Why Misunderstanding Is the Root of Bad Communication with Devlin Fenton of Arch Engineers

We sit down with Devlin Fenton, CEO of Arch Engineers, to explore career pivots, confidence through fear, communication, and resilience after loss. Devlin shares what it took to leave trucking and technology behind for a completely different industry, and how he's approached leading a growing engineering company through the uncertainty that comes with it. Devlin talks through the mindset shifts that made that hard pivot work, before landing on a deeply personal reflection on loss and what it's taught him about resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Introduction and the challenge of aligning people, technology, and culture inside a growing organization.

• 02:54 Devlin describes leaving trucking and technology to lead a structural engineering company.

• 05:02 Fear is a constant in startup life; confidence and certainty are the tools he leans on.

• 06:16 Devlin reframes the old 'No Fear' brand into 'Know Fear,' facing fear, not denying it.

• 08:50 Over-planning rarely survives first contact; instinct matters as much as analysis.

• 09:38 The pivot to engineering was driven by market sentiment, not just financial modeling.

• 11:20 Real communication starts with recognizing that shared language doesn't guarantee shared meaning.

• 12:08 Dropping expectations in favor of clearly papered agreements with his team.

• 14:50 Losing his mother this year reshaped how Devlin thinks about resilience and preparedness.

• 18:21 Advice to a 20-year-old self: build a foundation, then get after it despite doubt.

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

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“Even though you and I are speaking the same language, what's going on in your head isn't necessarily what I'm hearing.”

- Devlin Fenton

Resources Mentioned:

• Planning Alternatives Wealth Assessment

• Arch Engineers Website

• #Leadership #CareerPivot #Resilience

Connect with the guests:

LinkedIn: Devlin Fenton
LinkedIn: Arch Engineers

Connect with Nathan Mersereau:

Phone: 248-645-1520 
Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com
LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau
Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310
Birmingham, MI 48009