Episodes

In this episode of the Building Doors Podcast, host Lauren Karan speaks with Andrew Chapman, a prominent figure in the construction industry and the CEO of the Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA). Andrew addresses the significant productivity decline in the sector over the past decade, driven by shifts from private to public sector projects and evolving regulations. He underscores the need for innovation and improved project sequencing. He also shares personal anecdotes and his vis...

In this episode of the Building Doors Podcast, host Lauren Karan sits down with Vincent Williams, founder of Tungsten, to explore actionable strategies for enhancing productivity. Vincent reveals how adopting a four-day work week has reshaped his company’s culture and efficiency. In this episode we dive into: Implementing a Four-Day Work Week: Discover how this bold move led to higher productivity and improved employee satisfaction. Overcoming Adaptation Challenges: Learn practical strategies...

In this insightful episode of the Building Doors Podcast, host Lauren Karan is joined by Martin G. Moore, the former CEO of CS Energy, who transformed the company from struggling under massive debt to achieving a staggering compound annual growth rate of 125%. Marty’s journey is a testament to the power of effective leadership, strategic communication, and the delicate balance between empathy and accountability. During their conversation, Marty dives deep into the complexities of leadership, e...

Don Mackay's career is a testament to exceptional leadership and strategic execution. As the current Chairman of Seymour Whyte Group, Don brings a wealth of knowledge and insight from his previous roles, including Managing Director of AACo and Rangers Valley, and Senior Executive at Elders. His tenure at these organizations underscores his ability to drive business development and change management. Furthermore, his role as a non-executive director at Thames Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, combined with...

James Whittaker is a three-time bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and host of the Win the Day with James Whittaker podcast. He has helped thousands of people in 20+ countries to Win the Day® every day, and he has personally coached Olympic gold medalists, billion-dollar CEOs, and Special Forces operators. His superpower is helping ambitious but frustrated people gain immediate clarity on what they want and give them a bulletproof plan to achieve it. He is an author with The Napo...

Daniel Mikus is the co-founder and co-CEO of road construction company MR Roads. Known for his innovative and proactive approach to solving business problems, Daniel spent 15 years in the asphalt industry before partnering with friend and former colleague James Rolph to launch Mikus-Rolph (MR) Roads in 2022. In 2023 Daniel’s company was awarded a Global Recognition Award and appeared in the likes of Forbes, Bloomberg and Business Insider after making $13 million in its first year. As a young ...

Stephanie Alekna is the Regional Construction Manager for Keller and has a wealth of experience in the civil contracting industry built over the past 10 years. With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, Steph's expertise spans various roles, particularly in the Foundation and Ground Engineering sectors across Australia. Through reflecting on her journey through pregnancy, raising a family and building a life and career in the construction industry at the same time, Stephanie...

Rochelle is the Founder and Managing Director of Share the Dignity, a national charity founded in 2015 with the mission to ensure that everyone is afforded the dignity in life that so many of us take for granted. Share the Dignity brings dignity to those who menstruate who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, domestic violence, or poverty through the distribution of period products and #ItsintheBag donations filled with essential items. The charity is powered by volunteers, and through ...

Dr. Jeff Spencer, a seasoned professional with a remarkable five-decade career, stands as a testament to the power of goal setting and achievement. From the age of 7, he set his sights on the 1972 Olympic Games, a goal he not only accomplished but excelled in by competing in two cycling events. Dr. Jeff Spencer is celebrated as a mentor to thought leaders and businesses seeking exponential growth and iconic status. His clientele includes Tiger Woods, Sir Richard Branson, U2, Lance Armstrong, ...

Mathew Rigby is currently the Executive General Manager for Schlam, an award-winning Mining Equipment business gaining recognition for their culture driven with Mat’s leadership. Despite facing challenges such as an economic crisis, labour market shortages, and a global pandemic, the organisation has undergone tremendous transformation. Schlam has on average, an impressive 96.4 percent staff retention rate and 41% growth in its workforce, which now sits at over 500 employees. With over two dec...

David is the founder and face of AGEIST, a new media company and agency that champions the vitality, capabilities and influence of the modern 50+. He is a passionate champion and leading authority on the mindset and aspirations that drive this influential demographic. David is frequently called upon to share his expertise and insight at important venues and forums around the world. Recent speaking engagements include HIMSS in Las Vegas, the leading conference for health information and techno...

Kim Kerton, aka Good Side of the Bed, is host, creator and producer of Unemployed & Afraid, a popular small business podcast for the brave self-employed with 100+ episodes, where she dives into the realities, practicalities and self-growth journey of starting a business from scratch - with the people doing it. She’s also a creative and commercially minded podcast strategist, helping brands and business owners build themselves big podcasts. Before all that, Kim was a baby entrepreneur, creating...

