The NEXT Academy

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael relives Kathrine Switzer’s historic 1967 Boston Marathon run and the dramatic moment she refused to be pushed off the course—literally—by those who said women didn’t belong. Hear how her courage, allied support, and relentless advocacy transformed one daring finish into a movement that rewrote the rulebook for runners everywhere.

Enjoy Episode 28 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you shift your perspective today to find more meaning and fulfillment in the ordinary moments of your life?"

Enjoy Episode 26 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael revisits the harrowing Apollo 13 crisis to reveal how Gene Kranz and his team turned chaos into collaboration with nothing but calm focus, duct tape, and collective ingenuity. Tune in to discover leadership lessons on steadying a room, sparking creativity under constraints, and harnessing shared ownership when everything is on the line.

Enjoy Episode 27 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you embrace change in your life right now, and what new opportunities might it bring for your growth and fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 25 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

Hot Wire is a new series that dives deep into complex leadership challenges on construction sites and offers tangible solutions to explore as you face these obstacles head on.

In today's episode, Alex tackles a topic that has sent shockwaves through the industry over the last few years: supply chain disruptions. How do you, as a leader, not only survive these disruptions but turn them into an opportunity to build resilience into your operations.

Enjoy Episode 8 of Hot Wire. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael celebrates Ava, the unassuming second violinist whose quiet mastery turns a good orchestra into something unforgettable. Tune in to discover why true leadership often lives in the harmony of support, anticipation, and purposeful service.

Enjoy Episode 26 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you take an active role in creating the life you want, rather than waiting for the right circumstances to appear?"

Enjoy Episode 24 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael explores the story of a quiet carpenter who became the bridge others needed in a moment of fear and uncertainty. Discover how real leadership is built not on titles, but on the courage to go first and the strength to help others follow.

Enjoy Episode 25 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is one step outside your comfort zone that you can take today to expand your life and move closer to the happiness you ultimately desire?"

Enjoy Episode 23 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael uncovers the quiet wisdom of a school janitor whose keys unlock more than just doors — they reveal the heart of authentic leadership. Discover how listening, learning, and valuing every voice can transform a culture from the inside out.

Enjoy Episode 24 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you find a balance between effort and rest in your life, and how might that balance lead to greater fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 22 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael explores how quiet actions in tough moments can define great leadership through the story of “The Broken Brick.” Discover why empathy, presence, and shared responsibility matter more than perfection on any team.

Enjoy Episode 23 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is one way you can focus more on the present moment today, and how might it bring you a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 21 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

Hot Wire is a new series that dives deep into complex leadership challenges on construction sites and offers tangible solutions to explore as you face these obstacles head on.

In today's episode, Mark dives into a challenge that’s reshaping the future of construction—offsite and modular construction.

Enjoy Episode 7 of Hot Wire. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael shares the story of Grace Darling. This episode highlights the importance of leading from the front. The people around you — your team, your family, your community — they’re watching. Waiting. Hoping someone will LEAD. Be that someone.

Enjoy Episode 22 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What challenge in your life can you embrace as an opportunity for growth, and how might it lead to greater fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 20 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael shares a story of "the empty chair." This episode highlights the importance of leadership and a sustained focus on those not in the room. The client, the end user, the field team, the future hire...your decision-making should always focus on that empty chair.

Enjoy Episode 21 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you practice more self-compassion today, and how might embracing your true self lead to greater fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 19 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael shares a story of coal miners who were trapped in complete darkness. This episode highlights the importance of leadership, because like a lantern, it shines brightest when it’s passed on.

Enjoy Episode 20 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is one way you can focus on personal growth today to become the kind of person who naturally attracts success and fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 18 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael shares a simple tale… about a boy, a fence, and the power of what we leave behind. This episode highlights the importance of your next step because it shapes the path for someone else.

Enjoy Episode 19 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is one area of your life where you can focus on progress instead of perfection... And how might that shift bring you greater fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 17 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

Hot Wire is a new series that dives deep into complex leadership challenges on construction sites and offers tangible solutions to explore as you face these obstacles head on.

In today's episode, Mark takes a look at an issue that can make or break a construction company—the accuracy and ethics of estimating and bidding.

Enjoy Episode 6 of Hot Wire. #BeNEXT

In our new series Insights, go inside Class 9 of NEXT PM. In this short segment, Rachel highlights construction budgeting and explains how the most successful projects build their budgets in phases—each one tied to a growing level of project clarity. Enjoy the Insights and #BeNEXT.

To learn more about NEXT PM, please visit our website at ⁠www.nextleadershipacademy.org/pm

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael shares the story of Cleveland Guardians Manager, Stephen Vogt and his wise words for leaders. This episode highlights clarity, courage, and the discipline to move forward... that’s what separates the good from the great.

Enjoy Episode 18 of The Goods. #BeNEXT #Starbucks #MLB #PeteCarroll

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you take action today, even if you don’t feel motivated, to move closer to the life you truly want?"

Enjoy Episode 16 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James shares the story of his time on the Limehouse Basin. This story illustrates the importance of building a strong foundation to withstand all of life's storms.

Enjoy Episode 17 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is one step outside your comfort zone that you can take today, and how might it lead to new opportunities for growth and fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 15 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James shares the story of "The Girl in the Yellow Dress." This story illustrates the importance of #trust in not only relationships but life. You must trust others and be someone that others can trust in 2025 to get where you ultimately want to go!

Enjoy Episode 16 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you embrace growth in your life right now... and what is one change you can turn into an opportunity for personal development?"

