Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

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Data Centers are Booming, But Seller-Doer Meetings Don't Need More Data

It’s no secret that data center construction is booming.

It’s mostly fueled by AI and our demand for more data, faster speeds, and more answers.

But here’s the irony I see every week in A/E/C business development.

Seller-doer interviews aren’t lost because teams lack data.

Firms lose bids because decision-makers are overwhelmed with too many numbers.

Clients already have plenty of data from proposals.

Here’s the truth: Stakeholders are deciding if theyĀ trustĀ who is in the room.

Successful interviews aren’t driven by slide decks—they’re driven by human connection.

• Clear, confident storytelling

• Thoughtful small talk that builds rapport

• Being present, personable, and intuitive

• Reading the room and responding—not rambling

Artificial Intelligence may be transforming how projects are designed and built.Ā 

But people still hire people.

This human side of communication is exactly why I createdĀ Top Tier Communicator.

It's where A/E/C’s emerging leaders develop essential sk...

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The Best Gift to Give this Holiday Season

The best gift of communication you can offer anyone is the gift of your attention.

It's great year-round.Ā 

šŸ”·It costs nothing and requires no shopping.

šŸ”·There’s no need for fancy wrapping.

Paying close attention requires deep listening skills—fully focusing on the speaker, listening not just to the words but also to tone, body language, and emotions.

You can’t genuinely understand someone else’s perspective if you miss a few words or sentences they are expressing to you.

Learn how to pay attention without distractions. This is priceless.Ā 

Focus on others and block out distractions—no phones, pings, or alerts.😮

Don't try "faking someone out" by acting like you're engaged when you're mentally drifting.Ā 

Forget the email that needs to be sent.Ā 

Forget that the car needs gas.Ā 

Forget about stopping at the store.

The truth is that people notice when you're "checked out." Don't kid yourself.

šŸŽÆThe better way is to be more self-aware.Ā 

Exceptional communicators catch themselves qu...

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Projects Stall When Communication is Weak

Operational delays rarely come from a lack of effort.

They come from professionals who were never taught how to communicate clearly under pressure, across roles, and with accountability.

That gap shows up here.

When I’m training top tier communicators in A/E/C, one pattern is consistent:

When communication skills lag, operational risk increases.

Here’s the truth: These gaps often go unnoticed until profit margins and credibility are already impacted.

What are leaders in your firm doing to reduce these risks?

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Leaning into Leadership in 2026

The best project leaders don’t bark directives or lean on authority.

They use coaching as a core leadership tool—creating clarity, not confusion. šŸŽÆ

Combining coaching and leadership improves handoffs, documentation, and multi-generational teams communication.

Imagine your PMs, supers, and estimators sparking curiousity with open-ended questions.

Engagement uncovers blind spots and helps close feedback loops.

It also bolsters morale and impacts the talent pool. šŸ“ˆ

Strong, empathetic leaders draw ideas out of their teams.

They avoid unnecessary directives, invite perspectives, and make people feel valued.

🚩AI may streamline tasks, but it can’t fix confidence and unclear communication.

To develop stronger communicators in 2026, Top Tier Communicator training is the place to begin.Ā 

Wrap up 2025 with intention so your staff kicks off the new year ahead of the curve. Drop me a message here and we'll talk.Ā 

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Strategic Networking Grows Business

Showing up at a networking event or conference doesn't count as business development.

Choose events carefully and strategically so you attract new relationships and opportunities.

Yes, this includes making small talk 😮

Before putting something on your calendar, consider:

šŸŽÆWill your ideal clients be there?

šŸŽÆWhat is your intention?

šŸŽÆWho do you want to meet, and why?

šŸŽÆHow will you mingle and meet new people?

šŸŽÆHow will you introduce yourself?

There is an art and science to successful networking.

Do you and your teams know how to generate leads and create exciting opportunities at seemingly ordinary events?

If not, you're wasting precious time and your firm is losing money.

PS: Get your nose out of your phone!

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AI Is Only As Smart As Your Communication

Clarity is a beautiful thing.

Especially when tech staff are thinking through RFIs, field reports, and meeting agendas that cost A/E/C firms productivity and profits.

Yes, Artificial Intelligence can simplify complex data.

Still, AI tools only bring value when humans provide clear input and prompts.

āž”ļøWhen prompts are vague or confusing, the info you get back will miss the mark.

The result?

Misunderstandings, cost overruns, and lost credibility.

Clear thinking = Clear Prompts

āž”ļøOur Top Tier Communicator on-demand and live training programs give teams the tools to strengthen clarity, communication, and AI prompts.ā¬…ļø

Each of the 3 programs are under $1,000.

Individuals and firms can access today's tools to bridge communication gaps and deliver successful projects.Ā 

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The High Cost of Dysfunctional Teams

Communication tip:

Teamwork is your competitive advantage.

Here's the truth: A lack of trust amongst A/E/C teams brings dysfunction.

Messy interactions and communication breakdowns lead to misunderstandings, cost overruns, reworks, low morale, and labor shortages.

Successful leaders are willing to quickly and honestly address chaos to diffuse conflicts and keep projects on track.

How do you manage conflicts and dysfunctional teams?

Reach out if your team needs support.Ā 

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The 1 Safety Term Many in A/E/C Are Missing

Yes, physical safety and mental health must always be top priorities in our industry.

There's a different kind of safety that firms often overlook: Psychological safety.

It's an essential form of communication.

Psychological safety means that staff feel comfortable and safe in expressing their emotions, using their voices, and sharing concerns — without judgment or repercussions.

āž”ļøIt directly impacts emotional well-being, talent retention, performance, and job dissatisfaction.

When leaders in my training programs are unsure of this practice, I worry.

Are your emerging leaders and executives using psychological safety practices to support staff?

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Why Speaking Up Is a Strategic Advantage

Years ago, when I was in high school, I lost my voice for a few days.

I suddenly had laryngitis.Ā 

Couldn't make a sound.Ā 

It was beyond frustrating.

After college, I became a radio news reporter and anchor.Ā 

My voice was my job. I had a degree in communication.Ā 

But even then, I didn't fully believe my opinion or voice mattered. 😮

I second-guessed my worth.Ā 

I stayed quiet when I had something to say. Sound familiar?Ā 

I see the same pattern in 95% of the A/E/C professionals in my coaching and training programs.Ā 

People who are technically capable but hesitate to speak up in client-facing meetings or networking events.

Many in our industry shy away from making small talk and interacting with others.

It's aboutĀ having more confidence.

Keeping your "nose in your phone" keeps you silent in real life.Ā 

šŸ’°The reluctance to use your voice costs your firm millions in lost bids, referrals, and opportunities.šŸ’°

A/E/C professionals don't lack ideas; they doubt their value.Ā 

They second-guess themselves.Ā 

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