Breaking Ground: A Women in AEC Leadership Podcast

AI is changing the AEC industry—but it can’t replace the human touch. In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, we’re joined by Aya Shlachter, Founder of MGS Global Group and a recognized AI thought leader in architecture. Aya shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed by AI to becoming a trusted voice helping firms navigate change with clarity and confidence. She discusses AI as a tool (not a replacement), building community in the age of automation, navigating imposter syndrome, and why her milestone birthday led her to this reminder for every leader: don’t dim your light. Featured Resource: 📘 AI for Architects Research Report https://aiforarchitects.ai/c/researchreport Connect with Aya: Instagram: @aya_shlachter LinkedIn: Aya Shlachter YouTube: @MGSGlobalGroup Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at podcast@unanet.com Disclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet. 

In Season 2 Episode 2 of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, hosts Reanna Dempsey and Sarah Brown welcome Gayla Nunn, Special Projects Manager at ABNA Engineering. Gayla shares her professional journey and offers practical advice for women looking to grow their leadership impact in the AEC industry. From embracing opportunities to staying tenacious through challenges, her story highlights the power of persistence, confidence, and commitment. 🎧 Tune in to hear Gayla’s insights and get inspired to lead with purpose. 🔗 Connect with Gayla & ABNA: • ABNA Engineering: https://www.abnacorp.com/ • ABNA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abna-engineering/ • Gayla Nunn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayla-nunn-19496710/ • A Gayla Affair, LLC: https://www.agaffair.com/ Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at podcast@unanet.com  Disclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet.

Every podcast has a beginning—and this one started with anearly morning phone call.In this special episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, host Reanna Dempsey sits down with Akshay Mahajan, EVP of AEC at Unanet, to share the origin story behind the podcast and community.Together, they unpack the personal and professional moments that sparked the idea—from real conversations with women leaders in AEC to the growing need for mentorship, representation, and shared stories at the executive level.This episode sets the foundation for why BreakingGround exists: to elevate voices, connect leaders, and help women across AEC see what’s possible.🎧 Subscribe and listen to hear how it all began. Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at podcast@unanet.comDisclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet.

In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, Reanna Dempsey interviews Susan Osterberg, CEO and President of Smith Seckman Reid Inc. (SSR). Susan shares her path from hospitality to leading a 100% employee-owned engineering firm and explains how SSR’s ownership model drives collaboration, long-term thinking, and shared success. She reflects on embracing discomfort, building credibility, and staying connected to frontline teams. Susan offers clear advice for women in AEC: Trust that growth comes from stepping into challenges—not waiting to be perfect.Dive into Susan's inspiring episode now! Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at ⁠podcasts@unanet.comDisclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet.

In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, host Reanna Dempsey sits down with Michele Zorzi, Senior Director of Marketing and Principal at Colliers Engineering & Design. Michele shares her powerful journey of resilience and inclusion—opening up about her experience as a cancer survivor and how vulnerability, empathy, and balance have shaped her leadership approach.Through authenticity and transparency, Michele has inspired growth not only in her firm—from $30M to over $500M in revenue—but also within her team and community. She discusses leading with heart, founding her firm’s first Women’s ERG, and why being true to yourself is the foundation of personal and organizational success.You don’t want to miss Michele’s inspiring story of courage, leadership, and inclusion in action.Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@unanet.comDisclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet.

In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, host Reanna Dempsey sits down with Joyce Watson, CPSM, Principal of Marketing at Cleary Zimmermann Engineers. Joyce shares her unconventional path from teaching special education to becoming the firm’s first female principal. She reflects on the importance of seizing opportunities, building expertise, and developing confidence as a leader. Joyce highlights how mentorship, specialization, and staying committed shaped her career. With candor and humor (including her love of the Backstreet Boys and even getting married at the office), Joyce illustrates how authenticity, persistence, and playing to one’s strengths can pave the way for leadership success in the industry.Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@unanet.com Disclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet.

"Be confident in your ideas, whether they’re right or wrong. Use your voice and ask questions."In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, Ellen Bensky, CEO, Principal, and CFO of Turner Fleischer, shares her inspiring journey from a non-architect to a transformative leader in the AEC industry. Ellen discusses the importance of trust, authenticity, and operational excellence in redefining business models, fostering innovation, and creating inclusive leadership. Her story is a testament to resilience, confidence, and the power of using your voice.Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@unanet.comDisclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet.

"I’m not going to compromise my morals, my ethics, or who I am at my core."In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, Jenifer Navard, CFO of EskewDumezRipple, shares her journey of embracing authenticity and fostering trust in leadership. From championing pay transparency to redefining workplace culture, Jenifer’s story highlights the power of staying true to your values while driving meaningful change. Her insights offer inspiration for building stronger, more inclusive teams in the AEC industry.Have questions or want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@unanet.comDisclaimer: Any resources or links shared in this episode are provided by our guest and are not endorsed by Unanet. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unanet.

Ellen shares her path from helping to build a company she loved to becoming a CEO and champion for change in the AEC industry. She reflects on the challenges of balancing career, motherhood, and a male-dominated workplace, and how she learned to lead with both confidence and empathy. As she gained clarity and experience, she saw the need for a better model of leadership focused on people and business.