Enjoy Episode 14 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James looks at the importance of taking a leap of faith...of getting started before all the steps are perfectly aligned for you. If you continue to wait until the stars align, chances are you will be waiting forever.

Enjoy Episode 15 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

In our new series Insights, go inside Class 8 of NEXT PM. In this short segment, Rachel highlights three techniques for simplifying your communication on the job site. Enjoy the Insights and #BeNEXT.

To learn more about NEXT PM, please visit our website at ⁠www.nextleadershipacademy.org/pm

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "Are you spending your time on what truly matters to you... or are you just staying busy? What can you change today to create more meaning in your daily life?"

Enjoy Episode 13 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

Hot Wire is a new series that dives deep into complex leadership challenges on construction sites and offers tangible solutions to explore as you face these obstacles head on.

In today's episode, Alex dives into a challenge that’s becoming more prominent on job sites everywhere: managing multigenerational teams. How do you, as a leader, create a cohesive, high-performing team that thrives despite generational divides?

Enjoy Episode 5 of Hot Wire. #BeNEXT

In our new series Insights, go inside Class 7 of NEXT PM. In this short segment, Taylor highlights the key barriers that prevent effective listening and how they impact leadership in construction. Enjoy the Insights and #BeNEXT.

To learn more about NEXT PM, please visit our website at ⁠www.nextleadershipacademy.org/pm

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James looks at the importance of gratitude in your life with a staggering statistical tale that illustrates just how fortunate you are!

Enjoy Episode 14 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is your deeper “WHY” in life... and how can aligning your daily actions with it bring you greater fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 12 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James looks at the palm tree and how its resilience represents a wonderful metaphor for your own life.

Enjoy Episode 13 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you reframe a recent failure as a learning opportunity... and what valuable lesson can you take from it?"

Enjoy Episode 11 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James discusses Abraham Lincoln's long road of perseverance to become the President of the United States. This story is unbelievable. What can you learn from it on your own path to greatness?

Enjoy Episode 12 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is one step you can take today to actively shape the life you want, rather than waiting for the perfect moment?"

Enjoy Episode 10 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

Disrupt, Innovate, Dominate: Leading the Future of Construction with Bill Hughes | Milwaukee Tool

In today’s episode, we’re honored to welcome Bill Hughes, President of End User Solutions at Milwaukee Tool, for an insightful discussion on the ever-evolving construction industry. Chad and Cody tackle some of the most pressing questions on the minds of our listeners, exploring the challenges and opportunities in today’s unpredictable construction marketplace.

👉How does Milwaukee Tool balance staying ahead of the competition while keeping their solutions practical and user-friendly?

👉How does Bill see the role of power tools evolving over the next decade?

👉What are the biggest challenges he hears from end users, and how does Milwaukee Tool address them through design and engineering?

👉Sustainability is a growing focus in manufacturing. How is Milwaukee Tool integrating sustainability into its product development and business strategy?

👉How has his leadership style changed as he's risen the ranks at Milwaukee Tool?

👉And Much More.

Over the past decade, Milwaukee Tool has seen explosive global growth, consistently achieving over 20% annual sales increases. Throughout his tenure, Bill has led with a bold, disruptive mindset—prioritizing innovation, empowering people, and challenging the status quo. Listeners, get your notepads ready—this is a rare opportunity to learn from an executive leader of a $10+ billion business.😳😳😳😳😳😳

Bill and Milwaukee Tool have been such great supporters of The NEXT Academy since inception!

Bill joined Milwaukee Tool in 2007 and is the President of End User Solutions, responsible for the commercial facing end user strategy and execution in the United States. Bill has held several leadership positions during his tenure at Milwaukee® and has over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, end user strategy, trade partnership development, customer experience and service operations. Bill has also held leadership roles at Stanley Black and Decker® and Masco Corporation and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, and marketing from Towson University.

We are very grateful for your support of The NEXT Academy and this Podcast. THANK YOU and ENJOY!

Be sure to rate us on Apple or drop us a comment at info@nextleadershipacademy.org

Please visit www.nextleadershipacademy.org to learn more about our leadership academy and our mission to building dynamic leaders that shape the future of the construction industry.

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James looks back at his youth taking in the circus with his family. This episode will help you recognize the "ropes" in your life and encourage you challenge your beliefs. Because on the other side of it... that’s where your greatness lives.

Enjoy Episode 11 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

In our new series Insights, go inside Class 6 of NEXT PM. In this short segment, Taylor will highlight the importance of work sequencing - the critical role of dependency mapping as well as potential bottlenecks to be aware of. Enjoy the Insights and #BeNEXT.

To learn more about NEXT PM, please visit our website at ⁠www.nextleadershipacademy.org/pm

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "What is one thing in your life you can begin to appreciate more fully... and how might this shift in perspective bring you greater fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 9 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James discusses true happiness and taking pride in performance with a powerful story from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Enjoy Episode 10 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace.

In today's episode, Brian asks, "In what area of your life can you start aligning your actions more closely with your core values, and how might that bring you greater fulfillment?"

Enjoy Episode 8 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

Hot Wire is a new series that dives deep into complex leadership challenges on construction sites and offers tangible solutions to explore as you face these obstacles head on.

In today's episode, Alex dives into a high-pressure scenario every construction leader dreads: managing an unexpected crisis that threatens both safety and progress. This episode will explore how leadership can turn chaos into clarity, using real-world insights from the field.

Enjoy Episode 4 of Hot Wire. #BeNEXT

The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, James discusses the Tide of our Lives. Learn to lean in, let go of resistance, and know that the current of your life is always guiding you toward where you’re meant to be.

Enjoy Episode 9 of The Goods. #BeNEXT