Stephanie Osbahr, The Boldt Company, Shares Insights on CLA


Stephanie Osbahr, workforce devel- opment & community relations manager for The Boldt Company, is no stranger to professional develop- ment programs. Throughout her career, which has


included the last 12 years with Boldt, preceded by three years in facilities planning with Kaiser and several years


in the technology industry, she has participated in a variety of leadership training programs and initiatives. But she said her experience in the first cohort of the


AGC of California Construction Leaders Academy has offered something different, including insights and take- aways she has already found useful both personally and professionally. She recently discussed with California Constructor some of the program highlights she has found most useful (excerpts below). California Constructor:What inspired you to join the Construction Leaders Academy, and how has the experi- ence shaped your approach to leadership so far? Stephanie Osbahr: I’ve long been interested in AGC of California educational offerings, and joining the Construc- tion Leaders Academy felt like a natural step. In my role, I often connect team members with professional develop- ment opportunities, and I wanted first-hand insight into what AGC has to offer. Experiencing CLA personally gave me a deeper understanding of how powerful and practi- cal these programs are. It’s helped me grow not only as a leader — but also as a mentor and advocate for learning within my organization. California Constructor: Can you describe a moment or insight from the program that significantly changed how you lead or work with your team? Stephanie Osbahr: One of the most meaningful shifts I’ve experienced during the program has been in how I listen — not just hearing words, but truly understanding what’s behind them. An exercise we did around practicing inten- tional conversations, paired with a compelling video about the power of asking the right questions, really stood out. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down,


ask better questions, and listen with the intent to connect rather than just respond. It’s significantly shifted the ener-


16


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025


gy in my interactions. California Constructor: How is the program helping you strengthen critical leadership skills like conflict resolution, negotiation, or business acumen? Stephanie Osbahr: One concept that truly reshaped how I lead was the Ladder of Inference. Before the program, I wasn’t always aware of how quickly I could jump to con- clusions, especially in high-stakes situations. But learning about this framework helped me recognize my own internal biases and assumptions — and how easily they can distort decision-making or escalate conflict unnecessarily. Now, I am more likely to pause and reflect before react-


ing. Instead of assuming intent or rushing into negotiation tactics, I will take time to validate what I’m seeing, hearing, and feeling, and I engage in more open dialogue. This shift has significantly improved my conflict resolution skills; I’m able to de-escalate tension and find more collaborative solutions by first understanding perspectives more clearly. California Constructor: Have you applied any tools or strategies from the program to a real-world challenge on a project or in your workplace? Stephanie Osbahr: In my workplace, this shift has changed how I engage with colleagues. By recognizing my own limited perspective and being open to challenging my assumptions, I’m creating stronger trust and more open communication. Conversations are more collaborative, and I am learning to resolve conflicts more easily. At home, the same tools have helped me show up more


thoughtfully. I’m more present, more curious, and more connected to my family and friends. It’s helping me build relationships that feel secure and supported. California Constructor: How has CLA changed your vision for your career or influenced how you contribute to your company and the construction industry? Stephanie Osbahr: In a word: confidence. CLA pro- foundly expanded my sense of self-assurance through its dynamic blend of training, open dialogue, and powerful shared insights. Being part of such an engaged cohort offered a space to grow, challenge ideas, and build genuine leadership muscles. The experience empowered me to step up, guide my team with clarity, and contribute more boldly to both my company and the broader construction industry.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32