How Construction Executive Coaching Helped Mike Barrow Grow as a Project Executive

After stepping into a Project Executive role, Mike Barrow worked with Eric Anderton to sharpen his leadership, communicate expectations more clearly, and lead his team with more confidence. This construction executive coaching engagement helped him make the shift from managing projects to leading project managers.

Moving from Project Manager to Project Executive

“When I was promoted to Project Executive, I knew the transition wouldn’t be easy. I went from managing projects to leading project managers. Those are two very different things.

At first, I had real concerns about the cost of coaching and whether the value would be clear enough to justify the investment. Looking back, it was money well spent.

Eric and I met every three to four weeks, and those sessions became a valuable part of my development as a leader. We reviewed my struggles and achievements openly, talked through the challenges I was facing, and worked together on practical strategies to address them. Having a dedicated space to think out loud with someone who understands the construction industry made all the difference.

What Changed Through Leadership Coaching

Three things stand out from our work together.

First, Eric helped me get clear on expectations and how to communicate them to my team.

Second, I learned what it really means to think and execute like a leader, instead of just performing as a strong individual contributor.

Third, I saw real growth in my team as a direct result of the changes I made in how I led them.

Why Construction Industry Experience Matters

Eric’s deep knowledge of the construction industry was a huge advantage. He didn’t need a long explanation of how projects run, how teams are structured, or why certain dynamics exist on a jobsite. That shared understanding meant we could get right to the issue without wasting time on background.

I’d recommend Eric to anyone who’s stepping into a leadership role or feeling stretched in the role they already have. Our monthly sessions gave me a valuable space to talk through issues openly with someone who was fully engaged, authentic, and genuine.

Eric showed me he truly cared about our conversations and my growth. That made a real impact.

Over the six months we worked together, I took small steps each month and built a solid foundation to move forward. I’m a better leader today because of this work.”