Episode 03-04: Adam Thomas

Welcome to the forth episode of of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks Series 3. This series theme, is really no theme at all “Guests’ Choice: AECO Mavericks Unscripted.” This week, we chat with Adam Thomas of Read|Thomas, discussing how consulting in 2024 is moving away from the traditional hired hand approach and embracing new strategies!

In this episode of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks, we dive into the world of AECO consulting with our maverick guest, Adam Thomas. We explore how he balances the art of problem-solving with the science of stress management. From his unique journey in construction and architecture to his insights on modern consulting, Adam shares his strategies for staying calm under pressure and the importance of prioritizing people over technology. Tune in for valuable tips on work-life balance, generational shifts in the industry, and why challenging yourself is the ultimate hack for growth.

Be sure to stick around to the end, for the full hack and learn about these points👇(just click the Click to Continue Reading and See Show Notes)

Key Discussion Points:

  • Introduction of Adam Thomas: Adam shares his background in construction, architecture, and business, highlighting his journey from a small-town kid to a co-founder of a consulting firm.
  • Consulting Philosophy: Discussion on the modern approach to consulting, emphasizing problem-solving, project support, and teaching clients to be self-sufficient.
  • Handling Stress and Burnout: Adam talks about the importance of staying calm under pressure and the psychological aspects of consulting, including leadership and management.
  • Work-Life Balance: The significance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal life, and the benefits of physical activities like walking to clear the mind.
  • Generational and Cultural Shifts: Insights into the changing dynamics in the construction and architecture industries, with a focus on bridging the gap between experienced professionals and newcomers.
  • Knowledge Sharing: The importance of capturing and sharing knowledge within organizations to prevent loss of expertise as older generations retire.
  • People Over Technology: Emphasizing the value of people and relationships over technological advancements in the workplace.
  • Challenge Yourself: Encouragement to set personal challenges to improve both professionally and personally, fostering growth and resilience.

* The above was created with a helping hand from an LLM from the Podcast episode transcript, which was transcribed by AI 😁

You can listen to the podcast, HERE, the Spotify player at the start of this post, or on your favorite podcast app. If you prefer visual content, be sure to check out the video on YouTube.

Show Notes:

Adam Thomas is COO and Co-Founder at Read|Thomas.

Where you can find Adam:

Consulting today is NOT like “The Bobs” from Office Space

Walk & Talks – A great way to share ideas and trouble shoot work issues, but also allowing you get away from the computer and focus on the task at hand.

People over Technology – This isn’t about being anti-technology; rather, it emphasizes putting people first. When we ensure our teams are in place and well-supported, technology becomes an enabler that assists—rather than drives—our processes.

Call for Submissions for AEC Acoustics 2025 Roundtables is now open, and the theme is: 2025 Theme: “Better Storytelling through Technology”

The AEC Acoustics Best Practice Roundtables is for subject matter experts, solution providers, builders, and business decision makers. Limited to 40 attendees, this event is deliberately smaller; a quieter “Acoustic” version of larger AEC conference. Though smaller, the event is attended by globally recognized industry leaders and presenters, and practitioners.

Call for Sessions: 2025 AEC Acoustics Best Practice Roundtables!

Link to Carl’s AEC Acoustics 2024 Executive Summary on AI: Practical Uses of AI – Executive Summary

Robert (Bob) Weygant BIM, Bagels and back Again.

You can find all of the WGH links in one place with our 👉 BIO LINK

Also a BIG Thanks to Alex Grohl for our amazing intro and outro music “Indie Hey Song (Lost Fragments)” You can find more great royalty-free music from Alex on Pixabay

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