Episode 7: Inclusive Diversity with Granite SVP Brian Dowd

Podcast: Construction DEI Talks Episode 7: Brian Dowd

Tune in to this episode of the Construction DEI Talks, a podcast where we dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to the construction industry. Co-hosts Jorge Quezada, Vice President of Inclusive Diversity at Granite Construction, Stephanie Roldan, Director of Lean Culture at Rosendin, and Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Business Partner at Granite Construction, direct each episode to bring new conversations with subject matter experts and discuss how we can make our industry better and stronger. In this episode, the host is joined by Brian Dowd, Senior Vice President at Granite Construction.

The episode begins with Brian introducing himself and sharing about some of the experiences they faced when traveling around the world and encountering new cultures. Through this experience, he was able to grow in his understanding of diversity and inclusion and shares about what he gleaned from these experiences. He was able to take this wisdom with him into the role of Senior Vice President of Granite Construction and next discusses his role there, which is interacting with regional managers and being a group manager. His goal and vision is to support the five regions and regional managers through helping set the strategic direction for where they are heading and provide them with support to grow the business.

Next, Jorge points out how diversity, equity, and inclusion appear to be new to the forefront of the construction industry and asks Brian to share about his front row seat in this growth over the years. Brian begins by discussing the work he is currently doing at Granite Construction to help encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is primarily through first seeing the need to engage in this journey and taking the time to understand all the layers of it. Self-education in these areas is essential for growth to come and Brian points out how the next step is to take self-education and turn it into action through applying it to the workforce. Brian has done this at Granite Construction by providing opportunities that will invite and encourage a diversity of people, viewpoints, backgrounds, ideas, and questions to enhance these three aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Brian then dives in deeper to the actions he is taking and the actions he wants the leadership of Granite Construction to take to expand diversity in the company. One of his biggest goals is to focus on the environment and make it a place where all people feel welcome and free to share their own viewpoints, ideas, and questions. This environment of inclusion and openness will encourage open-mindedness and opportunities for everyone. He also shares one of his favorite books when it comes to what it means to be a good leader and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is the book Now Discover Your Strengths. He concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to always be inquisitive in searching for ways to grow in these areas and taking action to build a better workplace for everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, share, and leave a review!

Links:
Connect with Stephanie Roldan.
Connect with Jorge Quezada.
Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
Follow Brian Dowd on LinkedIn.

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