In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Ashley Stewart, Project Director at Turner & Townsend, whose global experience across major events, construction, and program delivery gives her an extraordinary 360-degree perspective on Queensland’s future. From starting on construction sites in Scotland at 18 to shaping the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and delivering Canada’s Pan Am Games, Ashley brings a rare blend of lived experience and strategic insight.

Together, Lauren and Ashley explore the state’s biggest challenges, from housing shortages to capability gaps to the cultural shifts reshaping the workforce. As the 2032 Olympics fast approaches, what will it truly take for Queensland to build a workforce ready for the world stage?

Grounded, honest, and deeply human, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating growth, leadership, or the emotional weight of relocating a family across continents.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Realities of Migration and Major Events:

• Why relocating a family is far more complex and emotionally taxing than people assume
• The hidden financial layers of international migration (shipping, customs, housing, credit history, vehicles, schools)
• How Ashley’s experience across Glasgow 2014 and Toronto Pan Am Games informs her predictions for Brisbane 2032
• Why Brisbane is a different test case compared to London or LA due to city size, growth rate, and resource constraints

Queensland’s Housing and Infrastructure Challenge:

• Why housing shortages could become one of the biggest barriers to workforce growth
• How policy, zoning, approvals, and red tape shape development timelines
• Why large-scale master planned communities may be essential
• The ripple effects: schools, healthcare, roads, and the infrastructure needed to support incoming workers and families
• How the cost of living and interstate migration are reshaping South East Queensland

Workforce Capability, Skills, and Diversity:

• Why Queensland faces unique skill shortages heading into the Olympic decade
• How long procurement cycles awarding work years ahead affect workforce planning
• The alarming 12% decline in women in construction over the past year
• The role flexibility, culture, and workplace systems play in retaining women
• “You can’t be what you can’t see”: why visible role models matter
• How technology, hybrid work, and outcome-based management can close capability gaps

Leadership, Flexibility, and the Future of Work:

• Why flexibility is not one size fits all, and why organisations must redefine it
• The dangers of “flexibility but” policies
• How trust, autonomy, and outcome-focused leadership strengthen culture
• The double-edged sword of remote work: freedom vs. the pressure of being “always on”
• Why leaders must build sustainable systems, not rely on individuals to “push through” burnout

The Mental Load, Comparison Trap, and Redefining Success

• Why so many professionals, especially women, feel overwhelmed post-COVID
• How social media distorts expectations around careers, parenting, homes, and success
• Why intentionally protecting your inner circle changes everything
• The importance of letting go of comparison and building connections aligned with your values
• How community groups like NAWIC and industry bodies build confidence, belonging, and support

Community, Networking, and Belonging

• Why meaningful networking is about depth, not quantity
• How newcomers to Queensland can build a professional community from scratch
• The power of reaching out to new arrivals, women returning from maternity leave, and early-career professionals
• Why smaller events often spark richer, more authentic connections
• The role of committees, advocacy groups, and industry organisations in shaping the future of construction

Key Quotes from Ashley Stewart:

• “I want to be able to push open doors that people thought were closed and hold them open for others to walk through behind me.”
• “If I had known how hard relocating with a family would be, I’m not sure I would’ve done it.”
• “Queensland is such an attractive place to live, but that makes housing one of our biggest challenges.”
• “Flexibility can’t be ‘flexibility but’, it has to be tailored to the individual.”
• “You can’t be what you can’t see. Visible role models matter.”
• “Sometimes you walk into your home and your kids run to you, and that’s the moment that makes everything feel worth it.”

About Our Guest:

Ashley Stewart is a Project Director at Turner & Townsend, with a career spanning major global events including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Toronto’s Pan Am Games, alongside significant roles in construction, program delivery, and infrastructure. With deep experience across Scotland, Canada, and now Queensland, Ashley brings a unique lens to workforce capability, housing challenges, and the human realities behind major development cycles. Passionate about women in construction, flexibility, and leadership, Ashley is committed to opening doors and building pathways for future generations.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and follow Turner & Townsend’s work

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Nick Mair, founder of Pack Mentality Group and a rising voice for men’s mental health across construction, mining, and FIFO workforces. Nick opens up about his near-fatal mental health crisis, the moment Lifeline saved his life, and how that experience inspired him to build a movement centered around community, connection, and giving men a safe space to speak without judgment.

