Summary

Mass timber is rapidly emerging as a leading solution for sustainable construction, but adopting new building systems in the AEC industry requires more than advanced materials. It demands new mindsets, stronger collaboration, and leaders willing to challenge traditional industry norms.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity, Ryan Ware sits down with Kristen Slavin, founder of Conifer Advising and a leader in mass timber development, prefab manufacturing, and construction advisory. Kristen shares her journey from sustainable design in Portland to product development in mass timber manufacturing and now advising project teams across the architecture, engineering, and construction ecosystem.

Together, they explore how mass timber is reshaping project delivery, influencing design decisions, financing, insurance considerations, and collaboration across the construction value chain. The conversation highlights key barriers to adoption—including insurance premiums, fragmented delivery models, supply chain misconceptions, and complex building codes—and why managing change across teams is critical to progress.

Listeners will learn how early adopters are accelerating innovation through hands-on training, integrated project teams, and long-term thinking that reduces risk while advancing sustainable building practices.

Whether you're an architect, engineer, contractor, or construction leader, this episode offers practical insights for navigating industry change and leading innovation in sustainable construction.

If you're curious about building stronger leadership around change and helping drive the future of construction, this conversation is a must-listen.

Chapters

• 1:31 - Introduction to Mass Timber
• 11:00 - Kristen's Journey and Early Innovations
• 21:00 - Challenges in Supply Chain and Insurance
• 31:00 - Launching Conifer Advising and Industry Engagement
• 41:00 - Overcoming Industry Resistance
• 51:00 - Future of Mass Timber and Closing Thoughts

Guest

Conifer Advising helps accelerate the adoption of mass timber across real estate, design, and construction. Led by Kristin Slavin, who brings over a decade of experience across development, architecture, construction, and prefabrication, the firm works with developers, institutions, manufacturers, and public agencies to reduce barriers and risk. Through strategic design guidance, industry connections, and market insight, Conifer helps teams deliver innovative, low-carbon buildings more efficiently.

https://www.coniferadvising.com/resources

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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! Follow & 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.

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Summary

Mini Series Part 6: Most industries — especially the construction industry — struggle with change fatigue caused by new technologies, evolving project delivery models, and shifting market demands. Construction leadership must navigate this ongoing transformation effectively through strong change management and fostering resilience.

In this episode of Activating Curiosity, Ryan Ware explores how construction leaders can build a healthier, more resilient relationship with change by applying the Five C’s of Change: Choice, Control, Clarity, Commitment, and Curiosity. These concepts help leaders better understand their past change experiences, manage current challenges, and lead construction teams with confidence.

Whether you’re implementing digital construction tools, embracing modular construction, or focusing on leadership development and change management strategies within the AEC industry, this episode provides valuable insights to reduce resistance, build trust, and cultivate a culture of adaptability. If you're a construction leader, project executive, architect, or engineer looking to enhance your construction leadership skills and lead change with confidence and curiosity, this episode is essential listening.

Chapters

• 1:04 - Building a Stronger Relationship with Change
• 3:27 - Change as a Two-Way Street
• 4:02 - Human-Centered Change in Industry
• 5:14 - Empathy and Leadership Development
• 6:29 - Change as an Experience, Not an Event
• 7:35 - Industry Resistance to Change
• 8:16 - The Five C's of Change
• 16:51 - Building a Stronger Relationship with Change
• 18:26 - Leading Teams Through Change

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

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! Follow & 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.

Summary

In this episode of 'Activating Curiosity | Leading Change in the Construction Industry,' Ryan Ware sits down with Kristin Kautz of JAM Idea Agency to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. They dive into the challenges of change management in construction, including the slow pace of technology adoption and how effective storytelling can overcome resistance to AI integration.

Kristin highlights the importance of curiosity and strong leadership in navigating the evolving AI landscape, stressing that AI is not just a tool but an integral part of modern construction workflows. The conversation also focuses on construction leadership development, emphasizing coaching and training to maintain human agency while leveraging innovative technologies.

Listeners will gain insights on construction leadership clarity, the role of AI in solving industry challenges, and strategies for leading change in construction projects. This episode offers practical tools and perspectives for AEC leaders committed to driving digital construction innovation and sustainability through effective change management.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in AEC Industry

06:00 The Ageless Nature of AI and Its Adoption

11:58 Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption

20:53 AI's Role in Solving Industry Challenges

46:10 Investing in People and Training

01:12:26 Taking the First Steps with AI

Guest

A nationally recognized expert in AI strategy and digital transformation for the AEC industry, Kristin helps firms move beyond hype to practical implementation.

A Fellow of SMPS (FSMPS) and Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM), she works at the intersection of technology, strategy, and industry leadership.

Specializes in AI education, change management, and strategic implementation through her AI First Steps framework. Her Minds & Machines symposiums, AI IQ Community, and consulting services equip firms with the clarity and tools to integrate AI competitively.

Known for her direct, no-nonsense approach, she focuses on the operational shifts AI creates—from decision-making and workforce transformation to contracts and differentiation.

Kristin makes complex topics accessible and actionable, inspiring leaders to think critically, act decisively, and stay ahead in the AI-driven future.

Send us your thoughts, ideas, questions

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! Follow & 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.