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Hankook
IWD
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Emily Sisson
Rare Disease
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Bob Clark Beyond
ukraine expo
Alexei Navalny
How Migration Really Works

How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics

Immigration has always been a critical point of value in America’s prosperity. The “American Dream” would not be possible without the contribution of generations of immigrants to society, not to mention the priceless importance of multiculturalism. Despite this, the rhetoric surrounding immigration and its influence on U.S. institutions and ways of life has become increasingly hostile and rooted in misinformation. I recently read the book “How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics” by Hein de Haas. I highly recommend it to everyone to better understand migration policies and national impact. As we get farther into this election year, debates surrounding immigration are escalating. Still, people don’t understand the fundamentals of migration or how it truly affects the U.S. To mitigate this, Hein de Haas draws on decades of research to destroy myths and set the record straight. The book highlights tense topics like global migration not being at an all-time high, climate change not leading to mass migration, and immigration mainly benefiting the wealthy instead of workers. He also notes that border restrictions have produced more migration – something that is commonly misreported and viewed as the only “solution” to the migration “problem.”

February 19, 2024

2024
Inspiration
Books
Beyond Book Club
Books
Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University – Phoenix

This exciting Arizona project isn't just about putting up buildings – it's about giving knowledge and potential a serious boost! Step into the dynamic world of education innovation with Clayco and Lamar Johnson Collaborative as we embark on a journey at Chamberlain University's vibrant campus in Phoenix. Education extends beyond books and classrooms. It involves creating a foundation for societies to thrive. Clayco and LJC’s collaboration continues to turn dreams into reality with the renovation of a two-story office building to create another state-of-the-art higher education nursing program for Adtalem Global Education in the Phoenix region. The new 45,000 square feet of space will include lecture classrooms, science classrooms, simulation exam rooms, nursing skills workshops, breakout study spaces, and a cafe and market.

January 23, 2024

2024
Business
Clayco
Brainiac Business Books for Deeper Studying

Brainiac Business Books for Deeper Studying

I love when Co-Founder Larry Page was asked how he learned to run Google. He said, “I read a lot of books.” He then jokes: “[When renaming Alphabet] I read like three books on naming—which is more than anyone else had read. So I decided I was the expert… and actually that was useful. I recommend reading things.” I dropped out of college after just 5 weeks, but I read a lot. Everything. I’ve compiled a list of some “oldies but goodies” (and a few modern) reading options that I found difficult but useful, helpful, or even disagreeable – and that’s okay, too!

January 17, 2024

2024
Inspiration
Books
Beyond Book Club
Creating the Corporate Future: Plan or be Planned For (1981), Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations (1985), The New Strategic Selling: The Unique Sales System Proven Successful by the World's Best Companies (1985), Competing for the Future (1996), The Discipline of Market Leaders: Choose Your Customers, Narrow Your Focus, Dominate Your Market (1997), Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance (1998), Organizing Genius: The Secrets of Creative Collaboration (1998), Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution (2006), The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (2014), Up from Nothing: The Untold Story of How We (All) Succeed (2020), Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life (2023), Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines (2023)

Beyond the Dream: MLK Day and Pursuing Justice

"Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." This powerful quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech is as relevant today as it was then. The current global landscape is plagued with turmoil, conflict, and divisive challenges – but there is still positivity and hope on the horizon. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is as perfect of a time as any to not only commemorate the life and work of the American civil rights leader but to re-dedicate ourselves to creating an equitable world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive free from fear and discrimination. The need for strong leadership and advocacy for the oppressed has never been more critical for paving a path to true peace. I remember watching a documentary that featured Dr. King when I was in elementary school. I was fascinated by his eloquent way of speaking and connecting with people, and he inspired me to push my boundaries continuously. Achieving progress in the push for diversity and inclusion requires advancements in education and understanding. This means we have to talk to people we never have, research topics we’ve never known, and ultimately allow ourselves to be uncomfortable to gain greater knowledge.

