Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

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Deciding to Prioritize Your Communication

You decide.

Taking small, consistent actions each day can be an effective way to make progress toward your goals.

If you have reasons for not taking even a small step toward your goal, consider whether any of those reasons might be holding you back.Ā 

🚩Another word for reasons is excuses.

Sometimes, what we see as reasons could also be seen as obstacles to progress.

Yes, we're all busy. Many people in A/E/C feel burned out, overwhelmed, or anxious. The world can feel beyond chaotic.Ā 

And, even in tumultuous times, many people try not to let their circumstances keep them stuck.

Here's something to consider: Some of the most important conversations aren’t with bosses or partners.Ā 

The conversations and communication you have with yourself are critical.Ā šŸ’Æ

Your self-talk. Your internal chatter. This is what matters most.

šŸ„‡Your internal narrative shapes your mindset and success.Ā 

When you bypass reasons and focus fully on your goal, consistent action and accountability can help you reach the finish lin...

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How to Deepen Relationships By Reading Body Language

You know how to build a room.

But do you know how to read a room?

Technical skills only get you so far.

In business, growing revenue isn't about technology or job titles.

It's about spotting subtle communication cues that give you:

šŸ”·Greater influence
šŸ”·New levels of respect
šŸ”·Deeper connections

To get ahead, notice both verbal and nonverbal cues.

Pay attention to others' words, pacing, gestures, and expressions.

Here's the truth: Reading body language is key to negotiating and resolving conflict.

I learned this 30 years ago so I know it works. šŸ’Æ

People who can read a room also exude confidence that most competitors lack.

Notice clues in your next interaction and start reading the room for a competitive edge.

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How to Build A Powerful Business Development Team

Most of us expect to hear about design-build in the field, but let's talk about design-build as it applies to business development.

How are you going to sustain revenue and year-over-year growth?

It’s about designing and building your business development team.

šŸ“ˆTo increase profitability and develop younger staff, firms must invest in project managers, superintendents, and estimators to help capture more pursuits.

Designing and building higher-level teams requires critical thinking skills, the ability to ask open-ended questions, the willingness to pivot and respond, and the confidence to articulate technical data to stakeholders.šŸŽÆ

The coaching model I’m describing is an integral, ongoing part of leadership development.

It involves not just formal or occasional mentoring but also daily interactions in which PMs and other senior leaders identify in-the-moment teaching opportunities.šŸ’Æ

Business coaching—combined with mentoring—uplevels communication, clarity, and confidence.

This applies to le...

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Disappointed? These 9 Words Will Get You Back on Track

If you’ve ever veered off the success path and detoured into ā€œPity City,ā€ there’s a powerful, yet simple phrase to get back on track.Ā 

āž”ļøNine short words. That’s it.Ā 

When I’m in the middle of a struggle, rough patch, or ā€œwoe is meā€ moment, I mumble these words to myself.Ā 

Sometimes out loud. Sometimes in my head.Ā 

šŸ”·Yep, I turn to a 9-word phrase that always helps me refocus and reframe.Ā 

These words remind me of the fortitude, power, and strength I have to persevere.Ā 

Many women, especially those in construction, navigate a litany of challenges that test their physical, emotional, and mental states every single day.Ā 

šŸ‘·ā€ā™€ļøOur observance of Women's History Month reminds us of the pioneering women who have shaped our industry. And those who continue to work and lead in the contruction field. šŸ„‡

Regardless of your gender, my nine words…stay with it, stay with it, stay with it…reminds us of our collective purpose and why we do what we do.Ā 

You got this!Ā 

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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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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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The New PMs Are Watching. What Are You Showing Them?

New project managers are watching you.

What are you showing them?

In every meeting, on every jobsite, and during every project handoff, your emerging leaders are quietly taking notes.

They may not speak up yet.

But they are watching how you...

āœ…Communicate under pressure

āœ…Handle mistakes

āœ…Give direction

āœ…Treat others

Your actions become their playbook.

🧨Here's the truth about A/E/C: Strong communication and visible ownership are non-negotiable.

It's not only about what you say—it's how you lead through words, tone, clarity, and follow-up.

If experienced leaders model sarcasm, vague directions, or avoid responsibility, younger project managers are likely to do the same—and think it's acceptable when it's not.

Your communication and the leadership culture of your firm come down to this:

šŸ—ļøYou lead by example, not memos and long meetings.

Train your next-level leaders today so that they don't mirror outdated and bad habits.

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