In this conversation, Jeff Echols, Chief Innovation Officer in the AEC industry, shares insights on his diverse career journey, the importance of innovation, and the challenges faced by architecture and construction firms in adopting new technologies. He emphasizes the need for a culture of growth and community building, while also discussing the competitive advantages that can be gained through understanding client needs and leveraging technology effectively. Jeff reflects on the human aspect of professional services and the importance of making life better for clients.   Takeaways Jeff Echols emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset in the AEC industry. Building community is crucial for personal and professional growth. Innovation in AEC requires understanding client needs and providing value. Technology adoption must be phased and project-based in the AEC industry. Cultural shifts are necessary for successful technology integration in firms. The hardest part of community work is often walking away from it. Competitive advantage comes from leveraging technology to improve client experiences. Startups in AEC must focus on emotional connections in their sales strategies. Understanding the economics of clients is vital for architects and engineers. The intersection of human and technology is where true innovation happens.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeff Echols 01:35 Career Highlights and Evolution 06:56 Navigating Difficult Career Choices 13:46 Building Competitive Advantage in AEC 16:56 Common Mistakes of Startups in AEC 20:32 Identifying Problems to Tackle in AEC 24:24 Technology Adoption Across Firm Sizes 29:37 Cultural Shifts for Technology Adoption 32:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/