Women in AEC: Wine After Work

Success isn't always linear and sometimes the bravest move is walking away from something you worked incredibly hard to build. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Sharla Toller, J.D., Senior Vice President and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CannonDesign, to talk about courage, career pivots, and redefining what success really means. Sharla's journey to executive leadership in the AEC industry didn't follow a straight path. A former practicing attorney with a J.D. from Howard University School of Law, she made the bold decision to leave litigation behind to pursue work aligned with her passion: building inclusive, people-centered workplaces. Since joining CannonDesign in 2021, she has: Led implementation of the firm's DEI Strategic Framework Directed the DEI Council and Employee Resource Groups Launched firmwide training programs Deepened partnerships with organizations like National Organization of Minority Architects Co-authored the children's book Deja the Dynamo Been named one of the Top 50 DEI Professionals in the OnCon Icon Awards (2025) She also holds a Master of Professional Studies in HR Management/Diversity & Inclusion from Georgetown University and is a single mother who has intentionally shaped a career aligned with both passion and parenthood. In this episode, we discuss: Leaving a prestigious profession to follow purpose How DEI work impacts retention, talent acquisition, and engagement in AEC What real executive leadership looks like Building a career that supports your life — not competes with it The courage required to pivot This conversation is about alignment, authenticity, and redefining success on your own terms. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs the reminder: it's never too late to pivot toward what inspires you. If you enjoy the episode, please rate and review Wine After Work — it helps us continue elevating powerful voices in AEC.  

What does it really mean to build wealth — not just earn money? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Doug Kinsey, founding member of the Sweater Cashmere Fund and partner at Artifex Financial Group, for a grounded conversation about wealth, investing, and long-term strategy. With more than 25 years of experience in wealth management and investment strategy, Doug works with individuals and organizations to align financial decisions with real life goals — not just short-term performance. Holding a master's degree in management and strategy from Harvard and a certification as an Investment Management Analyst, Doug brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to building and protecting wealth. In this conversation, we discuss: The difference between income, success, and true wealth Common mistakes high earners make with investing and retirement planning How to think about private assets and long-term strategy Why clarity and intention matter more than timing the market Building financial confidence as your career and responsibilities grow This episode is especially valuable for professionals who've focused on building their careers — and are now asking bigger questions about sustainability, freedom, and long-term security.  

What does leadership look like when your path isn't linear — and your industry wasn't built with you in mind? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Gwen Smothers, a long-tenured leader at Piedmont Service Group, to talk about career pivots, people-centered leadership, and the power of community in the HVAC industry. Gwen began her career in accounting before transitioning into business systems and leadership roles — a move that required confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to step into discomfort. With more than two decades at the same organization, she shares what has kept her engaged, how the industry has evolved, and what leadership really requires beyond technical expertise. In this conversation, we explore: Navigating leadership without a technical background Building confidence when stepping outside your comfort zone Long-term career growth inside one organization Co-founding and leading the Women in HVAC peer group at Service Logic Why visibility, voice, empowerment, and community matter — especially in male-dominated fields Gwen also reflects on mentorship, culture, and what the HVAC industry must do to attract and retain diverse talent in the years ahead. This episode is a powerful listen for anyone leading through change — or considering a career path that doesn't fit the traditional mold.  

What does it really take to lead boldly in spaces where women are still the exception — not the norm? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Toni Will, trailblazing leader, keynote speaker, and author, for a candid conversation about leadership, courage, and choosing a life aligned with your values. As the first female general manager in the history of the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, Toni knows what it means to break barriers and lead authentically in male-dominated environments. She shares lessons from her journey in professional sports, the realities of high-visibility leadership, and how redefining success — including choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle — transformed both her career and personal life. In this conversation, we explore: Leading confidently in male-dominated industries Navigating pressure, visibility, and imposter syndrome What authentic leadership really looks like behind the scenes Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle and challenging cultural norms Redefining success on your own terms Toni also talks about her work as a keynote speaker, her podcast Women In…, and her upcoming book (releasing March 1, 2026), all rooted in one mission: inspiring women to lead with courage, clarity, and authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning old definitions of success — and ready to write their own. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/ https://www.toniwill.com/

