Pave It Black: The Official Podcast of NAPA

To celebrate the 100th episode of Pave It Black, Richard Willis and Brett Williams sit down with the new NAPA Chair, Jay Lemon, for a live episode recorded at NAPA’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. The conversation explores the rich history of the association and the evolving landscape of the asphalt pavement industry. We dive into the critical importance of advocacy and the upcoming Highway Bill. From leadership lessons inspired by General Norman Schwarzkopf to the story of a hidden time capsule at a State Capitol, this episode offers a relaxed discussion about the people and passion behind the roads that connect our country. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During this special episode we recap The Road Forward International Summit, a first-of-its-kind global gathering focused on asphalt decarbonization, sustainability, and innovation. Richard and Brett sit down with Dr. Amlan Mukherjee, NAPA’s Senior Director for Sustainability and Intelligent Construction, to explore the insights, breakthroughs, and unexpected conversations that emerged across the event. With participation from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America, the summit revealed new perspectives on environmental product declarations, lifecycle assessment, and the future of sustainable asphalt production. If you couldn't make the conference, tune in to recap the best bits of this dynamic conference. Learn more about The Road Forward: www.asphaltpavement.org/forward Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Organizational transitions involve more than balance sheets and operational plans—they require navigating the emotional dynamics that often make or break leadership changes. In this episode, we speak with leadership development expert and author of Succeeding: Stepping Up Without Stepping In It, Albert Ciuksza. With decades of consulting experience, Albert walks us through the nuanced dynamics between successors and predecessors in asphalt and beyond. He emphasizes emotional intelligence as the key to managing transitions effectively and warns how ignoring the human side of leadership can derail even the best-laid plans. Whether you’re planning an exit or preparing to step up, this conversation gives you the tools to lead a successful transition. Tune in today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stepping into a new industry can be challenging or intimidating, but for Amanda Mohr, it brought tremendous growth. This week, the President of Superior Bowen shares how her background in finance became a powerful foundation for leading with precision, adaptability, and authenticity. Through her commitment to lifelong learning, she’s embraced every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Whether she's innovating operational practices at Superior Bowen or championing women in the industry through Women of Asphalt, Amanda’s stayed true to her core values of hard work and commitment to excellence. If you’re considering an industry pivot or want to transition your skills, this episode offers actionable advice. Tune in today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Relationships in leadership are vital for success—both with clients and with your crew. This week, global business development expert Hilary Fordwich brings 30+ years of experience to unpack how strong leadership attracts business, builds loyalty, and drives results. Through her “Want v. Need” framework, Hilary explains how to develop teams that don’t just perform, they believe in the work. Listeners will learn the three characteristics every leader must have to drive team performance and why emotional buy-in matters more than just a paycheck. Tune in to learn how you can build trust and boost morale at your company, plus key tips on how to get more hours out of your workday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you transition between roles while staying true to your values? This week’s guest, Deb Schwerman, demonstrates that a passion for your work and industry can reinforce those values, no matter your position. As the current Executive Director of the Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association, she shares her journey—from inspecting asphalt in the field and testing samples in the lab to leading industry-wide initiatives. Her willingness to embrace every opportunity and forward-thinking perspective shows that leadership is shaped by the journey, not just the destination. Be inspired by Deb’s path, passion, and purpose. Listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diverse professional experiences play a crucial role in shaping effective, people-centered leadership. This week, Maure Creager, the Director of Circular Economy at CertainTeed, discusses how her varied background has enabled her to successfully transition into the asphalt pavement industry. She offers valuable advice for professionals aspiring to leadership roles, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives, learning from past experiences, and remaining authentic. Tune in to learn what it means to lead with humility and curiosity while promoting principles of the circular economy and sustainability in business. Episode sponsored by CertainTeed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Successful leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about building healthy relationships within and outside your organization. For this week’s episode, Audrey Copeland returns to the studio to lead a conversation with Christine Shaw, President and CEO of Naylor Association Solutions, a company that has partnered with NAPA for over 20 years. Together, they explore how partnerships, humility, and visibility shape effective leadership. Christine shares how great leaders acknowledge their blind spots, build strong teams, and seek continuous growth—both for themselves and the organizations they serve. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink leadership as a journey of learning, adapting, and giving as much as you receive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.