Open Sky Education’s Post

What do Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Kiewit have in common? The answer is that all three started out with humble beginnings, and eventually rose to success. I’ve told the story here about how Larry Bird and Magic Johnson both rode a garbage truck in their hometowns before they went on to become legends in both college and professional basketball. But there’s also a significant segment of Kiewit leadership, not to mention the company itself, that followed a similar trajectory. Before ascending to higher roles in the company, quite a few Kiewit leaders and executives started out as craft laborers and worked their way up. And even though Kiewit has become one of the largest construction and engineering firms in North America, the company started out as a small masonry contractor out of Omaha. Kiewit grew incrementally over a long period of time before things started to boom. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson stood out as players because they excelled at passing the ball. By involving everyone in the game, they inspired their teammates and earned respect as leaders. In the same vein, Kiewit has developed a culture that values craft labor. People from modest backgrounds can advance to run major projects, and they are given the training and experience to get them there. It goes to show that the path to excellence can start with humble beginnings.

I’ve had a such wonderful time these past three years consulting with #DesignAssemblyArchitects, learning from one of the best architects in this country - Architect Morrison Wachira, whom I met at #BowmanAssociatesArchitects. I’ve been privileged to have a wonderful platform to lead projects, maximize learning and mentor other young and upcoming architects. It’s amazing how much time we spend with our colleagues, and how much they become a huge part of our lives. Humanizing the workplace has had huge benefits. Most importantly I have learned that the ability to express and expose, in words and behavior, who we really are and what we genuinely think and feel has a positive impact on our performance and fulfillment as human beings. As Brené Brown describes it #vulnerability is actually the root of authentic #leadership and meaningful connection, fostering creativity, understanding and collaboration, all of which are key to an Architect’s Profession. It’s been a great journey and as I turn the page to my next chapter, I can’t help but cherish the times spent and relationships fostered.

Meet Chris 👷♂️ – Our leader at Octane Construction. With years of experience and a knack for solving the toughest construction puzzles, Chris embodies our ethos of 'team before self'. Discover how his leadership is revolutionising the way we build - please connect with Chris Quinn MCIOB and let's make your project happen. #MeetTheTeam #LeadershipMatters"

Join us on May 22nd for Architecture Uncensored: The Power of Negotiating in Self-Advocacy. Register today: https://buff.ly/3yfbqda Architecture Uncensored is an annual series organized by the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee that discusses challenging topics within our profession. This event encourages interactive and lively conversations between emerging professionals and firm leaders as we dive into questions we often find challenging to discuss in our offices. Part 1 of our series will focus on how emerging professionals can find their value in the early stages of their careers and the current state of our market. In this challenging economic climate, emerging professionals are looking to understand how they can negotiate for themselves, find supportive mentors, and be intentional with their work-life balance to manage burnout. Panelists representing a range of leadership, experience, firm size, project type, and daily practice will discuss how emerging professionals can advocate for and understand their value in a difficult market.

Saying "yes" doesn't mean agreeing to every request or idea blindly. It means being open to exploring possibilities, encouraging creative solutions, and fostering an environment where employees feel valued and heard. This approach not only boosts morale but also drives innovation by allowing new ideas to surface and evolve. #BusinessSuccess #Leadership #GrowthMindset #ListenToAudioOneFYI Forbes Listen to AudioOne FYI: https://go.shr.lc/4dhuh7t

Toronto State of the Market is finally here, and I'm delighted to be sharing our latest insights on the Developer's Outlook panel. #Survivetil25 or #Buymorein24

Start small. Build momentum. Achieve transformation. A great reminder for both CEOs and anyone looking to introduce significant change in their business, career, or life. #transformation #changemanagement #leadership #executivecoaching #ClubLeaderSHIP

Technical or management?" mused the engineer, pondering the career crossroads as Hamlet did life itself. To delve deeper into the realm of innovation or to ascend the ladder of leadership? Each path holds its query of existence and purpose in the engineering odyssey. #ToBeOrNotToBe #CareerCrossroads #EngineersDilemma

Well well Gianluca .. Shawn Allen couldn't have picked better.. I'm sure you'll professionally tell it like it is..while keeping the jokes clean.. 😉 #developer #construction #planning #design #affordablehousing #affordablerentals #realestate #commercialrealestate #condos #realestateindustry #interestrates #loaninterest #inflation

A shift toward purpose-driven board leadership has the potential to lead us toward a more equitable future as a society. Discover a new governing mindset from our fundamentals guide, Putting Purpose First.