What does it look like to build a career that blends technical mastery with creative freedom? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Nicole Roe, founder of R. Nickson Interiors, to talk about her unconventional path from construction to couture-level interiors — and what it takes to carve your own lane in a male-dominated industry. With more than 15 years of experience across construction and design, and a degree in Building Construction from Georgia Tech, Nicole brings a rare blend of technical credibility and expressive creativity. She shares how her background allows her to design spaces that aren't just beautiful, but deeply functional and aligned with how her clients actually live. In this conversation, we cover: Transitioning from construction into high-end interior design Building confidence and credibility as a woman in male-dominated spaces Why understanding the full construction process changes how you design Scaling a boutique design firm with operational control (including launching a warehouse and receiving space) Designing homes that support real life, not just aesthetics Nicole also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, creativity with structure, and ambition with authenticity — all while raising four energetic boys and building a design brand that refuses to fit into a single box. If you're navigating a career pivot, building a business, or redefining success on your own terms, this episode will resonate. https://rnicksoninteriors.com/   https://www.instagram.com/rnicksoninteriors/

What happens when technical excellence is no longer enough to lead? This week on Wine After Work, Bryce is joined by Kirby Lee, Professional Engineer, third-generation HVAC construction professional, and AEC leadership expert, for a candid conversation about what leadership really requires in today's AEC industry. With more than 23 years of experience spanning consulting engineering, owner's representation, HVAC construction, and equipment sales, Kirby brings a rare, holistic perspective on the pressures facing AEC leaders today. He shares how his engineering background — combined with decades in the field — led him to recognize a critical gap in traditional leadership development programs. In this episode, Bryce and Kirby discuss: Why most leadership training fails AEC professionals The transition from technical expert to people leader How emotional intelligence shows up on real projects What resilient leadership looks like in an evolving AEC workforce Why the industry needs leadership systems designed for AEC, not borrowed from elsewhere Kirby also shares insights from his work with ASHRAE and how service, mentorship, and intentional leadership shape stronger teams and better outcomes. If you're an AEC professional navigating leadership, growth, or transition — this episode will resonate.  

What happens when working harder stops working? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Ritu G. Mehrish — former corporate executive, leadership advisor, and author of Leader's Block and Rewrite the Rules. After leading global teams across five continents and managing multi-million-dollar business lines, Ritu reached a pivotal moment many high-performing leaders quietly face: the strategies that once worked… no longer did. That turning point became the foundation of her work today — helping leaders navigate burnout, loss of clarity, confidence dips, and high-stakes transitions that don't show up on performance reviews. This is a grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to recover, reset, and lead forward when the path isn't clear. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why high performers often feel "stuck" — even when they're successful on paper The hidden leadership moments no one prepares you for (burnout, self-doubt, transition missteps) Ritu's "Critical Quarter" framework for navigating the first 90 days of leadership change How perception-based stakeholder feedback can create momentum instead of fear The invisible cultural dynamics impacting Asian women leaders — and what leaders can learn from that research How to rewrite the rules when your old playbook no longer fits Who This Episode Is For: Leaders navigating change, transition, or burnout Women questioning visibility, confidence, or next-level growth Executives who want clarity without clichés   https://www.ritumehrish.com/ Linkedin

What if true workplace autonomy wasn't about working alone — but about working in alignment? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Virginia Muzquiz, widely known as The Referral Diva® — founder of Master Connectors and creator of the Referrals on Demand® system. Virginia believes autonomy doesn't come from grinding harder or escaping structure — it comes from aligning your work with your values, strengths, and relationships. Whether you're in a corporate role or building your own business, the right environment creates trust, breathing room, and sustainable success. Through her work, Virginia helps entrepreneurs reduce dependency on hustle and cold outreach by building referral ecosystems and strategic alliances that feel natural — and profitable. This episode is a powerful conversation about designing work that supports your genius, honors your values, and actually feels like home. In This Episode, We Discuss: What real workplace autonomy actually looks like Why trust (not supervision) fuels productivity How referrals and relationships create freedom in business Designing work around values, strengths, and alignment Letting go of hustle culture without sacrificing growth Building businesses — and careers — that give you breathing room Who This Episode Is For: Entrepreneurs tired of cold outreach and constant hustle Professionals craving more autonomy and alignment Leaders building businesses rooted in trust and relationships   Business By Referral podcast   LinkedIn

