The Rethink Series is a leadership roundtable series by Ambition Theory, created to spark bold, necessary conversations about the future of leadership in construction.
As the industry shifts in real time, these sessions surface the questions companies need to be asking—and the kind of leadership it will take to move forward.
Rooted in insights from our Building Better research and real-world work with construction companies, each roundtable challenges outdated norms and explores what’s possible when we rethink how we define, select, and support leaders.
These aren’t surface-level conversations. They’re a chance to see your company, your people, and your path forward in a new light.
Next Session
Beyond the Labor Shortage: Are We Developing the Leaders We Need?
Aug 26, 2026 | 12 PM ET | Virtual Roundtable
Much of the conversation around the construction industry’s labor shortage centers on workforce development and recruitment.
But beyond just having enough people, we’re starting to see companies face an equally challenging problem: they don’t have the leadership chops to take on more work and bigger projects.
In this session, we’re exploring the following questions:
→ How can today’s leaders help accelerate the career paths of those beneath them?
→ How can companies prepare their next generation of leaders fast enough to meet the demands of the (very) near future?
Co-founders of the Collective Leadership Coop and Becoming Human Again event series, Audree Grubesic (CRO at Dynamic Modular Solutions) and Ryan Ware (CEO at Connective Consulting Group) join Andrea Janzen, CEO of Ambition Theory, for a candid conversation on how to actually achieve this.
What you’ll take away:
- Why the leadership shortage is as important an issue as the labor shortage everyone’s focused on ~ The difference between being good at the job and being able to lead people, and why promoting on skill alone leaves people stuck
- What it actually takes to get the next group ready to lead in the time you have, and how the leaders already in place develop them while carrying their own load
- How building leaders on purpose keeps good people from leaving and protects the company’s bench for the years ahead
Who should join: Construction company leaders and anyone in HR or people development responsible for retaining and promoting the next generation of leaders.
Upcoming Session
When the Programs Disappear—but the Problems Don’t
June 25, 2025 | 11 AM ET | Virtual Roundtable
Let’s name what’s happening: Public commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion are being walked back. DEI is being rebranded, defunded, or quietly removed. And leaders are left wondering what to say—if anything.
But the underlying issues haven’t gone anywhere. The leadership pipeline is still broken. Retention is still a challenge. Culture still matters. And people still want to work in places where values are clear and visible.
This roundtable invites a clear-eyed, forward-looking conversation about what companies can do next, not just what they should avoid.
Why Join
the Rethink Series?
PREVIOUS RETHINK SERIES
About Ambition Theory
At Ambition Theory, we’re driving systemic change in the construction industry by rethinking how leadership is developed, recognized, and rewarded.
We offer leadership training and coaching tailored specifically for construction professionals—equipping individuals with the transformational leadership skills they need to advance, and helping companies build stronger, more resilient teams.
We believe the future of construction depends on who we empower to lead—and the values we choose to prioritize.
Listen to the Rethinking Leadership in Construction Podcast and learn more at www.AmbitionTheory.com
Curious to learn more? Get in touch today.
