Essential Skills for Executive Leadership in Construction Management with John Atherton

What does it really take to become an executive in construction?

In this powerful episode of Just a Girl in Construction, host Cory Fisk sits down with John Atherton, project executive at Bernards, to unpack what leadership looks like from the top. From superintendent to project manager to executive, John brings deep insights into navigating career transitions, cultivating emotional intelligence, and building trust-driven teams.

They explore why communication—not just strategy—is the foundation of successful executive leadership. John also opens up about the importance of mentorship, his approach to team culture, and the very real software gaps construction pros still face today. Plus, hear why he believes women are essential to the future of the industry—and how he's helping shape that future.

Don’t miss this masterclass in modern leadership, culture-building, and career growth in construction. Watch the full episode now: https://youtu.be/mM5OHBsApwM

#JustAGirlInConstruction #CoryFisk #JohnAtherton #ConstructionLeadership #WomenInConstruction #ExecutiveInsights #ConstructionCareers #MentorshipMatters #EmotionalIntelligence #ConstructionTech #BernardsConstruction

00:00 Navigating the Construction Industry's Challenges

01:31 Path to Executive Leadership

04:12 Transitioning Roles: From Superintendent to Executive

06:28 The Importance of Mentorship in Leadership

10:05 Building Relationships in Construction

12:51 Personal Connections: Balancing Professionalism and Empathy

17:36 Empowering Employees for Growth

19:54 Education and Training in Construction

24:19 The Role of Mentorship Across Generations

27:37 Corporate vs. Employee-Owned Companies

30:55 Software Integration Challenges in Construction

36:55 The Future of AI in Construction

40:43 Essential Skills for Aspiring Executives

44:54 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

49:51 Women in Construction: Breaking Barriers