ARCHITECTING Podcast - Career + Lifestyle Mentoring for Architects looking to move beyond overwhelm and make a difference through design

Workplace Conflict and Competition Handled: Interview with Dan Tocchini

Meeting resistance (from others and within ourselves) with curiosity is your career superpower. My guest Dan Tocchini deep dives into what resistance is really telling you and how to leverage it to build teams that produce creative solutions.
Every interaction is a design challenge to create psychological safety - get to the why with each team member.
We are hardwired with two mandates: stay alive and conserve energy. This is translated to us as looking good, feeling good, being right and staying in control. When we don't have any of these factors, we go into resistance.
Criticism, contempt, stonewalling or defensiveness are the ways we protect ourselves from perceived threats.
Envy and competition show up when an individual feels threatened by th excellence of others.
Creativity is about having an opinion. Design is about refining your field of options. All new possibility presents itself as a threat at first, so you have to release attachment to those opinions.
Preparing others to lead and succession planning are signs of a healthy work culture where excellence is celebrated not feared.
Sign up for the Leadership Challenge: https://architectingpodcast.com/index.php/leadershipchallenge/
 
Connect with Dan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantocchini/
https://takenewground.com/
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
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Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Leveraging the Power of Choice in Your Career

Let's move into 2026 by stepping fully into our power. This means embracing choice (my word for the year) over control to get even more success on our own terms. Listen in to learn more about how leveraging choice ups your game from good to great without the burnout.
Choose to celebrate the wins
Choose to see the potential in every situation
Choose to be more discerning and less concerned with people pleasing
Choose to give up control and be open to possibilities
Choose to let go of perfectionism and external validation
Sign up for the Leadership Challenge: https://architectingpodcast.com/index.php/leadershipchallenge/
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Career Strategy for Constant Change: Interview with Jillian Reilly

Newsflash: predictable structures are collapsing. The old if/then models don't work, especially around your career path. Jillian Reilly, author of The Ten Permissions shares her research and insights on how to be come mentally fit to navigate a world where change and unpredictability are the new normal. 
We all have conscious and unconscious limits around what we feel we are allowed to do or be. Navigating change begins with giving yourself permission to go beyond what you view as your limits.
The old paradigm of "the way" which comes from a fixed and predictable structures has fallen. To be successful in today's fluid world, you need to get clear on what is "your way."
Once you know what you want, you have to go out and create it.
Start with micro-challenges and low consequence actions. Build mental fitness like you would physical fitness.
Leverage spatial cues to place yourself in environments that give you permission, empower you and provide agency.
Contact Jillian: https://tenpermissions.com/
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

They Said No: Drew Ann Long on why she did it anyway

You know what’s right. But what do you do when every gatekeeper says no? In this episode, Drew Ann Long, inventor of Caroline’s Cart, shares the story of refusing to let a necessary idea die. Her vision was simple—and radical: a shopping cart that makes the retail experience accessible for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. The industry pushed back. Manufacturers said no. Retailers avoided the conversation. Funding didn’t show up. So she invested personally and kept advocating for a need others wouldn’t acknowledge, and stayed the course anyway.
Despite the special needs community being the world's largest minority group, products designed for their needs are lacking. This creates a barrier to access not only for them but for their families and caregivers. By introducing more inclusive products like Caroline's Cart, the world was opened for those with mobility challenges, autism and dementia.
Success means believing in your cause and taking risks to make it happen no mater what.
When the establishment tells you no, cultivate support in the community you want to serve.
Innovation happens when you focus on the solution not the problem.
Contact Drew Ann: https://www.drewannspeaks.com/
Donate to Caroline's Cause scholarship fund: https://www.carolinescause.com/carolines-cause/
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Architecture Careers Decoded: Interview with Recruiter Bryce Batts

Architecture school taught you how to design buildings not how to not how to survive, grow, or lead in your career. In this episode of Architecting, AEC Industry recruiter Bryce Batts calls out the rules that quietly keep you small and compliant. This isn’t about chasing the next job. It’s about designing your career on purpose — with clarity, self‑advocacy, and connections that actually move the needle.
Architects without personal career clarity get overlooked — even when they’re highly skilled
Every architect who advances has a sponsor, not just a mentor. Sponsors can see your potential within the firm and advocate for you to get opportunities.
Your career requires constant recallibration in order to be aligned with what you want to achieve at any given point in your life.
Keep the receipts of accomplishments and positive reviews- they give you confidence about your strengths, proof of what you have accomplished and reveal patterns around what you truly value.
Know when it’s time to renegotiate your role, change firms, or redesign your path
Contact Bryce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-batts-recruiter/
https://brycebatts.co/
Get The Career Architect Book: https://www.amazon.com/Career-Architect-Aligns-Vision-Values-ebook/dp/B0FSYM4QLZ?ref_=ast_author_mpb
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Career Challenges? Your Accomplishments are Your Armor

