In this episode, I talk with Josee Tremblay P.Eng. ICD.D, Professional Engineer and Principal at Strategic Decisions Group, about inclusive leadership and its transformative power in the AEC industry. We explore how decision quality, cultural awareness, and human connection elevate team performance. Josée shares her unique journey from engineering to board advisory, offering actionable insights for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who want to lead with purpose. She also explains how innovation and diversity unlock long-term success and how professionals can expand their leadership impact in technical environments.

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Building Better Teams Through Inclusive Leadership In AEC





Understanding the unique strengths and gaps of each culture builds high-performing engineering and construction teams. Leaders who observe first and act later create inclusive environments that bring long-term success.

A systems-thinking approach leads to better strategic decisions by seeing beyond what's written and anticipating what’s missing. Experienced leaders in the AEC field build resilient, collaborative teams empowered to handle change.

AEC companies often overlook how team members from underrepresented groups bring new thinking to technical growth. Creating space for these voices catalyzes innovation and supports truly inclusive leadership practices.

Innovation in AEC stems from psychological safety, open collaboration, and space to brainstorm bold ideas. When professionals feel valued and supported, their vision expands, enabling smarter, more creative technical solutions.

Becoming a leader in the AEC field involves seeing the broader system and leading with intentional awareness. Professionals who integrate positive culture with strong technical insights evolve confidently into inclusive leadership roles.



About the Guest,

Josee Tremblay P.Eng. ICD.D

Josée Tremblay is a global energy executive, board director, strategic advisor, and bestselling author with extensive international experience leading large organizations and capital-intensive portfolios. She has held senior technical and executive roles with Suncor, ConocoPhillips, and INPEX, managing operations from Canada’s East Coast to Asia. Currently a Principal at Strategic Decisions Group, Josée advises global clients on making high-value strategic choices under uncertainty.



Josée also serves on the boards of Genoa Design International and Triple Point Resources, bringing expertise in full-cycle asset management, decision and risk analysis, and organizational culture.



Passionate about inclusive leadership and the power of diversity, Josée is the author of Us and Yet, and Yet, where she explores how technical leadership and human connection intersect to drive sustainable performance.

Books Mentioned in This Episode

US and yet and yet: Together we rise beyond traditional roles.





Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include:

Strategic Decisions Group

Stanford University

US and yet and yet

Amazon

Connect with Josee Tremblay P.Eng. ICD.D, on LinkedIn

AEC PM Certification

AEC PM Connect

Project Management Accelerator™

Engineering Leadership Accelerator™



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