Today, Paul is joined for the third time by Ray Mellor-Pike, a QS and Managing Director at RMP Consulting. Last time, Ray shared how FBI hostage negotiation tactics inform his approach to final account meetings. This time, he returns with another big idea: The Project Manager is the head of the project, but the Quantity Surveyor is the neck.

Together, Paul and Ray break down the real influence of a great QS — not just as a cost controller, but as the immune system of the project, constantly scanning for risk, protecting margin, and steering the team away from trouble.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the best QSs are proactive, forward-thinking, and commercially strategic.
  
  
• How to influence decisions and avoid margin erosion before problems grow.
  
  
• Communication tactics to build trust, manage egos, and avoid friction on site.
  
  
• What it means to be an interdepartmental glue on a project — and why it matters.
  
  
• How small decisions and subtle influence can win final account battles.
  
  

Ray also shares a personal story about the first mistake that changed his whole approach to risk, and how he now positions himself as a commercial leader in final account negotiations.

📩 If you'd like to read the two Own the Build eBooks based on 200+ episodes — Mastering Your Career in Quantity Surveying and The AI Revolution in Quantity Surveying — head to the show notes to download your free copy.

Download them here - Free eBook Downloads.

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