Feeling like no one is giving you your 10's?  In this episode, I explore how to escape the protect/defend/prove trap so many of us can fall into when we feel unseen or unfairly criticized. Rather than worrying about adversaries, use these steps to own your own path and find those who authentically resonate with you.
Worrying about what others think of you is a waste of time and energy that keeps you vulnerable and stuck with the impossible task of pleasing everyone.
You are not for everyone. Full stop.
Give yourself permission to follow the career path that resonates with you. Say yes to aligned opportunities, and adopt a "no matter what" stance in pursuing them.
Other people are not your responsibility. Act in integrity and give others the grace to follow their own paths.
 
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Growth Mindset in the AEC Industry: Interview with Daniel McCaulley

In this economy, you should just work hard and serve the hell out of your customers, right? If you want to get burned out and taken advantage of sure.  But there is a better way. My guest Daniel McCaulley shares his thoughts on building a company around a growth mindset.
Professional development is any way you are improving, whether that is technical competency or soft skills.
Know who you are, who your company is and who you are trying to serve (not just who is your client).
Client relationships can be a lot like dating, you can't settle when it's not a good match.
It's important to know your clients and colleagues outside of projects.
Challenge yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone every day.
Learn more about Ultimus Engineering: https://ultimus.engineering/
info@ultimusengineering.com
Contact Daniel: dmccaulley@ultimusengineering.com
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Flow State Magic: Interview with Steven Puri

You have the potential for greatness...too bad you're too distracted to act on it. My guest Steven Puri decided that it was time more people tapped into their creativity in a high performing low stress way. He should know, his background in engineering, entrpreneurship and Hollywood films has led him to see firsthand what stokes creative fires vs. what is a painful grind. Listen in to learn more.
We all have something great inside of us. The question is whether you are going to get it out or not.
The one thing even a billionaire can't get more of is time- stop squandering yours with tasks or processes that are out of integrity.
Hustle culture pulls us out of flow state.
Having more than one project going on at a time increases the likelihood you will explore the adjacent possible.
Designate a place for creativity and tune your mind to be in flow state there.
Learn more about the Sukha: https://www.thesukha.co/
Contact Steven: steven@thesukha.co
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Popcorn Brain Detox: Why IRL Time Matters for Work Life Balance

IRL > URL every time. Living in a digital world  designed to reward our "engagement" has led to a reduction in attention span, memory and concentration. If you're feeling  anxious, disinterested, restless and mentally exhausted, it's a symptom of popcorn brain. Time to stop doom scrolling and make the changes I discuss in this episode.
In our "always on" digitally forward world, devices endlessly interrupt us with notifications triggering the reward systems in our brain and conditioning us to feel an urgent need to respond.
Despite having access to an infinite amount of data, algorithms have narrowed our awareness and placed us in echo chambers that only affirm what we already know or worry about.
Technology didn't give us more free time, it led to us taking on more work.
Attention fatigue sets in when our mental resources are drained by constant interruptions. This makes us less available for tasks that require focused attention and more prone to rote activities that keep us engaged but not challenged - I'm looking at you doom scroller!
Stop the pop by taking a digital detox, turning of notifications and prioritizing physical tasks. Doing IRL activities mindfully and engaging all five senses will help restore attention and focus.
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

Sustained Presence: Interview with Roderic Walton

The hardest things to talk about are often the ones that most need our commitment. In this episode, we dive into one of architecture’s toughest (and most overdue) topics: how to make the profession more transparent, inclusive, and accessible. My guest, Roderic Walton, is on a mission to demystify what architects actually do—and to build a community where open discussion replaces gatekeeping. Through his YouTube channel, he’s redefining how we talk about architecture, who gets to be part of it, and how to create a career that truly makes an impact. If you’ve ever questioned your place in the profession—or wanted to change it for the better—this conversation is for you.
 It takes time to forge a career path but what makes your career is the changes you can make for others through your work.
Hearing and giving voice to a broader community makes your work more relevant and impactful.
Overcoming negativity and setbacks comes from clarity around why your work is important.
Part of why our profession isn't getting more diverse is that we don;t have diverse design processes.
Watch the R.K.W. Architectural Lens: https://www.youtube.com/@Rod-RKW
💡Give Architecting a Google review- be sure to name the episode! https://g.page/r/CVYGVmEtsUjdEAI/review
Stay Inspired,
Angela
Join the architecting community:
YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook
Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information.
Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019