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Adam Jackson, CEO and founder of Braintrust, the world's largest user-owned talent network and the company behind Braintrust AIR, the first end-to-end AI recruiting platform built to benefit both companies and talent. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey—from founding telemedicine giant Doctor on Demand to building Braintrust—and unpacks how AI is fundamentally changing hiring. We dive into what Braintrust AIR actually does, why now is the moment for AI in recruiting, and how technology can finally make hiring faster, fairer, and more human. Plus, we talk misconceptions around AI, how leaders should approach change, and Adam's unexpected creative outlet: running a wine label called Asymmetric. If you're curious about the future of recruiting, talent acquisition, or how AI can work with people instead of replacing them, this episode is a must-listen. What we cover: Adam's career journey and the origin story of Braintrust The vision behind a user-owned talent network What Braintrust AIR is and how it reduces time-to-hire from months to days How AI can improve outcomes for hiring managers and job seekers Common myths about AI in recruiting (and what's actually true) How to lead through technological change Entrepreneurship, creativity, and wine 🍷 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. LinkedIn Braintrust

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce Batts is joined by Kate Kripke, LCSW, PMH-C, maternal mental health expert and transformative coach for high-achieving women navigating motherhood. Motherhood can be deeply meaningful — and deeply overwhelming — especially for women who are used to excelling, leading, and carrying a lot of responsibility. Kate helps women break free from emotional overwhelm, guilt, and burnout by shifting old patterns, regulating their nervous systems, and reconnecting with their intuition. In this conversation, we explore how mothers can thrive without sacrificing ambition, identity, or personal success — and why calm, confidence, and control are learned skills, not personality traits. In this episode, we cover: Why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to burnout in motherhood How guilt and emotional overwhelm show up — and how to interrupt the cycle The importance of emotional regulation for both mothers and children Reconnecting with intuition while balancing career and family What it really means to thrive as a mother and pursue your passions This episode is for any woman who has ever wondered if there's a better, calmer way to do motherhood — without losing herself in the process.   Website  

In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce Batts is joined by Rachel Burr, executive coach, leadership consultant, and expert in people and organizational dynamics. Leadership is hard — not because leaders are doing it wrong, but because people are complex. And leaders? They're people too. Rachel brings more than 20 years of experience working with leaders who stepped into management not because they were trained to lead people, but because they were exceptional individual contributors. In this conversation, we unpack why that transition is so challenging — and how leaders can develop authentic, effective leadership without forcing themselves into rigid, one-size-fits-all models. In this episode, we explore: Why high performers often struggle most when they step into leadership The hidden people-dynamics that derail even well-intentioned leaders How self-awareness, values, and individuality drive better leadership outcomes What it really means to build high-performing, values-aligned teams Why leadership development must be human-centered to actually work If you're leading people — or considering stepping into leadership — this episode will challenge how you think about performance, culture, and your own potential. LinkedIn https://catamentum.com/

Today on Wine After Work, I'm sitting down with someone whose work is unlike anything you've ever heard before — and exactly what so many women need: Michelle Boyde, Registered Master Hypnotist, subconscious expert, and the creator of The Alchemy Sequence™. Michelle specializes in helping visionary women who've walked away from "successful" careers — only to realize they're still operating from outdated identities and old rules that no longer fit. Through her transformational hypnotic work, she guides women through The Liminal Space — that electric, uncomfortable, deeply powerful territory between who you were and who you're becoming. In this conversation we dig into: ✨ What really happens in the liminal space (and why so many women get stuck there) ✨ Why your subconscious identity is the real bottleneck to stepping into your next-level life or business ✨ The truth about trying to recreate corporate success in "prettier packaging." ✨ How hypnosis dissolves old identities and clears the way for the truest version of you ✨ The moment Michelle knew she could never go back to her former career ✨ The surprising ways your body and mind sabotage expansion — and how to overcome it ✨ How The Alchemy Sequence™ works (and who it's for) ✨ Why your next evolution requires more than strategy — it requires a new identity Michelle has hypnotized over 1,000 people and brings a depth, clarity, and electric honesty that I know will land for so many of you. If you've ever felt like you left the job, but the job is still inside you — this episode is your invitation to shed the version of you that no longer fits. Connect with Michelle: 🔮 Discover your Liminal Archetype: https://www.michelleboyde.com/liminalarchetypequiz 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleboyde_hypnotist/ 🌐 Website: https://www.michelleboyde.com  