Nick unpacks the hidden struggles workers face in high-pressure, male-dominated industries, from isolation and fatigue to identity shifts and societal expectations. Whether you lead teams, work onsite, or simply care about the well-being of people around you, this conversation will challenge you to rethink strength, connection, and what it means to show up for each other.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Truth About Men’s Mental Health:

• Why men are three times more likely to die by suicide
• The silent toll of isolation, societal pressure, and identity shifts
• How stigma keeps men suffering alone and hiding behind “I’m fine”
• Why connection, not toughness, is the real antidote

Inside the FIFO and Construction Reality:

• How long shifts, heat, fatigue, and remoteness impact mental health
• Why FIFO workers face unique guilt, stress, and relationship strain
• The hidden dangers of financial pressure and “golden handcuffs”
• How simple support structures can change the culture on-site

Building Pack Mentality Group & The Power of the Pack:

• The story behind Pack Mentality Group and the “wolf pack” concept
• Why Nick created the onsite Wolf Chap and Wolf Angel roles
• How the Palmy Army gives men a safe space to talk openly
• The importance of catching subtle behavioural shifts early

Connection, Identity & Living Your Values

• Why our identity should not be tied to our job title
• How changing gender roles leaves many men feeling “lost”
• The danger of ignoring misalignment in your career
• Why removing the phone can transform any conversation

Key Quotes from Nick Mair:

• “People don’t want to hear your obituary. They want to hear your story.”
• “Men want to be seen. They want to be heard. Just like everyone else.”
• “Fatigue is the biggest driver of poor mental health onsite.”
• “We’re losing connection through technology, and we’re not built for that.”
• “You’d be surprised how quickly a mate will show up when you say, ‘I’m not doing well.’”

About Our Guest:

Nick Mair is the founder of Pack Mentality Group, an organization dedicated to smashing the stigma around men's mental health. Through workplace sessions, Mental Health First Aid training, and community groups like the Palmy Army, Nick provides education, awareness, and safe spaces for men to be seen and heard. His mission is fueled by his own lived experience and a passion for ensuring no one feels as alone as he once did.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Nick on LinkedIn and explore Pack Mentality Group’s mission.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Ryza Garbacz, the second-generation Managing Director of NEACH, a leading Australian steel fabrication and manufacturing company. From humble beginnings in a small Noosa workshop, NEACH has evolved into a powerhouse supplier for some of the nation’s most complex infrastructure projects, championing regional capability and sovereign manufacturing.

Ryza shares his journey from sweeping floors in his family’s factory to managing major tier-one projects across Australia, before returning to transform his family’s 50-year-old business. He reflects on lessons in leadership, authenticity, and the power of building loyalty through developing homegrown talent.

The conversation explores data-driven decision-making, transparent communication, and creating a culture that thrives through change. Ryza also unpacks the resurgence of trades, the transition ahead for Australian manufacturing, and the importance of sustainable growth. He leaves listeners with an inspiring message about legacy, purpose, and building a business that endures beyond yourself.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Leadership and Legacy:

• How Ryza transformed his family’s business into a sustainable, future-focused manufacturer.
• Why true legacy means building something that thrives without you.
• Lessons from 50 years of continuous operation and what it takes to survive in a changing economy.

Career Growth and Authentic Leadership:

• How working on large infrastructure projects built the foundations for authentic, people-first leadership.
• The power of humility, likeability, and transparency in advancing your career.
• Why trusting your gut and having hard conversations are essential leadership skills.

Building and Retaining Talent:

• How to create loyalty and long-term retention through homegrown apprenticeship programs.
• Why investing in people early builds a stronger culture and business resilience.
• Insights into tackling the trade shortage and inspiring the next generation of skilled workers.

Data, Decisions, and Sustainable Growth:

• How to use data to make smart, strategic decisions that keep your business alive and thriving.
• The importance of measuring everything and knowing your numbers “to the cent.”
• Why not all growth is good growth. Understanding sustainable scaling in construction and manufacturing.

Resilience, Balance, and Happiness

• Ryza’s personal journey from a high-paying corporate career to rebuilding a family business for purpose and lifestyle.
• Why choosing happiness, family, and nature over constant hustle leads to real success.
• The value of staying human in an increasingly automated, AI-driven world.

