EP 72: How Sept. 14, 1995 Shapes MY Perspective

30 years ago today, I woke up to the sound of my roommate screaming in the middle of the night. That moment changed me, and it shapes how I advocate for safety in the workplace. In this episode, I share the story of that night, how it shaped certain aspects of my life, and how I bring that experience to work when advocating for workplace safety. This episode is meant to highlight why open communication and mutual understanding are essential for fostering a culture of collaboration at work.Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

Today's chat is with Sharron Halpert, founder of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron not only leads the "Build Better Crew" but is also the creator of the Firestop Coffee Break trainings. As we talk about her career and life experiences, learn how Sharron went from vagabond to passionate advocate for fire safety.Let's dive into her journey, explore her passion for fire safety, and learn how proactive training can not only empower leaders and workers but ultimately enhance project integrity. Let’s make our industry safer—together!PS... if you're a subscriber of the 14%ers, you can snag a special discount on her trainings through the coupon code inside your July 2025 14%ers box!If you find value in this episode, be sure to share it with your network!Build Better Crew Agenda and signup linkFirestop Coffee Break Training LinkHalpert Life Safety Consulting Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

In this special episode I take you behind the scenes of the July 14%ers Box. If you’re new to the 14%ers community, this box is a quarterly subscription curated specifically for women in construction—packed with gear that fits, swag we will actually use, and a sense of belonging for Women in Construction.I will walk you through the thought process behind each carefully selected item from the July 2025 box meant to support women in both the field and the office.Already a subscriber? Now you can experience the unboxing on the go—no screen required! Not a subscriber yet? Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the Anniversary box goes on sale.Rather WATCH the Live Unboxing? Click HERE.Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

In this Mental Health Awareness series, we're tackling a crucial topic: mental health in the construction industry, where suicide rates are alarmingly high.This episode's guest is Dr. Ashley Smith, a renowned psychologist and speaker with profound expertise in mental health awareness and known for her book, *"The Way I See It".Dr. Ashley breaks down the two main pathways of suicidal ideation; Gradual Despair and Abrupt Crisis. She also dives into myths around suicide, the role language plays in promoting understanding and compassion around suicide, and she provides practical steps and resources for those wanting to be part of the solution.🌟Remember, a simple check-in can make a world of difference. Your voice matters—start the conversations, check in on colleagues, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.Get a free chapter of Dr. Ashley's book when you subscribe to her monthly newsletter: www.drashleysmith.com/subscribeSuicide-related articles by Dr. Ashley:"How to Talk about Suicide, from a Psychologist Who Lost a Loved One""What I Wish Everyone Knew About Suicide""My Suicide Notes"Articles about mental health more broadly"Rethinking Mental Health"Dr. Ashley's BLOGLooking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

Part TWO of my conversation with Lea Rummel on Mental Health Awareness and will remind you that behind every project, REAL PEOPLE face significant challenges. Lea talks about creative approaches, such as:➡️ placing mental health resource cards in portable toilets ➡️and integrating education into first aid training to demonstrate a company or project's dedication to making mental health support accessible and relatable.Let’s break the stigma and equip ourselves with the knowledge to support one another.  Where to find Lea:Instagram, Watch her story HEREMental Health Resources:Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP)National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health by Ken Duckworth, MD You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health by Christine M. Crawford, MDLooking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

Lea Rummel, a Mental Health Advocate and Electrical Estimator with Rudolph and Sletten dives into her INSPIRING career journey from a temporary front desk assistant to a key player in Preconstruction. We also discuss her personal experiences and how they have fueled her passion for Mental Health Awareness. the need is urgent to create open channels for discussion, accessible resources, and support systems in order to confront the mental health stigma within our industry. Join us for this two-part series, where we aim to make our industry safer for everyone. Remember, being open about mental health can save lives! Let's work together to change the narrative. 💪💚 Where to find Lea:LinkedIn, Instagram, Watch her story HEREMental Health Resources:988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineGet Construction TalkingWhy Workplace Wellbeing Matters: The Science Behind Employee Happiness and Organizational Performance by Jan-Emmanuel De Neve & George WardLooking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

Where did the idea for the 14%ers Subscription Box come from? What crazy things happened between the first idea and shipping the first box? Who is helping out behind the scenes? What vendors have I partnered with? If you are interested in the answers to any of these questions, THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU!Join HERE to Join the Waitlist before the next box goes on sale!Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

Rebecca Heustess is a talented tile setter with Grazzini Brothers and the president of her local NAWIC chapter. With over 17 years of experience in the construction industry, Rebecca has NOW made the decision to transition into leadership which her company leaders have been urging her to do for quite awhile. Transitioning into leadership can be daunting. Rebecca utilized the NAWIC Leadership Academy sponsored by Ambition Theory to help get her there. Learn her story and more about the Leadership Academy in this episode. NEXT COHORT STARTS APRIL 28TH, 2025!Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

In this interview with Structural Construction Manager, Casey Hoyt, he dives into actionable steps men can take to promote inclusivity in the workplace, from mindful language to raising awareness about the benefits of diversity around both plan tables and conference room tables. Heartfelt anecdotes about his journey, the role of mentors, being a girl dad, and the influence of strong women in his life provide a personal touch and underscore the importance of advocacy.This episode can also be found in the 2025 WIC Week Audio Summit. Click HERE to get access to the full Audio Summit titled "Women in Construction...from the Guy's Perspective".To hear more about the Sami Wallace, the female Sr. Superintendent that Casey talks about in this interview, check out Episode 35.Looking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!

Lia Lamela is a trailblazing electrician whose journey from adversity to empowerment is nothing short of impressive. She shares her personal story of overcoming domestic violence and how an all-women apprenticeship program opened doors for her as an electrician. This conversation emphasizes the impact of how female camaraderie in this industry can transform jobsites and offices and create a sense of belonging that moves women forward.Listen to Lia's Podcast: The Sparky Life PodcastLearn more about the services Lia provides through: Sparky Life SolutionsLooking for a Construction Industry Speaker that has Real Construction Experience? Someone your audience can truly relate to? Check out my Keynotes at ConstructionBarb.com and let's start a conversation to ensure your next event gets rave reviews! [email protected] you heard of the 14%ers Quarterly Subscription box curated SPECIFICALLY for Women in Construction? Join the email list to Learn More and be the FIRST TO KNOW when the NEXT 14%ers box goes on sale!