Hatfield, the Chief Revenue Officer of Live Switch, a total disruptor in the trades tech space. James Hatfield, a "blue-collar baddie", shares his journey from running painting and power washing companies to revolutionising how skilled trades operate with innovative tech tools. It's a real conversation with someone who gets the real world of construction, and it's not what you think!

This isn't your typical tech talk; James brings a relatable, down-to-earth perspective that you'll appreciate. He gets the frustrations of the trades because he’s lived it! From his early days knocking on doors to building a multi-billion dollar tech company, James shares what it means to create opportunities for those of us who work with our hands. It's packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice you can use, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. We also discuss everything from the importance of human connection in a digital world to the value of community college and the importance of building your personal board of directors!

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
0:42 Introducing James Hatfield and Live Switch
2:10 The Story Behind Live Switch
4:15 How Live Switch Works in the Field
7:55 Internet and Connectivity Challenges
10:00 The Problem with Software Engineers
12:50 The inspiration behind the 911 tech
14:40 How Live Switch is helping the trades
17:00 The meaning behind the name 'Live Switch'
18:00 Why James Created Live Switch
19:50 Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Skilled Trades
24:00 The Importance of Human Customer Service
32:40 The disconnect between sales and technicians
37:50 Using QR codes
40:40 How to get past resistance to tech
46:00 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the trades
49:00 Networking Tips
51:50 Advice for Introverts
54:50 James’ Personal Story
59:00 College or Not College
69:00 Closing remarks

Interesting Quotes:

"Why are you driving to bid right now like a cave person?"
"It's better to serve than to be served."


Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com - your go-to for all things electrical. Check them out at www.supplyhouse.com/t-m for a huge inventory of top brands and real customer service.

Guest: James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer of Live Switch, bringing innovative tech solutions to the skilled trades.

Host: Lia Lamela

Key Topics: Live video technology, skilled trades, construction, virtual estimates, customer service, entrepreneurship, networking, community college, overcoming challenges.

Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Sparky Life, where we discuss all things construction and career-oriented! Let us know in the comments if you tried James’ LinkedIn challenge!

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Thanks to our sponsor www.supplyhouse.com/t-m - the best place to pick up your construction supplies.

In this eye-opening episode of The Sparky Life, Lia sits down with Andrea Janzen, founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, to discuss a groundbreaking revelation: mentorship may not be the key to career success as we’ve always believed.

Join Lia and Andrea as they dive deep into the nuances of mentorship, particularly how it affects men and women differently in the workplace. Discover the concept of sponsorship versus mentorship, and learn why women often find themselves needing to prove their worth repeatedly in male-dominated industries like construction.

Andrea shares compelling research that highlights the unconscious biases at play and offers actionable insights for women looking to navigate their careers more effectively. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or undervalued in your professional journey, this episode is a must-listen!

Find out more about Andrea here:

Ambition Theory: www.ambitiontheory.com

Ambition Theory Women In Construction Podcast:
www.ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/

NAWIC Leadership Academy x Ambition Theory:
www.nawicleadershipacademy.org/

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Episode
00:01:31 - Defining Mentorship
00:02:45 - Personal Experiences with Mentorship
00:03:44 - The Gender Gap in Mentorship
00:06:00 - The Challenge of Implementation
00:08:28 - Sponsorship vs. Mentorship
00:12:15 - The Importance of Sponsorship
00:16:05 - Networking and Building Relationships
00:20:03 - Prove It Again Bias
00:21:10 - The Burden of Reproving
00:24:17 - Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership
00:30:28 - The Disconnect in Leadership Skills
00:32:06 - The Role of Transformational Leadership
00:39:18 - Cultural Fit and Leadership
00:40:30 - The Value of Women in Leadership
00:44:08 - Taking Action for Change

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges traditional beliefs about mentorship and empowers you to take charge of your career path!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring content!

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Welcome to this episode of The Sparky Life! Join host Lia Lamela as she catches up with her good buddy, Stephen Richardson, a recent reality TV star from Love is Blind and a dedicated electrician.

In this engaging conversation, Stephen shares his journey in the skilled trades, discussing the challenges he faced during his apprenticeship and how he ultimately found his passion for electrical work. They dive deep into the often-overlooked aspects of the trades, including the importance of mental health and the need for supportive work environments.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephen Richardson
Welcome back and introduction of Stephen Richardson, a recent reality TV star from Love is Blind and a fellow electrician.

00:02:10 - Stephen's Journey in the Electrical Trade
Discussion about Stephen's experiences as an electrician, including his work with big terminations and data centers.

00:03:45 - Physical Demands of the Trade
Exploration of the physical challenges in the electrical field and how Stephen manages them.

00:06:22 - The Nature of Data Centers
Explanation of what data centers are and the importance of redundant power systems.

