Ep. - 7: Construction chat with Michele Heyward (Positive Hire)

In the AEC space, where Architecture, Engineering and Construction converge, diversity remains a challenge, particularly for women and Black individuals. This reality is further highlighted by Michele Heyward, one of the few Black women who has carved a successful path in construction leadership.

Our podcast dives deep into this conversation with Michele Heyward, owner and CEO of Positive Hire. Together, we shed light on the cultural hurdles that hinder the retention of women and minorities in construction. These obstacles often include lack of mentorship, unprofessional conduct, and an overall pressure to conform.

Positive Hire combats these issues head-on by connecting Black, Latina, and Indigenous women in science, engineering and technology with leadership opportunities in construction. Additionally, they equip AEC organizations with the tools they need to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive work environment through training and consulting services. Social media emerges as a double-edged sword in this episode. While it serves as a powerful platform to promote construction careers and expose safety violations, Michele Heyward underscores the importance of exercising caution when using it. Safety remains a constant thread throughout the conversation, with Michele emphasizing the significance of safety training and adhering to established protocols.

Join us as we explore the vast and fulfilling career paths construction offers! Our guest, Michele Heyward, a frontrunner in the AEC space, dismantles the myth that construction is solely a realm of manual labor. We delve into a range of construction careers, from project coordinator to engineer and even marketing specialist. We will also explore how to leverage transferable skills from other industries and navigate the landscape of training and development opportunities in construction. Finally, we will address the pressing need to create a more inclusive space for individuals from all walks of life. Michele Heyward's unwavering passion for fostering a positive and inclusive work environment in construction shines through her work. As the founder of Positive Hire, a software solution designed for talent management, her dedication to empowering individuals to find fulfilling careers in construction is embodied in the very core of her company. This episode is a goldmine of information for anyone considering a career in construction, or for those simply eager to learn more about this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

00:00 Introduction

09:00 Industry, change and culture

15:00 Gen Z

19:00 Construction and safety

26:30 Michele’s early life

34:00 Diversity and construction

41:20 Gen X and Gen Z

57:20 Family and construction

01:14:20 Michele’s advice

01:10:00 Outro

Check out our other videos:

1. Everything Construction Corner Ep. 14 | Jenna Sholinder

https://www.youtube.com/live/KdYqMgnJYT8?si=7JjQyhcG2MESqS2Q

2. GloJoy's Everything Construction Corner Ep. 3

https://www.youtube.com/live/2Br2XIGz864?si=YMyHGEnxufQts2n5

3. Everything Construction Corner Ep. 12 | Saskia Van Den Berghe

https://www.youtube.com/live/jm13McfqBvo?si=As3NLz85g-5bPoIH

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