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The construction industry stands at the brink of a revolutionary transformation, driven by innovation, sustainability, and smart technology. In this exclusive issue, u201cThe 5 Most Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Construction in 2025,u201d we spotlight the trailblazers redefining how the world builds. From pioneering green architecture to integrating AI and automation on job sites, these leaders are setting new standards in design, efficiency, and impact.
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2025 E E E MPOWERING NTREPRENEURIAL XCELLENCE THE TM 5 5 MOST Visionary LEADERS Shaping the Future of Shaping the Future of Construction in 2025 Melissa Mark Clemmensen Clemmensen OWNER – EXECUTIVE COACH FOUNDER – REGISTERED SPECIFICATION WRITER REDEFINING EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AND COACHING
The 5 Most Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Construction in 2025 n 2025, the construction industry stands at the threshold of a profound transformation, driven by rapid technological evolution, I sustainable innovation, and visionary leadership. As the sector navigates new challenges, ranging from climate-conscious design to smart infrastructure and workforce modernization, certain leaders are rising above the rest, shaping a more agile, resilient, and future-forward built environment. One of the most significant forces redefining construction is digital transformation. From Building Information Modeling (BIM) to AI-driven project management tools, technology is enhancing precision, improving timelines, and minimizing costs. This digital shift demands leaders who are not just technologically adept but also advocates for quality, sustainability, and long-term impact. Sustainability continues to be a focal point, with green buildings, carbon-neutral materials, and circular design leading the charge. Visionary leaders are pioneering ways to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, pushing the industry toward net-zero emissions. Innovation in materials, such as carbon-positive concrete or smart glass, is further driving change across every layer of the construction value chain. Additionally, talent development and inclusive leadership are becoming critical to shaping the future of construction. The need for skilled professionals who are adaptive, diverse, and collaborative has never been greater. In this new era, leadership is not just about building structures, but building cultures, systems, and opportunities. In this special edition of "The 5 Most Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Construction in 2025," we spotlight the changemakers redefining what’s possible in the built world. On the Cover Mark Clemmensen Founder – RSW & Quality Advocator for Specifications A stalwart of precision and standards in the construction industry, Mark Clemmensen has dedicated his career to elevating quality in building specifications. His advocacy has created ripples across industry guidelines and compliance frameworks, making him one of the most influential voices in construction excellence. Melissa Clemmensen Executive Coach While buildings are made of concrete and steel, organizations are built on people. Melissa Clemmensen empowers construction leaders to harness emotional intelligence, strengthen strategic clarity, and lead with authenticity in an increasingly complex industry. Also Featured Ahmad J. Naous, Bishoy Edward and Dr. Mariam Shaikh. These leaders not only shape skylines but also the systems, people, and policies behind them. They are building more than the future, they are reshaping how we think about it.
Kiran K. Christy Barnett, Prasad P. Jadhav Business Development Copyright 2025 THE CIO TIMES, All rights reserved. The Images and Content used in this magazine should not be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any mechanical, electronic, means, recording, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from THE CIO TIMES. Reprint rights remain solely with THE CIO TIMES
COVER STORY 10 Melissa Mark Clemmensen Clemmensen
Ahmad J. Naous 22 Bishoy Edward 28 Dr. Mariam Shaikh 34
Mark Clemmensen FOUNDER – REGISTERED SPECIFICATION WRITER Melissa Clemmensen OWNER – EXECUTIVE COACH TM 10 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
