The Leadership and Learning Podcast

The Leadership and Learning Podcast is a professional development resource for the building materials industry. The target audience is for all levels of leaders in any industry. However, it is definitely the podcast for you if you’re an emerging leader or involved in managing / leading anyone in the building material industry. You will benefit from this podcast if you’re in manufacturing, distribution, sales, accounting, human resources, customer service or technical support or active. Industry associations, college and high school students will also benefit from the lessons shared in this podcast. We will bring you an abundance of valuable leadership content. We’ll do this by bringing you recorded conversations on leadership lessons and insights from various building material industry leaders, industry legends and subject matter experts. On occasion, the host, Randy Goruk will share his leadership experiences and expertise by offering you relevant and actionable leadership tips to elevate your individual and team’s performance. The Leadership and Learning Podcast is all about helping you become a more effective leader by learning from others in the building material industry.

Episode #151 - Raising Your Hand: Key to Career Growth with Dennis Bott, North American Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Element 5 12/02/2025

Episode #151 - Raising Your Hand: Key to Career Growth with Dennis Bott, North American Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Element 5 In this inspiring episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Dennis Bott, North American Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Element 5. Dennis shares his remarkable journey from working in a family-owned lumber yard to becoming a leader in the mass timber industry. He discusses how “raising your hand” and how stepping up for new opportunities while embracing lifelong learning has propelled his career forward. With actionable advice for both emerging and seasoned professionals, this episode offers valuable insights into advancing your career, building strong teams, and making a meaningful impact in your organization. You will also learn: · The value of “raising your hand” by volunteering for new challenges and opportunities, even when they’re outside your comfort zone. · How a willingness to learn and adapt creates personal and professional growth. · How to navigate difficult career transitions. · How to leverage setbacks as learning opportunities. · The importance of continuous learning, seeking feedback, and embracing mentorship. · Approaches for supporting, motivating, and coaching team members with varying aspirations and comfort levels. · Why cultivating a diverse, supportive team culture helps everyone thrive. · How storytelling and open feedback can inspire, teach, and drive results in leadership. · The necessity of learning from mistakes and adapting quickly to changing circumstances. · Practical tips for team communication and staying organized in a fast-paced environment. · Advice for younger professionals. Website: LinkedIn Profile: /episode/index/show/leadersedge360/id/39235420

Episode #150 – Thriving Through Change with Mark Scambray, President, Structural Resource Group. 11/19/2025

Episode #149 – Women and Leadership in Construction with Dr. Gretchen Gagel 11/11/2025

Episode #148 - Engaging Teams for Continuous Improvement with Steve Harms, General Manager Builders First Source 10/23/2025

Episode #147 – AI in Manufacturing with Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys 10/16/2025

Episode #146 – Improving Communication in Construction with Daniel McCaulley Director of Engineering and Business Development - Ultimus Engineering 10/09/2025

Episode #146 – Improving Communication in Construction with Daniel McCaulley Director of Engineering and Business Development - Ultimus Engineering In this episode of the Leadership in Learning podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Daniel McCauley, Director of Engineering and Business Development for Ultimus Engineering. They dive into the critical role of effective communication in high-performing construction and engineering teams, exploring how miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes, project delays, and safety issues. Daniel shares insights from his diverse career; from his early passion for sports and competition to his leadership roles in large corporations and eventually founding his own engineering firm. The conversation covers adapting communication styles for different stakeholders, the value and limitations of personality assessments, building and nurturing professional relationships, and practical strategies for improving communication within teams and across industries. Listeners will learn: · Actionable tips for young professionals, leaders, engineers, and anyone looking to foster stronger collaboration and more successful project outcomes. · The critical role of effective communication in preventing costly mistakes and delays in engineering and construction projects. · How communication styles differ among engineers, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders and why adaptability is essential. · The value and appropriate use of personality assessments to improve team understanding and communication. · The importance of clarifying assumptions and questions to avoid misunderstandings and errors. · How joining organizations like Toastmasters can enhance public speaking and leadership skills. · Practical advice for non-engineers (e.g., contractors, subcontractors) on how to communicate more effectively with technical teams. · Common mistakes leaders make in sharing too much or too little information, and how to find the right balance. · Why building and nurturing professional relationships is vital for career growth and project success. · Actionable networking tactics, such as using reminders and keeping in touch intentionally, to maintain connections. · The mindset of continuous learning and being open to feedback to improve communication outcomes. Daniel McCaulley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmccaulley/ Website: www.UltimusEngineering.com Phone: 972-825-7741 /episode/index/show/leadersedge360/id/38527085

Episode #145 – Job Search Challenges and Strategies with Dennis Schleder 10/01/2025

Episode #144 – Learn – Do - Mentor with Leadership Development Expert and Author David Graddy 09/10/2025

Episode #143 - Tackle Heat Stress Now: Crucial Insights with Ergodyne Product Manager, Lexi Engelbart 08/27/2025

Episode #143 - Tackle Heat Stress Now: Crucial Insights with Ergodyne Product Manager, Lexi Engelbart In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk visits with Lexi Engelbart, Product Manager Ergodyne. Lexi also serves as Vice Chair of the International Safety Equipment Association’s Heat Stress Product Group and is a leading expert in heat safety. Together, they explore the serious risks of heat stress in various industries and discuss why prevention is more important than ever in today’s changing climate. Listeners will discover the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, practical strategies for prevention, and the latest innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), including new technologies designed to keep workers safe and comfortable. Lexi shares her journey into the world of safety, debunks common myths, and offers actionable advice for building a workplace culture where reporting heat stress is encouraged. Whether you’re a safety leader, supervisor, or simply interested in protecting yourself, your employees and your loved ones from extreme heat, this episode delivers essential insights and real-world solutions for staying safe and productive in hot environments. In this episode you will learn: What heat stress is and why it’s a serious safety concern in multiple industries. The signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, from heat rash to heat stroke. The impact of heat stress on productivity, decision-making, and worker safety. The importance of acclimatization for new or returning workers in hot environments. Common myths and misconceptions about working in heat and available solutions. Practical prevention strategies. Innovations in heat mitigation products. How to balance comfort, durability, and cost when selecting PPE. The importance of building a workplace culture where workers feel comfortable reporting heat stress symptoms. How education and ongoing conversation are key to improving heat safety. The evolving landscape of heat stress prevention. Tips that apply not just at work, but also at home. Website: Lexie Engelbart on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/leadersedge360/id/37977800