KP Unpacked explores the biggest ideas in AEC, AI, and innovation—unpacking the trends, technology, discussions, and strategies shaping the built environment and beyond.
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The official podcast companion to "Creating The Intangible Enterprise" from serial entrepreneur KP Reddy.
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The Zweig Group provides management information and expertise to architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firms worldwide. Our books, magazines, research reports, seminars, conferences, awards programs, and consulting services provide Design Firm leaders with the tools they need to be more successful! The Zweig Letter Podcast is a regular dose of ideas, topics, and information discussed in our Newsletter. The Zweig Letter is one of the longest-running newsletters in ...
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Welcome to the Data Science Conversations Podcast hosted by Damien Deighan and Dr Philipp Diesinger. We bring you interesting conversations with the world’s leading Academics working on cutting edge topics with potential for real world impact. We explore how their latest research in Data Science and AI could scale into broader industry applications, so you can expand your knowledge and grow your career. Every 4 or 5 episodes we will feature an industry trailblazer from a strong academic back ...
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AI is building faster than the law can keep up. In this episode of KP Unpacked — the number one podcast in AEC — Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro dive into a messy question every firm needs to answer: Who owns the work when AI creates it? From copyright law updates to court cases nobody’s talking about yet, they break down where the real risks are for …
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In this episode of KP Unpacked, the number one podcast in AEC, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols go full throttle on the one thing most AEC startups get completely wrong: ignoring the owner. You’re selling to GCs. You’re marketing to architects. But if the owner doesn’t see the value, you’re just noise in the vendor stack. KP unpacks the real reason BIM did…
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In this episode of KP Unpacked (AI in AEC edition), Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro—KP Reddy Co.'s in-house AI expert—tackle one of the biggest blind spots in AI adoption: training your team. Everyone’s talking about AI. Few are doing anything useful with it. From underused tools to forgotten policies, they break down why most firms are missing the ma…
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🎙️ In this episode of KP Unpacked, we’re calling out the innovation fluff—and the leaders who can’t pitch their way out of a checklist. Host Jeff Echols sits down with KP Reddy to unpack one of his most pointed LinkedIn posts yet: “Does your AEC innovation group have a pitch deck?” Spoiler alert—if it’s just two slides with drones and BIM screensho…
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Supporting AEC Industry Emerging Talent: Insights from Rising Stars Mike Makris and Duncan Robertson
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56:36"Mistakes are not fatal, but don't keep them to yourself.” Mike Makris About our Guests: Originally from Washington, Duncan Robertson has spent the past six years honing his marketing and public relations expertise and now brings those skills to the design industry. After earning a Communication degree with a business emphasis from Boise State Univ…
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In this episode of AI Unpacked, Jeff Echols is joined by Frank Lazaro, KP Reddy Co.'s in-house AI expert, to dive into the latest trends and innovations in AI for the AEC industry. Together, they break down how AI is transforming business operations, from improving efficiencies to boosting productivity. In this bite-sized, actionable episode, Jeff …
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Proposal writing is the backbone of AEC firms—but it's also a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. In this episode of AI in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro break down how AI-powered tools are transforming the way firms create proposals, saving time, improving efficiency, and boosting win rates. From ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to indu…
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Your Boss Should Never Be Your Career's Ceiling
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43:29
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43:29The AEC industry isn’t just stuck—it’s dying. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols pull no punches in discussing why the industry's obsession with mediocrity and outdated methods is dragging us down. From stagnating leadership to a lack of true innovation, this conversation exposes the uncomfortable truths that no one wants to f…
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AI in AEC: Transforming Presentations with AI-Powered Tools
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30:58🎉 Special Offer for KP Unpacked Listeners: Get 55% off your ticket to the 9th Annual AEC Summit on October 29th at the Diverge Innovation Center in Phoenix! Click the link below and use promo code UNPACKED55 at checkout. 🔗 tinyurl.com/AECSUMMIT Don't miss this opportunity to connect with top minds in AEC and beyond. Tickets are limited—act fast!…
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White Out Smelled Great, But Our Contracts Need to Evolve
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47:31The future of AEC isn’t just about adapting to AI—it’s about dominating the industry with AI-driven innovation. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols dive into the heart of AEC transformation, unpacking how AI is fundamentally reshaping the way we design, build, and manage projects, and why old-school methods are quickly becoming…
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AI, Data Centers & The Energy Crisis—What Comes Next?