On this week's episode of Wine After Work, I'm joined by someone whose heart, experience, and leadership style will resonate with so many of you Kelly Price, founder of ThriveHR, and a woman who built an entire career around empowering people to thrive at work. Kelly's journey started in hospitality at Marriott International, where she learned how to create meaningful experiences and make people feel seen. She carried that passion into the world of HR becoming a recruiter, Benefits Manager, Director of HR, and eventually a VP of HR. Along the way, she reduced turnover, strengthened cultures, and reshaped how companies took care of their people. But her biggest transformation came when she stopped molding herself to whatever company she worked for and instead discovered what she valued, believed, and wanted. Kelly calls it "figuring out my own flavor of Kool-Aid" and it changed everything: the clients she takes, the way she leads, the work she does, and the results she gets for the people and companies she supports. In this conversation, we dive into: ✨ How Kelly learned to lead from her values — not from corporate expectations ✨ The turning point that pushed her to step out and build ThriveHR ✨ Why so many women lose their identity in the workplace (and how to reclaim it) ✨ What she wishes every employee and every leader understood about people ✨ How HR has changed — and what companies must do differently to retain talent today ✨ The power of building a business that reflects who you actually are ✨ Why authenticity is the real ROI in leadership Kelly's energy is contagious, and her insights are a gift for anyone navigating career growth, leadership, or entrepreneurship. Whether you're building a business or defining a new chapter in your career, this episode will remind you that you don't need to fit anyone else's mold you only need to find your own flavor. About Kelly Price: Kelly Price is the founder of ThriveHR and a dynamic leader whose career reflects her deep passion for helping others succeed. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Kansas State University, she began her career at Marriott International, where her love for creating meaningful experiences was born. Kelly transitioned into Human Resources as a recruiter and quickly climbed the corporate ladder, serving as a Benefits Manager, Director of HR, and VP of HR. She has played a major role in reducing turnover, improving engagement, and reinventing people strategies across organizations. Today, as a small business owner, she uses her extensive HR background to help companies grow, engage, and retain their people with positivity, integrity, and heart. Connect with Kelly: ThriveHR Website: https://www.thrivehrkc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellypricethrivehr/  

This week on Women in AEC: Wine After Work, I sit down with the powerhouse herself — Brooke Kromer, a luxury real estate advisor helping athletes, high-net-worth buyers, and entrepreneurs invest in Florida's booming 30A market. Brooke was raised inside the NFL world, learned business by watching teams get built from the inside, and today uses that same philosophy to build her own elite team in a male-dominated industry. In this episode, we cover: ✨ How Brooke built a team around skill sets, not clones ✨ Why "vision alignment" is the most overlooked key to growth ✨ The difference between hiring and building a roster ✨ What athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs really look for in real estate investments ✨ How growing up in a construction family shaped her instincts as an investor ✨ The discipline, mindset, and resilience she learned from the NFL environment ✨ What women need to hear about leading confidently in male-heavy industries Brooke brings the perfect mix of strategy, storytelling, and grit. Whether you're building a team, leading one, or trying to grow into your next level, this episode gives you a front-row seat into her playbook.

This week on Women in AEC: Wine After Work, I'm joined by the brilliant Seyka Mejeur, CEO and Founder of AdAstra Talent Advisors—an executive search firm helping early-stage Clean Tech and New Space startups build high-performing leadership and technical teams. Seyka has built her career around one philosophy: 👉 People thrive when they're given autonomy and placed in environments that align with their strengths, values, and long-term goals. In this conversation, we explore: ✨ What true workplace autonomy looks like (and why most companies still get it wrong) ✨ How to match talent with roles where they feel energized—not drained ✨ Why misalignment is one of the most common (and most avoidable) causes of turnover ✨ What founders misunderstand about hiring in the early stages ✨ The behind-the-scenes of building teams for cutting-edge Hard Tech startups ✨ The power of clarity, communication, and designing roles around human beings— not just job descriptions Seyka blends recruiting, operations, and organizational design in a way that few people do, which makes this episode a gift for anyone looking to lead better, hire better, or build a career with intention. Pour a glass and join us for a conversation packed with honesty, strategy, and the kind of insight every leader needs.

Guest(s): Norgerie Rivas, Licensed Architect (Houston, TX) — 10 years of experience in commercial design projects, co-creator of She Builds Podcast, passionate about uncovering the untold stories of women in architecture, engineering, and construction. Jessica Rogers, Marketing & Office Coordinator at an architecture firm in Miami, co-host of She Builds Podcast, advocate for women's representation and recognition across creative industries. In this episode, Bryce sits down with Norgerie and Jessica from She Builds Podcast — a show dedicated to shining light on the women who shaped the AEC industry long before diversity was a buzzword. Together, they unpack: The origin story of She Builds and how storytelling creates visibility and connection. What "the right fit" really means — and why it's not a destination, but an evolving relationship with your work. How autonomy, creativity, and purpose intersect in architecture and beyond. The power of legacy: honoring those who came before while paving a new path forward. If you've ever questioned your place in a structured industry or felt the pull between security and self-expression, this conversation will resonate deeply. She Builds Podcast : https://www.shebuildspodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shebuildspodcast/  

