Develop your Construction Business Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Greg Wilkes is joined by Felicity (Sydney Builder Chick) and Aileen Andrews, two women who are not just working in construction; they’re actively reshaping what leadership, culture, and opportunity look like across the industry.

From apprenticeships and site leadership to business ownership and mindset, this conversation cuts through stereotypes and gets honest about what it really takes to succeed in construction as a woman — and why the industry desperately needs more of it.

🔹 Key topics:

✅ Breaking into construction — Felicity’s journey from school-based construction to carpentry and a builder’s licence at just 22, and Aileen’s transition from teaching and corporate project management into high-end construction and development.

✅ Confidence on site & unconscious bias — how age, gender, and experience intersect on site, how to earn respect without shouting, and why confidence and competence beat confrontation every time.

✅ Leadership that actually works — coaching vs commanding, setting standards without ego, and why great leaders create safety, clarity, and accountability — not fear.

✅ Mental health & wellbeing in construction — why “toughing it out” is outdated, how small actions on site make a big difference, and why work should be a safe place to speak up.

✅ Why women are an untapped advantage — from organisation and process thinking to communication and client relationships, this episode highlights why mixed leadership teams build stronger businesses.

✅ Fixing the pipeline problem — what schools, employers, and government are getting wrong about apprenticeships, and how better support could unlock the next generation of talent.

This is an honest, inspiring conversation for women considering construction, men leading teams, and business owners who want a stronger culture, better people, and a future-proof industry.

If you care about leadership, mindset, and building something better, this episode is essential listening.

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/sydneybuilderchick/%3Fhl%3Den&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwim-r699PiQAxWZdvUHHSwZBj4QFnoECAwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2hiHujeBkwO-1e0vtk42kG

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileen-andrews-andrewsconstruction/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://www.instagram.com/andrews_constructionltd/

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with hormone educator Dave Lee to make testosterone practical for builders and business owners — how it affects stress, decision-making and day-to-day performance, and when TRT helps (and when it doesn’t).

🔹 Key topics:

✅ Symptoms & testing done right — why “normal range” can still feel awful, what comprehensive bloods should include, and Dave’s “pop the bonnet” approach to finding root causes before touching hormones. 

✅ TRT isn’t a silver bullet — it lays the foundation, but habits build the house. Expect side effects if you try to “supercharge the engine” without learning to drive. 

✅ Why younger men are struggling — from puberty-era obesity to endocrine disruptors (plastics, pesticides), the modern environment is hitting male hormones hard. 

✅ Performance & stress resilience — how optimised testosterone and DHT support reward processing, buffer stress (via GABA pathways), and help you show up as a steadier leader under pressure. 

✅ Mindfulness that actually works — eight weeks of daily practice measurably strengthens focus (prefrontal cortex) and quiets the brain’s stress alarm (amygdala) — a high-ROI tool for owners in the thick of it. 

If you’re running low on energy, battling poor sleep or motivation, or just feel “off”, this episode gives you a clear, no-nonsense roadmap: dial in habits, get proper labs, and make smart decisions about TRT with the right specialist. Tune in and take notes. Your health is a growth lever.

Business Masterclass TRT Academy: https://youtu.be/WjzcF74OneU

Join the TRT Academy: https://tr.ee/G24u_jEIIx
Book a Coaching session: https://tr.ee/MP-bUXjG6N
Website: https://tr.ee/KSQz0LlPY5 

E-books: https://linktr.ee/imdavelee 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/daveleecoaching 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@imdavelee 

Partner Clinics

Primal Zone AUS: http://www.primalzone.com.au 

Marek Health: http://www.marekhealth.com/davelee 

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg lays out a powerful plan for construction business owners who want to stop working on the tools and start leading like a true CEO. If you’re still swinging a hammer and chasing jobs day-to-day, this episode will help you shift gears – practically and mentally – so you can build a business that runs without you.

