Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast!

This week, I had a brilliant chat with Dr Gretchen Gagel, a global construction leader with 40 years of experience across the US, Australia, and beyond. She’s the founder of Women Thriving in Construction and a key voice in driving cultural change in the industry. With her new book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction, launching May 2025, she’s sharing powerful insights into leadership, workforce challenges, and the future of construction.

We covered a lot—how leadership must evolve, the real barriers facing women in construction, and how businesses can build inclusive cultures that attract and retain talent. Gretchen also touched on the need for authentic industry messaging, innovation, and real action to address the workforce shortage.

Key takeaways from this episode:

✅ From manufacturing to construction—how Gretchen found her path
✅ A global perspective—from the US to Australia
✅ The role of mentors and allies in shaping a career
✅ Why trust and collaboration drive real success
✅ Culture change and conflict resolution in construction
✅ Building workplaces where people actually want to stay
✅ Getting more women into the industry—and keeping them there
✅ Innovation and leadership as drivers of the future
✅ Tackling the talent shortage with practical, inclusive solutions
✅ Her new book, Building Women Leaders—for everyone in construction

🤔 Why tune in?

If you're passionate about leadership, diversity, inclusion, or building a better industry, this one’s packed with real talk and fresh ideas from one of the most respected voices in construction.

🎧 Tune in now for a powerful, inspiring episode!

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #DrGretchenGagel #WomenInConstruction #IndustryCulture #InclusionAndDiversity #BuildingWomenLeaders #WorkforceSolutions #InnovationInConstruction #FutureOfConstruction #ProfessionalGrowth #MentorshipMatters #CultureShift #WorkplaceCulture

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast! This week, I had a great yarn with Nauman Akhtar, one of Melbourne’s go-to guys in the world of building services. He’s worked with some big names—D&E Air Conditioning, Multiplex, and Kapitol Group—and now he’s running the show at his own outfit, INSITE Advisory Group.

We got stuck into what building services are all about—the gear and systems behind the scenes that keep buildings running smoothly and safely. Think mechanical, electrical, plumbing, data, and more. From the rise of AI to the booming need for data centres, this episode dives into the growing complexity of modern buildings and the people needed to keep them ticking.

What you’ll take away from this chat:

✅ Nauman’s unexpected path from dreaming of Ferraris to finding purpose in construction
✅ Why building services are more important—and more complicated—than ever!
✅ How a simple internship turned into a full-blown career in construction
✅ Saying yes to the unknown can lead to big opportunities
✅ What’s fuelling the explosion in data centres (spoiler: gaming, AI, and cloud!)
✅ How AI is already reshaping building management
✅ Why there’s a serious shortage of skilled pros in this space
✅ The importance of mentoring, collaboration, and backing the next generation

🤔 Why give it a listen?

If you’re curious about the tech that powers modern buildings, wondering how AI and data are changing construction, or thinking about career paths that are flying under the radar, this episode is full of eye-openers and real talk. Nauman’s story is proof that taking a leap can lead to a career you never expected—but wouldn’t trade for anything.

Hit play and get the inside scoop on the future of building services!

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionPodcast #BuildingServices #MEPSystems #SmartBuildings #AIinConstruction #DataCentres #FutureOfConstruction #ConstructionCareers #ConstructionInnovation #InsiteAdvisory #MelbourneConstruction #TechInConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #BuiltEnvironment #ModernConstruction

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey, Legends! Welcome to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This week, I’m catching up with Damien Quinn, a bloke who’s made the bold move from construction project management to tech entrepreneur. Starting out as a cadet while studying, he climbed the ranks at Multiplex, then took the leap into software, start-ups, and securing capital to grow—and he’s got some cracking insights to share!

We chat about the shift from building sites to software development, the role of AI in construction, and the challenges of capital raising. Plus, Damien gives us the inside scoop on how real-time quality assurance tech like Visibuild is shaking up the industry.

Key takeaways from this episode:

✅ From cadet to CEO—how Damien made his career shift.
✅ Why some construction pros are turning to tech and start-ups.
✅ The power of real-time quality control in construction.
✅ The evolving role of AI—is it ready to change the game?
✅ How sales and relationship-building drive success in any industry.
✅ The start-up rollercoaster—raising capital, bootstrapping, and picking the right investors.
✅ The work-life balance struggle in construction—can it be fixed?

🤔 Why tune in?

If you’re in construction, tech, or thinking about making a career move, this episode is full of real talk, great insights, and practical takeaways. Whether you’re leading a team, starting a business, or just keen to understand how software is transforming construction, you won’t want to miss it!

🎧 Hit play now and let’s get into it!

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#ConstructionPodcast #TechInConstruction #BuildingTalks #CareerPivot #StartupJourney #AIinConstruction #QualityAssurance #VentureCapital #WorkLifeBalance #ConstructionTech #Leadership #ConstructionInnovation #ScalingStartups #SalesInConstruction #TrustAndGrowth #BuildingSuccess

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates.

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au