In this episode, Bryce sits down with Erin Fantozz to explore what "finding the right fit" really means in architecture and beyond. Erin shares her journey—from commercial A&D design to launching her own firm and building systems that support autonomy, growth, and meaningful leadership. Together they discuss: The tension between design passion and the structures that support it. How autonomy comes from systems, not isolation. What firms can do to attract and retain talent by offering clarity, culture, and career trajectories. Why defining your "fit" is less about the job title and more about alignment with values, people, and purpose. Connect with Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efantozz/ Follow Bryce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-batts-recruiter/  

In this special episode of Wine After Work, Bryce shares highlights from her recent METALCON presentation, "Unlocking Talent: Proven Strategies for Attracting External Candidates in 2025/2026." The AEC industry is facing a turning point — labor shortages, an aging workforce, and shifting expectations are redefining how firms attract and retain talent. In this solo episode, Bryce breaks down the data, the real challenges, and what top-performing firms are doing differently. You'll learn: Why speed and communication are your new hiring advantage The top 3 barriers keeping firms from landing great talent — and how to fix them How to redefine the ideal candidate beyond years of experience What "post and pray" hiring gets wrong (and what to do instead) Why retention is your new revenue strategy — the $500K problem every firm is ignoring How to build internal leadership pipelines through mentorship + sponsorship Actionable 2025/2026 talent acquisition tactics that firms can implement now Whether you're a firm leader, recruiter, or HR professional in AEC, this episode will leave you with practical tools to attract the next generation of talent — and keep them. 🎧 Listen now and take notes — this one's packed with insight. Connect with Bryce: 📘 The Career Architect → [Amazon Link] 💼 Career Collective 

In this episode of Wine After Work: Women in AEC, Bryce sits down with architect, advocate, and podcast host Caitlin Brady, the creative mind behind The Architectette Podcast. Caitlin shares her journey from launching her career in architecture to becoming a recognized leader and 2023 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award recipient. She opens up about her experience working in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and D.C., and how a "digital nomad" year sparked the idea for The Architectette Podcast. Together, Bryce and Caitlin dive into: The importance of finding the "right fit" in your firm and career — and how that concept has shaped Caitlin's work and interviews. The realities of relocating across states as an architect and how to research and evaluate new opportunities before you move. The power of mentorship, representation, and storytelling in shaping the next generation of women in design. Why amplifying women's voices in AEC is crucial — and how podcasts like Architectette are changing the narrative. Whether you're an emerging designer, seasoned architect, or simply navigating your next career chapter, this conversation will remind you that you can define success on your own terms — and build a career that aligns with your values, vision, and voice. Connect with Caitlin Brady: 🔗 Website: architectette.com 🎧 Listen to The Architectette Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 📸 Instagram: @architectettepodcast 🏛️ Firm: Ayers Saint Gross About Caitlin: Caitlin Brady, AIA, LEED BD+C, is an accomplished architect, project leader, and advocate for empowering women in the design and construction industry. With over a decade of experience, Caitlin excels in leading complex projects while fostering collaborative and innovative team environments. She has been recognized with the 2023 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award and has spoken nationally on topics such as mentorship, leadership, and advocacy. Caitlin also hosts the Architectette Podcast, which amplifies the voices of women in architecture, sharing their stories and inspiring the next generation of designers.

How do you go from $80K/year to nearly $400K… and then turn that into a 7-figure business? This week on Wine After Work, I'm joined by Delaney William—former product manager turned entrepreneur, and founder of Elevated Tech. Delaney is the only coach teaching how to ethically stack remote jobs and use AI + automation to multiply income without starting a business or burning out. In this conversation, Delaney shares: His journey from $80K to $390K/year by stacking remote jobs. Why he walked away from it all to build a business that now generates $1M+ annually. How his team applied to over 100,000 jobs in one year, helping 120+ clients land roles at Google, Meta, Netflix, Airbnb, and more. Practical tips on using AI and automation to increase income and peace of mind. Why true success is about more than money—it's about aligning your career with mental health, fitness, and faith. Whether you're curious about job stacking, exploring AI tools, or rethinking what success looks like, this episode is packed with strategies and inspiration. ✨ Tune in to hear how Delaney is helping people unlock financial freedom and fulfillment—without the grind.