Episoder
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In this episode of the Mindful Builder podcast, we sit down with Claire Thomas from Altereco for an engaging conversation that spans career transitions, personal challenges, and the intricacies of running a sustainable building design company.
Bringing Unique Skills to the Industry
Claireâs journey began in the UK, studying sports science, before relocating to Australia to live with her husband James. She worked as a technical rep in the footwear industry for many years before realising she wanted to try something new and joining her husband at Altereco.
Transitioning from the footwear industry to an architectural design company was difficult. Claire admitted she didn't know the difference between a planning permit and a building permit at first. However, Claireâs background in a completely different industry has provided her with unique skills that have greatly benefited Altereco. Her ability to communicate effectively and build relationships proved invaluable. Claire highlighted how these skills are sometimes overlooked but are essential in creating a positive work environment and nurturing client relationships.
The Challenges of Working with a Partner
A lot of people think that working closely with your partner is a recipe for tension but Claire promises itâs not that hard to manage! She shares how she and James can maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. She mentioned the importance of setting boundaries and having open, honest conversations. They even sought professional guidance to better understand each other's working styles!
The Emotional Side of Building
Claire talks candidly about the emotional investment that comes with her job. She feels a massive responsibility when dealing with clients' biggest assetsâtheir homes and life savings. This sense of responsibility sometimes manifests physically, showing just how deeply she cares about her clients' experiences.
Balancing Stress and Self-Care
To manage the inevitable stress that comes with her role, Claire leans on regular exercise, specifically mountain biking, as a key coping mechanism. She highlights the importance of having activities that allow one to switch off mentally and physically. Additionally, Claire stresses the value of being open about one's struggles to maintain mental well-being, a practice she incorporates into her regular routines and interactions with her team and James.
Budget vs. Brief: The Eternal Struggle
One of the more challenging aspects of Claire's job is discussing budget realities with clients. She is direct and honest from the get-go, making sure clients understand the financial scope of their projects early in the process. This level of honesty, though sometimes difficult, builds trust and sets realistic expectations.
We hope this episode inspires you as much as it inspired us. Tune in next time for more insightful conversations on The Mindful Builder podcast!
LINKS:
Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod
Connect with our Guest:
Website: https://www.altereco.net.au/
Connect with Hamish:
Instagram: @sanctumhomes
Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Connect with...
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In this episode, we delve into the world of building science with Dr. Cameron Munro, an aerospace engineer turned building physics expert. We explore his journey from mechanical engineering to building science, discuss the challenges of trying to build his first Passive House, and learn about the evolving landscape of sustainable building practices in Australia. Cameron also shares insights on the health implications of using fireplaces in high-performance homes and provides practical advice for builders and homeowners interested in energy-efficient construction.
Building Science
Building science is the study of how different disciplines (engineering, architecture, physics) work together to create a healthy and functional building. It focuses on factors like thermal comfort, air quality, acoustics, and light, ensuring the building meets the needs of its occupants. One of the biggest threats a building scientist has to prepare against is moisture. If not managed properly, moisture can lead to serious problems like mold growth, rot, and even structural issues.
Moisture Management
Cameron explains how historical building practices allowed heat generated inside to escape through uninsulated walls, drying out any moisture in the process. However, with the modern introduction of insulation for energy efficiency, this natural drying process has been hampered, and we need to use building science to adapt. The principles of building science help us design systems that prevent water intrusion and control air movement and vapor diffusion to prevent condensation before it becomes a problem.
Keeping it Airtight
One key factor in moisture management is how airtight a building is. This refers to how well a building envelope prevents uncontrolled air leakage. Leaky buildings waste energy and can worsen moisture problems. Simple building assemblies with proper air barriers are often the most effective solution, while more complex designs require careful planning and construction to achieve good airtightness.
At the end of the conversation, Cameron shares his experience attempting to build a certified Passive House and the challenges he faced. Despite falling slightly short of certification, his meticulous approach and the lessons learned serve as invaluable guidance for anyone embarking on similar projects.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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The pre-construction phase is an incredibly important time for any project, but all too often gets rushed through. If you stow down and take the time to address key elements like budgeting, client relationships, and project feasibility you can build the foundation for a successful and seamless construction phase. We love talking about these topics by sharing the lessons weâve learned, so today Hamish will be interviewing Matt about the ins and outs of his pre-construction process.
