Built by People

The biggest takeaway from Season 1? Great podcasting, like great infrastructure, is built by people. Richard Jackson and Ryan close out the first season of Built by People with a look at what happens when a team designs a space around collaboration.

A converted meeting room, repurposed materials, improved acoustics, and a studio that doubles as a collaboration hub — this episode is part behind-the-scenes refresh, part Season 1 debrief, and part preview of what’s next. Richard and Ryan discuss why the new space is changing how the team works, how sustainability shows up in the details, and why human interaction still matters when real decisions need to get made.

You’ll hear them explore:
- How the office refurb was designed to support both meetings and podcasting
- Why reusing existing glass and lighting became a sustainability win
- What the season’s numbers revealed, including more than 700 streams and a surprise YouTube lead
- The guests who helped shape the first season, including voices from beyond the lighting industry
- What might come next, including the idea of Lighting After Dark

Ryan shares how Rebecca Fletcher brought an outside perspective to challenges in development, planning, and construction. Richard reflects on why some of the strongest conversations came from real, flexible discussion — whether in a meeting room, on a busy event floor, or in front of a live audience.

If you’re interested in the built environment, collaboration, or industry-led content, this season finale looks back at the first season and sets up what may be next.

Civil engineering is not just bridges and numbers—it’s the hidden work that makes cities function, from drainage beneath our feet to the roads, homes, and public spaces people rely on every day.

In this episode of Built by People, host Ryan Carroll speaks with Rebecca Fletcher, Chartered Civil Engineer and leader of the civil engineering team at Abley Letchford Partnership Consulting Engineers.

Rebecca shares the story of her career, from discovering engineering through a summer course at Bath University to working on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, contributing to major projects in the UK and overseas, and moving from bridge engineering into site development and residential infrastructure.

They discuss:
- Why the best engineering is often the least visible
- The disconnect between planning vision and technical delivery
- How unclear policies can create endless design and approval loops
- What leadership looks like when you do not have all the answers
- Why delegation and communication are essential engineering skills
- The importance of owning mistakes and finding solutions
- Designing safer, more inclusive places for women and girls
- The realities of working internationally and on construction sites
- Rebecca’s experience moving to electric vehicles

Rebecca also reflects on the satisfaction of seeing an apparently simple solution work well in the real world—and the people, collaboration, and decision-making that make that possible.

This episode is essential listening for civil engineers, planners, developers, and anyone interested in how the built environment is designed, delivered, and improved.

The future of lighting isn’t just brighter - it’s broader, more digital, and far more strategic than most people realise. Rebecca Hatch reveals how a junior lighting technician became a director shaping the next generation of highway infrastructure, and why the industry’s biggest opportunities now sit at the intersection of lighting, smart tech, EV charging, and data.

Rebecca’s story starts with an almost accidental entry into Atkins, where a careers open day and a last-minute conversation with the lighting team set her on a 22-year path through technical delivery, business development, and leadership. Host Richard Jackson traces that journey from consultancy into contractor life at FM Conway, where Rebecca now leads Digital Urban Solutions and is redefining what a “lighting” division can be.

You’ll discover:
- How Rebecca built a career without a formal lighting pathway and why she thinks that still needs to change
- Why business development is no longer optional for engineers, project managers, and directors
- What “intrapreneurship” looks like inside a bigger organisation
- How FM Conway is expanding from street lighting into sensors, CMS, EV infrastructure, and asset management
- Where AI is already making a real difference in bids, safety, surveys, and analysis - and where humans still matter most

Rebecca also opens up about working in a heavily male-dominated sector, the reality of being the only woman in the room, and why true progress depends on changing not just who enters the industry, but who gets to shape it from the top. She and Richard dig into the balance between targets and merit, the importance of allyship, and why younger generations are changing the culture of events, networking, and leadership.

And if you want the episode’s standout obsession, it’s Westminster. Rebecca shares why maintaining the city’s historic gas lighting - 304 gas lights and counting - remains the project that still has her heart.

Essential listening for anyone in highways, lighting, consulting, contracting, or infrastructure who wants to understand where the sector is headed next - and how to grow with it.

This second part from the ILP Summit continues the conversation around innovation in lighting, the long-term value of succession planning, and the importance of creating clear pathways for new talent. With insights on AI, industry mentoring and education partnerships, it’s a strong snapshot of where the sector is heading next.

In this first part of our ILP Summit conversation, we explore the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of lighting, infrastructure, and industry leadership. From smarter use of data and control systems to long-term solutions for local authorities, the discussion highlights how leaders are adapting to real-world pressures while pushing the sector forward.

You’ll hear insights on topics including road safety, energy savings, AI, future-proofing street lighting, and the importance of attracting the next generation of engineers. The conversation also touches on major industry initiatives and the power of collaboration across government, associations, and technical teams.

If you’re interested in the future of lighting and infrastructure, this episode offers a valuable look at the people and ideas driving meaningful change.

In this episode, we explore the journey of a lighting industry professional, discussing career development, relationship building, the impact of AI, and industry innovations. Perfect for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of sales, client relations, and technological advancements.

Unlock the future of trade organisations and business growth with Piers, a marketing expert newly joined at the HEA. Discover how building a brand from scratch, leveraging traditional media, and mastering engagement can create a ripple effect that transforms your organisation. Whether you're struggling to attract members, execute impactful events, or harness the power of digital and print marketing, this episode provides concrete strategies to elevate your influence and set your organisation apart.