🔹 Key topics covered:

✅ Why staying on the tools damages your health, limits your income, and chips away at your confidence
✅ The three big myths that keep builders stuck – "I'll save money", "no one meets my quality", and "I can't afford to step away"
✅ Simple maths to calculate how many tradespeople you need before you can stop working on site
✅ The mindset shift from tradesperson to business owner – and how to visualise your new role
✅ Step-by-step transition plan – how to gradually move from full-time on site to full-time CEO
✅ How to avoid micromanaging – and empower your team to perform without you
✅ What life looks like after stepping off the tools – more freedom, better health, higher profits

If you’re tired of cement-stained jeans and working long hours just to keep the business going, this episode gives you a clear and proven roadmap to reclaim your time, health, and freedom. 🎧🏗️

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg shares a practical roadmap for construction business owners who want to escape daily operations by building a team that runs the business without them. He breaks down the key shifts required to scale beyond £1 million, reduce stress, and reclaim personal freedom.

🔹 Key topics covered:
✅ Why most construction businesses rely too heavily on the owner – And how this limits growth and lifestyle
✅ The 3 biggest mistakes that create owner-dependency – Hiring workers, lacking systems, and micromanagement
✅ How to hire and develop leaders – From site supervisors to project managers
✅ Creating SOPs – Systemising your business with easy-to-follow processes
✅ Delegation in construction – How to step back without losing control
✅ Real-world success story – How George systemised his joinery business and took a stress-free honeymoon

If you’re a construction business owner feeling stuck in day-to-day tasks, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you delegate, lead, and grow your business without burning out. 🎧🔥

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this episode, Greg sits down with Deb Madden, Executive Director at CITB, and Nathan Wilkins, Customer Engagement Manager, to uncover how construction business owners can access CITB funding to train, upskill, and grow their teams. They break down exactly how to claim grants, access training, and make the most of CITB support.

🔹 Key topics covered:
✅ What is CITB? – How it helps small and medium construction businesses
✅ Apprenticeships & funding – Up to £10,000 available per apprentice 💰
✅ Training grants & leadership courses – How to upskill your team for free
✅ Levies explained – What you pay vs. what you can claim
✅ Tackling the skills shortage – Why the industry needs 250,000+ workers and how businesses can benefit

If you’re a construction business owner looking to train your team, take on apprentices, or claim funding you didn’t know existed, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧🔥

Book a call with your local CITB Advisor today. You can find their contact details here:  CITB in your local area - CITB

If you’d like to do some research beforehand on the support available, here are some useful links: 

• Grants and available funding:  Grants & Funding for Training Courses - CITB
• £500 grant for hosting a construction student on work-experience:  Into Work grant - CITB
• Support with recruitment of an apprentices:  New Entrant Support Team - CITB
• Apprenticeship grant details:  Apprenticeship grants - CITB
• CITB levy calculator:  Levy Calculator (Guide for What You May Pay) - CITB
• Construction Career portal ‘GoConstruct’:  Construction Is A Career Like No Other | Go Construct
• Skill shortage information: CSN Industry Outlook - 2024-2028 - CITB

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

Protect Your Profit Margin with Greg Wilkes

In this episode, Greg dives deep into how to protect and increase your profit margins in construction. He breaks down the biggest margin killers, the difference between gross vs. net profit, and the strategies you need to ensure your business stays profitable.

🔹 Key topics covered:
✅ Common mistakes that eat into your profits
✅ The difference between markup vs. margin (and why it matters)
✅ How to accurately track job costs in real time
✅ Negotiating better supplier rates & payment terms
✅ The importance of cash flow management & planning

If you’re a contractor or construction business owner looking to increase profits without taking on more work, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧🔥

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

Thinking about moving to Australia as a tradesperson? In this episode, Greg sits down with Wes Zandt from the Downunder Centre to break down the exact steps to migrate successfully. From visa options and skills assessments to the emotional challenges of relocation, they cover everything you need to know.