Key Quotes from Ryza Garbacz 

• “Authenticity in how you deal with people is everything; it creates loyalty and trust.”
• “True legacy is building something that can survive without you.”
• “Data doesn’t lie. If you don’t know your numbers, you can’t run your business.”
• “Don’t chase growth for the sake of it. Growth has to be meaningful.”
• “I chose happiness, and that was the best business decision I ever made.”

About Our Guest:

Ryza Garbacz is the Managing Director of NEACH, a second-generation Australian manufacturing company based on the Sunshine Coast. With a background in civil engineering and a decade working on major infrastructure projects across the country, Ryza brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, commercial acumen, and deep commitment to regional manufacturing. Under his leadership, NEACH has become a trusted partner in sovereign supply and sustainable growth across Australia’s construction sector.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Ryza Garbacz on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights on the future of Australian manufacturing.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Paul Rojas, a commercial litigation lawyer and founder of ConstructSupport Australia. Paul pulls back the curtain on the silent crisis gripping the construction industry: record-high insolvencies. With years of experience working with builders, liquidators, and directors in the midst of legal storms, Paul provides a stark look at the realities of cash flow strain, contract breaches, and the domino effect that can topple even established companies.

Paul shares hard-won wisdom on why proactive legal counsel is not an expense, but a critical investment in your business's survival. He demystifies complex contract clauses, reveals the common pitfalls that sink SMEs, and outlines the practical steps every construction business owner must take to shield themselves from financial collapse. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a new subcontractor, this episode is an essential guide to building a more resilient and legally sound business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Insolvency and Risk in Construction:

• Why insolvency rates in the construction sector are at an all-time high.
• The “four-year lag” effect of economic shocks like COVID-19.
• The domino effect when one builder collapses and how it impacts the entire supply chain.

Contracts and Legal Protection:

• Common contract mistakes that can destroy your business.
• The difference between variations and cost escalation clauses and why it matters.
• Why every builder and subcontractor must understand their contract terms, not just have them.

Business Growth and Leadership:

• Paul’s unique “merge to retire” model for law firm acquisitions.
• How to build a sustainable business through referrals, acquisitions, and trusted partnerships.
• Lessons from leading teams, spotting culture misfits, and trusting your gut in hiring.

Resilience and Legacy:

• How to restructure a struggling business and turn it around.
• The power of focus and why staying in your niche protects you from unnecessary risk.
• Paul’s vision for a more transparent, accessible legal service model for SMEs.

Key Quotes from Paul Rojas

• “As boring as it sounds, it always comes down to your contracts; they’re there to protect you.”
• “Insolvency doesn’t hit straight away. There’s always a four-year lag before the real impact shows.”
• “Stick to what you know and do it well. You can’t be everything to everyone.”
• “Sometimes the biggest lesson in business is learning to trust your gut.”

About Our Guest:

Paul Rojas is a commercial litigation lawyer and founder of RCR Lawyers, ConstructSupport Australia, and a national debt collection company. With more than 20 years of experience across construction, insolvency, and commercial law, Paul has helped countless businesses navigate disputes, avoid collapse, and rebuild stronger. Passionate about making legal support more accessible, he is now pioneering a subscription-based legal model for SMEs in the building industry.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Paul Rojas on LinkedIn to learn more about his work.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, whose story is one of resilience, innovation, and leadership in an ever-evolving construction industry. 

Scott shares how he built his company from the ground up, navigated economic downturns, and even doubled in size during COVID, proving that adaptability is the ultimate advantage. He and Lauren dig into how AI and design automation are transforming civil engineering, cutting project timelines in half while freeing teams to focus on creativity and problem-solving.

