Between the Builds: Letting Go to Grow

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Between the Builds, host Chris Fay reflects on his conversation with Tony Iannessa, Founder and CEO of BIG Construction, to explore one of the hardest truths in leadership. Sometimes the thing holding your company back is you. Using Tony’s shift from “BIG 1.0” to “BIG 2.0" as a framework, Chris breaks down what it really means to stop being the system and start building systems. From vulnerability and empowerment to the psychology of delegation, this episode challenges every leader to evaluate how they’re scaling, through control or through trust.

Key Takeaways:
• Letting go isn’t losing control, it’s creating capacity for growth.
• When leaders fail to delegate, they become the bottleneck for progress.
• Empowering your team builds trust, retention, and innovation.
• Vulnerability and transparency can reignite team engagement and accountability.
• Scaling requires systems that outlast the founder’s direct involvement.
• Overcontrol breeds apathy; empowerment fuels ownership.
• The best leaders invite feedback, and accountability, from their teams.
• Growth demands moving from “I” to “we.”

Built With Purpose shares thoughtful conversations with the people who design, build, and improve the world around us.

Hosted by Chris Fay, the show blends experience from commercial construction and tech leadership to explore how values, systems, and steady execution create enduring companies.

Each week, you’ll hear:

• Builder Conversations: Warm, in-depth interviews with founders, operators, and craft leaders across construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and built-world tech.

• Field Notes: Short, practical takeaways on leadership, culture, brand, sales, and operational excellence—ideas you can put to work on Monday.

If you care about building teams and businesses that last—without losing sight of purpose—this podcast is for you.
Subscribe and build with intention.