ark Clemmensen is a distinguished leader in the M construction industry with over two decades of expertise in architectural specifications. As one of only 59 Registered Specification Writers (RSWs) in Canada, Mark has set a benchmark for precision and innovation in construction documentation. His career spans diverse sectors, including retail, healthcare, and residential projects, and he is a LEED-certified professional. Mark's visionary approach led to the founding of V SPECS, where he has begun revolutionizing the industry by certifying high-quality specifications and setting new standards for excellence. Melissa Clemmensen is a Master NLP Practitioner and Executive Coach with over 20 years of experience in communication and sales psychology. Her expertise lies in empowering professionals to unlock their potential through mindset coaching and strategic communication. Melissa's unique ability to blend sales psychology with practical coaching has made her a driving force in helping individuals and teams achieve exceptional results. Together at The leaders of V SPECS, Mark and Melissa Clemmensen, combine to create a powerhouse of technical expertise and human-centric communication. Their unique perspectives marry to transform the construction industry by enhancing the quality of specifications and empowering professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel. Through their innovative approach, V SPECS is not just a consultancy but a catalyst for change in the industry. 12 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
Industry Impact and The Championing Factor increase their specification success, Growth measured by Overall Adaption The differentiating factor for V SPECS Rate. Ÿ Overall Adaption Rate Scoring and “We're not just fixing specs! We're that keeps it ahead of the competition observations identify areas that building industry trust, one Product is that it focuses on the things no one prevent target clients from Master Section at a time." else addresses. providing a user-friendly Section that their clients will use. V SPECS was born out of necessity. Most sales training programs focus on Ÿ Sections achieving an Overall The architectural industry had a huge generic selling techniques, but selling Adaption Rate Scoring of gap that no one was addressing. in the architectural industry is different. Product sales reps struggled to position It's not just about making a great pitch; "Meeting" or "Exceeding" Industry their products in specifications It's about understanding how we build Standard Practices are affixed a TM effectively, and architects weren't projects, make decisions, and how Ÿ V SPECS VERIFIED Seal. always getting the best solutions Specifications drive product choices. (Adaption Rate = % likelihood that because of communication barriers. a target client will adopt your Mark saw the disconnect and asked, At V SPECS, Mark and his team don't specification into their Project or “What if we could bridge this gap?” So just teach sales. They provide Office Master with little to no that is what he did. V SPECS helps innovative tools and resources to help required edits.) Building Product Manufacturers create manufacturers create quality, user- Ÿ V SPECS is the first and only quality Specifications their sales reps friendly Specifications and help sales organization in the world to review, can understand and explain when reps succeed, including: seal and certify Specifications for approached by different decision- use in Office Masters and future TM makers, as well creating a user-friendly Ÿ The VERIFIED Report Card: projects. experience to the end user. V SPECS' patented, Ÿ Its Trademark Seal, featured within TM comprehensive, 35-point inspection The V SPECS VERIFIED SPEC V SPECS has made significant of current Product Master NOTE at the beginning of the contributions to the construction Specifications helps product Section, is valid for 12 months industry by addressing critical gaps in manufacturers assess how well from the issue date. TM the quality and usability of their Product Master Sections align Ÿ All VERIFIED Sealed Sections architectural specifications. The with industry standards and what are provided in Canadian and company is pioneering the certification improvements they require to American versions and hosted on of specifications through its TM **V SPECS VERIFIED Seal**, ensuring that product specifications meet rigorous quality standards. This innovative approach helps streamline construction documentation, reducing errors and improving reliability in project execution. Additionally, V SPECS is dedicated to educating design professionals about the importance of high-quality specifications. The company empowers industry stakeholders to create more effective and user-friendly documentation by offering training and insights. Their efforts are setting new benchmarks for precision and excellence in the construction sector. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 13
TM Ÿ the V SPECS VERIFIED Website, which the Design Community can download for Project and Office Master use in North America. Ÿ Technically Speaking Podcast Interviews: This is a one-of-a-kind technical sales call podcast where where we interview product reps and extract the critical information architects, designers, and engineers need for their projects. Our podcast interview ensures essential product details are making their way into the industry while introducing the technical sales team to the viewer before they opt to book a meeting. Ÿ MP4 Section Reviews: Narrated by the Founder of V SPECS, our MP4 Section Reviews turn dry, technical specification feedback into dynamic, scrollable walkthroughs making it easy for manufacturers and consultants to see exactly what needs adjustment, and why it matters. Ÿ SPECS SHORTS Newsletter: V SPECS' weekly comic strip that brings humour to the otherwise dry topic of Specification Writing. Let's be real, specs aren't the most exciting thing in the world, so our newsletters teaching style employs a “Learning with Laughter” approach that resonates with our subscribers. Ÿ SPECS SHORTS makes understanding Specification lessons fun by joining Professor V., Coach M., and their sidekick, SPECKY, on their weekly adventures in search of Quality Specifications! Ÿ New-2-Sales Training Video Series: V SPECS' unique 3-Volume Series of thirty-nine (39) informative micro-learning videos 14 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