They also explore the realities of leadership, how to protect culture as you grow, hire the right people, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. From tackling labor shortages to reimagining the government’s role in driving productivity, this episode is packed with fresh insights and inspiration for leaders ready to embrace change and keep building, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Resilience and Leadership:

• How Scott’s business grew through global crises like the GFC and COVID
• Why resilience and adaptability are key traits in engineering leadership
• The mindset needed to lead through uncertainty and growth

AI and the Future of Engineering:

• How AI and automation are transforming design and project delivery
• Why communication and creativity will be the most valuable future skills
• The importance of learning to “interrogate” AI rather than fear it
• How new technology partnerships are revolutionizing civil engineering

Culture and People:

• The secrets to maintaining company culture through rapid growth
• Why hiring great people (not “mini-mes”) accelerates business success
• Building leadership teams that value diversity, autonomy, and trust

Industry Insights and Government’s Role:

• How Australia’s construction industry can boost productivity and innovation
• Why government and industry collaboration is vital for addressing skills shortages
• The role of immigration and training in solving the labor crisis

Personal Lessons and Balance:

• Scott’s belief that energy, fitness, and family are key to sustainable leadership
• The legacy he hopes to leave for his team and the engineering industry

Key Quotes from Scott Clements

• “In the new age of AI, the things that will matter most are communication and creativity.”
• “Culture doesn’t have to fade as you grow; it just has to evolve.”
• “If we don’t become more productive, we’ll all keep paying more for everything we build.”
• “AI won’t replace engineers, but engineers who use AI will replace those who don’t.”

About Our Guest

Scott Clements is the Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a leading civil engineering consultancy known for embracing innovation and sustainability. With over 20 years of experience, Scott has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader who integrates technology, creativity, and culture to deliver impactful engineering solutions. From pioneering AI partnerships to mentoring future leaders, Scott is shaping the next generation of engineering excellence.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Scott on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Sally Stannard, the Director General of Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads. Sally’s journey from a farm in New South Wales to leading one of the most ambitious transport reform agendas in Australia is one of grit, curiosity, and transformation. In this powerful conversation, Sally reveals her insights into the importance of leadership, inclusivity, and how women are breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated infrastructure sector.

From the challenges of starting in a country town to leading large-scale infrastructure projects, Sally shares her experiences of creating change in the transport industry. She discusses how crucial it is to understand both design and construction, the importance of leadership during high-stakes moments, and why she believes infrastructure is about people, not just concrete and contracts.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Female Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Building Support

• The power of mentorship and inclusion in fostering female leaders
• Balancing career, family, and leadership responsibilities
• Creating an environment where women can thrive and lead

Transforming Public Transport

• How the 2032 Olympics is reshaping Queensland’s infrastructure
• Building sustainable, accessible transport systems for future generations
• The role of public transport in connecting urban and regional communities

Collaborative Contracting: Partnership Over Paperwork

• Moving beyond contract forms to foster true collaboration
• How shared risks and rewards create stronger project outcomes
• The importance of communication and transparency between sectors

Shaping People and Culture

• Mentorship and its impact on long-term industry success
• Building a culture where talent is nurtured and valued
• Creating lasting change through inclusive leadership

Infrastructure as Lifeline

• The crucial role of infrastructure in remote and crisis-stricken areas
• Rebuilding communities quickly after natural disasters
• How regional infrastructure supports broader economic stability

Technology Transforming Infrastructure

• How digital twins and AI are making infrastructure smarter and safer
• Leveraging technology for more efficient and sustainable systems
• The future of infrastructure: anticipatory solutions for safer communities

Key Quotes from Sally Stannard:

• "Your career is shaped by the people you talk to."
• "I used to think that everything was about what I was working on, but I recognize now that how we work and who we work with, the team that we show up with every day,  that's the thing that changes what it feels like to go to work."
• "Sitting on the outside knocking wasn't letting me have the kind of change that I wanted to have, so it motivated me to go inside."
• "A team’s job is not to critique each other. It is to find the things that are real issues and resolve them, not just throw them across the table at each other."

About Our Guest

Sally Stannard is a visionary leader and a driving force behind the transformation of Queensland's transport systems. She is passionate about creating inclusive, forward-thinking infrastructure projects that address the needs of the community while embracing cutting-edge technologies. Throughout her career, Sally has worked across multiple facets of the transport sector, championing digital innovation, sustainable practices, and collaborative approaches to infrastructure development.

Connect with Sally Stannard on LinkedIn.

About Your Host

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with engineers, contractors, and leaders in construction and infrastructure.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan chats with Erik Vandenberg, a seasoned leader with a fascinating journey from technical expert to executive in the energy sector. Erik’s career spans diverse roles in aircraft maintenance, oil and gas, and now, executive leadership in energy transitions. Erik reveals his insights into leadership evolution, the power of emotional intelligence, and the rapid changes in the energy industry.