🔹 Key topics covered:
✅ Skilled visas vs. employer sponsorship
✅ What trades are in demand
✅ How to pass skills assessments
✅ Common mistakes & how to avoid them
✅ Emotional & financial considerations

If you're serious about working in Australia or hiring skilled tradespeople, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧🔥

Websites:

• DUC website - main hub for skills assessments, visas and general migration advice - Emigrate to Australia - Visas & Skills Assessment - Down Under Centre 
• DUC Employment Hub - main hub for candidates to register and apply for job vacancies, and for employers to sign up with us to market their jobs - ducemploymenthub.com
• DUC Relocation Hub - A Website built by migrants for migrants, designed to assist with the relocation process - DUC Relocation Hub – This is a unique, one-of-a-kind site. Built by Migrants, for Migrants!

Social media:

• DUC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/downundercentre_
• DUC Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/downundercentre
• DUC Relocation Hub Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ducrelocationhub
• DUC Podcast - https://tr.ee/_9QY0uJMD6

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https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

In this insightful episode, Greg sits down with Paul Heming, founder of C-Link, to explore the challenges of subcontractor procurement and how technology can transform the process. Paul shares his journey from being a Quantity Surveyor to creating a software platform that streamlines procurement workflows for construction businesses.

💡 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The key inefficiencies in subcontractor procurement and how to fix them 🛠️
✅ How standardising tenders benefits both subcontractors and main contractors 🤝
✅ The game-changing role of AI in analyzing tenders and contracts efficiently 🔍
✅ Tips for subcontractors to maximise their chances of winning tenders 🏗️

Paul also discusses C-Link’s powerful features, such as prequalification tools, contract standardisation, and post-project analysis to help businesses scale effectively. Whether you’re a small developer, subcontractor, or a main contractor, this episode is packed with actionable insights to make procurement faster, smarter, and more profitable.

• LinkedIn Personal
• LinkedIn C-Link
• To book a demo - email paul@c-link.com or book directly here - https://c-link.com/book-demo/
• Free Cost Planning Tool

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

🎙️ Unlock the Power of Safety in Your Business! 🚧

In this game-changing episode, Greg sits down with Gavin Coyle, a global leader in safety and efficiency for construction businesses. Gavin shares his inspiring journey from the construction trenches in Ireland to revolutionizing how safety is perceived worldwide.

💡 What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to turn safety into a profit-driving machine 💰
✅ Practical tips for embedding safety into your company culture 🛠️
✅ Secrets to aligning your entire team around safety and success 🔑

Whether you’re just starting out or managing multimillion-dollar projects, this episode will give you the tools to make safety simple, scalable, and profitable.

🎧 Listen now and level up your safety game!

🌟 Explore Gavin’s Free Resources & Memberships:

📚 Always Free Safety Tools: gavin-coyle.com/always-free
👥 Membership for Small to Large Businesses: gavin-coyle.com/membership

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

Running a construction business can feel like a never-ending juggling act—but what if there was a way to take control and make everything run smoother? In this episode of the Develop Your Construction Business podcast, Greg Wilkes chats with systems expert James Brown about how to simplify and streamline your business.

James breaks it down into practical steps, sharing how to:

• Spot and fix the biggest time-wasters in your processes.
• Create systems that keep your projects running like clockwork.
• Free up your time to focus on growing your business (or just take a well-earned break!).

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of managing multiple jobs, chasing payments, or keeping your team on track, this episode is for you. Tune in for simple, actionable tips that’ll help you work smarter—not harder—and build a business that doesn’t rely on you being there every minute.

Ready to make life easier? Let’s dive in!

🎧 Listen to more episodes here: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

👨🏼‍💻 James' website: https://www.biztechguru.com.au/media/

💡 Book a free consultation with James Brown: https://www.biztechguru.com.au/free-consultation/

https://developcoaching.co.uk

For more episode please visit:
https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/

If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/

If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator