Jacqueline Laramee didn’t realize it at the time, but the course of her life and career trajectory shifted when—while still in high school—she met Melissa Sheffy.
“When I met her, I didn’t know that I was meeting my future boss, my future business partner, my future best friend,” Laramee, now president of Plainville-based NDC Commercial Construction, told the CBIA BizCast.
“It was just kind of like, the universe is setting me up.”
Larmaee and Sheffy, then president of Network Interiors and Network Framing Solutions, first met as members of a local YMCA board—Laramee as a high school representative.
Sheffy said she saw something special in Laramee almost immediately, recalling a conversation about where she planned to go to college.
“’It doesn’t matter where I graduate from,’” Sheffy recalled Laramee saying. “’My college isn’t going to make me successful. I will make me successful.’
“That stuck with me, because I was like, ‘this one is different.’
“I’ve had a lot of young people over the years, and I tell people, ‘I’m going to hire you, and I’ll create an opportunity, but you have to run through the holes that I create on the field.’
“She was the first to really kind of break the mold.”
Sheffy started Network Interiors—a commercial metal framing and drywall company—about 34 years ago.
At the time, it was one of the few 100% women-owned companies in a male-dominated industry.
“It was different than it is now,” Sheffy said. “There still are not enough women, as far as I’m concerned, but it’s become a lot more professional.”
During the 2008-2012 economic downturn, Sheffy saw the need to diversify, eventually launching Network Design and Construction and later branching off NDC Commercial Construction in 2016.
Laramee joined Network Design and Construction in 2008 while still in high school.
“I just said, ‘I want a job that I can work with people’,” Laramee recalled.
“I want a job that I could do anywhere, and I want a job that I can learn something new every day.”
That’s when the mentor-mentee relationship began.
During that period, Laramee worked multiple jobs while going to school full-time.
“I’m not the smartest person,” Laramee said. “But I will work and work and work.
“There’s no shortcut, no hack. You can’t replace hard work.”
Over the years, Laramee and Sheffy became closer as they spent more time together.
“Melissa helped raise me,” Laramee said. “We spent a lot of time driving to job sites, just bonding and being there for each other.”
Laramee continued to grow with the company, becoming president of NDC Construction in 2024.
“It was a true mentor-mentee situation,” Sheffy said. “I trusted her.
“She always had my and the company’s best interest at heart, and her level of honesty and integrity is very similar to mine.”
Laramee, who was elected to CBIA’s board of directors last year, said one of the biggest lessons she learned from Sheffy was to engage with people at every level.
“I love that connectivity,” Sheffy said. “We’re building buildings, but we’re building relationships.
“So people matter to me, and I think that’s different.”
As their relationship has grown, both women said they’ve helped each other step outside their comfort zones to develop as business leaders.
“I’ve converted her to systems and processes,” Laramee said. “She has converted me into being a hugger and being open.”
Sheffy said their relationship has now come full circle—where she is learning from Laramee.
“The sign of a good teacher is that the student surpasses the teacher,” Sheffy said. “That’s what’s happening here, and that’s exciting.”
“I get to work with some of the most amazing, talented people,” Laramee said.
“I love learning from them, and I think that that’s what keeps life interesting—we get to learn every day if we want to.”

Related Links:
Melissa Sheffy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasheffy/ 
Jacqueline Laramee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-laramee-1aa02544/

‘The Universe Is Setting Me Up’

On this week’s episode of Talking Shit About Nothing, Jimmie and Richie welcome the legendary Jerry York — Hall of Fame hockey coach and icon of Boston College and beyond. The guys sit down to talk about Jerry’s incredible coaching legacy, his approach to leadership and motivation, and how he’s been spending retirement — including how the golf game’s looking these days. It’s a rare and inspiring conversation with one of the all-time greats in college hockey.

Talking Shit About Nothing | Episode 10 : Coaching Greatness with Jerry York

In this episode of the Leadership in Learning podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Daniel McCauley, Director of Engineering and Business Development for Ultimus Engineering. They dive into the critical role of effective communication in high-performing construction and engineering teams, exploring how miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes, project delays, and safety issues. Daniel shares insights from his diverse career; from his early passion for sports and competition to his leadership roles in large corporations and eventually founding his own engineering firm. The conversation covers adapting communication styles for different stakeholders, the value and limitations of personality assessments, building and nurturing professional relationships, and practical strategies for improving communication within teams and across industries. Listeners will learn:  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Actionable tips for young professionals, leaders, engineers, and anyone looking to foster stronger collaboration and more successful project outcomes.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The critical role of effective communication in preventing costly mistakes and delays in engineering and construction projects.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How communication styles differ among engineers, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders and why adaptability is essential.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The value and appropriate use of personality assessments to improve team understanding and communication.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The importance of clarifying assumptions and questions to avoid misunderstandings and errors.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How joining organizations like Toastmasters can enhance public speaking and leadership skills.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Practical advice for non-engineers (e.g., contractors, subcontractors) on how to communicate more effectively with technical teams.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Common mistakes leaders make in sharing too much or too little information, and how to find the right balance.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Why building and nurturing professional relationships is vital for career growth and project success.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Actionable networking tactics, such as using reminders and keeping in touch intentionally, to maintain connections.  ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The mindset of continuous learning and being open to feedback to improve communication outcomes. Daniel McCaulley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmccaulley/ Website: www.UltimusEngineering.com Phone: 972-825-7741

Episode #146 – Improving Communication in Construction with Daniel McCaulley Director of Engineering and Business Development - Ultimus Engineering

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Start Mode vs. Sustain Mode: The Ultimate Guide to Purposeful Rhythm

Even More Hard Earned Truths - Episode 197

What’s the role of the modern independent system operator—especially in a grid becoming increasingly complicated and overloaded by the day?

Elliot Mainzer, CEO of the California Independent System Operator (one of the largest ISOs in the world), says it’s like flying the plane while building it. So how are the best ISOs responsible for stabilizing the grid approaching the next decade of unprecedented energy demand?

This week on The Watt & Why, Elliot joins host Mike Smith to lift the curtain on what it really takes to stay agile, proactive, and resilient in today’s energy reality. Elliot and Mike cover…

- The importance of prioritization when orchestrating and collaborating with load-serving entities, states, and ISOs
- The role of the Western Energy Imbalance Market in furthering both diversity + capacity
- Separating signal from noise amidst this widely dissected demand spike
- The importance of data centers and other hyperscalers being good grid citizens (read: bringing flexibility and dispatchability)
- Queuing reform and the future of regulatory speed
- The role of nuclear in the western energy markets

…And so, so much more.

This episode is packed with insights from one of the most important leaders in the modern energy landscape. Hit play for an inside look at how CAISO is building for a robust, resilient grid of the future.

CAISO CEO: It takes a village to run the grid

Parenting in today’s world feels like a nonstop race to keep pace with the latest toys, gadgets, and trends. Every week, there’s something new promising to be the must-have for your kids—a whoosh of digital this, a flashy that, flashing lights and beeping sounds filling every room. But you don’t need to buy into the buzz— More stuff won’t make family life smoother or your kids happier. In fact, chasing every new fad can complicate life and even harm your children’s growth and relationships. So, make what is old new again. The endless competition to have the newest whatever sets kids against each other in ways that stunt their development. When children constantly compare what they have with what their friends have, jealousy creeps in. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the .    That jealousy breeds resentment and can fracture friendships and sibling bonds. Instead of focusing on learning, playing, or growing, kids get trapped in “who has more” or “who’s cooler” contests. This distracts them from curiosity, collaboration, and creativity—skills they desperately need. Take sports for example. If your child is so caught up in beating others at every score or owning the trendiest sports gear, they risk losing the joy of the game and why it matters: improving themselves. Or think about academics. Competition based on grades alone can crush a child’s willingness to learn for the sake of understanding. And socially? Kids might exclude peers who don’t have the latest tech or toys, reinforcing harmful divisions based on material things. But what if there was another way? What if parents flipped the script and made what is old new again? Instead of adding more “stuff” to the mix, why not use what you already have—reignite the magic in classic toys, games, and simple activities? The K.I.S.S. ~ Reignite the magic!   Here are three ways parents can do exactly that:   Reimagine Classic Play Pull out those board games tucked away in the closet. Dust off puzzles or bring out building blocks and Legos. Challenge your kids to create stories or build worlds from scratch with what’s on hand instead of relying on apps and screens. Turn an old cardboard box into a spaceship or fort. When kids reengage with these timeless toys, they’re using creativity and problem-solving muscles that no screen can replace.   Create Tech-Free Family Traditions Reintroduction of simple rituals like family game night, backyard camping, or cooking recipes handed down through generations makes old experiences fresh and meaningful. These traditions encourage togetherness, conversation, and laughter. They give kids a break from comparison culture, reducing anxiety and distracting conflicts.   Involve Kids in Upcycling and DIY Projects Instead of buying new, get crafty with your kids. Turn old T-shirts into tote bags, repaint furniture, or even make your own simple toys. This teaches resourcefulness and pride in making something valuable from what most would toss aside. More importantly, it shifts the focus from consumption to creation.   When parents stop chasing the latest trends and start rekindling interest in what’s already around, kids learn there is immense value in imagination, relationships, and resourcefulness. Making what is old new again is not about limiting your child; it’s about giving them the tools they truly need to grow—tools that don’t require an upgrade every season. There is hope here. Being creative and intentional with what your kids have—and what they actually need—makes space for real growth through every stage of childhood. So next time you feel the pull to buy the latest toy or gadget, pause. Ask yourself: What can we rediscover together? The answer might be sitting right under your nose, waiting to be the new old favorite. You’ve got this. Let’s make what is old new again. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!"   &nbsp; #ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama...

