Episode 219: ‘Lead With Curiosity’ with Tammi Hill
In this episode:
Christi and Angela interview Tammy Hill, lean program director at JE Dunn’s Advanced Facilities Group, about how curiosity, confidence, and continuous learning shaped her 30+ year career from architecture to lean leadership. Hill explains she moved toward lean to focus on people and process—bringing disciplines together, improving decisions, collaboration, and value delivery—rather than leaving architecture behind. She describes confidence as something that grows by volunteering, asking questions, and being willing to be a beginner, separating credibility from always being the expert. Hill discusses mentorship that taught her architectural craft, how mentorship needs evolve, and the difference between mentorship (individual development) and sponsorship (creating access and visibility). She reflects on progress for women in the industry, encouraging authentic leadership, and frames lean as respect for people, better communication, surfacing problems early, and improving systems rather than blaming individuals.
Supported by: Groundbreak Carolinas
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:07 From Architecture to Lean
03:32 Confidence Through Curiosity
05:27 Beginner Mindset Lessons
06:06 Sponsor Message Break
06:36 Mentorship and Sponsorship
09:53 Women Leading in AEC
13:13 Lean Teams and Respect
16:13 Closing and Contact Info
16:55 Final Wrap Up
About Tammi:
As Lean Program Director for JE Dunn's Advanced Facilities Group, Tammi Hill supports the integration of Lean practices into design and project delivery. She provides coaching and technical expertise to help project teams, design partners, and leadership align around client priorities to deliver greater value. She plays a key role in advancing Target Value Delivery across JE Dunn, supporting project strategy and national training. Tammi also connects designers and operators, helping teams apply Lean practices early in the project lifecycle as well as mentoring project members to facilitate the Last Planner® System consistently and effectively.
With more than 30 years of experience in the design-build industry, Tammi brings the perspective of an architect and builder to her work. Her background includes constructability reviews, active-facility renovations and additions, complex facility tie-ins, and the design of distribution and cold storage facilities. This experience allows her to translate Lean principles into practical strategies that support informed decision-making, proactive communication, and reliable execution.
Tammi holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Cincinnati. She is a registered architect in multiple states and a Design-Build Institute of America Accredited Professional.
Supported by:
