In this roundtable, we go deep into project deliverability — how to actually get things built on time, within budget, and without the usual chaos.

I’m joined by three absolute guns in the quantity surveying game:
👉 Megan Smith (DCWC)
👉 Adrian Budiono (Genus Advisory)
👉 Daniel Butterick (RPS)

We talk about how QSs can make or break a build, why you should never tender without a clean cost plan, how to spot risk early, and the brutal truth about Australia’s design-delivery misalignment.

If you're building anything over $1M, this episode is worth every second.

Brought to you by GEDON — for companies who take construction delivery seriously.
Want to level up your cost strategy? Visit the link.

🎙️ Reach the guests:
Megan Smith – LinkedIn
Adrian Burdiono – LinkedIn
Dan Butterick – LinkedIn

Follow the show, drop a review, and tag us on socials if something hits.

We know it will!

#QuantitySurveying #Construction #ProjectDelivery #CostManagement #TakeOffPodcast

From the Burj Al Arab to billion-dollar resorts in Las Vegas, Colin Addley has spent over five decades shaping skylines across the globe.

In this episode, the Founder & President of Admore Services joins us to unpack the real cost of delivery, the offshore model vs. traditional recruitment, and how to build high-performing QS teams—without compromising quality.

🌎 With experience across the UK, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S., Colin brings hard-earned lessons in

-quantity surveying

- project management

- scaling teams internationally.

🚀 We talk:

• Quantity surveying from the 1980s to now

• How to manage projects across five continents

• What outsourcing gets right (and wrong)

• Why experience still matters in the age of AI

  
  

🔗 Connect with Colin Addley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinaddley/
Website: https://addmoreservices.com/

—

🎧 Brought to you by GEDON

Check them out: www.gedonexecutive.com

🚀 The engineering skills gap is real—and it’s only getting worse.

Graduates coming out of uni? Zero real-world experience. Companies losing top talent? Because there’s no proper training.

AI taking over?

Not a chance—human mentorship is still king.

In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, I chat with Rachel Bermoy, founder of Buteras, about how we fix this mess.

We get into: 🏗️

Why the industry is failing young engineers 🎓 How real mentorship & training can change everything

🤝 Why connecting retired pros with new talent is a game-changer

💡 AI vs. human judgment—who wins in engineering? 🚀 Rachel’s move from engineer to entrepreneur & what she’s building

If you’re in engineering, construction, or just trying to figure out your next move, this one’s for you.

🔗 Listen now!

🎙️ Sponsored by GEDON Executive Recruitment

 GEDON helps top firms find the best talent in construction & engineering worldwide. 📩 Need the right people? Contact [email protected]

#TheTakeOffPodcast #Engineering #SkillsGap #Mentorship #WorkforceTraining #Construction #AIinIndustry #CareerGrowth

Most people still don’t understand the true value of a QS.

In this roundtable episode of The Take Off Podcast, Mick Donaghy is joined by some of the best in the business:

🎙 Mathys Olivier – Director, Slattery
🎙 Tony Avsec OAM – National Cost Planning Manager (Defence), Built
🎙 Matthew Miles – Director, Melrose
🎙 Reiss Draper MRICS – Associate Director, MBMpl Pty Ltd

Get ready for a incredible conversation on:

📉 The QS skills gap—why the industry is struggling to train the next generation
🏗️ The future of estimating—how AI & tech are reshaping the profession
💰 The problem with cost management—why clients still don’t ‘get it’
📚 Education & mentorship—fixing the talent pipeline before it’s too late

As experienced QS professionals retire in droves, who’s stepping up to fill the gap?

This episode is a wake-up call for the industry—whether you're a QS, estimator, or just want to understand why cost management is so critical.

🎙️ Sponsored by GEDON Executive Recruitment
GEDON connects top talent with leading construction & cost management firms worldwide.
📩 Need expert QS professionals?

Visit www.gedonexecutive.com

#QuantitySurveying #Estimating #CostManagement #QS #Construction #SkillsGap #AIinConstruction #CareerGrowth #TheTakeOffPodcast

For an industry worth $12 trillion, construction is shockingly inefficient.

Projects run late.

Budgets get blown.

30% of materials end up in skips.

Meanwhile, manufacturing?

✅ Faster.

✅ Cheaper.

✅ More efficient.

So why is construction STILL operating like it’s the 1970s?

In this episode, Mick sits down with Ralph Montague, co-founder of ArcDox and BIM Heroes, to talk about how Building Information Modeling (BIM) is forcing the industry to evolve—whether it likes it or not.

They cover:

🏗️ Why contractors resist efficiency (and how it’s costing them money)

📉 The global skills shortage—why construction is desperate for digital talent

🤝 Why collaboration—not competition—will drive the industry forward

💰 How companies actually using BIM are making more money

The industry is changing.

