The Competitive Contractor

Episode 25: Jason Zafiriadis - Innovating for the greater good | The Competitive Contractor Podcast

Episode 25 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses innovating for the greater good. There is a lot of hype about technology in construction and what it is capable of but its seldom these days that we associate innovation in our industry with materials and methods. There remains so much opportunity to improve our materials, especially reducing its environmental impacts and so much opportunity to make work methods safe. But is it really possible to do this as a contractor without support from governments? I got my answer in a conversation with Jason Zafiriadis, the General Manager – Earth Friendly Concrete for Wagners. Jason has been with Wagners since March 2020 and has over 18 years of experience in areas of sales, marketing, strategy and leadership. Wagners is recognised as a leader globally for its innovative earth-friendly products. Listen to find out how Wagners innovates for the greater good. The Competitive Contractor podcast is brought to you by Shivendra & Co.

Episode 24: Matthew Mackey - Progressing the construction industry | The Competitive Contractor Podcast

Episode 24 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses actions needed to progress the construction industry. Construction is a unique industry. What we do helps other industries, society and communities to progress but as an industry, there is reluctance and hesitation when it comes to progress. Maybe there are valid reasons why progress is too slow for many of us. The big questions are - are all the stakeholders trying hard enough and what exactly is slowing things down? To discuss this topic today, I have Matthew Mackey. Matthew is the National Director for Cost & Commercial at Arcadis in Australia and is extremely passionate about the future of our industry. He is a recognised commercial leader with extensive local and international cost management expertise, developed over 20-years in the construction industry. Matthew has lived in Brisbane for almost 10 years and has worked on a diverse number of projects across Australia, including the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, Auckland Airport Second Runway Expansion, and Sydney Metro. Matthew is a regular spokesperson and contributor on how the industry can improve collaboration and productivity and how data and digital technology can provide a positive impact on the future. This is an episode not be missed by current and aspiring leaders of the industry. The Competitive Contractor podcast is brought to you by Shivendra & Co.

Episode 23: Marc Kenney - Innovation in the way Mettle does business | The Competitive Contractor Podcast

Episode 23 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses the topic of innovation in doing business. Taking a business that is doing well to a new level is one story but taking a business that was left with only 3 staff to now approaching $100M in revenue in a few years is what exemplary transformation is about. What were the key ingredients of this transformation? Was it challenging? In this episode, Marc Kenney, the Managing Director of Mettle shares how his focus on innovation and people created the breakthrough the business needed. Marc has been in construction for over 30 years, serving in leadership roles globally. Recently, Marc was also featured in the Australian edition of the CEO Magazine. Innovation changes organisations and can you imagine what is possible if you empower people at the same time? Listen to find out. The Competitive Contractor podcast is brought to you by Shivendra & Co.

Episode 22: Adam Cooper - Incentives in the construction industry | The Competitive Contractor Podcast

Episode 22 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses the topic of incentives in the construction industry. Incentives or paying staff for performance is a topic many construction businesses talk about and consider, but struggle getting off the ground. While it looks simple on the surface, there are a lot of dimensions to it ranging from financial to psychological. Does paying for performance really work? How do we move to an incentivised pay structure and how we ensure that it is successful? Let’s find out what Adam Cooper, the President of Ascent Consulting (https://ascentconsults.com/) has to say about this. Ascent advises construction companies globally on Business Operations, Management, Technology, Leadership and Growth Strategies. He has personally written and consulted extensively about incentive programs for construction companies, and I am delighted that he is able to join us for this podcast. Adam is also a strategic partner of Shivendra & Co. The Competitive Contractor Podcast is brought to you by Shivendra & Co - www.shivendra.com

Episode 21: Scott Power - Seeing things differently | The Competitive Contractor Podcast

Season 3 of The Competitive Contractor podcast launches today with Scott Power, the Chief Executive Officer of the BMD Group. In Episode 21, titled “Seeing things differently”, Scott discusses factors other than great visions and ambitions that build thriving and successful construction companies. BMD’s story is inspirational. Over a 41-year history, BMD has grown from a small business to become a diverse organisation providing integrated services of civil engineering, construction, design, property development, landscaping and maintenance. With Scott’s leadership, BMD has seen the business become a truly national contractor and launch operations offshore. Their capabilities extend beyond transport infrastructure and land development, into non-traditional sectors including ports, airports, oil and gas, and resources. The Competitive Contractor Podcast is brought to you by Shivendra & Co. Click here (https://contractors.shivendra.com/) to find out how you can grow your construction business and be more profitable. #construction #infrastructure #contractors #inspiration #podcast