The Building Talks Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast. This one is a little different......and honestly, a little mad.

In this special episode, I sit down with Dave Woolsey, General Manager of Renascent in Victoria, who is currently in the middle of riding a push bike (like, a real bike, on the road) from Perth to Melbourne over just 14 days, covering more than 3,500km, all to raise money and awareness for Carrie Bickmore’s Beanies for Brain Cancer foundation.

What makes this challenge even more ridiculous is that Dave hadn’t seriously ridden a bike in almost six years before deciding to commit to it.

This conversation goes well beyond cycling. We get into mindset, discipline, suffering, resilience, fatherhood, purpose, and the mental battle that comes with voluntarily putting yourself through discomfort for something bigger than yourself.

Dave speaks openly about the emotional driver behind the challenge, particularly the impact brain cancer has on Australian families and children, and why this cause hit home hard enough for him to dedicate months of training and two weeks of pain to raising money for it.

We also unpack the psychology behind endurance challenges, the conversations you have with yourself when your body wants to stop, and how leadership, pressure, and resilience from the construction industry strangely prepares people for challenges like this.

There are some laughs in there too, including discussions around lycra, saddle soreness, mental breakdowns in the Nullarbor, and the reality of trying to train for elite endurance while balancing work, leadership and family life.

More than anything though, this is a conversation about perspective, purpose, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think.

Takeaways:

✅ Why Dave committed to riding 3,500km for brain cancer research
✅ The mental side of endurance and suffering
✅ How purpose changes your ability to push through pain
✅ Leadership, resilience, and mindset under pressure
✅ The emotional impact of brain cancer on families
✅ Why ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things

Chapters:

00:00  The Journey Begins: A Brother's Challenge
05:17  The Route and the Goal: Riding Across Australia
08:15  The Physical and Mental Challenge: Overcoming Obstacles
14:05  Mindset and Motivation: The Importance of Goals
16:36  Breaking the Routine: Finding Balance in Life
22:33  Managing Stress Through Physical Activity
30:04Mental Resilience and Emotional Support
34:48  Raising Awareness for Brain Cancer Research

If you’d like to support Dave’s ride and help raise money for brain cancer research, head to:

p2m4bc.COM  - to follow his journey,

And if you're keen to donate, head to:

https://fundraise.carriesbeanies4braincancer.com/fundraisers/davidw/perth-to-melb-4-bc

Every donation genuinely helps!

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!

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast. This one digs into where margin and risk really sit in construction. 

In this episode, we're joined by Alastair Blenkin and Tim Rogers, the team behind ProcurePro.  There’s plenty of talk in the industry about productivity, but this conversation gets into something often overlooked, procurement, and why it plays such a critical role in project success.

On the surface, procurement doesn’t sound that exciting, but scratch beneath it and you’ll find where margin is protected, risk is managed, and a lot of project stress quietly builds.

We unpack how ProcurePro came to life, Tim’s experience on the contractor side with Hutchinson Builders, and Alastair’s background in tech and law. From spreadsheet-heavy processes and quote levelling to scope clarity and the impact of COVID, this is a proper look at one of the most manual parts of the industry.

There’s also a great discussion around AI, productivity, and why good systems shouldn’t replace people, they should free them up to focus on higher-value work.

If you’ve ever wondered why construction struggles to adopt new tech, and why implementation is often harder than the idea itself, this will be an eye-opener for you.

Takeaways:

✅ Why procurement is the frontline for protecting margin
✅ The risks of spreadsheet-driven processes
✅ How quote levelling and scope clarity reduce project stress
✅ Where AI fits into construction workflows
✅ Why implementation is harder than innovation

Chapters:

10:10  Understanding Procurement Challenges
16:54  The Evolution of Procurement Solutions
21:23  Building the Minimum Viable Product
29:07  The Importance of Scope in Construction
35:57  Streamlining Procurement with ProcurePro
40:45  The Visibility Revolution in Construction
43:46  AI’s Role in Transforming the Construction Process 
54:42  Implementing Change: Overcoming Resistance in Construction Tech
1:00:28  Future Aspirations: Saving a Billion Construction Hours

Tune in for a smart, practical conversation on how better procurement can drive performance across every project.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#ConstructionTech #Procurement #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #AIinConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #ConstructionInnovation #CommercialConstruction

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

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!

www.housingall

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!

