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This week on the Thrive in Construction podcast, we are joined by Jocelyn Bentum, who provides a wealth of insight into the construction industry. Jocelyn explores key challenges in construction projects, such as poor communication, lack of alignment, and inadequate planning, and shares practical strategies to address these issues effectively. She also highlights the importance of increasing diversity in the industry and the need for more minorities to play a vital role in shaping its future.

Drawing from her experiences growing up in a Ghanaian family, Jocelyn reflects on balancing career choices with cultural expectations and offers inspiring advice for Ghanaian women aspiring to enter the construction field. She delves into networking opportunities available for minorities in the industry and emphasises the value of exploring different roles to discover the right fit.

Jocelyn also introduces the concept of reverse mentoring, showing how listening to younger generations entering the workforce can challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change in construction. This is a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about diversity, growth, and innovation in the industry.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more valuable insights into the construction industry!

Follow Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/
Follow Jocelyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynbentum/ 
AECOM Website: https://aecom.com/

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This week, Darren sits down with Liz Male, founder and Managing Director of LMC, a leading PR and communications consultancy for purpose-driven organisations in construction. Together, they dive into the power of captivating storytelling and its transformative potential for the construction industry. Liz explains how highlighting the stories behind projects can inspire a new generation of talent and change how we view the built environment.

In this episode, Liz offers invaluable advice for young people looking to enter the construction workforce, sharing her belief that careers, much like life, aren’t always linear. She also takes a deep dive into the future of sustainability in both construction and marketing, exploring innovative concepts like carbon budgeting for projects.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, packed with insights on thriving in construction, driving change, and building a sustainable future.

🔔 Subscribe for more content on the future of construction and career growth.

LINKS:
Follow Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/
LMC: https://www.lizmale.co.uk/
Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmale/

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This week on Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Brogan MacDonald, an innovative engineer leading the way in integrating biodiversity into design. Together, they discuss the critical role of women in STEM and how platforms like TikTok can be used to highlight their achievements and inspire the next generation.

Brogan shares insights into implementing elements of nature into urbanism and modern design, exploring how reusing materials can drive sustainability in construction. The conversation dives into the impact of government and local authority policies on combating urbanism and promoting greener, more inclusive solutions.

They also explore the importance of mentorship in leadership, with Brogan emphasising the need to lead by example and serve as a role model for women in STEM. From staying informed on industry trends to understanding why lower-carbon solutions alone won’t solve our challenges, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about the future of construction and sustainable urban design.

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On this week’s episode of the Thrive in Construction podcast Darren sits down with Mark Hood, Director of Architecture at Resi, a pioneering online architectural firm with a vision to lead as the go-to marketplace for homeowners seeking sustainable architecture solutions.

Mark shares insights into Resi’s commitment to sustainable design and company growth, explaining why sustainable architecture is not only beneficial for the environment but essential for long-term success in the industry. They delve into the real-world challenges architects face when working with local authorities to implement sustainable designs and the urgent need for planning reforms to facilitate eco-friendly alternatives, like heat pumps, in construction.

Aspiring architecture students and young professionals will find Mark's advice invaluable, especially on handling adversity or negativity from peers while navigating the industry. Tune in for inspiring conversations on sustainable architecture and the future of building a greener world.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on architecture and construction trends.

LINKS
Follow Darren here: https://darrenevans.komi.io/
Follow Mark here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hood-620a17b5/
Resi: https://resi.co.uk/

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In this episode of Thrive in Construction, we talk to Jennifer Winyard, National Chair of Women In Property and Barratt Redrow PLC. Women In Property is an organisation dedicated to supporting women in the built environment. With over 37 years of experience, Women in Property is committed to helping women break barriers, offering networking events, and mentoring young women aspiring to enter the industry.

Jennifer shares essential advice for young women interested in a career in construction and property, discussing key attributes to develop and ways to highlight their skills. We dive into the realities of being a female professional in a male-dominated industry, as well as the importance of having a support network that understands the challenges of balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Jennifer’s journey from architectural training to town planning reveals the diversity of career paths within the built environment, and her insights are invaluable for those seeking success in this evolving field.