Building Strong Client Relationships
The pre-construction phase is a key time for your relationship with a client. By putting in the work here, you can create a strong foundation to support you throughout the entire process. Matt stresses the importance of having honest conversations with clients, even if it involves delivering difficult news such as budget overruns or unforeseen challenges. Not only does this allow harmonious collaboration it also paves the way for smoother decision-making.
Collaboration with Trades and Contractors
Although it might not be the typical order of things, more and more builders are choosing to get contractors involved in the pre-construction phase. Whether this is a roofer, plumber, electrician, or someone else, by including their expertise early on builders can address potential challenges, optimise project plans, and enhance overall project efficiency.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Technology is always evolving in the construction industry, and the pre-construction phase is no exception. Matt envisions a future where 3D models and advanced planning tools have revolutionised the pre-construction phase, offering builders and clients the chance to visualise the project in detail before construction begins. By using tools like these, builders can enhance accuracy, mitigate risks, and streamline project workflows.
We hope this episode gives you some inspiration to maximise your pre-construction phase by implementing practices such as early contractor involvement, data-driven decision-making, and transparent communication.
Remember, a strong foundation leads to a successful build!
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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Did you know that one in four workers in the construction field have had high symptoms of depression or anxiety?
Did you know that every year 190 Australians working in the construction industry take their own lives? Thatâs one every second day.
These statistics are scary but theyâre also the reason weâre so passionate about discussing mental health in this industry. Today weâre joined by a psychologist and our good friend, Julie who shares insights and practical advice on recognising, understanding, and addressing mental health issues.
The Stigma around Mental Health
Julie has a particular interest in men's mental health, so we discuss the specific challenges they face in acknowledging and expressing their mental health struggles. Societal expectations, rooted in historical gender roles, have created a stigma that it is âweakâ or âunmanlyâ to be emotionally expressive. Not only is this untrue, but itâs also unhealthy and leaves many men to suffer in silence.
Thankfully, thereâs been a significant shift in mental health awareness over the past decade, especially among men. The stigma is being challenged and itâs becoming easier for people to discuss their struggles. While there is still a long way to go, itâs an incredibly inspiring trend, and one we hope to contribute to with this discussion.
Building a Support Network
During the conversation, Hamish talks about his mental health journey and shares the significance of his support network. Being able to discuss what heâs struggling with openly has been super helpful in overcoming challenges and reducing his anxiety. Especially helpful has been the strong relationship with his psychologist and a maintenance strategy to keep track of things. Hamishâs story is a powerful reminder that struggling isnât a sign of weakness and that reaching out for help is a sign of immense strength.
Practical Steps
Once youâve realised you want to get help, it can be a hurdle to figure out where to start. So, Julie shares practical advice on how to start seeking help. The first step is to visit your GP and obtain a mental health plan and/or referral. From there many pathways you can take to access support that suits you. Julieâs key point is that mental health care is a continuous process, not a one-time fix.
Thank you for tuning in! We can all contribute to making the construction industry a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone, and we hope this episode has inspired you to start taking action. And for anyone out there feeling overwhelmed, remember you're not alone, and there are people ready and willing to support you through it.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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In todayâs episode weâre joined by voice actor Sarah Aubrey to discuss her online advocacy of renewable energy and sustainable living. Throughout our conversation, Sarah shares insights into various aspects of renewable energy, including electric cars, household energy efficiency, and the influence of fossil fuel industries.
The Journey to Advocacy:
Sarah's journey into the world of sustainability began with a fascination with electric cars, leading her to become an admin of one of Australia's largest Facebook groups on electric vehicles. Her interest in sustainable technology was further fueled by Saul Griffith's "The Big Switch," which emphasised the impact of electrifying homes. She shares the process of transforming it from a 2.9-star energy guzzler to a 10-star haven, drastically reducing her energy bills and improving living conditions. Eventually, Sarah decided to harness her skills in communication to share what she was learning online through her account @electrify_this.
Confronting Misinformation and Trolls
It didnât take long for Sarahâs social media account to get the attention of fossil fuel trolls. Rather than letting them bully her into silence, Sarah uses these comments as an opportunity to correct the misinformation which helped increase her following and spread her message further.
We also discuss the prevalence of misinformation in traditional media and the role it plays in shaping public perceptions. Sarah exposes the deceptive tactics employed by fossil fuel companies to manipulate consumer behavior and underscores the importance of critical thinking in evaluating environmental messaging.