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Building Talks Podcast  & what better way to celebrate than with a powerhouse conversation guaranteed to inspire and challenge your thinking!

Back on the mic are Andrew Deveson and David Caputo, co-founders of Kapitol, who first joined us back in March 2023. 

In today's conversation we dive into the details about how Kapitol has become Australia's fastest growing commercial builder, what it takes to lead a business that’s redefining the industry through digital innovation, smart systems, & strong culture. We also explore how they’re tackling training, wellbeing, leadership, and their upcoming move into health and defence projects.  

Takeaways:

✅ How Kapitol went from startup to billion-dollar builder
✅ The strategic discipline behind their rapid rise 
✅ Their honest thoughts on the 13,000+ hours of internal training 
✅ How they're using digital innovation & systems thinking to reshape construction
✅ Their mindset, staying healthy & leading with clarity
✅ Growing into new sectors: health, defence, Northern Territory
✅ Leadership, restlessness and resilience at scale

Chapters:

05:43 – Introduction and Reflections on Growth
06:53 – The Importance of Partnership in Business
08:57 – Rapid Growth and Business Success
14:00 – Investing in Systems and Training
20:12 – Cultural Shifts and Industry Disruption
25:51 – Future of Construction and AI Integration
33:09 – Transforming the Construction Industry
38:30 – Diversification and New Opportunities
43:02 – Building Systems for Success
50:00 – Navigating Leadership Challenges
59:38 – Investing in Training and Development
01:06:55 – Investing in AI: Costs and Training
01:12:45 – Mental Preparation for Leadership
01:22:02 – Future Goals and Strategic Vision

Tune in for a no-filter look at how two leaders are rewriting the rulebook for Australian construction at scale.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #Kapitol #ConstructionLeadership #CommercialConstruction #DigitalEngineering #ConstructionCulture #40HourWorkWeek #Upskilling #AustralianConstruction #PropertyPodcast #BuiltEnvironment #ModernConstruction #ConstructionInnovation #100thepisode

 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
 
 Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! 

www.housingallaustralians.org.au 

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!

In this week's podcast, we talk with Seamus Egan,  New Business Manager here in Melbourne for Besix Watpac - the international Construction and Engineering Group.  

Seamus has a wealth of building project experience, from London to Melbourne - he has worked on and delivered  a significant number of projects running into hundreds of millions.

We talk about his career in the industry, how it started, how it's progressed.  About teams and projects, and winning and delivering projects - of course he gave a good insight into Besix and what we can expect from them having taken on the well established Watpac group over the last few years.

Amongst other things, in this podcast we discuss:

• His experiences as the new Business Manager at Besix Watpac
• Bringing the right project team together
• The White City project - London
• Delivering bids for a Major Projects
• The impact of Covid and the war in Ukraine on the construction industry

If you have an interest in the Melbourne building industry, building and developing a company within the industry, or have an interest in what takes place within a business of this size, then have a listen.

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.  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 in the Melbourne market.

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!

In this week's podcast, we talk with Jefa Greenaway - who describes himself as Aboriginal, Advocate, Academic and Architect (he explains more in the podcast).  He is a well known thought leader in the Indigenous design advancement into the built environment and a really engaging professional to speak with and learn from. 

Of course he is well known as the Director of Greenaway Architects an award-winning architectural practice and a Qantas 100 Inspiring Australian.  He's in the Hall of Fame for the Design Institute of Australia and the Founder of IADV (Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria).  

He's the Co-curator of La Biennale Di Architettura Venezia and he is well known of course for some of excellent projects including the Koorie Heritage Trust and the award winning Garrett Place.

A really interesting and thought provoking conversation around Jefa and his thoughts on 

Amongst other things, in this podcast we discuss:

• His career into Architecture and his passion for Indigenous design
• How practitioners within the built environment can approach Indigenous design
• The growing understanding of the importance of the connection between country and building design
• Goals of IADV (Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria)

If you have an interest in the Melbourne building industry, design, architecture, Indigenous design, then have a listen.

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.  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 in the Melbourne market.

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!

This week I was jointed by Sarah Louise Jackson, who has spent the last 25 years capturing the images of Melbourne's iconic buildings, the skyline and projects that have been delivered across the built environment.

Sarah works on behalf of builders, developers, architects and building owners to capture images of their buildings and building projects - documenting for us, the beauty and complexity of the built environment through images, time lapse, moving images (drone footage) and milestone events.

You have likely enjoyed her work without even knowing the person behind the lens!

In this talk we covered (amongst other things):

• The growth and demand for images within the built environment
• The complexity behind capturing the images
• The various styles of modern images
• Her love for buildings and the Melbourne skyline

Anyone with an interest in Melbourne's built environment and the images that capture it will enjoy this conversation.

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.  For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au 

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates in the Melbourne market.

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!

• The history and background to Merkon Constructions
• Trying to control all the constant changes within the industry
• Taking fulfilment from the building industry
• Why change is important - "if it ain't broken, it can still be improved"
• The merits of a 5-day work week
• The benefits of bringing in transferable skills from outside construction, into a construction business 

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!

In this weeks podcast we talk with John Vilas-Boas, Managing Director of Level 10.  Level 10 are a Melbourne based townhouse builder who partner with developers to build communities across the Melbourne metro region.  

John has worked hard to cultivate a company with strong values and create a culture to deliver quality construction projects and create an environment where employees, clients and suppliers work together to add value to one another to deliver positive building projects.

In this podcast we discuss:

• John's career and desires for his business
• The importance of making mistakes
• The Townhouse building sector here in Melbourne
• Why values are an important starting point for a business' culture
• Management styles

If you have an interest in the Melbourne building industry, building and developing a company within the industry or have an interest in what takes place within a business of this size, then have a listen.

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.  For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au 

Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook and subscribe to The Building Talks podcast so you don't miss any updates in the Melbourne market.

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!

• What is it
• The effect of BtR on the Melbourne and Australian project space
• The design elements of a BtR project; and
• Build to Rent and the Melbourne skyline

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!

This week we talk with Sarah Slattery. Sarah is the Managing Director of Slattery, Melbourne's leading Quantity Surveying and Cost Planning consultancy with offices across Australia.

We discuss Sarah's career and Slattery's 40 years in the industry, business culture, managing teams and people through Covid and workplace flexibility.  We also touch upon her postion and responsibilities as the first Woman Managing Director in a QS consulting firm here in Australia (possibly the world!), TEN Women a local network for Women in Property and much more.

If you are interested in Melbourne projects, Quantity Surveying consulting and listening to an engaging public speaker....then have a listen!

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - specialising in Built Environment recruiting: exclusive, executive and retained searches for Building Contractors, Consultants, Engineers and Property Development here in Melbourne.  For an overview of our business, visit: 

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

In this podcast episode:

01:30 - The history of Slattery, do they have plans to go international?

03:00 - How was it being a woman in the QS space during the early days?

04:50 - Has Sarah aspired to be in QS and working in construction specifically? How did she arrive in this position?

07:00 - What were the most enjoyable times in Sarah’s career in the building environment?

11:00 - What types of services does Slattery offer and what type of people do they work with?

12:00 - How does Sarah deliver what the client wants within their budget? How does carbon planning work?

18:00 - What is the role of a managing director in a business of Slattery’s scale?

19:00 - Challenges with regards to looking after team members and their well-being during the time of COVID

31:00 - How conscious is Sarah and what does she do to achieve business culture and values?

34:00 - What is the Ten Women organization about?

39:00 - The Melbourne Design Panel

40:00 - Aboriginal design

43:00 - Materials and supply chain issues

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