Disrupting the Future of Infrastructure: Michele Heyward's DE&I Influence on AEC

Dave Colford is the founder of Vigil Consulting, helping businesses navigate digital transformation and harness the freelance economy by turning emerging workforce trends into actionable, strategic solutions. In this episode, KJ and Dave discuss the transformative impact of the freelance revolution and technological advancements on the traditional employer-employee relationship.    Key Takeaways: 02:16 The Freelance Revolution 03:30 Post-COVID Workforce Changes 14:39 Employer Challenges and Control 21:39 Legal and Compliance Issues 31:16 The Future of Freelance Work   Quote of the Show (3:00): "The balance of power has shifted...now it's a world where the choice belongs to the worker." - Dave Colford   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Dave Colford: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-colford-7467096 X: https://twitter.com/davecolford   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geordy Murphy is the President, Owner, and Operator of Cypress Hospitality Group. His current project, FobeSoft, is a groundbreaking, cloud-based software providing restaurants with daily Profit and Loss updates to help them address issues before they impact the bottom line. In this episode, KJ and Geordy discuss common accounting errors, the impact of real-time financial data, and Geordy’s journey from restaurateur to tech innovator.    Key Takeaways: 02:41 Revolutionizing Restaurant Accounting 06:55 Common Financial Mistakes in Restaurants 09:04 The Importance of Accurate Financial Tracking 17:35 Transforming Managers into Operators   Quote of the Show (18:00): "It's easier to hit the target when you can see it." – Geordy Murphy   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Geordy Murphy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geordy-murphy-055b855/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FobeSoft Company Website: https://www.cypresshospitalitygroup.com/  FobeSoft Website: https://www.fobesoft.com/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dania Shaheen Gutterson is a Senior Director at Bain & Company, a game-changing data platform giving private equity dealmakers a crystal ball for optimizing their M&A outcomes. In this episode, KJ and Dania discuss the evolution from traditional consulting methods to leveraging AI for faster, smarter data insights, highlighting Bain’s innovative platform. Dania shares her journey and passion for disruptive innovation, practical AI applications, and the necessity of challenging the status quo.    Key Takeaways: 03:30 Practical AI in Consulting 04:51 Challenges and Opportunities in AI 10:03 DealEdge: Revolutionizing Private Investment 21:04 Future of Technology and Consulting   Quote of the Show (22:00): "It's not people versus Gen AI. It's people with Gen AI versus Gen AI." – Dania Shaheen Gutterson   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Dania Shaheen Gutterson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshaheen1/ Company Website: http://www.bain.com   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Shannon is an esteemed IT automation professional with over 20 years of experience in advanced technology roles. In this episode, KJ and Doug explore the evolving culture in businesses, the impact of multi-generational workforces, and the critical need for integrating new technologies effectively while maintaining a human touch. Doug also shares practical advice on fostering collaboration and planning for organizational changes in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.   Key Takeaways: 08:29 The Changing Culture in Business 15:02 Planning for Attrition and Automation 21:59 Generational Differences in Data Sharing 23:12 The Future of AI and Human Integration 27:11 The Concept of Explainable AI 29:55 The Importance of Being a Jack of All Trades   Quote of the Show (27:00): “You should be enabling, empowering, and emboldening your employees because they're your first customers.” – Doug Shannon   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Doug Shannon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-shannon/ Company Website: https://www.theiathinktank.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solutionsreview-com/      How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Pruitt is the Chief Growth Officer at SHARx, LLC, a patient advocacy and supply-chain management company addressing the nation’s out-of-control drug prices. In this episode, KJ and Paul explore the importance of moving away from traditional health insurance models and offer insights into creating a more sustainable approach to healthcare.   Key Takeaways: 04:54 The Unsustainable Cost of Medications 09:37 The Role of HR and Financial Leaders 14:19 Opting Out of Traditional Insurance 17:47 The Monopoly of Specialty Pharmacies 21:07 Employer Benefits and Cost Management   Quote of the Show (16:00): "What are we doing using insurance to cover things that we know are going to happen? That's nonsensical." – Paul Pruitt   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Paul Pruitt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpruittjr/ Company Website: https://sharxplan.com/   Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharx-llc/        How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jeremy Frank is a leader in machine health optimization using advanced hardware, software, and AI to enhance industrial and military machinery. In this episode, KJ and Dr. Frank delve into his company’s role in deploying wireless sensors and AI to improve operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The conversation also covers the generational shift in the workforce, the necessity for change management, and the importance of educating and attracting young talent to industrial careers.   