Amy Powell
Who am I?
I am the Founder and CEO of Well Works, where I design and deliver leadership, communication, and essential “people skills” training for those working in and alongside the construction industry.
My Story:
I’ve spent over twenty years in construction, most of that time working as a Project Manager for a commercial general contractor. Like many in the industry know, the PM role is less about managing tasks and more about supporting people—particularly superintendents and field leaders—by removing obstacles and helping teams keep projects moving forward.
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In 2013, after having my first child, I transitioned into a Director of Training role while continuing part-time project management. That shift gave me a critical new perspective: the technical and managerial components of construction were well supported, but the essential human skills—leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making under pressure—were not.
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This gap was especially apparent for the “boots-on-the-ground” leaders who carried the most responsibility and pressure with the least formal support.
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Rather than continuing to look for training that didn’t quite fit our industry, I decided to build it.
I earned a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Training and began developing leadership programs specifically designed for construction environments—programs that respect the pace, pressure, and realities of the field. That work became the foundation for the Well Works Leadership Development Program (WWLDP).
How I Work:
My work today is still rooted in supporting field leaders. What has changed is the form that support takes.
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At Well Works, I translate research from fields such as neuroscience, social psychology, leadership studies, and adult learning into practical, usable tools that construction professionals can apply in real time. This work is intentionally grounded in both peer-reviewed research and lived experience managing projects and working within construction teams.
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I am a continual learner and regularly engage in formal study, research, and ongoing education—not to collect credentials, but to ensure that what I teach is accurate, responsible, and effective in high-pressure environments.
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The goal is simple: provide construction leaders with tools that make their work safer, healthier, and more sustainable—for themselves, their teams, and their projects.
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Industry Engagement
Staying closely connected to the construction industry is central to my work. In addition to my direct work with construction teams, I remain actively involved in industry and academic settings that inform and challenge my perspective.
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My involvement includes:
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Chairing the Executive Advisory Council for Colorado State University’s Construction Management program
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Serving on industry advisory boards and academic–industry councils
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Guest lecturing in university construction and engineering programs
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Participating in industry panels, podcasts, and professional discussions
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Speaking at construction conferences and leadership forums
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These roles allow me to listen, learn, and stay grounded in the evolving realities of the industry while contributing practitioner insight to broader conversations about leadership, communication, and well-being in construction.
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Translating Research into Construction Practice
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Years in Construction:
20+
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Different Roles:
Owner / Founder / Coach
Director of Training and Outreach (Commercial GC)
Project Manager (Commercial GC)
Project Engineer (Commercial GC, High-End Residential, Specialty Mechanical)
Safety Coordinator
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Education & Certifications:
B.S. Construction Management from CSU
M.Ed. Adult Education and Training from CSU
Fundamentals of Neuroscience Courses, Harvard University
Neuroscience for Business Certificate, MIT Sloan School of Management
Psychology of Leadership Certificate, Cornell University
Social Psychology Course Certificate, Coursera
LEED AP
WELL AP
ASHE Construction Certified
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Where else you can find me:
​​Road Trips / Adventuring and Overlanding with Family and Friends
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