Practical Tips for Renewable Living
Sarah shares practical advice for both homeowners and renters looking to adopt more sustainable practices. If youâre trying to keep warm, ditch the aircon/blow heater and grab a heated throw or radiator. If youâre trying to keep cool, get air flowing through your house to maximise the effect from your fan. If you have to use the air con, opt for the humidity-fighting dry mode.
Most of all Sarah advocates progress rather than perfection and highlights the importance of sustained effort in tackling climate change. If you canât give up your car entirely, itâs still worth taking a bike when possible. If you donât want to give up meat or animal products, simply reducing the amount you consume or choosing less harmful types, can be hugely positive for the environment. Remember, every step towards sustainability counts!
Despite the challenges, Sarah remains optimistic about the future of sustainable living. She highlights the growing momentum towards sustainability and the importance of continued advocacy and education. We hope Sarahâs vision for a brighter future leaves you feeling inspired to take on the challenges ahead.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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Last year the federal government set a goal of building 1.2million new homes in the next five years. This doesnât count renovations or extensions, itâs just brand-new construction projects. Breaking it down that means 180 thousand homes each year, about 60 thousand more than the current output.
Itâs a huge ask considering the construction industry is already struggling to keep up with demand, but it could be possible with the right strategy and mindset. We donât have all the answers but we want to share our thoughts on this, our concerns, and our predictions for how things will play out.
Prefabrication as the Solution:
Our number one strategy for tackling this challenge is to embrace prefabrication, as it can be a lot quicker and more consistent. Prefabrication involves creating components of a building off-site in a factory and then assembling them on-site. This method not only speeds up the construction process but also ensures quality, precision, and durability in the final built structures. For this to happen though, the government will need to invest heavily into the factories that produce these homes and upskilling tradies for this approach.
Growing the Workforce:
Whatever strategy we use, we won't be able to meet this increased demand if we donât have enough boots on the ground, so itâs crucial for us to encourage more people into the industry. There are a lot of different ways to do this and itâs best to do multiple at once, so we go over some of our favourite:
1. Overhaul apprenticeships: The current structure of apprenticeships is outdated, and they donât properly equip people for the modern construction industry. The low pay of apprenticeships is another barrier, so we need to make apprenticeships more flexible. Why not have part-time apprenticeships or offer more online learning?
2. Diversify the workforce: Currently only 2% of people working on construction sites are women. This is a huge untapped potential and something that needs to be fixed. Not only does this increase the workforce but it brings fresh, unique perspectives to the field.
3. Defeat the Stigma: Breaking the stigma associated with trades being less intellectually demanding and promoting them as professional and rewarding career pathways is essential for attracting more talent into the industry.
Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles:
The final hurdle we talk about is the planning department. Outdated regulations and bureaucracy are responsible for so much time lost in construction. There is no way we can construct 180,000 homes annually without significant efforts to remove red tape and streamline the process.
Building 180 thousand homes a year is a daunting task but itâs one our industry can achieve if we stay open to change and innovation. Most importantly, we must avoid short-term thinking and quick fixes that will set us up for more problems in the future. Weâd love to hear what you think about our points in this episode, or if you have any different ideas on how to tackle things.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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Welcome to another episode of The Mindful Builder! Get ready for an episode filled with passion and perseverance because weâre joined by the incredible Brad McEwan who opens up about his struggles with mental health as a builder.
What heâs working on:
We start by discussing Bradâs latest project: a hempcrete house. Hempcrete is a building material made from the core of the hemp plant mixed with lime and water. Itâs an incredible eco-friendly project but it came with its share of challenges. Especially stressful was an unexpected delay due to the slow curing process of the hempcrete, which extended the project timeline significantly. Brad shares everything that went wrong, his initial reactions, and how he overcame these issues to deliver a great result.
Mental Health and the Builder's Journey:
Then the conversation turns to Brad losing his passion for building. Multiple challenges at work and struggles in his personal life compounded to completely overwhelm him. These are pressures we all face in this industry, but itâs something we can beat. Brad shares the steps he took to improve his mental health and rekindle his love for construction.
He also shares his experiences with anxiety over his life and how he has managed it. When he was younger Brad had the same tough-it-out mentality a lot of builders have, and the people around him suffered because of it. Thanks to a push from his now-wife Brad has built a healthier relationship with his mental health and is far better equipped to handle difficulties.
The Power of Mates:
If there's one thing that shines through Brad's story, it's the difference having a solid crew behind you can make. In an industry often characterized by solitude, Brad was able to build a strong support network that played a key role in getting past these challenges. His story is a great example of why we should seek help and support when needed.
So hereâs to Brad, and to all the builders out there who keep pushing through, no matter what.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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Itâs just the two of us in today's episode and weâre discussing something thatâs been on our minds lately â What makes the perfect client?
Weâve dealt with so many clients in our careers and have learned to spot the signs of a good working relationship, as well as red flags that spell trouble. This episode will equip you with the tools to identify clients youâll work well with and to build the proper foundation for a strong relationship.
Establishing Trust and Communication:
We both agree that the most important components of a successful client-builder relationship are trust and communication. You have to start from your very first meeting in the pre-construction phase. You need to have open conversations about the budget, expectations, and the scope of the project. Most clients donât have much knowledge of construction and can get overwhelmed. If you keep them informed and guide them through the decision-making process, you can establish credibility.
But it's not all about the builders calling the shots. Building is a collaborative activity so builders and clients must have mutual respect for each other. You need to take the time to understand your client's vision and needs so they get the results theyâre looking for. Most importantly keep communication open and listen to their ideas! After all, itâs their home.
Navigating Budget and Expectations:
In an ideal world, everyone could afford their dream home, but if a client isnât realistic about their finances theyâre setting themselves up for disappointment. If we address budget constraints early on and set realistic expectations, we can focus on what's important to the client and avoid potential conflicts down the line. But remember, it isnât all on the client. As builders, we need to educate them about cost considerations and project feasibility.
Long-Term Relationship Building
Our ultimate goal here is not just finishing a project and moving on. We want to build long-lasting relationships with these clients. Building a home is such a long and involved process, that itâs hard not to build a lasting bond. We love celebrating with clients when the build is finished, and we follow up with them to hear how theyâre living in that space. By fostering these lasting connections, builders not only create satisfied clients but also establish a positive reputation in the industry.
So, what's the big takeaway from all this?
Well, it's simple really. Building strong client relationships is the name of the game in construction. By prioritising trust transparency and collaboration, you can create a positive working environment that leads to successful projects and satisfied clients. It can be a tricky task, but this episode is full of advice on how to avoid common mistakes. So get ready to take some notes, and enjoy!
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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In this episode of the podcast, weâre chatting with Greg and Beth, a father-daughter construction duo. Greg is a seasoned builder with a wealth of experience. Beth is a rising star known for her company, Beth Builds. Together, they are a powerhouse team, and theyâre here today to share their journey, the challenges they've faced, and their vision for the future.
Growth and Evolution of Beth Builds:
The episode kicks off with Beth sharing how Beth Builds came to be. Once she was licensed, she began sharing her work on social media. This rapidly brought in a lot of attention and job opportunities. Closely tied to the growth of the business was the development of Beth and Gregâs partnership. Beth shares how they learned to appreciate the different skills they brought to the table and rely on each other. Greg emphasises the importance of this collaboration and teamwork in their success.
Embracing Technology and Innovation:
Beth is passionate about integrating technology, especially social media, into construction. She talks about how she got started in that, and how it has benefited her business. On the other hand, Greg is an old-school builder, so heâs seen a lot of these changes happen firsthand. He shares the evolution of technology in the construction industry and how it has changed the way we work. They both agree on the importance of technology and that we need to be open to learning from others, even across generational gaps.
Building a Strong Brand and Community:
One of the highlights of our discussion is the origin story behind Beth's iconic "thumbs up" branding. Beth recounts how a simple gesture evolved into a recognisable symbol of her brand, thanks to the advice of a fellow industry peer. She really wants people to consider the power of their branding, because portraying yourself authentically is crucial to connecting with clients.
Beth and Gregâs partnership is a great example of what clear, compassionate, and collaborative communication can accomplish. They balance each otherâs strengths and weaknesses so they can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the construction industry. We really enjoyed talking to them and know you will too!
LINKS:
Connect with Beth & Greg
Instagram: @bethbuilds
Website: https://www.bethbuilds.com.au/
Connect with Us:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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When toughness and resilience are often equated with success, it's not easy to open up and be honest about what weâre struggling with. The construction industry is demanding and high stress, which makes it a breeding ground for mental health challenges that all too often get swept under the rug.
Today we are talking about our experience with mental health struggles and how we manage it in our work. Hamish especially has a history of battling anxiety, including a difficult time earlier this year.
