Episode 56: Great Clients, Great Projects

One of our strategic goals is to attract more of the projects we want. So how do we know what those projects are? Well, it probably looks a little different for everyone, but for us to better understand the types of quality projects we want to work on, we must start with understanding the general characteristics of great clients and great projects.

In this episode, the hosts are joined by outside consultant Brian Caffarelli, who shares insights into the makeup of great clients and great projects gathered from WJE's client development workshops throughout 2024.



 


Episode 53: Spinning the Plates

Have you ever been to a circus and seen a performer balancing multiple spinning plates on the tips of long poles? It's an impressive feat, requiring great coordination and focus.

In this episode of BD 7005, the hosts talk with three project managers who consistently manage many projects for many clients at the same time and do a great job of keeping everyone happy. Jeremy Bridwell (Dallas), Gabe Carrera (Austin), and Kelly Cronin (Washington, D.C.) share their secrets for keeping all their plates spinning in the air.



 


Episode 47: Here and TherE

We all know WJE's business development approach pretty well by now (right?), but ours isn't the only way to attract business. Our competitors and peers in the industry wouldn't survive if they weren't doing some things that work for them. Based on the belief that we can always learn from others, we sought the inside scoop from three colleagues who joined WJE from other firms in our industry in the not-too-distant past.

In this episode of BD 7005, the hosts are joined by Debora Barros (New York), Jennifer Cantono (Doylestown), and Ben Isaacs (London), who share some observations and comparisons on client development practices here and there.



 


Episode 25: IT'S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE

"Ask the structure" reminds us to approach technical problems from first principles, but it's wisdom isn't literal. We don't communicate with or problem-solve with structures. We don't collaborate with properties or partner with buildings. We work for and with people. 

In this episode of BD 7005, the hosts are joined by Ian Chin (Chicago) and his longtime client Paul Manning (Duke University, retired). Ian and Paul reflect on their more-than-thirty-five-year relationship and offer their perspectives on moving from a vendor or service provider mentality to "friends with a common goal." This is the first of a two-part conversation.