The question is: Are you adapting? Or getting left behind?

🎧 Listen now: [Insert Link]

#TheTakeOffPodcast #BIM #ConstructionTech #DigitalTransformation #Efficiency #PreControl

a New Start in Ireland 🇳🇿➡️🇮🇪

In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, powered by GEDON, Mick shares why he left Australia and moved back to Ireland. He dives into:

💰 The skyrocketing housing costs in Australia & New Zealand

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 How family values influenced his decision

🌍 The advantages of being closer to Europe for business & lifestyle

🔍 His vision for GEDON and the future of recruitment with ‘Pre-Control’

If you’ve ever faced a big career or life decision, you’ll relate to this one.

📲 Listen now: [Insert Link]

💬 Have you ever moved for a better future? Drop your thoughts below! 👇

#TheTakeOffPodcast #GEDON #MovingAbroad #HousingCrisis #ConstructionCareers

Navigating Construction's Challenges and Opportunities

Join Mick for a candid reflection on the construction industry's journey through 2024.

Get ready to discuss

How political changes and economic uncertainty shaped the construction landscape in 2024.

Learn how GEDON™ adapted to changing market conditions and refined its strategic focus.

Industry Trends: Discover key shifts in talent movement, work preferences, and emerging opportunities in digital infrastructure.

Gain insights into AI integration, data centres, and clean energy projects shaping the industry's future.

Understanding the importance of strategic partnerships and quality talent acquisition in construction.

Addressing burnout and the critical need for better work-life balance in construction.

Tune in to this insightful year-end review that combines industry analysis with practical insights for construction professionals.

This episode is proudly sponsored by RIB Software. RIB offers innovative software solutions to help construction professionals streamline their workflows and improve project delivery. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.rib-software.com/en/

Ask us about our special offer for listeners!

Are you a construction professional looking to make your next career move? Connect with GEDON for personalised career guidance and opportunities in the construction sector.

#ConstructionIndustry #YearInReview #DigitalTransformation #TheTakeOffPodcast #Construction2024 #Recruitment #CareerAdvice #ConstructionPodcast

THROWBACK

Building a Better Future: The Story of Building Guild

Join Mick Donaghy as he sits down with Alex Johnson and Tom Moore, the dynamic duo behind Building Guild.

In this episode, they discuss:

The Building Guild Story: Learn about the company's mission and values.

The Importance of Culture: Discover how Building Guild fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.

The Future of Construction: Explore the latest trends and challenges shaping the industry.

Leadership and Mentorship: Gain insights into effective leadership and career development.

Work-Life Balance and Mental Health: Learn how to prioritize well-being in a demanding industry.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation.

ConstructionPodcast

RIB offers innovative software solutions to help construction professionals streamline their workflows and improve project delivery.

Visit their website to learn more: https://www.rib-software.com/en/

Ask us about our special offer for listeners!

#THROWBACK

Transforming the Construction Diversity: A Conversation with Michael Manikas

Join Mick  he sits down with Michael Manikas, the General Manager of DLG Shape, to discuss the future of the construction industry. 

What can you learn from this episode?

🚀 How to create an inclusive business?.

How does the Surveyor roles evolves over time

Building high-performing teams:** Strategies for fostering collaboration and innovation.

* **The power of mentorship and leadership:** Inspiring the next generation of construction professionals. 

Tune in to this insightful conversation.

#ConstructionCareers #BuildingTheFuture #TheTakeOffPodcast #QuantitySurveying #IndigenousConstruction #Leadership #CareerAdvice #Podcast #ConstructionPodcast

This episode is proudly sponsored by RIB Software. RIB offers innovative software solutions to help construction professionals streamline their workflows and improve project delivery. Visit their website to learn more: [https://www.rib-software.com/en/](https://www.rib-software.com/en/)

Ask us about our special offer for listeners!

Join Mick Donaghy as he sits down with Richard Austin, CEO of OMNI, to discuss his inspiring journey into the construction industry.

In this episode, Richard shares his insights on:

Adapting to a new industry: Learn how Richard transitioned from a non-traditional background to a successful career in construction.

The importance of leadership and communication: Discover the key qualities that make effective leaders in the construction industry.

Navigating the challenges and opportunities in the construction market: Gain valuable insights into the current state of the industry and future trends.

Building strong relationships and partnerships: Learn how to network effectively and collaborate with industry professionals.

Tune in to this insightful conversation.

#ConstructionCareers #BuildingTheFuture #TheTakeOffPodcast #ConstructionIndustry #Leadership #CareerAdvice #Podcast #ConstructionPodcast

This episode is proudly sponsored by RIB Software. RIB offers innovative software solutions to help construction professionals streamline their workflows and improve project delivery. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.rib-software.com/en/

Ask us about our special offer for listeners!