3846 Make What Is Old New Again

Oxford Saïd Voices - AI and Leadership, episode 1

Oxford Saïd Voices - AI and Leadership, episode 2

From escaping Vietnam as a refugee to becoming vice president of global front-end procurement at Micron Technology, Thy Tran has lived a story defined by resilience and purpose. 

In this episode, FY26 SWE President Inaas Darrat sits down with Thy to discuss her extraordinary path to earning 13 patents, leading global teams, and embracing new challenges in business and leadership.

Hear Thy’s reflections on giving back, balancing engineering with art and entrepreneurship, and embracing your story.

Don’t miss Thy’s upcoming keynote at WE25, the world’s largest conference for women and allies in engineering, which takes place Oct. 23-25 in New Orleans: we25.swe.org 

---

The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

Ep 337: Dreaming Big and Giving Back With Thy Tran of Micron Technology

Real life. Real living. Real results!

Let’s take this journey together! 

Learn daily habits of lifestyle makeovers, good nutrition, simple exercise and fitness, organization, goal setting, weight loss, body transformation, mindset, affirmations, recipes, how to strengthen relationships, kitchen makeovers, tips and tricks, all surrounded by a community who cares about YOU! 
 
It’s time to Create Your Now and become Your Best Selfie!
 
MOMS - Be inspired to become Your BEST Selfie with Lifestyle, Nutrition, Fitness & Mindset Tips! We promise according to our hopes; And we perform according to our fears!  Are you ready to transform yourself from the inside out and the outside in? Whether you want to lose weight, get healthy, set goals, overcome adversity, stronger family relationships, fashion tips, or become a better YOU, it's time to REDISCOVER, REJUVENATE, and RENEW who you are in mind, body, and spirit. Let's train for life and love your journey! Be Present. Be Incredible. Be YOU!!!

Welcome to Diverse, a podcast by the Society of Women Engineers. SWE gives women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering community. On Diverse, we highlight incredible thought leaders and personalities in the STEM community and discover who they are at home, at work and in between.

A podcast for the business-minded in Connecticut. Interviews consist of business and community leaders who are shaping the future of Connecticut’s economy. The CBIA BizCast provides new content every other week, introduces members of the business community, and tells stories about how businesses are innovating and growing in Connecticut!

BizCast provides new content every other week, introduces members of CBIA staff, and tells stories about how businesses are innovating and growing in Connecticut!

Welcome to the Energy Central Podcast Network—your ultimate resource for the biggest ideas, boldest perspectives, and best insights from across the electric power industry.

We publish…

Power Perspectives. From CEOs of major utilities to founders of energy tech startups pushing the envelope, Power Perspectives curates the news, thought leaders, and big picture conversations most important to modern power professionals—every week on Tuesdays.

The Watt & Why. Dive deep into utility business strategies, straight from the minds of the leaders deciding what comes next. Host Mike Smith leverages his own decades of power utility industry experience and leadership to get to the bottom of what inspires, drives, and challenges utility decision makers.

Piloting the Future. Hosts Kim Gergen and Lee Krevat go deep with the leaders, innovators, and forward thinkers responsible for not just imagining where our power future is headed…but building it day by day.

The GISt. This action-packed limited series demystifies the rapidly evolving world of Geographic Information Systems through focused, expert-led deep dives into the most future-defining GIS topics.

And there’s even more to come.

Energy Central is a community where 250K electric power professionals share, learn, and connect in a collaborative environment. Want to join in? Visit www.EnergyCentral.com to register for free.

Welcome to The Leadership Moment with Karen Brill, a 5 minute podcast dedicated to inspiring, supporting, educating and developing leaders in the Seniors Care & Living Sector.  Lessons in leadership, real stories of challenges, growth, and experiences from people with a passion to serve seniors.

"Wisdom isn't wisdom until it's shared." - Patrick Mosher

New tracks tagged #LEADERSHIP