Leading Change in Construction: Why Culture Matters, Not Just Technology

Summary 

This episode of Activating Curiosity is for construction and AEC industry leaders navigating ongoing industry change and preparing for what’s next.

Host Ryan Ware sits down with Brian Turmail, Vice President of Image for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), to explore what leading change in the construction industry will require as we move toward 2026 and beyond.

Together, they unpack critical leadership challenges shaping the industry, including workforce shortages, technology adoption, economic uncertainty, and the growing need for collaboration across the AEC ecosystem. The conversation highlights why many change initiatives fail—and why empathy, communication, and human-centered leadership are essential to effective change management in construction.

Ryan and Brian also explore the role of culture, care, and curiosity in building trust, reducing change fatigue, and helping teams adapt in an evolving industry.

If you’re focused on construction leadership development, navigating industry challenges, or leading change with clarity and confidence, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective on the future of construction leadership.

Chapters 

05:00 - Challenges in the Construction Industry

15:00 - The Role of Technology and Innovation 

25:00 - Cultural Shifts and Workforce Development

35:00 - Importance of Human Connection and Empathy

45:00 - Future Outlook and Call to Action

Guest 

Brian’s role is to develop and oversee all public, member and chapter communications, marketing, fundraising and sales activities for the 27,000 member construction trade association. He also oversees the association’s market insights and grassroots activation efforts. And he helps support the association’s workforce development efforts, including advocating for career and technical education funding and immigration reform, executing workforce recruiting campaigns in partnership with AGC chapters, creating workforce development resources for members and organizing the annual National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Development Conference, among other activities.

He is a member of the board of directors of AGC Charities Inc, the association’s charitable arm, where he oversees Operation Opening Doors projects that get volunteer contractors to renovate facilities for worthwhile groups.

Websites 

https://www.agc.org/industry-priorities/project-innovation-delivery

https://buildculture.org/

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

Connective Consulting Group
Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Follow Ryan at the following:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe now and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.

If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.

⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.