Identifying Triggers: Hamish shares the things that trigger his anxiety to get worse, like money stress or juggling too many projects at once. These stressors can send him into a spiral of negative thought patterns that will get worse and worse if not addressed. He shares what he does when he notices things are getting bad. His number one tip is to have an open conversation about how youâre feeling. This can be with a mental health professional, but it could also be with your mates!
The Power of Acceptance: Through the episode, we touch on some of the pivotal moments in Hamishâs life, including his decision to seek professional help and the realisation that managing mental health is an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. Accepting these struggles as something he needs to manage has made it easier to keep them in check. It gave him permission to prioritise self-care and attend therapy regularly.
Busting Stigmas: In âblokeyâ industries like construction, mental health has often been ignored or even mocked. People were often told to suck it up or act like a man and werenât given the support they needed. Thankfully, things are improving; and while thereâs still a long way to go there is a lot more support these days. Each of us can contribute to building a better environment for mental health by being honest about our own experiences.
Mental health awareness is so important, and itâs one of the main reasons we started this podcast. We hope this episode will encourage you to pay more attention to your mental well-being and reach out for help if you need it.
Until next time take care and remember, true strength comes from being vulnerable!
LINKS:
Connect with Us:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of human activity, sustainable living has taken center stage. In todayâs episode, weâre joined by Anna Cummins, the editor-in-chief of Sanctuary Magazine, to discuss the importance and evolution of sustainable design.
Sanctuary is a magazine dedicated to sustainable house design, produced by the not-for-profit Renew. Anna began working there in a volunteer position, but her role grew over the years until she reached her current position at the head of the ship. Under her guidance, Sanctuary Magazine has become an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to build or renovate sustainably.
Anna starts off by outlining what exactly a sustainable home is. There is no universal standard, so things can get murky but she shareâs the key factors she looks for:
1. Size: A sustainable home is built big enough to suit your needs but not bigger. So not building additional rooms for resale value later on. Every extra room in your house will add to your building costs but also costs down the line like heating/cooling, cleaning, and maintenance.
2. Adaptability: Rooms are built to be multi-purpose. So, a room could be designed to function as a study, a guest room, or a media room depending on your needs at any moment. This is much more sustainable (and cost-effective) than building separate rooms that are only occasionally in use.
3. Accessibility: Incorporating accessibility into a house's design from the beginning is easier and cheaper than trying to do so when the need arises. Many people are of the mindset that they will never need an accessible home but even temporary injuries like a broken leg can make it necessary.
4. Sustainable Materials: This one is a bit trickier than the other factors. There is no perfect material and youâre often having to make trade-offs for whatâs most important to you. Whenever possible, reusing and recycling is typically the most sustainable choice.
The Evolution of Sustainable Construction
Thereâs a growing shift towards more informed clients and builders who prioritise sustainability not just as a badge of honour but as a fundamental aspect of construction. Passive solar designs and Passive House standards are becoming more mainstream, reflecting a broader awareness and integration of sustainable practices in the built environment.
Itâs a hard thing to keep track of, but Anna shares an example from her work that highlights the impressive pace of change. When she began at Sanctuary magazine, they constantly had people asking for advice to find sustainable builders because they were few and far between. Thatâs not the case anymore, there are loads of builders advertising this work!
We hope this conversation offers you a look into the world of sustainable design and construction, and a vision of its future. Sustainable living is no longer a niche. Itâs in the mainstream, and in demand. This is why we need platforms like Sanctuary Magazine more then ever. So, they can inspire and inform a wider audience about the benefits and beauty of sustainable design.
LINKS:
Connect with Anna
Website: https://renew.org.au/sanctuary-magazine/
Instagram: @marniehawson
Connect with Us:
Sanctum Homes:
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Today weâre joined by our very first guest, Marnie Hawson. Sheâs an entrepreneur, a building photographer, and a good friend to both of us. Our conversation explores Marnieâs career path and how she has integrated her passion for nature into her business. We hope this episode shows the huge difference we can make as business owners when we prioritise positive change.
From Environmental Scientist to Visionary Photographer
Like both of us, Marnieâs career has taken a winding path. She worked in environmental science for some years before transitioning to photography. This move wasnât about leaving science, or even pursuing a creative field, rather Marnie wanted to work in the world of business. She leverages her business as a tool to advocate for environmental awareness and changes to sustainability.
Sustainability in Practice
A significant part of our conversation is around B Corps - businesses that meet stringent standards of social and environmental performance. Marnie was able to get her business certified B-Corp and she walks us through that rigorous process. She also talks about why it was important to her to focus on making a meaningful impact over just profitability.
