This podcast isn’t just for those in construction or infrastructure. If you’re working with teams, suppliers, or external partners, you’ll take away many practical lessons.

At the heart of it all is a fundamental question: Are we just delivering projects, or are we building something that truly matters?

Join me in this thought-provoking discussion with John Pelton MBE. Whether you’re leading a business, managing projects, or driving transformation, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, purpose, and project success. Listen now and discover how to build better businesses through culture, leadership, and purpose.

When it comes to delivering major projects - such as Crossrail, London's Olympic Park and HS2 what really makes the difference - contracts or culture? Contracts set the rules, but culture determines whether those involved actually work together to get things done.

In this episode, I sit down with John Pelton MBE, an experienced leader in infrastructure and major projects, to talk about why culture can be more powerful than contracts and how purpose-driven leadership transforms project delivery.

With a military background and a wealth of experience in complex projects, John has seen first hand how a clear purpose can align teams, reduce conflict, and drive success—even in industries that seem dominated by legalities, contracts, and cost pressures. He shares insights on how defining and communicating purpose can break down silos, encourage collaboration, and help teams push beyond just making money to create real impact.

John also introduces a brilliant leadership model - Competing Values Framework by Quinn & Cameron -   that helps leaders inspire their teams, navigate challenges and deliver better results.

Whether you're leading construction projects, digital transformations, or internal change initiatives, his perspective on ‘sharing’ in multi-stakeholder environments is invaluable. When multiple contractors, suppliers, and teams are involved, success depends on open communication, shared ideas, and a commitment to a collective goal—not just ticking boxes and delivering on individual contracts.

One of the standout moments in our conversation is John's exploration into the Rocky Flats project, a complex and high-stakes initiative that defied expectations by finishing ahead of schedule. Rocky Flats was the most contaminated nuclear plant in the US, it was an environmental disaster and the site of rampant worker unrest. Although it was estimated that it would take 70 years and $36 billion to clean up and close the facility. Its now a wildlife refuge, the project is running 60 years ahead of schedule and $30 billion under budget. What lessons can businesses take from it? We explore how a clear sense of purpose, strong leadership, and a collaborative culture made it one of the most remarkable project success stories.

This podcast isn’t just for those in construction or infrastructure. If you’re working with teams, suppliers, or external partners, you’ll take away many practical lessons.

At the heart of it all is a fundamental question: Are we just delivering projects, or are we building something that truly matters?

Join me in this thought-provoking discussion with John Pelton MBE. Whether you’re leading a business, managing projects, or driving transformation, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, purpose, and project success.

Listen now and discover how to build better businesses through culture, leadership, and purpose.

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