Episode Overview
If you’re leading a growing construction or technical firm and you’ve ever wondered how to build a team that truly thrives together — this episode is for you.
Dr. James Bryant sits down with Tim Ernst, a data-driven HR and organizational development leader with more than 25 years of experience helping companies scale without losing their soul. From reducing turnover by 60% to guiding a 5x headcount expansion, Tim knows what it takes to grow a company that people love to work for.
They unpack what culture really means, how to measure its impact, and why great leadership starts with shared values and accountability — not slogans on a wall.
Even if you’re not in construction, the lessons here on culture, clarity, and connection will help you lead stronger teams and build a business that thrives through its people.
What You’ll Learn
The biggest myth about culture in construction — and why every organization can have a strong one
How to define culture as the lived expression of your vision, mission, and values
The core values that create durable, growth-minded teams: dependability, attitude, and professionalism
How to grow your own talent and reduce turnover with intentional culture systems
Why accountability and communication are essential to scaling a healthy organization
How to measure ROI on culture using retention, engagement, and performance indicators
What it really means to win at work and at home
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & framing the question: what if culture is your biggest growth lever?02:00 – Tim Ernst’s background and cross-industry HR experience05:00 – Core values that shape strong, people-centered companies09:00 – Shifting culture through transparency and trust13:00 – Scaling from 85 → 400 employees and reducing turnover by 60%17:00 – Measuring the ROI of culture and the power of accountability20:00 – How success at work fuels success at home
Guest Bio — Tim Ernst
Tim Ernst is an HR and organizational development leader with over 25 years of experience helping companies grow without losing their culture. He has worked across manufacturing, healthcare, and construction—implementing people-first systems that improve retention, engagement, and leadership alignment.
TimothyErnst@msn.com LinkedIn – Tim Ernst
More Ways to Connect
Private Podcast: Engineer Your Success Insiders — one story, one insight, one action to help you lead with intention.
engineeryoursuccessnow.com/insiders
Podcast Hub:
sleekbio.com/eyspod
LinkedIn:
Dr. James Bryant
Engineer Your Success – Dr. James Bryant
Success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about living a life that reflects your values and priorities.Dr. James Bryant helps engineering and technical leaders build systems that create clarity, confidence, and balance so they can win at work and at home.
Visit:
www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com