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47:19In this episode of KP Unpacked, host Jeff Echols sits down with Robert Cooper (CEO of Imbue) and Abhi Sastri (CEO of Fluix) to break down one of the most pressing challenges facing the built environment: How do we meet the surging energy demands of data centers, buildings, and critical infrastructure before nuclear and hydrogen power are viable? Ba…
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AI in AEC: Note-Taking & Meeting Efficiency
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23:02Meetings are a necessary part of AEC firms, but they often lead to wasted time, forgotten action items, and inefficient follow-ups. This week on AI in AEC, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro unpack AI-powered note-taking tools that can transform how firms capture, summarize, and act on meeting insights. From built-in AI companions in Zoom and Teams to th…
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AI Meets AEC: The Chaos Behind the Disruption
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26:46The future of AEC isn't just about AI disrupting the status quo—it's about AI accelerating innovation and transforming the way we approach design, construction, and operations. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy and Jeff Echols dive deep into the disruption happening in the AEC industry, focusing on how AI is changing the game and why staying…
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KP Reddy’s Brutal Truth About Startup Success
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34:42In this episode of KP Unpacked, we challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in AEC startups: the idea that working harder equals faster results. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t. Host Jeff Echols sits down with Nick Heim, a structural engineer turned senior innovation engineer, to dissect a key passage from KP Reddy’s book What You Know About Startups I…
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The future of AEC isn't just about AI replacing jobs—it's about AI enhancing the way we design, build, and operate. In this new series on KP Unpacked, Jeff Echols and Frank Lazaro break down the real impact of AI in the built environment—beyond just ChatGPT. How are industry leaders actually using AI? What tools are solving real-world problems? And…
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The Secret to Making an Impact in AEC (Even If Your Boss Hates It)
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34:17In this episode of KP Unpacked, we dive into one of the biggest mindset shifts that can define your career: Are you high agency? Host Jeff Echols sits down with Abby Coleman, a rising force in AEC and an Innovation XR Specialist at IMEG, to unpack KP Reddy’s latest Sunday Scaries article: Are You High Agency? What About Your Team? They explore why …
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Why GCs Don’t Do Anything (And How AI Might Change That)
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40:28In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy takes on one of his most explosive LinkedIn posts: Why do so few general contractors self-perform anything? And if their answer is "risk"—what does that really mean? The AEC industry loves tradition, but KP isn't buying the excuses. He and Jeff dive into: 🔹 The myth of risk management—are GCs actually mitiga…
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In this episode of KP Unpacked, we dive into a major shift happening in engineering and construction: the rise of tech-enabled services and AI-driven tools. Host Jeff Echols is joined by Iman Warsame, a civil engineer turned software developer, to break down one of KP Reddy’s latest LinkedIn posts on the changing landscape of AEC startups. They dis…
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Elevate AEC - Culture Shock: How to Keep Your Company Vibes Alive
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54:11"Every time we give an award to someone, there is one of our six values that's tied in with the citation." Don Young In this episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, we share a panel session from the Zweig Group's 2024 ElevateAEC event. We delve into the evolving landscape of modern work environments and the importance of maintaining a thriving culture…
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The $1 Billion Construction Tech Opportunity No One’s Claiming
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39:01In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy breaks down one of his most talked-about LinkedIn posts: the massive, untapped business opportunity in construction technology system integration. The construction industry is fragmented, innovation deployment is inconsistent, and startups struggle with scalability—so why hasn’t anyone built a company to sol…
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Johnny Depp’s Stunt Double on Mastering Fear & Taking Risks
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47:56What does it take to stay calm under pressure, take risks, and excel at the highest level? In this episode of KP Unpacked, Jeff sits down with Hollywood stuntman Theo Kypri—a man who has literally put his life on the line for some of the biggest names in film. With over 30 years in the industry, Theo has been Johnny Depp’s stunt double in Pirates o…
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AEC's Perfect Storm: Tariffs, AI, & Inflation
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50:25In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP and Jeff break down a major theme from one of KP’s recent LinkedIn posts: the perfect storm brewing in the AEC industry. With inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, and rapid advancements in AI and robotics, how can firms stay ahead instead of being swept away? KP shares his take on why change in AEC isn’t a matter …
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Jeff is joined by architect and digital innovator Zig Rubel, FAIA, to unpack one of KP’s latest thought-provoking LinkedIn posts: "I'm not an architect, but why did they lose the master builder position and why have they never taken it back?" With KP out of the hot seat, Jeff and Zig dive deep into the historical and evolving role of architects, qu…
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In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP and Jeff tackle a critical question inspired by one of KP’s recent LinkedIn posts (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kpreddy_why-are-aec-firms-social-media-posts-a-steady-activity-7287558443270299649-RJW8/): Why are AEC firms’ social media strategies stuck in a loop of project announcements, staff hires, and work ann…
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From Specs to Stories: Cherise Lakeside's Podcasting Adventure!
