2026 Conference Speakers

From the Field to the Future: Leading Through Change, Ambiguity, and AI

Wednesday, September 16, 2026
1:30 p.m. 
This presentation traces the journey from field engineer to Corporate AI Lead, exploring the leadership lessons, career pivots, and hard-won confidence built along the way. Holynde shares what it means to lead through ambiguity, navigate prove mode and imposter syndrome, and why sponsorship matters more than mentorship alone.

The session expands into how AI is transforming construction, not by replacing people, but by amplifying them, and why diverse leadership is essential to building technology that works for everyone.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies for confidence, visibility, and embracing change.

    Holynde Smiechowski

    Corporate AI Lead, PCL Constructors Inc.

    Meet Holynde

    Holynde Smiechowski is the Corporate AI Lead at PCL Construction, where she is building the company’s enterprise AI function from the ground up.


    With over 13 years at PCL, Holynde brings deep expertise in construction project execution and contract management, having led complex, high-stakes projects including overseeing multimillion-dollar claims and dispute strategies. Her transition from project-based leadership to a corporate technology role reflects the non-linear career paths she champions for others in the industry. Holynde is a recipient of PCL’s Robert Stollery Construction Leadership Award and was named the 2025 Women’s Infrastructure Network Emerging Leader Award winner.


    Holynde’s approach to AI is grounded in a core philosophy: AI amplifies people. It doesn’t replace them. She focuses on making technology tangible and accessible, translating complex concepts into practical tools that help construction teams work smarter, not harder. From synthesizing dense monthly reports into audio summaries for field staff to building company-wide AI literacy, her work is rooted in the belief that innovation should simplify, not add complexity.

    A passionate advocate for women in construction, Holynde speaks openly about navigating ambition, imposter syndrome, and the power of sponsorship in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Born and raised in Vancouver, she is an avid backcountry hiker with her husband and dog.