00:08:30 - Different Perspectives on the Skilled Trades
Comparison of Stephen's and Leah's experiences in the trades, highlighting the impact of leadership and environment.

00:12:13 - Burnout and Job Satisfaction
Discussion on the feelings of burnout and dissatisfaction in the apprenticeship phase.

00:16:02 - Mental Health in the Trades
The importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry and its impact on workers.

00:27:00 - Hitting Rock Bottom
Stephen shares his experience of hitting rock bottom and the turning point in his career.

00:30:10 - Supportive Leadership
The role of supportive leadership in Stephen's career and how it helped him regain his motivation.

00:36:07 - Finding a Positive Work Environment
The significance of a positive work environment and camaraderie among workers in the trades.

00:42:03 - Empowerment and Options in the Trades
Encouragement for workers to seek out supportive companies and not feel trapped in negative environments.

00:49:09 - Conclusion and Reflection
Wrap-up of the conversation, reflecting on Stephen's growth and evolution in his career.

Key Highlights:

Stephen's transition from wrestling with his career choice to embracing the joys of being an electrician.

Insights into working in data centers and the critical role electricians play in maintaining our digital infrastructure.

The impact of toxic work environments and the importance of good leadership in the trades.

Tips on how to create a positive work culture and support mental health in the construction industry.

Whether you're an aspiring electrician, a seasoned pro, or just curious about the skilled trades, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes every Thursday!

Sponsored by: www.supplyhouse.com - Your go-to source for top brands and real customer service in the electrical industry.

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Check out www.supplyhouse.com for all your electrical needs! 💡⚡️

In this episode, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the fascinating world of batteries and DC electricity. Have you ever felt that frustration when your device runs out of battery? Join Lia as she breaks down how batteries work, how they are made, and the science behind storing energy.

Discover the components of a typical 1.5V alkaline battery, the role of electrons, and the common misconceptions surrounding electricity. Lia also shares a unique analogy that helps explain the electric field and how it drives the movement of electrons in a circuit.

Whether you're a seasoned electrician or just curious about how the devices we rely on every day function, this episode is packed with valuable insights and knowledge.

Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast to support the Sparky Life community!

00:00:00 - Introduction to Battery Frustrations
00:01:47 - Welcome to Sparky Life
00:02:31 - Understanding Battery Basics
00:03:34 - Battery Construction and Components
00:05:11 - What is a Short Circuit?
00:06:04 - Misconceptions About Electron Flow
00:07:31 - The Role of Electric Fields
00:10:04 - Analogy of the Electric Field
00:12:27 - Conclusion: The Importance of Batteries
00:13:10 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Tune in every Thursday for more electrifying content! ⚡

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Welcome back to The Sparky Life! In this electrifying episode, host Lia Lamela sits down with fire protection guru Chad Tester. With a background that spans various aspects of fire safety, Chad shares his journey from commercial fishing to becoming a fire protection expert.

Join us as we dive into:

Chad's unique path into the skilled trades and how he discovered his passion for fire protection.

The importance of hands-on experience in the trades and how it shapes your career.

The value of interpersonal skills in the construction industry and how to effectively communicate with clients.

Insights on the challenges faced in the industry, including the stigma surrounding skilled trades.

The significance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in elevating the fire protection community.

Chad also opens up about his personal journey, discussing the impact of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in his work. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on the skilled trades.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Chad Tester and Fire Protection
00:01:14 - Chad's Journey into Fire Protection
00:02:36 - Starting in the Trades: From Fishing to Fire
00:05:16 - Finding Your Path in Skilled Trades
00:07:27 - The Value of Vocational Training
00:10:07 - Challenges and Growth in Fire Protection
00:11:31 - Continuous Learning and Licensing
00:13:11 - Understanding the Importance of Fire Protection
00:14:15 - Service Calls: Real-World Experiences
00:18:16 - Training and Knowledge Sharing in the Industry
00:20:59 - The Importance of Soft Skills in Construction
00:22:04 - Breaking Stereotypes in the Trades
00:24:04 - The Impact of Social Media on Networking
00:26:04 - Job Security and Opportunities in Fire Protection
00:30:34 - Addressing Challenges in the Industry
00:32:08 - The Power of Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
00:36:00 - Personal Growth and Finding Purpose
00:38:26 - Catalysts for Change: Personal Stories
00:42:58 - Encouragement for Those Struggling
00:45:45 - Conclusion and Resources for Further Contact

Quotes:

"I could never expect an 18-year-old kid to know what they want to do with the rest of their life and then to ask to put them into all this debt." - 00:06:31

"You have to do it for yourself. You have to wake up and go, you know what? I want to change, and I want to be a better person." - 00:38:20

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Connect with Chad: @redcollar_retro

Support our sponsor:

Check out SupplyHouse.com for all your electrical and fire protection needs!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes!

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We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇

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