Our Gift to You: December’s Virtual Peer Group is open to anyone who wants to join. As we close out the year, Construction Leadership Network is inviting professionals across the industry to experience what makes CLN’s community so valuable — no paid membership required. Limited spots are available, so please sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and get the link for the Dec. 16 peer group. Spots are first-come, first-served.
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If you’ve ever wondered what happens inside a CLN Virtual Peer Group, the October sessions were a perfect example.
The Business Development and Marketing group and the Executive Leadership group each tackled timely topics that speak to where the construction industry is today and where it’s heading next. These conversations were filled with real experiences, actionable ideas, and lessons that members can put into practice right away.
Why Peer Groups Matter
Peer groups are at the heart of the CLN experience. They give construction professionals a place to share challenges, test new ideas, and learn from others who have faced the same issues. Every session is designed to spark meaningful discussion and inspire real change back at the office or on the jobsite. The goal isn’t just to talk about leadership, but to live it.
In an industry that often rewards toughness and independence, peer groups create space for openness and collaboration. Leaders from all over North America join to exchange insights about business strategy, technology, workforce development, and company culture. What makes these meetings special is that every voice matters. Whether you’re an experienced executive or a rising leader, you leave with new ideas and the reassurance that you’re not navigating these challenges alone.
As CLN President John Lehmann often says,
“CLN’s peer groups are where ideas become action,” CLN President John Lehmann often says. “Every meeting brings out insights that can significantly improve how a company leads, hires, or builds.”
That spirit of shared learning was on full display in October’s meetings.
Business Development and Marketing: Technology Meets Authenticity
In the October Business Development and Marketing Peer Group, members explored how the right technology can enhance communication and connection without replacing the human touch. The conversation turned to artificial intelligence (AI), an area generating considerable excitement and uncertainty across the industry. While some participants expressed caution, others described how they’re already using AI tools to improve efficiency and manage workflows.
The consensus was clear: AI is a powerful support system, not a replacement for relationships or good judgment.
One member summed it up simply: “AI can help us tell our story, but it can’t tell it for us.”
That idea resonated with everyone in the meeting, reinforcing that authenticity is still the most important factor in business development.
Members also discussed how to reach younger audiences entering the workforce. Several leaders shared how they are using social media and video to show their company culture, community involvement, and career opportunities. Younger professionals want to align with a company’s culture and mission, not just its polished marketing. The group agreed that showing the real people behind the company builds more trust than any slogan ever could.
The business development end of the discussion was also rich and energetic. Members shared practical tips about balancing traditional relationship-building with digital outreach and about how marketing can support people-centered recruiting efforts. These exchanges are exactly what CLN’s peer groups are built for: leaders helping leaders through open and honest conversation.
Executive Leadership: CLN Icon Bill Derrick Offers Lessons in Culture and Connection
The Executive Leadership Peer Group focused on what it takes to build resilient teams and lasting organizations. CLN icon and longtime member Bill Derrick surprised everyone with a powerful mini keynote that challenged attendees to think differently about leadership. He spoke about the importance of communication, culture, and accountability, and how great leaders develop the next generation by sharing knowledge freely.
Members built on Bill’s message by discussing their own leadership experiences. Topics ranged from succession planning and employee engagement to how to maintain company values through growth and change. Many participants shared that the hardest part of leadership isn’t setting direction, but keeping people aligned and motivated when the day-to-day pressures hit.
Several attendees described creative ways they are mentoring young talent, including cross-department shadowing and leadership rotations. Others spoke about the importance of recognizing employees publicly and celebrating milestones to reinforce a culture of appreciation. The consensus: culture doesn’t happen by accident. It requires daily attention from leadership.
As one participant put it: “You never know what’s going to happen in a CLN peer group, but you don’t want to miss it.”
That sense of connection, honesty, and encouragement is what keeps members coming back. Every conversation adds to a collective understanding of what great leadership looks like in today’s construction environment.
Looking Ahead: Join Us in December
December’s Virtual Peer Group is open to anyone who wants to experience CLN’s community of construction leaders. It’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported CLN this year and an invitation to those who are curious about joining. The December session will feature a mix of discussion, reflection, and forward-looking conversation as we close out 2025 and prepare for the year ahead.
If you’ve ever considered participating, this is the perfect time to see what CLN is all about. You’ll meet other professionals who share your challenges and your passion for building better businesses. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas and new connections to carry into the new year.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the December meeting details and stay informed about future peer group sessions, upcoming events, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders across North America.
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Construction Leadership Network is a member-driven organization that brings together industry leaders to share knowledge, solve problems, and build better companies. Through peer groups, conferences, and shared insights, CLN helps contractors, executives, and emerging leaders grow — both professionally and personally.