BARB ALLEN

Real. Construction. Experience.

the relatable voice challenging norms & biases
to improve recruitment and retention
within the construction industry

Discover Barb's Book: OneLadder to Leadership

CARPENTER

UNEXPECTED

PROJECT EXECUTIVE

CONFIDENT

RESILIENT

SUPERINTENDENT

EDUCATOR

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

ADVOCATE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

PODCAST HOST

CHANGE AGENT

About

Barb faced gender specific challenges during her climb … but did not allow them to deter her. She received her bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, then began her journey as a carpenter wearing her tool bags learning to physically build buildings, relationships, and a successful career as a woman in construction. She climbed ladder rungs that included Foreman, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Pre-Construction Manager, Project Executive, and Operations Director. She now utilizes those experiences to educate and motivate audiences to better recognize, understand, and eliminate gender specific challenges in order to improve recruitment and retention within the industry. #OneLadder

Keynotes

oneladder

Based on her book, OneLadder to Leadership, OneLadder challenges the outdated norms shaping leadership in construction and other predominantly male industries. Through the framework of Missing, Broken, Sticky, & Slippery Rungs, Barb challenges both leaders and climbers to rethink how communication, networking, readiness, and biases impact the climb to leadership. Audiences leave with practical insights, increased awareness, and a blueprint for building OneLadder that removes unintentional barriers along the climb.

BOOK BARB

Break Ground. Challenge Norms.

Break Ground. Challenge Norms. challenges the outdated norms, assumptions, and behaviors that influence leadership, workplace culture, and organizational growth. Through the framework of Missing, Broken, Sticky, & Slippery Rungs, Barb challenges audiences to rethink the patterns and practices that continue to shape decisions and limit opportunity. Audiences leave with increased awareness, practical insights, and a blueprint for creating stronger teams, stronger leaders, and lasting organizational impact.

BOOK BARB

awakening unconscious bias

Awakening Unconscious Bias challenges audiences to recognize how unconscious assumptions influence workplace culture, leadership decisions, and opportunity. Drawing from the framework of Slippery Rungs, Barb explores how bias is formed, how it impacts individuals & organizations, and why awareness, not blame, is the key to lasting change. Through her approach rooted in grace, curiosity, and growth, audiences learn how to more effectively awaken unconscious bias in themselves and others to drive productive conversations, strengthen relationships, and create lasting impact.

BOOK BARB

TESTIMONIALS

"Barb’s presentation was remarkable: entertaining, engaging, and actionable!
It was very memorable and I think importantly, non-judgmental. Her voice is precisely the type I think can help kickstart great conversations in any organization."

Nicholas Ruble

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, LLC

"Barb did an amazing job and truly impacted so many of our women with her insight! We all left feeling more knowledgeable, entertained, and even inspired."

Sangeetha Knox

Burns & McDonnell

"I have known Barb Allen for over 15 years. She has highly demonstrated skills in construction operations at large firms, with deep experience in the field and in the office, and a solid reputation for collaboration and communication in managing construction jobs. Barb has tremendous experience in contractor operations and servant leadership with construction trade associations.."

Don Greenwell

The Builders'

"I engaged Barb to speak at the NAWIC Kansas City Construction Industry Celebration. Barb is a dynamic speaker and did a phenomenal job engaging our audience."