Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

Preparing A/E/C Project Managers for Successful Shortlisted Interviews

aec bid packages aec business development aec communication aec communications trainer aec conference keynote aec leadership aec marketing aec online training aec professional development aec project managers aec proposals aec public speaking aec pursuits aec rfps aec soft skills aec speaker aec superintendents aeco aecom architecture industry bim client-facing commercial construction confident communication contech contech marketing design build digital twin engineering keynote speaker facilities management shortlist meetings shortlisted shortlisted interviews Jun 13, 2025

Many PMs, superintendents, estimators, and others have deep technical knowledge—but often lack experience in client-facing conversations.

📈That’s not a flaw; it’s a gap that training and education can address.

With today's new strategies, A/E/C teams can develop the confidence and communication skills needed to differentiate your firm—building trust, getting referrals, and strengthening client relationships.🥇

🎯Here are four foundational areas to help employees shift their mindset and be better prepared to capture pursuits.

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The Power of Storytelling in Construction

a/e/c communication a/e/c keynote speaker aec communication aec labor shortage aec professional development aec public speaking aeco architecture industry bim design bridging the gap podcast construction storytelling contech design build engineering industry facilities managers general contractors mep podcast podcast guest project controls shortlisted interviews smps marketing todd weyandt Jun 05, 2025

Articulating complex data and information doesn't have to be an ongoing struggle in A/E/C.

From misunderstandings in e-mail threads and texts to confusing slide decks and messaging to stakeholders, there's room to improve communication.

Interpersonal communication is at the root of reworks, lost bids, budget overruns, and the labor shortage.

In the "Bridging the Gap" podcast episode, I talk with host Todd Weyandt about how A/E/C teams can become confident communicators, with new storytelling and networking skills.

Grab valuable techniques and strategies from our conversation. Here's the link. https://bit.ly/3T7L97B

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40% of Leaders Say Teams Aren't Asking the Right Questions

aec aec business development aec collaboration aec communication aec keynote speaker aec marketing aec online trainer aec people skills aec presentations aeco bim capture pursuits civil engineering conflict resolution construction leadership construction project managers design build general contractors imposter syndrome project controls revit seller-doer challenges shortlisted interviews tab commissioning May 22, 2025

Communication, seller-doer challenges, and confidence.

To achieve greater success in the A/E/C industry, a new poll says firms must overcome these three obstacles, beginning with communication.

➡️Nearly 40 percent of respondents said unasked questions hold teams back in sales meetings.

➡️More than 25 percent cite rushing through conversations as a significant challenge.

Are you working on the right problem?

In A/E/C, this could mean focusing on the most pressing client needs or more profitable projects.

Reach out if you want to transform your teams' communication so you can capture more pursuits, improve productivity, and build trust.

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Moving Toward Powerful Communication in A/E/C

#aec leadership aec bid proposals aec communication aec communications speaker aec communications trainer aec keynote speaker aec leadership aeco bid packages bim civil engineering construction managers construction project managers construction rfps contech facilities management shortlisted interviews women in healthcare May 13, 2025

Clear communication is essential in A/E/C to ensure alignment, reduce costly misunderstandings, and keep complex projects on track.

Which side is your team on?

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The Communication Skill Holding Back Our Emerging Leaders

a/e/c emerging leaders a/e/c marketing aec career growth aec marketing aec sales presentations architecture industry business communication skills communication skills training communications coach confident speakers design build emerging leaders engineering industry leadership mindset limiting beliefs negative self-talk public speaking self confidence shortlisted interviews speaker training subject matter expert Nov 18, 2024

Have you ever felt your voice didn't matter in a room full of experts?

Younger architects and engineers often feel they must have all the answers in presentations and meetings.

Not true. 😮

The need for perfection is exhausting and expensive when you lose bids to more confident competitors.

• It's comforting to know that no one knows everything.

• And that's more than OK; it's liberating.

• Project managers, superintendents, and others can overcome limiting beliefs with new communication and mindset processes.

An architect in this month's Top Tier Communicator Training said:

"I keep falling into a trap, feeling I'm not good enough, and I didn't even know it. Now it's clear, and I have all the puzzle pieces to improve."

Admitting when you don't know something can be empowering.

Your firm will earn respect and trust when staff says with humility and honesty:

"I don't know, and I'll find out within the hour."

🎯The pieces and tools for building confident teams and incre...

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The Best Skill Top A/E/C Firms Use to Win Bigger Projects

a/e/c prospects a/e/c pursuits a/e/c winning bids architecture industry attention business communication skills business development client communication curiosity profit growth sales techniques selling techniques shortlist meetings shortlisted interviews Nov 07, 2024

Imagine a world where shortlisted interviews didn't open with rah-rah team slides and your firm's values.🎆

It does exist, my friends.

Here's how leading-edge marketers land new clients:

🧨They embrace curiosity and resist complacency.

The foundation of business development is hunger.

It's knowing how to whet a prospect's appetite and skillfully keep their attention.

*️⃣Is your team dropping seeds that pique interest and spark creative conversations?

*️⃣Your dream clients are starving for fresh approaches and delicious interactions.🍽️

Profitable firms with empowering staff sprinkle curiosity into everything they do.

Forget complacency and develop this one communication skill that grows people and profits. 📈

Let's do it!

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Refining Your Communication Just Got Way Easy

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Strengthening your communication skills doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.

In the chaotic world of A/E/C, on-demand learning helps you combat burnout and stress.

That's why we've opened our curated Communication Vault to the public!

🧨Now you can access the timeless tips, processes, and strategies I share in my Amplify programs whenever you need support and tools.

🔐 The key to the Communication Vault is here! 🔐

So if you're wanting to:

🔷Enhance your body language in shortlisted meetings

🔷Improve small talk when networking

🔷Be seen as a trusted subject matter expert...

…the Communication Vault has all the tools you need to be engaging and self-assured.

🎯We're always adding fresh content, too: short video clips, webinars, worksheets, and guides to uplevel your communication and boost your confidence.🎯

Check out the Communication Vault here!

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How to Overcome Self-Doubt When You Don't Have All the Answers

aec business development aec business growth aec communication aec presentations aec stakeholders aec teams architecture bd presentations career growth client communication communication skills confidence confident leaders construction executives construction industry credibility engineering industry shortlisted interviews Aug 28, 2024

If you''ve been in a shortlisted interview and don't have the answer to a question, don't beat yourself up.

Watch the 1-minute video above and quit the negative self-talk so you can truly shine!

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Do You Know Enough About the Prospects You're Pursuing?

aec aec business development aec communication aec communications trainer aec pursuits aec stakeholders architects and design audience business development business networking construction executives engineering interview prep proposal writing prospects pursuits shortlisted shortlisted interviews Aug 12, 2024

The phone call was from a 215-Philly area code.

Assuming it was my cousin, Marc, I picked up the phone. 📳

To my surprise, the caller was a woman who knew my first name.

She asked to speak with the director of technology for my firm.🙃

As an entrepreneur for 24 years, my firm has an agile team of freelancers and part-timers.

Interestingly, the technology department is my husband.

He's an IT project manager working in the next room in our home. 🏠

The key takeaway from this encounter is the importance of thorough research before shortlisted interviews and networking events.

🎯Look online for insights about people you'll be interacting with so you know their values, projects, and interests. 🎯

You'll gain valuable information and have more meaningful and memorable conversations.

This level of preparation not only establishes trust and respect. It also fosters genuine connections with decision-makers.

🎆Know your audience ahead of time.

This is how competitive A/E/C firms win ...

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Elevate C-Suite Communication with These 4 Quick Questions

aec communications trainer aec project managers aeco c-suite communication construction executives engineers professional development project managers shortlisted interviews Apr 10, 2024

Hats off to A/E/C execs who admit there are weak spots in how top leaders communicate.🎆

It's easy to look at younger staff and generational differences.

The C-suite litmus test for effective leadership is to assess your peers and colleagues.

The upper echelons of your org chart are no different than the rank and file.

😮You know, the person who shows 20 pictures of his kids in a meeting.

😮Or the executive who misses subtle clues that others aren't paying attention.

😮Maybe your highly proficient peers are talking over decision-makers in meetings.

Think about top managers, directors, principals, and yourself.

Do you know today's strategies around building trust, consensus, and influence?

They must have new tools for conflict resolution and concise agendas in meetings.

Can you share a mesmerizing story?

Are you overdue for a communications refresher and new skills?

👉Why?

👉Why not?

👉Why not this?

👉Why not now?

Professional development is a continuum of l

...

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