Leading Through Change: Construction’s Future with Wendy Cohen

How can construction companies prepare for the next wave of industry growth while navigating workforce shortages, mega-project complexity, and changing market demands? In this episode of Building Buzz Podcast, Wendy Cohen, President and CEO of Kitchell Corporation, shares her perspective on leading a 75-year-old construction company through a pivotal period for the industry. Wendy discusses the challenges facing construction leaders today, from attracting and retaining skilled workers to delivering increasingly complex, large-scale projects. She also looks beyond the current data center construction boom to explore what could drive the next phase of industry growth and why diversification is becoming an increasingly important strategy for construction companies. As Wendy explains, the future of construction will require companies to anticipate what's next, adapt to shifting market conditions, and build a broader portfolio of opportunities rather than relying on a single sector. In this episode, you'll learn about: Construction industry leadership: How Wendy Cohen is guiding Kitchell through a period of significant change and opportunity. Construction workforce shortages: The challenges of finding, developing, and retaining skilled professionals across the industry. Mega-project construction: What it takes to manage complex, large-scale projects and meet evolving client demands. The data center construction boom: How rising demand for data center infrastructure is shaping the construction market. What comes after data centers: Why construction leaders should look ahead to the next generation of projects and industry opportunities. Diversification in construction: How expanding into different markets can help companies navigate economic shifts and manage risk. The future of the construction industry: Why adaptability, strategic planning, and long-term thinking matter for sustained business growth. Whether you're a general contractor, construction executive, commercial real estate professional, or AEC industry leader, this conversation offers insight into workforce development, construction market trends, and strategies for navigating an evolving industry. Subscribe to ‪@BuildingBuzzPodcast‬ for more conversations with the leaders, companies, and ideas shaping commercial real estate, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). #ConstructionIndustry #ConstructionLeadership #DataCenterConstruction #Kitchell #BuildingBuzz