From navigating mergers and organizational change to making high-stakes decisions in critical environments, Erik’s journey offers valuable lessons on how to lead through uncertainty and drive meaningful progress. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting in your career, this episode provides actionable insights for anyone looking to thrive in complex industries.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Emotional Intelligence & Leadership

• How emotional intelligence and curiosity shaped Erik’s leadership success and enabled him to manage teams through mergers and cultural shifts.

Navigating Energy Transitions

• Erik shares how the energy sector is evolving and how businesses need to adapt to sustainability and technology shifts, including AI and decarbonization.

Leadership Challenges

• From technical expert to strategic leader: the skills and mindset Erik adopted to lead across diverse disciplines and industries.

Lessons from the Field

• Real-world insights into managing high-stakes projects in oil and gas, including a terrifying near-miss in commissioning gas turbines.

The Role of AI in Leadership & Business

• How AI is changing industries, but also the concerns it raises about workforce development and cognitive abilities for the next generation.

Key Quotes from Erik Vandenberg

• "The skillset you need as a leader in technical industries is vastly different from being a problem-solving SME."

• "It’s a transition of emotional intelligence, not just retaining information. As leaders, you need to learn how to lead people, not just manage projects."

• "The energy transition isn’t a cliff. It’s a mix of solutions. Nuclear, gas, renewables, AI, all are part of the puzzle."

• "Leadership is about doing the right thing, having the right conversations, and making tough decisions, even when it’s uncomfortable."

About Our Guest

Erik Vandenberg is a leadership expert with extensive experience in mechanical engineering, oil and gas, and the energy sector. Currently focused on leading growth during the energy transition, Erik’s career spans technical, operational, and strategic roles. Passionate about mentoring, he continues to navigate complex projects, always seeking the next challenge. Erik advocates for the importance of combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence in leadership.

About Your Host

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with engineers, contractors, and leaders in construction and infrastructure.
• Connect with Erik Vandenberg on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Michael Terry, a construction leader whose career journey has taken him from dreaming of becoming a vet to running his own business to senior leadership roles on both the contracting and client side. Michael shares candid insights into work ethic, ownership, and the importance of systems in building successful projects, as well as how to transition from “110% worker” to leader and mentor.

Michael’s story highlights resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and the value of mentoring the next generation. From early struggles at school to shaping communities through large-scale developments, his journey offers valuable lessons for anyone in construction, engineering, or leadership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Career Journey & Resilience

• How Michael went from aspiring mechanic and vet to becoming an engineer and entrepreneur.
• Lessons learned from starting and running his own business while studying.
• The importance of seeing setbacks as opportunities to build persistence and grit.

Ownership & Work Ethic

• Why treating every project dollar as your own drives better results.
• How ownership shapes decision-making, from budgets to quality.
• The balance between working at “110%” and knowing when to slow down.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Transitioning from worker to leader: leading by example and giving teams freedom to succeed.
• Why recognition and trust are vital in motivating high-performing teams.
• The role of mentoring in passing on hard-earned knowledge to the next generation of engineers.

Systems & Business Mindset

• How building repeatable systems creates long-term project success.
• Why a project should be run like its own business with a P&L mindset.
• The risks of leaner project teams and subcontractor-driven delivery models.

Client-Side Perspective

• The shift from contractor to client-side leadership and why patience is key.
• How to hold contractors accountable for quality while shaping better project outcomes.
• The legacy of moving from invisible infrastructure to building visible communities

Key Quotes from Michael Terry

• “Every dollar is your dollar. Would you accept it at home if you were paying for it?”
• “You can make one mistake, but never the same mistake twice.”
• “Most of the money is made before you break ground; after that, you’re just chasing it.”
• “The answer is three phone calls away, build your network, and don’t be afraid to ask.”