Becoming a B Corp isnât the only way to be sustainable in business. So, we discuss other ways businesses, regardless of size, can prioritise sustainability and make a meaningful impact. Marnie suggests practical steps like evaluating your supply chain and giving back to the community.
Marnie then shares some of the projects her business has worked on, like their efforts to create a threatened species sanctuary. Currently, she has partnered with Odonata for a project aimed at integrating biodiversity projects with business operating models. Marnie isnât all talk, sheâs leveraging her business to make a real difference in the world, which is something we should all be aiming for.
We hope this episode will inspire you to think about what you can do differently in your business. Striving for sustainability is hard work. You need commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to learn, but itâs so so important. No one is going to be perfect, but if we all do our part we can make a better future, one photograph or one building at a time.
LINKS:
Connect with Marnie:
Website: www.marniehawson.com.au
Instagram: @marniehawson
Connect with Us:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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Mistakes happen. We canât stop them; we can only choose how we feel about them.
In today's episode, weâll explore the power of embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. Weâll share the lessons weâve learned from our own mistakes, as well as our insights on creating an environment that empowers our team to take risks and learn from their experiences.
Empowering Our Team: Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the culture of a team, and they must create an environment where mistakes are allowed. When team members feel they have the freedom to make mistakes, they tend to think more critically and take ownership of their actions. It also leads to fewer interruptions and more efficient problem-solving.
The Importance of Team Dynamics: Itâs also crucial to build a supportive and trusting team. Toxic team members can disrupt the learning and growth process by blaming others for mistakes and avoiding accountability. On the other hand, a team in harmony will feel comfortable admitting their mistakes and will collaboratively work towards a solution.
Creating a Low-Risk Environment: While you should allow mistakes, you also need to create a low-risk environment for that to happen. Matt suggests setting clear boundaries based on the level of experience and the potential impact of the mistake. For instance, a first-year apprentice should not be expected to perform tasks beyond their skill set, while a site lead may have more autonomy. By defining these parameters, leaders can empower their teams without compromising quality or client satisfaction.
Learning from Mistakes with Client Relationships
We also touch on the challenges of managing client relationships in the construction industry. Weâve both made mistakes in this area and learned some hard lessons. Matt emphasises the importance of maintaining control and managing client expectations. Hamish highlights the significance of fostering open communication and trust.
Remember: making mistakes is not only acceptable but also necessary for personal and professional growth. We hope this conversation provides some insight on how to create an environment where your team can grow and thrive.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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Welcome to the first full episode of Mindful Builder, we are so excited to kick off this journey with you! Weâve got a lot of guests lined up for future episodes, but we wanted to start things off simple with just the two of us. The two of us sit down to chat about who we are, how we entered the construction industry, and what led us to start this podcast.
Our paths are quite similar. We both pursued different careers before discovering our love for construction. A big part of both of our journeys has been the shift toward sustainability in our businesses. Although it isnât the focus of this podcast, it is the perspective we come from in these discussions, so we want to tell you what it means to us.
We also talk about the uncertainty we had transitioning into this industry. We made lots of mistakes but ultimately, weâre better for them. By reflecting on mistakes and staying open to new ideas weâve become more competent and confident builders.
Continuous learning is so important to both of us, and thatâs why we created Mindful Builder. We want this to be a space that builds community and allows people to learn from other professionals. Like any community, we canât do it alone. Weâd love to hear from you on what youâd like to hear and who you might like to hear from.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes: www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions: www.carlandconstructions.com/
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Welcome to the Mindful Builder podcast. Weâre both builders who have taken a winding path to get where we are. Matt tried his hand at science before becoming a carpenter and eventually diving into the world of passive houses, where he is now the director of Carland Constructions. Hamish had a similar start in a field that wasnât for him before shifting to the building industry, finding a passion for sustainable building, and becoming the director of Sanctum Homes.
In this episode, we share some of the challenges weâve faced along our journeys and what thatâs taught us. Most importantly, we want to let you all know that youâre not alone in this industry and the specific challenges we face. By being vulnerable and leaning on each other we all get stronger. Thatâs what Mindful Builder is about.
Weâll be talking to experts from all parts of the industry to share their knowledge and insights, but we also want to create a platform for meaningful conversations about mental health challenges and the power of community. We know there can be a lot of negativity in the industry, which is why we want this podcast to be a force for positivity.
Thanks for joining us on this ride, we are so happy youâve joined us.