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1:04:11From Specs to Stories: Cherise Lakeside's Podcasting Adventure! "A lot of architects are rather introverted as well, so it takes some work to pull that out. And for me, my win is, did I get you out of your shell to share your passion for what you do for a living and what you create?" Cherise Lakeside About the Guest: Cherise Lakeside is a seasoned …
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In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP and Jeff explore a vital but often misunderstood role in today's C-suite: the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). As the corporate landscape evolves, sustainability leadership is increasingly becoming strategic rather than just regulatory. KP shares why today's CSOs must transcend traditional compliance roles, mas…
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Startups are living organisms, constantly regenerating and evolving—much like human cells. In this episode of KP Unpacked, KP Reddy dives into the parallels between biology and business, sharing insights inspired by his recent LinkedIn post. Together with Jeff, they discuss how startups must continually adapt, refine teams, and restructure prioriti…
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ElevateAEC - How we Inspire and Transition Ownership to the Next Generation
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59:04ElevateAEC - How we Inspire and Transition Ownership to the Next Generation "The ownership transition is not just about percentages; it's about value and creating a legacy." John R. McAdams About the Guest: John R. McAdams is the founder of McAdams, a leading engineering, planning, and design firm that has shaped communities for over 40 years. Know…
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In this episode of KP Unpacked, tune in as Jeff and KP explore: Why many architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms remain stuck in hourly billing The hidden costs of commodity-based pricing and how it penalizes efficiency How real value is created by the outcomes you deliver, not the hours you spend The mindset shift needed to de-comm…
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ElevateAEC - From Chaos to Clarity: Mastering Project Leadership and Organizational Growth
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1:06:54"You never know where you are going to learn information that is going to potentially be game-changing for you." Justin Smith About the Moderator: Justin Smith is a renowned expert in project management strategies and tactics, providing strategic consulting and training for the Zweig Group. With an impressive track record in business growth and lea…
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Ambition, Risk, and Building Your Dream Team
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42:49What happens when ambition meets risk aversion in the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship? Imagine building a media empire or owning a Formula One team—these aren’t just pipe dreams for us. We share personal ambitions and dissect how these big visions shape our behaviors and decision-making, especially when resources are tight. Ambition isn’t one…
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What if the future of architecture and the built environment lies in breaking free from traditional molds? Discover the transformative potential of our Mastermind meetups and the Catalyst Network, which bring together trailblazers from the AEC and tech sectors for groundbreaking collaboration. We draw inspiration from Hamilton, urging innovators to…
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Bridging Design and Construction: A M King's Collaborative Success Story
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46:29Bridging Design and Construction: A M King's Collaborative Success Story "25 years ago when I graduated the term design build, it wasn't unheard of, but it certainly wasn't something that we talked about." Dan Crist About the Guest: Dan Crist is the President of A M King, a prominent design, construction, facility services, and property consulting …
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What if AI could offer more benefits without the cumbersome reliance on 3D models? KP revisits his 2011 textbook on BIM, reflecting on its promise and the reality a decade later. He shares his vision for a future where AI enhances value creation for building owners and developers, possibly without the traditional 3D visualization that BIM champions…
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KP shares his wisdom on the importance of building a strong network of believers who align with your mission, offering a fresh perspective on securing investments and collaborations that resonate with your vision. Discover the vital role of conviction in a founder’s journey, and understand why it’s imperative to focus on finding believers over skep…
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What if your Sunday Scaries could fuel your entrepreneurial journey instead of holding you back? KP juggles travel, writing newsletters, advising startups, and a recent relocation—all while sharing poignant life lessons from his son. Through the delightful metaphor of stacking pancakes, KP reveals the delicate act of balancing work and personal lif…
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What if the traditional vendor-client dynamic is holding back innovation? Fifty CEOs and C-suite leaders recently came together in Miami at our [KP Reddy] executive briefing to spotlight challenges like the surging energy demands of data centers, the critical need for water management, and the role of building owners in driving strategic change. We…
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KP Reddy Previews GBA 2025: AI, Innovation, and the Future of Engineering
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18:37Join KP Reddy, global authority on tech innovation and AI, as he previews his must-see presentation: “Thriving in the Tech Age: AI’s Role in Shaping A/E and the Changing Role of Consulting Engineers.” 📅 When: April 24-26, 2025 📍 Where: Savannah, GA ✨ What to Expect: - Insights from KP Reddy and other distinguished speakers - Exciting opportunities …