About Our Guest:

Michael Terry is a seasoned construction leader with experience spanning demolition, infrastructure, and development. From running his own business in his early 20s to senior leadership in client-side development, he brings a unique perspective on ownership, systems, and building high-performing teams. Passionate about mentoring, Michael is committed to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of engineers and leaders.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with engineers, contractors, and leaders in construction and infrastructure.
• Connect with Michael Terry on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan talks with Matthew Mackey, a no-nonsense leader with 27 years in construction across the UK and Australia. Matt shares real-world insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and navigating burnout in an industry that often overlooks people skills. He opens up about a six-week “disaster stint” in contracting, the power of simplifying complex ideas, and why kindness is essential, not optional, for long-term success.

Matt challenges the myth of linear career paths and calls for leaders who admit mistakes and prioritize psychological safety. He also highlights how his networking group, Property Leaders Brisbane, supports professionals across Australia’s construction landscape.

Whether you're early in your career or leading a team, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective. Real leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about creating environments where people can truly thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Leadership That Connects

• Why technical expertise doesn’t equal leadership
• The missing human skills: storytelling, empathy, and being "just a good human"
• Why EQ not just KPIs is the future-proof skill

Changing a Stuck Industry

• Why innovation in construction starts with people, not just AI or procurement models
• How legacy processes, rigid hierarchies, and ego block real progress
• The myth of “the honest tradie” and the undervaluing of consultants in Australia

Culture, Kindness, and the Cost of Silence

• What “no-blame culture” really looks like and how it fails
• The hidden damage caused by promoting toxic top performers
• Creating safe spaces for mistakes, feedback, and actual change

From Panic to Purpose

• Matt’s six-week contracting experiment and the lesson he’ll never forget
• The power of gut instinct and what happens when you ignore it
• Why trusting your intuition is often smarter than following the title

Building Networks That Last

• The origin of Property Leaders Brisbane and its grassroots mission
• Why Matt stopped networking for work and started connecting people
• How a side project became a platform for industry-wide impact

Key Quotes from Matthew Mackey:

• “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no.”
• “Leadership would be easy if it weren’t for the people.”
• “We’ve built a whole industry of people talking about leadership. That tells you how big the gap really is.”
• “You don’t have to manage people to be valuable. We need other paths.”
• “I don’t want credit, I just want to grease the wheels for change.”

About Our Guest:

Matthew Mackey is a senior construction and infrastructure leader with over 27 years of experience across the UK and Australian markets. Known for his honest, often humorous take on leadership and systems, Matt is committed to transforming how we work, not just what we build. He’s the founder of Property Leaders Brisbane and co-host of The Shovel podcast.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Matthew Mackay on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey, and check out his podcast, The Shovel Podcast.
  
  

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Josh Yates, co-founder of Landy Group, a company that’s reimagining leadership in construction through relationships, trust, and community. Josh shares how he went from corporate loyalty to co-founding a people-first business with multiple arms and a clear social purpose. He opens up about navigating financial risk, arbitration, and the emotional challenges of leadership, while staying anchored in humility and impact.

From team culture to legacy-building, this conversation is packed with real talk on what it takes to lead with heart. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, Josh’s story will inspire you to build beyond the blueprint.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Relationships First, Always

• Why long-term trust beats short-term transactions
• The biggest mistakes people make when building networks
• How a single relationship led to Landy's first major win

People Over Titles

• The "no ego" rule that drives Landy's team culture
• How hiring based on values changed everything
• Why treating your team like family is worth the risk

Real Talk on Leadership and Resilience

• The lessons learned from a painful arbitration
• Why investing in HR, IT, and accounting early made all the difference
• How Josh manages culture while the company scales

Legacy Beyond Projects

• The social impact outcomes that drive Josh’s work
• How Landy helps clients create lasting community benefits
• Why legacy means leaving people better than you found them

Key Quotes from Josh Yates:

• “If you’ve got an ego, don’t work at Landy.”
• “Some of our best wins came from relationships built over coffee, not contracts.”
• “Titles don’t matter. Showing up does.”
• “Our legacy isn’t just a bridge. It’s the lives we’ve helped transform.”
• “You can be all in with your team and still be a strong leader.”

About Our Guest:

Josh Yates is the co-founder of Landy Group, a growing consultancy and delivery firm in the infrastructure and construction sector. With over two decades of experience, Josh is known for his genuine leadership style, focus on relationships, and commitment to social impact. He believes in building businesses that serve people first and profits second.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Explore the Landy Group website to see their latest ventures and impact.
• Connect with Josh on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.