Jaidev Sankar, Transit Strategy and Growth Lead for the US East and LATAM of AECOM, reflects on a career shaped by mega projects, public-sector leadership and a willingness to say yes. He shares lessons from the Big Dig — the Second Avenue Subway — and his time on the owner side at Amtrak, offering a candid look at how collaboration, trust and emerging delivery models are reshaping rail and transit programs.

Join us as Anthony Pastore, East Regional Director of STV, reflects on a career built through persistence, trust and leadership. Anthony shares his path from union carpentry to leading some of New York City’s most complex public works projects, including the World Trade Center. He discusses why communication, decision making and investing in people matter more than titles and how construction remains a powerful way to serve communities.

Jared Green, Principal and Vice President of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, reflects on a 23-year career in geotechnics shaped by early STEM curiosity, steady mentorship and community service. He shares why AEC can feel intimidating at first yet stays welcoming, how practical math and science teaching excites students and how leaders build safe rooms where new voices grow.

On this episode, Eric Alemany, Senior Director, Supplier Relationship Management of the New York Power Authority, shares his 27-year journey in public power. We cover how supplier relationships drive execution, why patience and resilience matter, and how NYPA supports communities through accessibility, diversity and forward-looking energy initiatives.

Ahad Ghadimi, CEO and Founder of forums@work, discusses vulnerability, psychological safety and the story behind his book “Turnaround Artist: A True-Story about Creating Great Workplace Culture in 11 Steps.”

In today’s discussion, we uncover Ahad’s entrepreneurial roots, we look at culture change in practice and delve into how peer forums strengthen trust and communication across teams.

Jessica Sherman, Vice Chair and Principal of The Douglaston Companies, discusses family-rooted leadership, community-first development and how character, accountability and partnerships shape impact in New York real estate.

In this episode, Michael Shamma, New York Metro Executive of TYLin, talks about leading major infrastructure projects in New York. He shares the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks, the mentors who shaped his leadership and how engineering can connect communities and improve lives. Michael also shares insights on moving between public and private sectors, navigating organizational change and how technology can expand opportunities for the next generation.

Milo Riverso, Senior Advisor to the President and Board of Manhattan University, reflects on leadership lessons, career insights and the challenges facing higher education and the construction industry. Milo traces his path from working construction as a child to leading major organizations, offering guidance for the next generation of industry professionals.

Vlada Kenniff, President of New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, discusses her journey from Uzbekistan to New York City and her leadership in sustainability, resiliency and affordable housing. Vlada talks to us about the creation of the Trust, the challenges of preserving public housing and the importance of resident engagement in shaping better communities.

Raffaela Dunne, Regional Institutional Market Director of VHB, shares her career journey, insights on public-private partnerships and perspectives on shaping healthcare and higher education infrastructure. Raffaela discusses mentorship, leadership and the importance of simplifying complexity in large-scale projects.

Joanne Iddon, Principal - Regional Service Leader (Project and Program Management) of Arup, has over three decades of experience in structural engineering, owner representation and program leadership across the UK and North America. She discusses the contrasts between public and private sector work, the rise of alternative delivery models like design-build, and how political cycles, funding and stakeholder engagement influence major infrastructure programs. Joanne also highlights the importance of collaboration, embracing technology and encouraging early-career exploration to build resilient teams and successful projects.

Amanda Rogers, Director of Construction and Chief of Construction - Aviation of  The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, shares insights from her career leading complex transportation and infrastructure projects. Amanda highlights lessons on resilience, collaboration and the importance of mentorship and workforce development, while showing how leadership and adaptability drive success across projects of all scales.

We’re joined by Guy Geier, Senior Partner at FXCollaborative, who shares insights from a distinguished career in architecture spanning decades of transformative urban design and sustainability.

Guy discusses FXCollaborative’s recent merger with Lemay, the cultural alignment that made it possible, and why inspiring community through architecture is central to his purpose. From reimagining the Javits Center to building lasting partnerships like the one behind Calvary Baptist’s new facility on 57th Street, Guy emphasizes legacy, mentorship and design’s societal impact.

Today, we’re joined by Eleftherios Pittas, Senior Director of Design and Construction of Tishman Speyer. Eleftherios shares his background in civil engineering and how it shaped his approach to real estate development and problem-solving. He highlights the value of community engagement, volunteerism and cross-functional collaboration in delivering meaningful, resilient projects. 

From navigating regulatory complexity to redesigning buildings mid-construction, Eleftherios explains how a growth mindset and team support can carry you through the most challenging builds. He also reflects on career advice for the next generation and the importance of staying curious beyond your own discipline.

Elizabeth Crowley, President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA), joins us to discuss leadership in the construction industry, mental health advocacy, safety reform and the power of union solidarity. Drawing from her personal journey from art restoration to union painter to NYC Councilmember, Elizabeth brings a unique perspective to the work of building resilient communities and infrastructure.

We’re joined by Delia Riggi, Associate Vice President and Program Manager of HNTB. Delia shares her journey from growing up in a third-generation family business to managing major public infrastructure programs. She reflects on how early influences, demanding work experiences and community engagement have shaped her leadership style. Delia also underscores the value of mentorship, communication and industry participation for professionals at every stage of their careers.

Luis Delgado, President of the Construction Management Division of STV, joins us for this episode.

He shares his journey from recovering architect to executive leader, highlighting the pivotal moments and choices that shaped his career. He reflects on the value of communication, the lessons he learned without a formal mentor, and how technology and mentorship are shaping the future of construction management. He also emphasizes leaving a legacy through infrastructure and the importance of curiosity in career development.

We’re joined by Tom Giordano, General Manager, New York Region of Suffolk Construction. Tom shares his journey from practicing law to leading one of the most innovative construction firms in the country. He reflects on leadership lessons, workforce development challenges and the role of technology in building both structures and people.

Join us for a conversation with Joseph Pizzurro, SVP and Northeast Regional Manager of VHB. Joseph reflects on his path from manual drafting to executive leadership and how VHB is driving impact across public and private markets through innovation, strategic planning and a commitment to shaping how people live, move and connect.

Michael Gargiulo, President of Citnalta Construction Corp., reflects on his journey from laborer to leader. He shares lessons from building community-first projects, navigating public sector complexities and growing into executive leadership. Michael also offers candid advice on mentorship, career development and the value of humility, curiosity and experience in shaping both projects and people.