Talking with Scott Clements about Growing an Engineering Firm, Attracting Talent, and Embracing AI in Construction

2025-12-08

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Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Hi there, and welcome to The Building Talks Podcast, where we dig into what really builds success…In this episode, I sit down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a growing multidisciplinary Engineering firm based in Southeast Queensland. Scott’s story takes us from his early career in the UK to scaling a 70-person consultancy back in Australia, including some impressive growth dur...

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

Hi there, and welcome to The Building Talks Podcast, where we dig into what really builds success…

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a growing multidisciplinary Engineering firm based in Southeast Queensland. Scott’s story takes us from his early career in the UK to scaling a 70-person consultancy back in Australia, including some impressive growth during the COVID era.

We explore the mix of strategy, timing and mindset that helped Inertia grow through unpredictable conditions. Scott also shares sharp takes on labour shortages, skilled migration, the real role of AI in construction productivity, and how he's using smart partnerships, including a joint venture with a New Zealand tech firm, to keep Inertia ahead of the curve. It’s a shorter conversation than usual, but full of practical insights and forward-thinking leadership.

Takeaways:

✅ Growing through uncertainty, strategy vs luck
✅ Using AI and partnerships to drive productivity
✅ Talent shortages and the immigration squeeze
✅ Positioning your business for future growth
✅ Engineering leadership that challenges the norm

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview
00:15 - Scott's Career Journey
01:25 - Industry Themes and Challenges
02:35 - Inertia Engineering's Growth and Strategy
03:37 - Podcast Partnership and Sponsorship
05:10 - Scott's Early Interest in Engineering
05:45 - Overseas Experience and Cultural Impact
11:01 - Inertia Engineering's History and Expansion
18:27 - Southeast Queensland Market Insights
24:54 - Productivity Challenges in Construction
28:12 - Cultural Shifts in Construction
28:48 - Innovation and Technology in Engineering
29:50 - Partnership with New Zealand Firm
30:38 - Challenges in Project Leadership
32:46 - Investment in AI and Automation
37:08 - Education and Skill Development
39:53 - Immigration and Labor Shortages
47:38 - Future Predictions and Strategies
57:55 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tune in for a sharp, honest chat on scaling smart and leading with intention in the built environment.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#ConstructionLeadership #EngineeringBusiness #SoutheastQueensland #BuiltEnvironment #AIFuture #ImmigrationPolicy #ProductivityInConstruction #TheBuildingTalksPodcast

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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.

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