January 15, 2024

2024
Adventure
Life Lessons
Essays
ADA
Joy Buolamwini with crossed arms

12 Trailbalzing Women in Tech

Artificial Intelligence is sweeping the world in every aspect of life. But who are the big faces behind the technology? According to a list produced by the New York Times, the “who’s who” in AI was shockingly lacking in diversity – they didn’t name one single woman. Whether inside the walls of Clayco or beyond, I am committed to helping foster inclusive communities and uplift the voices of underrepresented demographics to the best of my ability. The exclusion of women in high-ranking positions, public media, and authoritative roles is unacceptable, and we must work to ensure they have the resources and respect they deserve. For my January Inspiration of the Month, I am highlighting 12 incredible women who are the driving forces behind AI and the wave of tech that is evolving global societies. Anima Anandkumar

January 10, 2024

2024
Inspiration
Spotlights
Elizabeth Zucker Clayco
Ferrero Innovation Center
a group of people standing in a circle
A Day in the Life

My Mock Death is Today

This year it’s December 18, 2023.My belief is the single greatest act of kindness I can accomplish is to have an incredibly detailed written process ready to go in the event of my untimely death.Yes, it’s kind of morbid, and difficult to think through, yet I’ve been doing it for 15 years ― every single year in either November or December ― after which it’s randomly announced to my team close to the day of my supposed demise.My death would be unusually complicated in comparison with most people’s. I’m the Executive Chairman at one of the largest construction companies in the United States, and we also operate a real estate development business with fund management, multiple special purpose entities and hundreds of partners. There are also multiple foundations and charitable commitments to consider, as well as an extended family with four married children, nine grandchildren and one on the way. Friends and legacy partners and my late wife Ellen’s family and Jane’s family are high on the list of my responsibilities. I’m still engaged in multiple outside organizations as well, although I’ve stepped back from a good number of outside interests to focus on my personal foundation for a while. Ellen may no longer be with us physically, but she remains with us in spirit. We met in junior high school and a lot of people know that the first time I saw her I decided I was going to marry her. It wasn’t as simple as that, but we did in fact get married when we were 25 years old and were married for 25 years before she passed to the heavens from a genetic disease. She was an amazing human being, and is still remembered very fondly by everyone who knew her. The idea of a mock death first occurred to me a couple of years after Ellen was diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease. Two years after that I concluded that we already had a pretty complicated estate, and we didn’t have a very good plan. We decided to create a scenario where I died, just to see where all the chips would fall. I didn’t like what I learned and where I saw the chips rolling and sliding off the table. Since then, I’ve completed this exercise every year and sleep better and feel like a kinder human being as a result. At the same time, I’ve had many friends who, sadly, have passed away during that time frame. My CFO was hit and killed by a car while training for a marathon before the Great Recession, and it turned out he had an unsigned estate plan sitting toward the back of his desk. Another of my partners, a CPA by training, also died without a plan and with his family unaware of the complexity of his estate. I have many friends whose spouses don’t know where the important papers are, are in the dark about where the money comes from or how it goes out, and don’t even know how to pay their own bills at home.

December 18, 2023

2023
Adventure
Life Lessons
Essays

A Meeting to Remember at Delmar DivINe

There is no better way to close out the year than with a great group of people dedicated to making the world a better place. Clayco had an amazing board of advisors meeting in St. Louis at Delmar DivINe – a centerpiece for advancement that houses nonprofit organizations, sponsors innovative programs, and provides affordable housing for young professionals and social leaders. I always enjoy catching up with Maxine Clark, who is the mastermind behind the Delmar DivINe project and a fantastic friend. Seeing Maxine’s vision come to life is truly remarkable. Clayco is so proud to have been a partner in this pivotal endeavor that is turning the tide of history by reimagining life for St. Louis residents and beyond.

December 14, 2023

2023
Adventure
Life Lessons
Essays
Prometheus

Constructing the Communities of Tomorrow

It’s time to build structures that rival the fortitude of Roman architecture while playing a vital role in the sustainability of our planet. The Art and Science of Building will be a large part of the solution in the war on climate change – we are excited that so many large owners are searching for innovations to address this across construction materials. As at least 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the creation of cement and concrete, finding new and future-focused technologies in construction is especially critical. Global warming is one of the biggest threats to our Earth. Since the building industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, leaders are focusing attention on advanced chemical engineering, bio-science, and the implementation of greener methodologies. Our team at Clayco is committed to sustainable development across our national operations. We are collaborating with visionary organizations to design a healthier planet via innovative tech and building approaches.

December 13, 2023

2023
Impact
Community
cancer center
a large white building with several silos
Andersen Manufacturing Facility

Remembering Radcliffe Bailey, a Great Artist

I was sad to learn that Radcliffe Bailey, a game-changing American contemporary visual artist, passed away recently. I was truly inspired by the time I spent with him. Radcliffe’s unique artistic approach, mixing media, paint, and sculpture, explored African-American history and the intersection of ancestry, race, and cultural memory in the everyday. Bailey was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on November 25, 1968, but moved to Atlanta, Georgia, by the age of four. Curator of modern and contemporary art Michael Rooks once said that Bailey was “probably the most prominent living artist here in Atlanta.” The city’s High Museum of Art was a source of inspiration for Bailey, leading him to attend the Atlanta College of Art, where the city’s history with civil rights and the Civil War served as some of his greatest artistic muses.

