Skip to main content

Search TrendsNew Ads Appearances Podcasts API

We value your privacy

We use cookies to understand how you use our platform and to improve your experience. Click “Accept All” to consent, or “Decline non-essential” to opt out of non-essential cookies. Read our Privacy Policy.

Women Talk Construction Podcast

Women Talk Construction Podcast

WTC ‘The Human Safeguard’ with Kate Strauss

Aug 31, 2026 · 21 min · 7 segments

Send us Fan Mail In this episode: Christi and Angela welcome back Denver-based construction law attorney Kate Strauss, now leading the construction…

Send us Fan Mail In this episode: Christi and Angela welcome back Denver-based construction law attorney Kate Strauss, now leading the construction team at the national firm Fennemore, to discuss rapid AI adoption in construction. Strauss describes the divide between office staff who are high AI adopters and field staff who may distrust “Big Brother” technology, along with growing AI fatigue and the need to retain human connection and technical competence. The conversation highlights survey data showing increased AI investment and usage in administrative work, estimating, and preconstruction, driven partly by labor shortages and fast promotions. Strauss outlines hidden legal risks, including discoverability of chat histories, potential waiver of attorney-client privilege, and litigation scrutiny of AI-generated contracts and change orders, urging company leaders to implement clear AI platforms, training, safeguards, escalation points, and true human oversight. Supported by: NPK Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode: Christi and Angela welcome back Denver-based construction law attorney Kate Strauss, now leading the construction…

Speakers: Kate StraussGuestChristy PowellHost

Show signals: Audience≈3k followers

Spotify YouTube Amazon Music Website

Top entities: Artificial intelligence×7 Denver×4 Associated General Contractors of America×2 LinkedIn×4 Nova Scotia×2

Welcome and Guest Introduction0:00 – 1:13

Christy PowellHost

0:00

Good morning.

Christy PowellHost

0:01

Thank you for listening to Women Talk Construction.

Christy PowellHost

0:03

Again, I am so glad to be here with you.

Christy PowellHost

0:06

Christy Powell with Women Talk Construction.

Christy PowellHost

0:08

I'm here with Angela Gardner today, my co-host.

Christy PowellHost

0:12

Thanks, Angela, for being here.

Christy PowellHost

0:13

Hey, Christy.

Christy PowellHost

0:15

Yeah.

Christy PowellHost

0:16

So we love actually, you know, just promoting people in the construction industry.

Christy PowellHost

0:21

We love the industry.

Christy PowellHost

0:23

We think everybody should be in it with us.

Christy PowellHost

0:26

And that's why we do this every week.

Christy PowellHost

0:28

But today we have a really special guest.

Christy PowellHost

0:30

Kate Strauss is a Denver-based construction law attorney who counsels and advocates for clients across Colorado on both transaction and litigation matters.

Christy PowellHost

0:41

So Kate Strauss, thank you for being with us again today.

Christy PowellHost

0:45

This will be the second time and we can't wait to hear from you.

Christy PowellHost

0:49

We know that you've moved your attorney ship.

Christy PowellHost

0:52

You are actually in a different firm and can't really wait to hear the things that are going on in the industry legally right now, because it is a lot from what we can see.

Christy PowellHost

1:04

So thank you for being here and tell our audience just a brief, a little bit about you and maybe even a nobody knows this about me kind of nugget.

Read the full transcript.

Create an account to read the whole episode, search across every transcript, and follow the shows you care about.

Sign up Already have an account? Log in

Artificial intelligenceEntityProfessional field
94%7 mentions
DenverCityCity in Colorado
83%4 mentions
Associated General Contractors of AmericaCompanyTrade association
72%2 mentions
LinkedInSoftware ApplicationSocial networking service
61%4 mentions
Nova ScotiaAdministrative AreaCanadian Province
50%2 mentions
ChatGPTSoftware ApplicationSoftware
39%1 mention
Fennemore CraigCompanyLaw firm
28%1 mention
ColoradoAdministrative AreaUS state
17%1 mention
Facebook MessengerEntitySoftware
6%1 mention

Construction IndustryTechnology > Artificial Intelligence > AI Adoption
Organizational ChallengesTechnology > Artificial Intelligence > AI Adoption > Construction Industry
AI ImplementationBusiness > Construction > Industry Trends
Workforce DynamicsBusiness > Construction > Industry Trends > AI Implementation
AI in LitigationLaw > Legal Implications
Confidentiality IssuesLaw > Legal Implications > AI in Litigation
Client CommunicationsLaw > Legal Implications > AI in Litigation > Confidentiality Issues
Skill DevelopmentEducation > Training > AI Training Programs
Workforce ReadinessEducation > Training > AI Training Programs > Skill Development
Human ConnectionSociety > Workplace Culture > Technology in Society
Employee EngagementSociety > Workplace Culture > Technology in Society > Human Connection
Society
ConstructionBusiness
Industry TrendsBusiness > Construction
Workplace CultureSociety
Technology in SocietySociety > Workplace Culture
Legal ImplicationsLaw
TrainingEducation
AI Training ProgramsEducation > Training
AI AdoptionTechnology > Artificial Intelligence
Law
Education
Technology
Business
Artificial IntelligenceTechnology

Welcome and Guest Introduction0:00 – 1:13

Christy PowellHost

0:00

Good morning.

Christy PowellHost

0:01

Thank you for listening to Women Talk Construction.

Christy PowellHost

0:03

Again, I am so glad to be here with you.

Christy PowellHost

0:06

Christy Powell with Women Talk Construction.

Christy PowellHost

0:08

I'm here with Angela Gardner today, my co-host.

Christy PowellHost

0:12

Thanks, Angela, for being here.

Christy PowellHost

0:13

Hey, Christy.

Christy PowellHost

0:15

Yeah.

Christy PowellHost

0:16

So we love actually, you know, just promoting people in the construction industry.

Christy PowellHost

0:21

We love the industry.

Christy PowellHost

0:23

We think everybody should be in it with us.

Christy PowellHost

0:26

And that's why we do this every week.

Christy PowellHost

0:28

But today we have a really special guest.

Christy PowellHost

0:30

Kate Strauss is a Denver-based construction law attorney who counsels and advocates for clients across Colorado on both transaction and litigation matters.

Christy PowellHost

0:41

So Kate Strauss, thank you for being with us again today.

Christy PowellHost

0:45

This will be the second time and we can't wait to hear from you.

Christy PowellHost

0:49

We know that you've moved your attorney ship.

Christy PowellHost

0:52

You are actually in a different firm and can't really wait to hear the things that are going on in the industry legally right now, because it is a lot from what we can see.

Christy PowellHost

1:04

So thank you for being here and tell our audience just a brief, a little bit about you and maybe even a nobody knows this about me kind of nugget.