MEL #048 | From Drawings and Calculations to Global Influence through Executive Communication Skills with James Hanley
Description
In this episode, I speak with James Hanley, Senior Director at CBRE, where he leads a global team of engineers and program managers shaping the future of real estate through strategic innovation, talent development, and technology integration. A love of roller coasters inspired James to study mechanical engineering at Loyola University, where he then went, as he calls it, full nerd by adding math and physics minors.
His early career zigzagged from selling pumps and boilers to multiple engineering roles that were heavily impacted by the recession. Through perseverance and networking, he eventually landed a turning point role that led to his current position at CBRE.
In our leadership segment, James describes two crucible leadership moments. First, he took over a massive project when both the lead engineer and project manager left, only to have no one show up to his carefully organized kickoff meeting because he had not included them early. Second, he was told he could not have any senior engineers for a critical deadline and instead received seven interns, which forced him to rethink his plan and leverage their strengths to deliver ahead of schedule.
James encourages aspiring engineering leaders to look beyond technical depth and invest in communication, people skills, and the ability to get things done. He shares how networking helped him navigate a tough economy and how a manager's question about his two, five, and 10-year plans pushed him to pursue an MBA and executive communication skills. For James, leadership growth means using setbacks as teachers and deliberately developing non-technical skills that unlock the impact of technical expertise.
Explore the full episode summary, including guest bio, key takeaways, transcript, and recommended resources in the shownotes at www.drangeliqueadams.com/podcast
United States