Ÿ and associated Volume Handbooks are designed to move the client's sales team away from “You're Hired, Now Go Sell!” and towards creating a positive, mentoring environment. Ÿ Developed to reinforce proven sales techniques, build confidence in the product offering, and enhance communication skills, ultimately unlocking the sales team's true potential. Ÿ This series covers: Ÿ How the architectural industry is structured and how to sell to different decision-makers on the project team Ÿ The role of Specifications in sales and how to “Sell the Specifications” to target clients Ÿ Communication strategies that build trust and drive influence Ÿ Objection handling techniques to increase close rates Ÿ Applying NLP principles to sales conversations for increased results and relationship building. “This isn't just another sales training; It's a step-by-step blueprint for architectural sales success,” says Mark. The Role of NLP in Sales Success "In architectural sales, trust isn't sold. It's earned through real communication mastery." Sales isn't just about what you say; It's about how you say it and how well you understand the person you're talking to. That's where Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) comes in. Ÿ Mirroring & Matching – Helps build instant rapport with clients. Ÿ Pacing & Leading – Aligns with the client's perspective before guiding them toward a sale. Ÿ Embedded Commands – Influence decisions without resistance. Ÿ Anchoring – Creates emotional JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 15
Unleashing Sales Potential with NLP “The best sales reps aren't just Ÿ connections to products and Coaching following a script they're crafting services. dynamic, personalized interactions that Ÿ Reframing – Turns objections into Because sales are communication, and leave lasting impressions. NLP opportunities. NLP is the science of mastering coaching gives you a competitive edge, communication, Sales reps need the transforming you from a script-reliant Why NLP Matters in Architectural power to control conversations, easily rep into an unstoppable sales Sales influence decisions, and handle powerhouse,” says Melissa. objections like pros. NLP coaching In architectural sales, trust isn't built gives them tools to navigate any sales Leveraging Technology for its through slick pitches but through situation, turning challenges into Mission communication mastery. NLP opportunities and deals into victories. empowers reps to build trust faster, Ÿ Facing tough objections? Master Technology is the backbone of what deeper, and more authentically — the art of reframing to shift V SPECS does. In fact, the "V" in turning conversations into connections perspectives. V SPECS stands for "Virtual". that lead to real projects. Ÿ Losing control of conversations? We live in a world where connections Learn to pace and lead to steer don't have to be in-person to be “The key is that NLP is a toolbox in discussions naturally. impactful. Sales reps, Architects, and which everyone must figure out which Ÿ Struggling to connect with clients? Designers are spread across the strategies work best for them and at Use mirroring and matching to country, and the ability to meet, train, what times to yield the desired build instant rapport and trust. and strategize virtually has transformed outcome, explains Melissa. how we operate. 16 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
Ÿ Web conferencing platforms allow us to break the barriers of the institutional workplace by meeting and presenting globally from our recording studio in Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Ÿ "Generative" AI tools assist in daily communication to ensure the message resonates with our audience, as "written" technical conversations can sound assertive and aggressive, which is never the intent. Ÿ Mark has been writing technical Specifications for over 20 years, so his writing style is what he calls "Legalese." Generative AI tools quickly sift through his writing and draft communication that makes sense to the recipient. “AI isn't the future; it's here for us to use as a guide to refine and execute our writing more efficiently. As Maya Angelou said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better." AI is simply a tool that helps us know better and do better,” says Mark. The Way Forward Mark observes that the architectural sales industry's evolution has shifted over the last three years to include the work-from-home lifestyle that