28 Michael Zeppieri – West Point Grad, US Army Combat Engineer, VP of Emerging Tech at Skanska

by Adam Stark


Michael Zeppieri - West Point graduate, 5 years active duty as a US Army Combat Engineer. Served as a Platoon Leader, and Chief of Staff to a One-Star General under HQ US Army Europe. Today, Mike is the VP of Emerging Technology at Skanska.

➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/

Summary

In this conversation, Mike Zeppieri shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing in New York to becoming a U.S. Army combat engineer and later transitioning into a leadership role in the construction industry. He discusses the profound influence of his family, particularly his grandfather and uncle, on his decision to serve in the military. Mike reflects on his experiences at West Point, the challenges of military service, and the valuable leadership lessons he learned. He emphasizes the importance of translating military skills into civilian roles, particularly in the construction industry, where he currently leads digital transformation efforts at Skanska. Mike also highlights the significance of wellness practices and shares book recommendations that resonate with his experiences and values.

Takeaways

The community and family background significantly influenced Mike's decision to serve in the military.
Military service instills a sense of respect and humility in individuals.
West Point provides a unique and challenging environment that shapes future leaders.
Leadership in the military is about accountability and understanding the importance of teamwork.
Transitioning from military to civilian life requires learning to translate military experiences into civilian terms.
Construction is an industry that values the skills and experiences of veterans.
Digital transformation is crucial for the construction industry to modernize and improve efficiency.
Wellness practices, including fitness and music, play a vital role in maintaining mental health.
Books on leadership and production systems can provide valuable insights for veterans transitioning to civilian roles.
Skanska is a company that actively supports and respects veterans, making it a welcoming environment for them.

The VWB Show is Sponsored by: Jet.Build, www.jet.build

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Hosted by:
Adam Stark | Founder at Jet.Build
Special Forces Veteran | 500HR Yoga Trainer | Wellness Author

The VWB Show is Sponsored by:
Jet.Build: www.jet.build

THE central command for RE development and construction management: end-to-end software with solutions ranging from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI.