Leadership is a Contact Sport: Crystal Drake - School Board President, Glades County School District
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
Release Date: 02/18/2025
Leadership is a Contact Sport: Richard Gay - Executive Director of Business Services, Fort Bend ISD
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
Join CEO Steve Harper as he sits down with Richard Gay, a former military officer turned procurement leader at Fort Bend ISD, for an inspiring episode of "Leadership is a Contact Sport." Richard shares his unique journey from artillery officer to innovative school district administrator, revealing how he adapted his leadership style from military directive approaches to servant leadership in public education. In this engaging conversation, Richard discusses his "FIT" leadership philosophy - being Fair, Inclusive, and Transparent - and shares powerful stories from his military service,...
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Women in Construction: Breaking Barriers & Building Futures with Jamie Cox
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
What does it take to thrive as a woman in construction? The Women in Construction Series aims to provide answers and motivate aspiring leaders in construction, fresh graduates exploring career options, or women considering a career shift. Here, we feature trailblazing female leaders making a difference in the construction industry. Listen as Steve Harper gives the spotlight to Jamie Cox, the Capital Projects Manager at Colorado Mesa University. Jamie shares her incredible journey from what influenced her childhood interests, studying environmental design and architecture, to leading...
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The Truth About Women in Construction: Interview with Architect Emily Stout
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
Get to know Emily Stout, a licensed architect working for New Mexico State Parks and an inspiring leader, as she chats with Steve Harper about her bold, non-traditional leap into the world of architecture and construction. From breaking barriers as a woman in construction to navigating the rise of AI and automation, Emily brings fresh insights into what it really takes to thrive in this evolving industry. They dig into everything from the importance of mentorship and owner engagement to the power of confidence in shaping your own career path. Emily also pointed out the shifts in the...
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The Role of the Owner in Construction: Episode 1 - Beyond Writing Checks – Redefining the Owner’s Role
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
Welcome to Episode 1 of The Role of the Owner in Construction, a podcast series that redefines what it really means to lead a successful construction project. Hosted by Steve Harper, CEO and Founder of Owner Insite, this episode dives into a much-needed conversation: the owner’s role isn’t just about signing checks—it’s about steering vision, managing risk, and holding teams accountable. In “Beyond Writing Checks,” Steve challenges the outdated perception of passive ownership and outlines what it takes to be a proactive, effective leader in construction. From real-world anecdotes...
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Leadership is a Contact Sport: Joseph Rockett - Construction Project Manager, Irving ISD
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
Another incredible guest joins us for an insight-packed Leadership Is A Contact Sport episode. Tune in as Owner Insite’s CEO, Steve Harper, interviews Joseph Rockett, the Construction Project Manager at Irving ISD. With a wide range of experiences encompassing Architecture and Education, Joseph Rockett offers the best of both worlds. Why keep watching? Steve and Joseph discussed pressing matters such as having a clear vision for school districts and finding your “tribe” to create a harmonious working process for overall success. Don’t miss out on gaining valuable information from...
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Leadership is a Contact Sport: Crystal Drake - School Board President, Glades County School District
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
In this episode, host Steve Harper welcomes Crystal Drake, School Board President of Glades County School District, to discuss the challenges and leadership dynamics within education today. A former teacher, Crystal shares her personal journey from banking to the classroom and ultimately to the school board, highlighting how her experiences shape her leadership approach. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of active listening, staying connected to the classroom, and fostering trust between school board members and superintendents. Crystal also offers practical advice for...
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Leadership is a Contact Sport: Glenn Jarrett - Director of Construction and Facilities, Alief ISD
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
Glenn Jarrett, Director of Construction and Facilities at Alief ISD, joins Steve Harper in this episode of "Leadership is a Contact Sport." With years of experience navigating the complexities of educational construction projects, Glenn opens up about his leadership philosophy, the power of adaptability, and the importance of trust in team dynamics. From handling challenges in a post-COVID world to fostering innovation and collaboration, Glenn offers actionable insights for leaders in any field.
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Women In Construction Series ft. Gina Koert, President and Co-Founder of Bell SPI
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
In this empowering episode of the Women in Construction Series, we sit down with Gina Koert, co-founder of Bell SPI, a thriving commercial painting company based in Denver, Colorado. Gina shares her unconventional journey into the family business, her rise as a leader in the male-dominated construction industry, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating high-pressure environments to embracing flexibility and growth, Gina offers invaluable insights for women and men looking to make an impact in construction. Tune in to hear her story of resilience, strategy, and unwavering...
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Leadership is a Contact Sport: Dr. Joe Harrington - Superintendent, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
In this episode of Leadership is a Contact Sport, host Steve Harper welcomes Dr. Joe Harrington, superintendent of Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. Dr. Joe shares his leadership journey, offering practical insights into how he navigates challenges and drives excellence in one of Texas's most dynamic school districts. Hear about: How his coaching background shapes his leadership style. The importance of trust, continuous improvement, and community engagement. Lessons learned from managing a district through growth and financial challenges. Dr. Joe’s passion for education and his belief in the...
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Leadership is a Contact Sport: Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis - Superintendent, Diamond Lake District 76
The Owner Insite Construction Podcast
Dr. Sharma-Lewis, Superintendent of Diamond Lake District 76 in Mundelein, Illinios, and adjunct professor at Concordia University in Chicago, is a powerhouse in school district leadership, having served as superintendent across three different districts. Dr. Sharma-Lewis’ story is one of resilience, transformation, and leading with authenticity. From facing challenges early in her career, to rebuilding her personal and professional brand, Dr. Sharma-Lewis is a beacon of hope and innovation in education. Tune in to this episode to hear about Dr. Sharma-Lewis’ lessons in...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Steve Harper welcomes Crystal Drake, School Board President of Glades County School District, to discuss the challenges and leadership dynamics within education today. A former teacher, Crystal shares her personal journey from banking to the classroom and ultimately to the school board, highlighting how her experiences shape her leadership approach.
Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of active listening, staying connected to the classroom, and fostering trust between school board members and superintendents. Crystal also offers practical advice for new superintendents navigating board relationships and shares the unexpected lessons she learned transitioning from teaching to governance.
This episode is filled with valuable insights on leadership, communication, and school culture—a must-listen for education leaders, administrators, and aspiring board members looking to create positive change in their districts. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation on what it takes to lead effectively in education today.