Key Takeaways: 04:23 Understanding Industry 4.0 07:31 The Machine Health Problem 20:39 The Importance of Industry Jobs and Cultural Change 25:11 The Role of AI in Industry 27:39 Challenges in Implementing AI and Technology at Scale 32:25 The Future of Industrial Technology and Investment   Quote of the Show (21:00): “Imagine a world where machines could predict their own failures before they even happen. This isn't science fiction. It's a reality made possible by AI.” – Dr. Jeremy Frank   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Dr. Jeremy Frank: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-frank/ Company Website: https://www.kcftech.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcf-technologies/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rick Hammell is the Founder and CEO of Helios, a global workforce management and payments company, Helios. Helios is dedicated to simplifying compliance and enhancing efficiency, regardless of entity registration or talent status. In this episode, KJ and Rick delve into Rick's inspiration from Greek mythology for Helios, the importance of disrupting the status quo, the significant impact of AI in HR processes, and key pain points in global employment compliance.   Key Takeaways: 03:42 Creating Equitable Opportunities Globally 07:22 Challenges of Global Hiring 14:12 Direct Employer Model and Compliance 23:19 Automating HR Tasks with One Click 23:34 Flexibility and Multilingual Contracts 24:22 Strategic HR Initiatives Post-Covid 25:18 Efficiency Gains and Time Savings 26:33 Building a Global HR Platform 27:41 Empowering Businesses with Technology   Quote of the Show (17:00): "It's about creating a level playing field so that everyone can compete in the global market." – Rick Hammell   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Rick Hammell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhammell/    X: https://twitter.com/rhammellHR Company Website: https://www.helios.io/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heliosio/     How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tharun Mohan is the Founder, President & CEO, of Quantum Strides LLC, an IBM Sustainability Software Business Partner specializing in solutions for Real Estate & Asset Management, Capital Projects, Space & Move Management, Operations & Maintenance, and Sustainability. In this episode, KJ and Mohan discuss the importance of empathy and understanding unmet needs for disruptive innovation. Mohan shares how optimizing workspace and asset management by using AI and technology can offer advanced technology to mid-market companies at a fraction of the cost.   Key Takeaways: 02:59 The Importance of Workspace Management Systems 05:06 Quantum Strides LLC: Revolutionizing Real Estate Management 07:15 Post-COVID Workspace Challenges and Solutions 14:34 The Future of Office Spaces 16:27 Making Technology Accessible for Mid-Market Companies     Quote of the Show (26:00): "True disruption stems from empathy." - Tharun Mohan   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Tharun Mohan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tharun-mohan-9293041/ Company Website: https://www.quantumstrides.com Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quantum-strides-llc/      How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avetis Antaplyan is the Founder & CEO of HIRECLOUT, a two-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing company. HIRECLOUT is the premier Tech Recruiting and Consulting firm focused on building relationships that deliver results, by empowering people and organizations. In this episode, KJ and Avetis explore the shift from a candidate-driven to a company-driven market and the new norm of hybrid work models. Avetis shares strategies for staying ahead by embracing disruptive innovation, highlighting the importance of hiring during economic downturns.   Key Takeaways: 05:40 Challenges and Strategies in Tech Recruitment 06:43 The Impact of Economic Shifts on Recruitment 07:17 Lessons from Past Recessions 08:31 The Role of Leadership During Crises   Quote of the Show (21:00): "It's not just about who you hire, but who you don't hire." - Avetis Antaplyan   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Avetis Antaplyan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright/  X:  https://twitter.com/hireclout Company Website: https://hireclout.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireclout/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tatyana Mamut is the Founder & CEO of Wayfound.ai, a management platform for AI agents that helps to build, analyze, and supervise AI agents across the enterprise to autonomously and effectively deliver organizational goals. In this episode, KJ and Tatyana critique social media's toxic influences while emphasizing human potential and societal implications of AI. The discussion covers the transformative impact of AI, the necessity of integrating humanities into tech innovation, and the crucial role of adaptability and cooperation in technological revolutions.   Key Takeaways: 07:01 The Impact of Social Media 12:34 The Future of AI and Human Jobs 19:56 Experimenting with New Paradigms 21:52 The Importance of Experimentation and Failure 23:18 Empowering Business Innovators   Quote of the Show (16:00): "What I really believe is that technology is one of the driving forces for human evolution." – Tatyana Mamut   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Tatyana Mamut:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmamut/   X: https://twitter.com/tmamut Company Website: https://www.wayfound.ai/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayfound-ai/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.