03/09/2026
On International Women’s Day, we’re proud to recognize our leader, Michelle James. It seems fitting that this podcast dropped today, giving her the opportunity to share her wisdom with the construction world.
🎧 Listen using the link below or on your favorite podcast platform — Spotify, Apple, Google, or Amazon Music.
New Episode 192 Season 4 “Vision Builds Reality” 🎤 Michelle James 🎤 Owner of Grace Construction Group
Sometimes the path to construction isn’t straight, and that’s exactly what makes the story powerful.
Christi Powell and Angela Gardner hang out with Michelle, who last week was the WIC Week Coordinator for Columbia NAWIC Chapter #113 in South Carolina. Michelle made a bold pivot into construction at 47, after careers in the nonprofit and legal worlds, including serving as a municipal judge.
And she didn’t just join the industry… she’s doing her part in making it better in her family business.
Few powerful takeaways:
💥 It’s never too late to pivot into construction.
💥 Your past experience (even legal!) can be a huge asset in contracts, liability, and business operations.
💥 “The cost of silence” is real...asking questions prevents costly misunderstandings on projects.
💥 Strong teams are built through communication, documentation, and accountability.
💥 Construction can also be a platform for community impact, through partnerships like HomeWorks.
Michelle’s story is a reminder that vision truly does build reality, especially when you bring courage, curiosity, and purpose into the work.
Listen 🎧https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-192
Watch 🎬https://youtube.com/live/iolZNNcAQYA