Tune in to learn:

• How to get started as a young woman in construction and property
• Attributes to stand out and succeed in the industry
• The importance of networking and support for women in construction
• How to navigate a career in a male-dominated field

👉 Don't miss this empowering episode subscribe here:

LINKS

Follow Darren here: https://darrenevans.komi.io/
Follow Jennifer here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-winyard-mrics-mrtpi-8580b519/
Women in Property: https://www.womeninproperty.org.uk/

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In this episode of Thrive in Construction, host Darren welcomes Naomi Thrower to discuss how living sustainably can impact both personal and professional life. Naomi shares insights on building a more authentic business, balancing work, life, and motherhood, and how organisations can better support women in the construction industry.

Naomi also highlights the benefits and challenges of freelancing and starting a business as a mother, offering tips on finding purpose and staying true to one's values. Plus, she debunks the myth that individuals are powerless to drive change and explores how working together can make sustainability achievable.

Tune in to learn how to bring sustainability into your business, support women in construction, and create meaningful change for a better future.

Topics covered:

• Sustainable practices in construction and home life
• Authenticity in business and leadership
• Balancing work, family, and career as a mother
• Freelancing and entrepreneurship advice
• Empowering change through collaboration in sustainability

🎧 Don’t miss out – subscribe for more insights on building a thriving construction career!

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This week on Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Shenazz Chenia to explore her transformative work with Youth Build, an organisation empowering young people to launch their careers in construction. Youth Build is bridging the skills gap in the construction industry by giving young people the tools to overcome employment barriers, access opportunities, and shape their futures.

In this episode, Shenazz shares essential insights into supporting young adults facing mental health challenges, the biggest hurdles young people face when entering the construction industry, and how businesses can engage in Youth Build initiatives to create a lasting impact.

From growing up in rural Zimbabwe to a successful finance career, and now her pivotal work with Youth Build, Shenazz’s journey is inspiring. Her story and mission make this conversation a must-watch for anyone interested in the construction industry or in helping young people build fulfilling, sustainable careers in construction.

Subscribe to Thrive in Construction for more inspiring stories and advice on building a successful career in construction.

LINKS
Follow Shenazz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenaaz-chenia-875b975/

Follow Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

Youth Build: https://www.ybuk.org/

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The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with digital technologies driving the future of how we build. In this episode, we explore the impact of these advancements on the industry, the growing role of women in construction, and the essential skills young professionals need to succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Join Giulia Papi, Data Intelligence Manager at innDex, and Darren on this episode of Thrive in Construction as they discuss the latest construction trends and share practical advice for those looking to enter the field. Giulia, named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction, offers unique insights from her work at innDex, which focuses on digitising essential site processes—from inductions to accident reporting.

This episode also tackles critical issues such as the construction industry's resistance to technological change and the need for adaptation to ensure future success.

Whether you're interested in cutting-edge digital innovations or seeking expert guidance on building a career in construction, this episode has something for you. Don’t miss out—watch now to stay ahead in the future of construction.

🔗 SUBSCRIBE TO THRIVE IN CONSTRUCTION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@thriveinconstruction

🔗LINKS

Follow Giulia for more insights: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuliapapi/

​​Follow Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io

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Discover Alternatives to Air Source Heat Pumps: Expert Insights. This week on Thrive in Construction, Darren welcomes John Johnson, Managing Director of The Radiant Network, to discuss alternatives to air source heat pumps and the best home heating solutions. The Radiant Network helps developers explore a full range of heating technologies and how combining them can improve efficiency, especially with upcoming legislative changes like the Future Homes Standard and the Home Energy Model.

John shares expert insights on the impact of these changes on building methods and energy performance. He also offers practical advice for homeowners exploring efficient heating solutions beyond heat pumps, busting the myth that sustainable construction needs to be complicated.

If you're considering ways to heat your home more efficiently, or want to stay ahead of the curve on home heating technologies, this episode is for you!

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This week on Thrive in Construction, host Darren sits down with Kevin Masters, a partner at KPMG and an expert in advising governments on infrastructure. Kevin shares his extensive insights into return on investment in the construction industry and why some projects struggle to secure the funding they seek. He also breaks down the different definitions of value and how perceptions of value impact funding decisions.

In this episode, Kevin delves into what organisations need to clarify before entering contracts, the risks they should watch out for, and the critical factors influencing investment in construction. He also draws a compelling analogy between dating and making long-term business decisions, offering a unique perspective on the challenges of construction project funding. Plus, hear Kevin’s thoughts on how he's advising governments on infrastructure strategies.

🔗 SUBSCRIBE TO THRIVE IN CONSTRUCTION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@thriveinconstruction

🔗LINKS

Follow Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmasters/

Follow Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

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