Piers shares his journey from lighting design to leading marketing at the HEA, revealing how a blank slate became his playground for innovation. You’ll learn about the importance of rebuilding foundational systems, aligning member engagement with measurable results, and cultivating a marketing committee to give member voices a louder say. He also delves into the rising importance of face-to-face events in an increasingly digital world, emphasising that genuine human interaction fuels business and community growth—especially post-pandemic.

In this episode, we break down:

• How to leverage traditional print media and direct mail campaigns with trackable responses for maximum ROI
• The future of hybrid marketing: integrating AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and understanding their role in productivity and creativity
• Strategies for increasing engagement through content sharing, social media re-posting, and developing accessible knowledge bases
• Why building community via in-person events like London Calling 2026 can reignite your organisation’s vitality and growth
• The evolution of marketing channels, from the decline of pure digital reliance to the resurgence of print and face-to-face interactions

Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of running a trade organisation as a business—balancing sponsorship, member investment, and event success without sacrificing authenticity. Whether you're leading an industry group or managing a brand, the lessons here about strategic planning, community-building, and embracing both tradition and innovation are essential.

Perfect for organisational leaders, marketers, and business owners ready to elevate their impact—this episode arms you with the mindset and tools to lead confidently in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in to discover how a clear marketing vision, combined with strategic member engagement, can set your organisation on a path to sustained influence and success.

Most entrepreneurs are stuck doing everything themselves. Not this founder. Discover how building a flexible network of freelancers and a high-performing team can free you from daily firefights and unlock true growth. All a female prspective, where we discuss gender imbalace across other other industries.

On this episode, we explore how to scale without the burnout, with insights on creating a business that runs smoothly even when you’re not the face of it. You'll hear practical strategies for building a reliable freelance army, designing a client-focused account management team, and crafting a future-proof business model. Plus, learn how treating team members as individuals, rather than commodities, can dramatically boost your results and team loyalty. discussion also centres around gender imabalance and it beeing more than just one industries problem. We reflect on why its still happening and why it should change. Do we feel the right balance would allow business to thrive?

We break down real-world lessons: why work-life balance is achievable through strategic delegation, the importance of diversifying communication methods, and how to position your business for acquisition or expansion. For founders, freelancers, or anyone serious about evolving their role from operator to visionary, this episode offers actionable steps to build a resilient, scalable enterprise.

If you're tired of being caught in the weeds and ready to grow a business that can operate without you, this episode is your roadmap. It's perfect for small to mid-sized business owners, entrepreneurs eyeing succession, and anyone eager to turn their side hustle into a legacy.

Join us to rethink what it means to lead - empowering your team, leveraging technology, and designing a business that fits your life, not the other way around.

Most entrepreneurs and professionals are terrified of unfiltered authenticity - but that’s exactly what builds trust and personal brands that last. Amelia Bateman-Wood, founder of The Social Climber Agency, reveals how embracing your genuine self, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and getting comfortable with imperfection can accelerate your career and business growth in ways most corporate messaging never will.

In this candid conversation, Amelia shares how she took a leap of faith during the chaos of 2020 to build her agency from scratch, proving that decisive action beats perfection every time. You'll discover her fearless approach to embracing mistakes, finding confidence in vulnerability, and the surprising power of showcasing interests like running or hobbies to deepen relationships.

We break down the art of balancing personal and professional brands, revealing practical strategies for creating content that resonates without feeling “salesy.” Amelia explains how authenticity shines through AI-generated content, why genuine storytelling compels more engagement, and how to subtly infuse personality into your marketing efforts - helping you stand out from the noise.

If you’ve ever hesitated to share your true self online, this episode is for you. Amelia emphasises that building a personal brand isn’t about shouting loudest; it’s about being real, consistent, and relatable - especially as you age and evolve. Her insights will inspire you to stop overthinking and start connecting on a human level, unlocking new opportunities and meaningful relationships.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, engineers, and anyone ready to humanise their brand, this episode will leave you with actionable tips to fuel your confidence and grow authentically in a noisy digital landscape.

Unlock the unexpected story behind a lighting industry veteran who started in the industry at 16 and now leads a business built on fun, quality, and legacy. This episode reveals how non-linear career paths and embracing "not knowing everything" can lead to real success and fulfillment.

Discover the true power of resilience and curiosity as Rich shares his journey from a challenging school background to helping to shape DFL. His story proves that sometimes, the best career moves happen when you least expect them and that asking questions and taking risks are the secrets to growth.

We break down key insights like:

- The importance of embracing mistakes and wrong turns in your career

- Why engineers should prioritise communication just as much as technical skill

- How a focus on quality and fun can differentiate your business in a crowded market

- The value of passing opportunities forward and building a legacy that outlasts any one role

If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your path, this episode will inspire you to take bold steps, ask more questions, and forge a career you love. For aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, or anyone questioning where their journey is headed, Rich's candid story offers practical wisdom and motivation to keep moving forward.

Whether you're in the trades, tech, or another industry, this episode reinforces that success isn’t a straight line - it’s about the courage to pivot, the humility to learn, and the passion to create a lasting legacy. Tune in for an honest, engaging conversation that might just change how you see your career.