November 20, 2023

2023
Inspiration
Inspiration
Clark Art Collection
Art

Clayco's Alumni Night in St. Louis

Wow, what a reunion! This week I was fortunate enough to have a few slices of pizza with some amazing Clayco alumni and current team members. We shared memories and reflected on how we got to where we are today.I couldn’t help but think about all the challenges overcome, the opportunities won and lost, the risks that paid off, the risks that didn’t pay off, the setbacks, the hard work turning into something bigger than myself, and of course, the friendships I made along the way. I was so happy to see Clayco’s very first employee, Allen Conner, who started on the first day we opened for business on July 23, 1984. Joining us was also my longtime partner Jeff Cannedy, as well as John Gebel who started at Clayco in 1985 and made a huge difference to the company back when we were still finding our footing.

November 18, 2023

2023
Business
Clayco
Thomas Heatherwick

Successful Thomas Heatherwick Book Launch & Discussion!

Societal advancements are often sparked by powerful conversations between peers. The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) hosted a panel discussion for the U.S. launch of Thomas Heatherwick’s book, “Humanize: A Maker’s Guide to Designing Cities,” a prime example of how constructive partnerships can lead to some of our world’s greatest innovations. It was a packed house with 300 guests attending this engaging event. I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the panel alongside Thomas, Shapack Partners founder Jeff Shapack, and CAC President & CEO Eleanor Esser Gorski. We explored the book's themes and discussed Chicago's architectural landscape while scrutinizing the impact of design and development processes on public health.

November 13, 2023

2023
Inspiration
Books

The Clark Family Branch is Coming Along Amazingly!

Libraries aren't just quiet spots to read; they are vibrant places for people to gather and connect. I had the chance to tour the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County library system with Jane. The two-story, 74,000-square-foot development is coming along amazingly well! St. Louis County Library’s original headquarters needed greater efficiencies and infrastructure to support the evolution of its patrons – so we decided to do something about it. The Clark family was humbled to donate $6 million to the new HQ and towards educational programming to further the library’s mission. Clayco’s partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, is designing the modern and spacious building into a powerhouse destination for employees, students, families, and authors.

November 9, 2023

2023
Adventure
Family

Clayco's STL Office Teams are Relocating & Expanding!

Missouri has played a fundamental role in Clayco’s history and my own. I grew up and started Clayco in the St. Louis region, and it is a heartfelt focus of mine to help the area regain its past glory. As the next step toward this mission, I am thrilled to announce the relocation and expansion of our St. Louis offices and operations center! Our St. Louis regional offices will come together in Berkeley, Missouri, in a newly recycled and renovated Clayco hub. What’s truly serendipitous about this is that Clayco designed and built the office for another company 11 years ago – and soon, it will be our new home. The 230,000-square-foot facility in NorthPark Development will accommodate over 1,000 team members committed to engaging the local community with their time and hands.

November 7, 2023

2023
Business
Clayco
a group of people walking in a large warehouse
Ciere
Clayco
Shawn Crains
Chuck Feeney
CCDI

Constructing Dreams & Bright Futures

If there is one aspect of Clayco that has consistently rang true since its establishment decades ago, it's that our organization is dedicated to bettering the lives of people in underserved communities. Clayco is proud to be one of the many sponsors of the Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI), which connects youth in underserved communities with career opportunities in construction. This past weekend, CCDI hosted its first Saturday Academy session at Clayco with 25 ambitious high school students looking to expand their personal and professional development. It was an incredible success! Events like these are integral to connecting youth from under-resourced neighborhoods with career opportunities in construction. CCDI has a strong class of seniors in the program this year, and it’s great to see how the initiative helps them discover their path in construction.

October 11, 2023

2023
Impact
Community
a book cover with text on it

Medicine 3.0: how to live a long, strong and happy life

How to live longer and healthier is a topic that’s currently drawing a lot of attention. I recently read Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Canadian physician Peter Attia, co-authored by Bill Gifford. The book highlights the significant health problems humans face and compares our current reactive approach to a proactive method that promotes longevity. Luckily, I already practice much of what’s in the book – but there is always room for improvement! Trained as an oncological surgeon, Attia’s take on longevity is fascinating. He talks about the 'Four Horsemen' – diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease – and how they’re all connected. He believes that if you have diabetes, for example, you might be at risk for heart disease or cancer.

October 5, 2023

2023
Inspiration
Books
Beyond Book Club
Outlive The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
2023 Nobel
KidsDig
Pedal The Cause
Pop Courts
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