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Key Principles For Scaling AI In Enterprise: Leadership Lessons With Walid Mehanna
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1:03:57In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Walid Mehanna, Chief Data and AI Officer at Merck Group. Walid shares deep insights into how large, complex organizations can scale data and AI and create lasting impact through thoughtful leadership. As Chief Data & AI Officer of Merck Group, Walid led the Merck Data & AI Organization, deliver…
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Ready to future-proof your career in AEC? This EXTENDED episode is filled with insights and opportunities tailored for early and mid-career professionals. Discover the compelling reasons behind the industry's struggles to attract and keep high-caliber professionals and what it means for your career trajectory. Why do young architects feel disillusi…
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Transforming AEC Firms into Private Equity Magnets
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28:01We're baaaaack! In this episode, KP dives into how AEC firms can step up their game to attract private equity investors. He takes a closer look at what financial sophistication really means for the industry, exploring lessons AEC firms can take from the medical world’s shift to commoditized services and predictable revenue models. KP breaks down ke…
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Maximising the Impact of Your Data & AI Consulting Projects
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46:47In our latest episode of the Data Science Conversations Podcast, we spoke with Christoph Sporleder, Managing Partner at Rewire, about the evolving role of consulting in the data and AI space. This conversation is a must listen for anyone dealing with the challenges of integrating AI into business processes or considering an AI project with an exter…
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Exploring Avail's Impact on AEC Content Management with Randall Steven
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38:54Exploring Avail's Impact on AEC Content Management with Randall Stevens "I've really spent the last 25 years building software technology products that are being used in the architecture engineering construction market." Randall Stevens About the Guest: Randall Stevens is a long-time veteran in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) …
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Riding the AI Wave: From Fear to Opportunities in the AEC Industry
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1:01:46Riding the AI Wave: From Fear to Opportunities "AI is evolving every single second. I am begging you to start to use it today, just to see what it's like." Kristin Kautz Download the Presentation to Follow Along About the Guest: Kristin Kautz is a seasoned SMPS Fellow and AI enthusiast who specializes in integrating marketing and artificial intelli…
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AI Transforming AEC: From Design to Recruitment and Beyond a Conversation with KP Reddy
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50:18AI Transforming AEC: From Design to Recruitment and Beyond "So I think AI will give an opportunity for people that maybe are less technical to use these tools to really execute more work." KP Reddy About the Guest: KP Reddy is the founder and CEO of Shadow Ventures, a visionary venture capital firm specializing in tech startups within the AEC (Arch…
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Innovative Startup Pirros Revolutionizes Detail Management for Design Firms
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32:44Innovative Startup Pirros Revolutionizes Detail Management for Design Firms "We saw a lack of new software being developed for the design industry specifically." Peter Johann Randy Wilburn sits down with Peter Johann, COO of Pirros, on the Zweig Letter podcast to explore the innovative intersection of technology and the design industry. Peter refle…
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KP Reddy: How AI is Reshaping Startup Dynamics and VC Strategies
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1:01:53KP Reddy, founder and managing partner of Shadow Ventures, explains how AI is set to redefine the startup landscape and the venture capital model. KP shares his unique perspective on the rapidly evolving role of AI in entrepreneurship, offering insights into: GENAI adoption in large companies is still limited How AI is empowering leaner, more effic…
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Reg Prentice on Simplifying Data Management for Design Firms
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51:14Reg Prentice on Simplifying Data Management for Design Firms "The two most valuable things people have a design firm has is its people, number one. Right. That's obviously always going to be the case, but number two is really its history and its institutional knowledge, which primarily exists in the form of the information that's stored." Reg Prent…
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Encore Presentation: Learn How Structural Engineer Scott Harvey-Lewis Pivoted from Intrapreneurship to Entrepreneurship
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34:42We’re thrilled to bring back one of our most downloaded episodes on the Zweig Letter Podcast! In this popular episode, Scott Harvey-Lewis, a seasoned professional in the AEC industry, shares his unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and the power of resilience. Episode Summary In this episode, Scott delves into his career journey, highlight…
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The Evolution of GenAI: From GANs to Multi-Agent Systems
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43:27Early Interest in Generative AI Martin's initial exposure to Generative AI in 2016 through a conference talk in Milano, Italy, and his early work with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Development of GANs and Early Language Models since 2016 The evolution of Generative AI from visual content generation to text generation with models like Goog…
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