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Hey, Legends! Welcome to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast!

Ever feel like the construction industry’s in a bit of strife? Well, you’re not alone - and neither is John Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association (ACA). I finally caught up with John to talk about the big stuff; industry reform, procurement chaos, cultural burnout, and what we can actually do to sort it out.

We had a cracking chat about how the ACA is working to shake things up, from championing value over lowest price, to backing modern methods of construction, and pushing for a proper cultural reset across the industry. We also cover mental health, workforce shortages, insolvency, and the role government should be playing as the industry’s biggest client.

Oh, and if you're keen to be part of the shift, keep an eye on the Foundations & Frontiers event coming up later in 2025, definitely worth a spot in your calendar!

Key takeaways from this episode:

✅ Construction’s got a problem with insolvency and worker burnout
✅ Mental health is critical, and can’t be ignored
✅ Procurement needs a rethink: it’s not all about price
✅ The government has massive influence, and should use it wisely
✅ Fairer, more transparent tendering is essential
✅ Bigger players need to lead, but everyone has a part to play
✅ Backing smaller contractors helps the entire ecosystem
✅ We need better cash flow, smarter systems, and financial stability
✅ Manufacturing and AI can help, if we fix the data problem
✅ We’ve got to make construction a more attractive career path
✅ Culture matters, and it’s time for a major upgrade

🤔 Why tune in?

If you’re on the tools, in the office, or leading a team, this one’s for you. It’s a real, honest chat about where the industry’s at, and what it’ll take to build something better. No fluff, just ideas, insights, and a call to lift the bar.

🎧 Hit play and get inspired to help build the future of construction.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionPodcast #JohnDavies #AustralianConstructorsAssociation #ACA #ConstructionReform #ProcurementChange #WorkforceWellbeing #IndustryCulture #ValueOverPrice #ConstructionInnovation #AIinConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #MentalHealthInConstruction #SmarterBuilding #FutureOfConstruction

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast!

This week, I had a brilliant chat with Dr Gretchen Gagel, a global construction leader with 40 years of experience across the US, Australia, and beyond. She’s the founder of Women Thriving in Construction and a key voice in driving cultural change in the industry. With her new book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction, launching May 2025, she’s sharing powerful insights into leadership, workforce challenges, and the future of construction.

We covered a lot—how leadership must evolve, the real barriers facing women in construction, and how businesses can build inclusive cultures that attract and retain talent. Gretchen also touched on the need for authentic industry messaging, innovation, and real action to address the workforce shortage.

Key takeaways from this episode:

✅ From manufacturing to construction—how Gretchen found her path
✅ A global perspective—from the US to Australia
✅ The role of mentors and allies in shaping a career
✅ Why trust and collaboration drive real success
✅ Culture change and conflict resolution in construction
✅ Building workplaces where people actually want to stay
✅ Getting more women into the industry—and keeping them there
✅ Innovation and leadership as drivers of the future
✅ Tackling the talent shortage with practical, inclusive solutions
✅ Her new book, Building Women Leaders—for everyone in construction

🤔 Why tune in?

If you're passionate about leadership, diversity, inclusion, or building a better industry, this one’s packed with real talk and fresh ideas from one of the most respected voices in construction.

🎧 Tune in now for a powerful, inspiring episode!

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #DrGretchenGagel #WomenInConstruction #IndustryCulture #InclusionAndDiversity #BuildingWomenLeaders #WorkforceSolutions #InnovationInConstruction #FutureOfConstruction #ProfessionalGrowth #MentorshipMatters #CultureShift #WorkplaceCulture

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast! This week, I had a great yarn with Nauman Akhtar, one of Melbourne’s go-to guys in the world of building services. He’s worked with some big names—D&E Air Conditioning, Multiplex, and Kapitol Group—and now he’s running the show at his own outfit, INSITE Advisory Group.

We got stuck into what building services are all about—the gear and systems behind the scenes that keep buildings running smoothly and safely. Think mechanical, electrical, plumbing, data, and more. From the rise of AI to the booming need for data centres, this episode dives into the growing complexity of modern buildings and the people needed to keep them ticking.

What you’ll take away from this chat:

✅ Nauman’s unexpected path from dreaming of Ferraris to finding purpose in construction
✅ Why building services are more important—and more complicated—than ever!
✅ How a simple internship turned into a full-blown career in construction
✅ Saying yes to the unknown can lead to big opportunities
✅ What’s fuelling the explosion in data centres (spoiler: gaming, AI, and cloud!)
✅ How AI is already reshaping building management
✅ Why there’s a serious shortage of skilled pros in this space
✅ The importance of mentoring, collaboration, and backing the next generation

🤔 Why give it a listen?

If you’re curious about the tech that powers modern buildings, wondering how AI and data are changing construction, or thinking about career paths that are flying under the radar, this episode is full of eye-openers and real talk. Nauman’s story is proof that taking a leap can lead to a career you never expected—but wouldn’t trade for anything.

Hit play and get the inside scoop on the future of building services!

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionPodcast #BuildingServices #MEPSystems #SmartBuildings #AIinConstruction #DataCentres #FutureOfConstruction #ConstructionCareers #ConstructionInnovation #InsiteAdvisory #MelbourneConstruction #TechInConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #BuiltEnvironment #ModernConstruction

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au