Michael is the Chief Operating Officer for McKenzie Group Consulting, an industry leader in regulatory and compliance advisory services to the building industry, and part of the Bureau Veritas Group – a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services. With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management from Queensland University of Technology and an Unrestricted Building Surveyor certification, Michael has been instrumental in delivering statutory and consulting servi...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dominique Gill, a trailblazer in the construction industry and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. From her early days in construction to founding Urban Core, the first female-led construction company in Australia, Dominique shares insights into her career, challenges faced by women in the industry, and her commitment to paving the way for future generations. Dominique Gill's career in construction spans over two decades, wi...

Dean is a salesman that happens to also be an international best-selling author, Doctoral Candidate, holds an Executive MBA from the AGSM, has a Law Degree - and along the way became a qualified yoga teacher. He’s delivered sales performance projects in over 25 countries for companies including Coca-Cola, Oracle, NewsCorp, Commbank, Accor, Goldman Sachs, Nomura Bank, Toyota, Macquarie Bank, Canon, and he’s even consulted to the Boston Consulting Group. His primary focus is working with Sales M...

Sara Harrup is a visionary leader with a diverse career, from managing a homeless shelter to becoming a transformative CEO. Her journey showcases resilience and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Sara works with people and organisations to gain deep insights about who they are and how to reach their potential. She has held multiple board and executive roles in for purpose, private and ASX companies. Sara’s lived the many complexities, nuances and challenges involved in leading organ...

Phillip Di Bella is a Director at the Di Bella Group of Companies. Phil’s secret sauce is that he has the unique ability to visualise and commercialise what others may never see. He doesn’t just build businesses- he builds communities. Though initially known for the establishment of Di Bella Coffee, which became Australia’s largest speciality coffee company, Phillip’s entrepreneurial spirit has brought success to other businesses such as International Coffee Traders, Abbotsford Road Specialty ...

In this episode, we explore the complex realm of anxiety at work and how it impacts us as business owners and professionals. Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jodi Richardson, Australia's leading expert in managing anxiety. Dr Jodi Richardson is an expert on anxiety having lived it and studied it. She has spent more than 25 years in the field of health, wellbeing, clinical practice, elite sport and education. She is the founder and director of Happier on Purpose, the Mental Heal...

William Branum, a distinguished Navy SEAL veteran with 26 years of service, has a remarkable career history. Throughout his extensive military journey, he specialized as a sniper instructor, leading teams in high-stakes missions from safeguarding interim Iraqi elected officials to executing direct action operations in Baghdad and Afghanistan. His expertise extended to undersea missions requiring presidential approval. Transitioning from military life, William embarked on a mission to share his...

Success is living the life you choose for yourself- Shannah Kennedy Shannah Kennedy is a leading business and life coach as well as a master strategist trusted by her clients across the spectrum of business, sport and entertainment. She challenges people to rethink their relationships to work, wellbeing and life and works to help you discover who you really are without the title. Shannah is currently working with a mix of C-suite executives, clients in transition (and/or suffering from burn o...

What if you were to step into the shower one day and your whole life changes before your eyes? How does silently suffering with a debilitating illness impact our life and careers? Here in the episode Karen shares with us her own journey from leaving a high-flying corporate career and struggling through a journey where she was faced with the heartbreaking journey of losing her own financial independence. Karen shares with us the struggles she faced in her family as she watched her health decli...

Our brightest days are just beyond our darkest nights- Napolean Hill. Brandon T Adams owns an advisory and marketing agency with his business partner Kevin Harrington; an original shark from the hit TV show Shark Tank. Their company helps scale companies to 9 and 10 figures. They currently manage a portfolio of companies with a combined value of over $750 million that will soon be worth over $1 billion in value. Brandon's expertise in business growth has led to successful campaigns across di...

I have done yoga classes that have ended with a glass of champagne. Alcohol is being so normalized in our society and yet it's super addictive. If you notice that you have come, fallen into a grey area drinking category, don't think that there's something wrong with you. Join us in this insightful episode of Building Doors where we sit down with Grey Area Drinking coach Sarah Rusbatch who talks us through the normalisation of alcohol in our society and we seek to understand what it’s really doi...

In this episode of the Building Doors podcast we sit down with Jenn Drummond, a proud mother of seven children and world record holder for climbing the seven summits. Jen gives us an intimate insight into her incredible journey and shares how she reclaimed her power, built resilience and waved her own flag to achieve what most of us would deem an almost impossible feat. Jenn Drummond achieved business success as the founder and CEO of a thriving financial services company, but her life came to...