Importance of Preparation

One of the most gratifying parts of my role is interacting with clients and the investors we serve - in addition to Capital Group associates - around the world. Both cohorts make me smarter, inform my outlook for the industry, and help influence where Capital is headed as an organization.    A colleague of mine recently asked me how I prepare for so many meetings, specifically for clients around the globe. I’ll share with you what I shared with him:   1. Over-prepare (and then prepare again): There is no substitute for doing the hard work before you ever step foot in the room. I want to know as much as I can about what our client truly cares about and what challenges they face. Whether it’s an advisor meeting or a large institutional client, thorough preparation opens the door for deeper conversations. I also think doing the prep work is showing respect for our clients’ valuable time. 2. Be present: My focus and attention are on the client and only the client. The definition of a good client meeting is whether or not they found the meeting to be valuable. 3. Be genuine: If you’re reading off a script, you’ve already lost the opportunity to build a real connection. Be open, transparent, genuine, and imperfect. Over-preparedness lets you leave the briefing document behind so you can be in the moment for the client. 4. Follow-Up: Easy to say, hard to do consistently if you’re not passionate and disciplined about doing it.   Everyone has their own process. I don’t claim mine is any better, but it works for me, and most importantly – it’s meant to be impactful for our clients. #CapGroupGlobal

You just lost money on a job that hasn’t even started yet. That’s what I told a client during a project kickoff last month. They looked at me sideways....until I asked this: “Let’s say the job is already off the rails... what went wrong?” We sat in silence for a second. Then the answers started rolling in: – Scope wasn’t clear – Sub buyout dragged – Schedule didn’t match reality – RFIs and design gaps already piling up – Everyone assuming someone else had it covered That conversation changed everything and shifted mindsets to be more aware of what responsibilities lied ahead. No finger-pointing. Just honest discussion about what could go wrong....BEFORE IT ACTUALLY DID! Many contractors do Post-Mortem. I challenge you to think differently and perform a Pre-Mortem. Why be the contractor who waits until closeout to figure out what went wrong. The best ones, do it before they even mobilize. This is what I encourage to my consulting clients. If your kickoff meeting doesn’t include this kind of conversation, you’re missing the opportunity to get ahead of the curve. That missed opportunity is costing you more than you think! This was a part of the conversation we had in our latest Preconstruction Peer Group which I lead. These conversations are imperative if you want to stand out from the crowd and its great having them with a dozen plus contractors who can all bring their own perspectives. #proaccel #constructionconsulting #constructionoperations #preconstruction #constructionpeergroup

After seeing me give a keynote last week in Seattle, a client asked me for my go-to stage prep tips—a question I get asked often this time of year. (Yes, even the most practiced public speakers still actively prepare for getting on stage. There’s no autopilot button for this!) Here’s what I shared with her: Physical Prep— >> Breathe: Diaphragmatic breathing. In through your nose, fill your belly, exhale slowly. It centers your body and gets your mind focused. (Also calms jitters). >> Posture: Stand tall. Feet shoulder-width apart. Chest open. Shoulders relaxed. Helps project confidence… and helps you physically own the space (think Executive Presence). >>Chew gum: Yes, really. Chew gum before you get up there. Releases tension, reduces dry mouth. (Just be sure to spit it out before you start speaking!). Mental Prep— >> Reframe nerves: Instead of “I’m nervous,” tell yourself “I’m excited.” That adrenaline? Let it FUEL you. >> Visualize success: Picture yourself delivering your message with confidence. Imagine the audience responding positively. Set the tone before you even start. >> It’s not about you: The key. Focus on them, not you. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making a connection with the audience. Shift the spotlight to them in the first 20 seconds by asking a question or inviting them to move their body. You’ll get a second to catch your breath and actually take in the stage, lights, and audience at hand. One last thing? Thank the backstage crew for all their help. Because having a working mic and flattering lighting really matters—and you most definitely couldn't do that part without them.

I wake up every day expecting to lose my job. This minimizes my stress 12 years ago, I did lose my job. At the time, my wife had only a graduate student stipend, and we were living in Cambridge, MA - an expensive place to be caught off guard. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t know what to do. That experience changed me. I vowed that I would never allow myself to be blindsided by job loss again. The hard truth is this: any company will cut you tomorrow without hesitation if it reduces expenses or ensures business health for leadership. It’s painful, but the sooner we accept this reality, the better prepared we can be. What surprises me most is how many people treat career preparedness as a reactive effort. Networking, building relationships, and monitoring open roles shouldn’t be things you do only after you’ve lost your job. By then, it’s often too late. This is why I usually speak to those in our community who’ve already lost their jobs. But today, my message is also for those who still have them. If you don’t already, I strongly encourage you to adopt this mindset: Assume that every day could be the day you lose your job. This is not a gimmick - this is how I think, sincerely. Expect it to happen. It won’t make the pain disappear, but it will reduce the sting when it does. Ask yourself - if it happened, am I ready? Here are a few critical questions to guide your preparedness: Do I have a plan for six months, one year, or 18 months from now? Have I built real, sincere relationships that would enable me to reach out for support and advice? Do I have a wide list of companies and individuals I could tap if I had to make a change? Am I regularly reviewing roles to stay informed about what’s out there or to spot better opportunities than my current one? Companies can get rid of you at any moment without regret. Don’t you deserve to do everything possible to prioritize your wellbeing - without regret? For me, preparation is non-negotiable. Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, I maintain a list of relationships - friends, acquaintances, and potential collaborators - and I dedicate time to nurture those connections. This isn’t transactional. It’s about real people I care about and making sure they know I’m there for them too. I also keep an active, evolving list of organizations where I believe I could thrive if needed. Networking and career preparedness aren’t activities to save for a rainy day. They’re lifelong habits, essential for navigating inevitable change. I’ve met incredible, accomplished people who’ve lost jobs unexpectedly. I know I could be next - just like anyone else. But I’ve vowed to always be ready, and I urge you to do the same. Start now - when your company cuts you, it might be too late. If I ever reach out to you, I hope you’ll have an active A/B/C list ready to go, especially if you’re still employed. I credit this approach with having experienced unemployment only once in 42 years and I want it to help you too.

Real project failures happen before breaking ground, not after. When we build, success isn't just measured by milestones during construction—it's defined by the level of planning and quality of decisions made long before the first shovel cuts the dirt. Missteps in preconstruction are the true killers of project success. Think about that for a moment. When projects go off-track, it's rarely due to onsite issues alone. Instead, many times the roots of failure trace back to planning and preparation: ❌ Poor Data: Inaccurate or incomplete data that was relied on to create estimates compromises budgets, timelines and resource allocation. ❌ Missed Risks: Overlooking or misidentifying critical risks early leads to costly surprises later. ❌ Incomplete Documentation: Ambiguities and gaps in documentation, or worse yet out-of-date documentation, set the stage for misunderstandings and disputes. And more often than not, these issues crop up due to insufficient ConTech. Investing in thorough, accurate and strategic preconstruction and project management solutions is no longer optional—it's essential. The best way to ensure project success is to recognize and eliminate these risks before construction begins. TheEngiNerdLife #enablinginnovation #contech #construction #projectmanagementsoftware #preconstruction

The construction industry's dirtiest secret: Most disasters are caused by what happens BEFORE the project begins. Here's how to avoid the trap that costs 70% of property owners millions: Remember that time everyone blamed the contractor for your project disaster? Plot twist: The problem started in those boring pre-construction meetings everyone skipped or scrolled through emails during. Construction disputes average $30M per case and take 16.7 months to resolve. That's longer than some marriages last these days. For Texas hospitals, schools, and municipalities, it's even worse – you're basically planning your grand opening and your legal defense simultaneously. Fun times! But most of these disasters are completely preventable. The secret? Treat pre-construction planning like it's the season finale, not the boring pilot episode. 4 drama-preventing moves every institutional owner needs: 1. The "Who's Actually In Charge Here?" Chart Create a decision matrix that prevents those classic "I thought YOU approved this?!" moments that happen at 4:55pm on Fridays. (Nothing says "happy weekend" like discovering nobody authorized that $2M change order!) 2. The Process Police Designate "process guardians" with actual authority who can call out violations without fear of becoming the office pariah. They're not the heroes we want, but they're the heroes we need. 3. The "This Is Taking Forever" Escalation Ladder Any decision pending >5 days gets kicked upstairs automatically. Because "we're waiting for approval" is the construction equivalent of "the check's in the mail." 4. Document Everything Like Your Career Depends On It (Because It Does) In construction disputes, undocumented work is like that tree falling in the forest – if it's not documented, it simply didn't happen. "I sent an email about that!" won't save your $400M project. Use platforms like Procore that create a single source of truth. Projects using these report 50% fewer RFIs – that's like having 50% fewer awkward holiday dinner conversations. The ROI stories are better than fiction: A Houston hospital prevented $7M in rework on their $400M expansion. Dallas ISD strengthened its construction management by implementing process improvements, helping deliver major school projects efficiently, with ZERO claims. Their planning investment? Less than 1% of budget. Their return? 8-10x that amount. The choice feels a lot like deciding whether to get insurance before or after the accident: Invest in planning now, or involuntarily invest much more later while explaining to the board why everything's on fire. The most successful Texas institutions have already made this shift. Will you join them, or continue starring in Construction Disaster: Season 12?

Years ago, I had a new team member ask how I became so comfortable speaking in meetings, able to pivot when the conversation went in unexpected directions. The answer: Preparation. My meeting prep routine looks something like this: ✏ What do I need from this meeting/conversation? Goals, objectives (stated/unstated) ✏ What do I know/believe others need from this meeting/conversation? Goals, objectives (stated/unstated) ✏ What questions need to be asked/answered to achieve those objectives? That is, what do we already know & what information is missing. ✏ What concerns might be presented – and how will I respond? Use that EI to identify potential concerns, consider what is at the root of the concerns, and review what I know, what I can share. ✏ What is the most important information or decision to share during the interaction? Be ready to connect each person with the objective and confirm the ‘why’ is clear. ✏ What topics need to be avoided (and how will I respond when that topic comes up)? Prepare next steps to offer and clear, honest rationale. This routine works for me whether I’m leading or attending a meeting, too. Some meetings require more preparation, some less, but these questions are constantly humming in the back of my brain, so the routine has become both quick and efficient. (Also, every meeting should have an agenda with goals & objectives and a clear purpose for attendees. If it doesn’t, ask for one before you agree to attend!) If you have additional tips, I’d love to hear them! #culture #womeninleadership

Blueprint Mistakes: The Domino Effect That Topples Projects 🎯🛑 Picture this: You’re setting up a line of dominoes, meticulously planning each step, only to realize one is out of place. You tap the first, and instead of a seamless cascade, the whole thing collapses into chaos. Now, translate that to your construction project—blueprint misinterpretation is that one domino. It starts small: a missed note, an unclear symbol, or an unchecked conflict between MEP and structural designs. But the ripple effect? Massive delays, skyrocketing costs, and frustrated teams. 😓 According to the Construction Industry Institute, over 70% of rework in projects stems from design errors and poor communication. 💸 🎯 Here’s How to Stop the Dominoes from Falling: 1️⃣ Bring Everyone to the Table: Architects, engineers, MEP, and construction managers need open lines of communication early on. Think of it as assembling the Avengers 🦸♂️🦸♀️ for your project. 2️⃣ Invest in Knowledge: Continued training in blueprint reading and coordination tools ensures everyone speaks the same language. Education isn’t an expense—it’s your safety net. 📘🛠️ 3️⃣ Triple-Check Your Foundation: Review, refine, and repeat until every line and note is crystal clear. A thorough pre-construction plan is your project’s insurance policy. ✅ Blueprint mistakes don’t have to derail your vision. 🛤️ They’re the cracks we can seal, the dominoes we can realign—before the chain reaction begins. With proactive planning and proper communication, we can build projects that stand tall, on time, and within budget. 🏗️🚀 What’s your team’s plan to prevent the next toppling domino? (Source: Construction Industry Institute)

3 days before every sales call, I do this one thing. It's doubled my close rate. Most salespeople prep 10 minutes before the call. I prep 72 hours before. Here's why: Last month I had 8 discovery calls scheduled in one day. Monday morning I checked my calendar. 4 of them hadn't accepted the meeting invite. Red flag. I immediately sent this message: "Noticed our call for Thursday at 2pm hasn't been confirmed yet, [Name]. Still good on your end? If timing doesn't work, happy to find something better." 3 responded within hours. 1 rescheduled for the following week. 1 admitted they'd forgotten and weren't prepared. 1 said they were no longer interested. Without this check? I would've wasted 4 hours on no-shows and unqualified calls. Instead, I spent those 4 hours on qualified prospects who actually closed. But I don't stop there. My 3-Day Sales Prep System: Day 3 Before: Check if calendar invite is accepted Follow up if not confirmed Research company size and recent news Day 1 Before: Review each attendee's LinkedIn profile Note their role, tenure, previous companies Identify the source (website, referral, LinkedIn, etc.) Prepare personalized talking points 10 Minutes Before: Open my "free notes" template List attendees, company size, call reason Review my discovery call pillars Get in the right headspace Most reps show up cold and wing it. I show up knowing: → Who I'm talking to → Why they booked the call → What questions to ask → How to personalize the conversation The difference is night and day. Prospects say things like: "Wow, you really did your homework" "I can tell you understand our business" "This feels different from other sales calls" When someone feels understood, they buy. When they feel like another number, they ghost. Your competition is showing up unprepared. They're checking LinkedIn during the call. They're asking generic questions. They're winging the close. You have a massive advantage if you just do the work. 3 days of prep beats 3 hours of pitch. Every. Single. Time. If you're not prepping at least 24 hours in advance, you're leaving money on the table. Agree?

🔐 Breaking RSA with ~1M physical qubits? That’s the breakthrough outlined in a recent paper by Craig Gidney at Google: 📄 https://lnkd.in/dQZuNaHt The work proposes optimized circuit constructions and error correction layouts that reduce the qubit requirements for factoring RSA-2048 from ~20 million (2019 estimates) to just 1 million physical qubits—a 20× improvement. This dramatically shifts the horizon for practical quantum attacks on today’s cryptographic standards. ⚠️ If validated, these results substantially accelerate the urgency for quantum readiness—not in theory, but in practice. At BlueQubit, we're focused on developing quantum software solutions that help enterprises and defense organizations prepare for and transition to the post-quantum era. That means tools for identifying cryptographic risk, supporting hybrid classical-quantum architectures, and integrating quantum solutions into existing workflows. 🚀 Algorithmic advances like this reshape timelines, risk models, and strategic priorities. For sectors with long data retention or sensitive infrastructure, now is the time to take quantum threats seriously—and plan accordingly. 🛡️ #QuantumComputing #PostQuantumCryptography #Cybersecurity #QuantumReadiness #BlueQubit #ShorAlgorithm #PQCTools #EnterpriseSecurity #DefenseTech