architectural firms have dealt with since COVID. The ability to meet virtually, collaborate on work with your teammates in different parts of the globe, and share ideas virtually is shaping how the industry operates daily. The next generation of designers may never have to experience working on a Project with a large team, all in one room, huddled around the boardroom table, reviewing the Drawings and Specifications submission. Some of the biggest trends, he points out, shaping the future include: Ÿ Certifying Specifications and Annual Maintenance: Ÿ 3rd-Party VERIFICATION the Industry Trusts Valid for 12 months! TM Ÿ Sections affixed with a VERIFIED Seal enroll in V SPECS' Annual Maintenance Partner Program, which includes yearly reviews and necessary updates, before issuing a new 12-month VERIFIED Seal on the Section. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 17
themselves ahead of industry shifts, which is what V SPECS prepares our clients for,” says Mark. Staying at the Forefront of NLP coaching Melissa, who handles the NLP Coaching side of the business, stays informed in several ways, such as by seeking personal growth and development. Ÿ Reading industry-leading books: This is her passion, so it's easy for Melissa to get lost in a book that keeps her mind engaged with various points of view. Ÿ Listening to Podcasts and TED Talks: While she's completing those daily tasks that don't seem TM to go away, listening to different Ÿ Therefore, yearly updates ensure all VERIFIED communication styles and techniques seems to melt Sections are current and ready for use on Project Tenders. away those "in-between" minutes. Ÿ Lastly, Melissa works with her coach to check in and Ÿ Linking Specifications with BIM: Over the last 10 years, discuss interactions that have happened over the course this has been a primary focus as 2D Drawings and 3D of the week. Aligning her focus every week allows her Renderings have transformed into Virtual Models that allow clients a walk-through and even select finishes before construction has begun on the site. Ÿ This approach's difficulty lies in the end-user's knowledge gap. With hundreds of material and manufacturer selections within a Project Specification, anyone working on the model must also understand and select the appropriate material and/or system while designing. Ÿ AI and Specification Writing: As AI gains popularity and begins assisting with writing tasks, as mentioned above, there is a consistent point of view that AI will take over Specification Writing. Mark does not believe that AI will "fully take over" Specification Writing, as the technical understanding and intricacies of a Specification would be time-consuming to replicate within an AI platform. Ÿ However, there are powerful "think-logic" Specification Writing Platforms that assist Designers and Specification Writers while writing Office Masters and editing Project Specifications. Tools that will help the end-user edit the Section by removing unnecessary selections in Part 2 and Part 3 based on edits made earlier in Part 1. “The future belongs to those who adapt, evolve, and position 18 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
"Success doesn't belong to the loudest voice. It belongs to the clearest communicator." Final Thoughts Mark and Melissa share that at V SPECS, they don't just train sales reps; they provide the missing pieces they require to master sales in the following ways: Ÿ Selling strategically in the architectural landscape. Ÿ Mastering communication through NLP techniques. Ÿ Understanding how Specifications are structured and their importance within the Project Manual. Ÿ Leveraging AI and technology to stay ahead of the competition. “And now, with our New-2-Sales Training Video Series, we've made it easier than ever for sales reps to learn these essential skills on-demand and apply them immediately in real-world sales conversations,” they conclude. About Founded by Mark and Melissa Clemmensen, V SPECS is the industry leader in 3-Part Product Master Section Creation and the only firm worldwide certifying specifications and delivering strategic sales and communication training through their in-house NLP Executive Coach serving some of the largest Building Product Manufacturers in North America. “If you want to sell Ÿ to best show up for her clients so they, too, can position themselves in the best way possible. smarter, communicate Advice for Businesses Struggling with Sales better, and close more Mark and Melissa's advice is: deals effortlessly, "Your success is a direct reflection of your ability to adapt." Ÿ If something isn't working, don't just do more of it! You the time to invest in change your approach. Ÿ If your clients aren't engaging, change the way you communicate. your skills is now. Ÿ If you keep getting objections, change how you frame your offer. Let's start the Sales success is all about being skilled and adaptable, pivoting in real time to get the message across in a way that others around you understand and trust. conversation.” JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 19
