Building Doors with Lauren Karan

Lauren Karan
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Building Doors, hosted by Lauren Karan, is the podcast for ambitious professionals in construction, infrastructure, and engineering ready to accelerate their careers and lead with impact. Each episode explores how top industry leaders built their success and what it takes to stand out. Lauren shares practical strategies for career growth, networking, and influence, along with insights on leadership, hiring trends, and the future of the industry. You’ll hear real conversations with CEOs, project managers, and innovators shaping the built environment. Tune in every two weeks for expert guidance and inspiration—and start building doors to your future.

  1. 96. Resilience, Data, And The Future Of Engineering with Ben Cryan

    Jun 21

    96. Resilience, Data, And The Future Of Engineering with Ben Cryan

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Ben Cryan, founder of Praxis Engineering, Axesse, and Carbon Trace, for a powerful conversation about resilience, engineering, data, AI, and the future of project delivery in construction and infrastructure. At 31, Ben’s life changed in an instant after a surfing accident left him facing 18 months in hospital, more than 55 operations, three months unconscious in intensive care, two strokes, and a kidney transplant donated by his mother. Doctors told him he may never walk again. But Ben refused to let that moment define him. One step at a time, he fought his way back to walking, back to engineering, and eventually into building businesses that are helping reshape how the industry understands cost, carbon, risk, and better design decisions. Ben shares how his recovery taught him the importance of community, asking for help, and never giving up. He also explains why data has always been central to the way he thinks as an engineer, and how structured project data can help teams reduce rework, improve decision-making, understand cost and carbon earlier, and create better outcomes across major infrastructure projects. Tune in for a deeply human, practical, and forward-looking conversation about what happens when resilience meets innovation — and why the future of construction will depend not just on AI, but on better data, better frameworks, and the courage to think differently. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Resilience, Recovery, and Rebuilding:- How Ben’s surfing accident changed his life and career- What 18 months in hospital taught him about people, family, and community- Why Ben never wanted sympathy, and what it took to return to engineering Never Giving Up:- How Ben rebuilt his life and career after being told he may never walk again- Why his businesses are shaped by the same mindset that carried him through recovery- The role determination, patience, and courage play in both life and entrepreneurship Mental Health, Speaking Up, and Asking for Help:- Why putting a problem out into the world is the first step to solving it- How asking for help shaped Ben’s career in engineering and business- The importance of openness, honesty, and support in high-pressure industries Building Businesses After Setbacks:- The reality of building an engineering consultancy and two technology platforms- Why rejection, resilience, and persistence are part of entrepreneurship- How Ben turned personal adversity into a drive to solve industry problems Data, Design, and Better Engineering Decisions:- Why “the data tells a story”- How structured data can help engineers understand cost and carbon in real time- Why early visibility of project data can reduce rework and improve design outcomes AI, Construction, and the Right Framework:- Why companies should not build AI for the sake of AI- The importance of getting the data framework right before adopting AI- How AI can support engineers by helping them filter complex information and make better decisions Reducing Cost, Carbon, and Project Risk:- How better data can help teams understand cost risk earlier in the design phase- Why embodied carbon needs to be considered alongside cost- The opportunity to deliver better infrastructure with more certainty and control The Human Cost of Poor Project Tools:- How rework affects design teams, project timelines, and people’s wellbeing- Why better systems can help reduce unnecessary pressure on engineers- How technology can free up time for deeper thinking, creativity, and better solutions The Future of Engineering and Construction:- Why AI will not change construction overnight- How engineers can lean into change without losing the fundamentals- Why the industry needs to think differently if it wants to deliver better projects Key Quotes from Ben Cryan: - “Once we put a problem out into the world, we can actually solve it.”- “I’ve never wanted sympathy for my accident. I’ve never wanted to be treated differently. I just wanna be normal.”- “The data tells a story.”- “Never giving up is so powerful.”- “Building a small engineering consultancy is hard. Building two tech startups is even harder.”- “Don’t build AI for the sake of AI.”- “Things don’t change overnight, and our industry’s not gonna change overnight.”- “I made a career out of asking for help.” About Our Guest: Ben Cryan is a civil engineer, founder, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in linear infrastructure design. He is the founder of Praxis Engineering, Axesse, and Carbon Trace. Through his work, Ben is helping the construction and infrastructure sectors use structured data to better understand cost risk, embodied carbon, design decisions, and project outcomes. His personal journey of recovery, resilience, and rebuilding has shaped his belief in never giving up, asking for help, and using data to make better decisions. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: - Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.- Share this episode with anyone interested in engineering, construction innovation, resilience, AI, data, project delivery, and the future of infrastructure.- Connect with Ben Cryan to learn more about Praxis Engineering, Axesse, and Carbon Trace. Stay Connected: - Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.- Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content. Let’s Connect:- Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au. Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    53 min
  2. 95. Construction Has a People Problem: Why Inclusive Leadership Is the Industry’s Biggest Opportunity with Cathryn Greville

    Jun 7

    95. Construction Has a People Problem: Why Inclusive Leadership Is the Industry’s Biggest Opportunity with Cathryn Greville

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Cathryn Greville, CEO of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), a lawyer, governance expert, and one of the industry's most passionate advocates for systemic cultural change. From collaborative contracting to parental leave, from male allyship to psychological safety, Cathryn makes a powerful case that construction's biggest challenges: productivity, skills shortages, and retention won't be solved by technology alone. They'll be solved by leadership. Cathryn shares the evidence: inclusive teams make better decisions 87% of the time, and twice as fast. She explains why the single biggest risk time for losing women in construction is pregnancy and return to work, and why getting more men to take parental leave is a retention strategy, not a social one. She also pulls back the curtain on NAWIC's $5 million "Allyship in Action" project, including site-based allyship programs, sponsorship training, and a cultural ambassadors program designed to reach young tradies before bad habits set in. Tune in for a frank, data-driven, and hopeful conversation about what it actually takes to build workplaces where people want to stay  and why inclusive leadership may be the most underleveraged commercial advantage in construction today. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Inclusive Leadership and the Future of Construction: Why inclusive leadership is a commercial advantage, not just a social initiativeHow leadership styles directly impact workforce retention and project outcomesThe role leaders play in creating psychologically safe workplaces The Link Between Inclusion, Productivity, and Performance: Why inclusive teams make better decisions and achieve stronger business resultsHow psychological safety improves productivity and reduces workforce riskThe hidden financial costs of poor workplace culture and employee turnover  Innovation Starts with People: Why innovation is about more than technology and AIHow diverse perspectives create better solutions and stronger decision-makingThe connection between workplace culture, creativity, and problem-solving Workforce Challenges and Talent Attraction: Why construction's workforce shortage requires a broader talent strategyHow inclusive workplaces help attract and retain the next generation of workersWhat Gen Z expects from employers and why culture matters more than ever Flexibility, Retention, and Modern Work: Why flexibility means more than working from homeHow small adjustments can significantly improve employee retentionThe importance of designing workplaces around people's real needs Pregnancy, Parenthood, and Retaining Women in Construction: Why pregnancy remains one of the highest-risk points for losing women from the industryThe role parental leave and caring responsibilities play in workforce retentionHow supporting fathers and caregivers benefits the entire workforceMale Allyship and Culture Change: What male allyship looks like in practiceWhy giving men the tools to support change is critical for industry transformationHow NAWIC's Allyship in Action program is helping shift workplace culture Recruitment, Bias, and Untapped Talent: Why construction still relies heavily on traditional hiring methodsHow transferable skills can unlock new talent poolsThe importance of challenging assumptions about who belongs in construction Building a More Sustainable Industry: Why workforce sustainability is becoming one of construction's biggest challengesHow governments, clients, contractors, and leaders can work together to drive changeWhat organizations can do today to become employers of choice Key Quotes from Cathryn Greville: "Productivity all comes back to people.""The biggest impediment to innovation isn't the technology. It's whether people are able to implement it.""Innovation is not just tech. Innovation is about solving problems.""The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.""If you're not engaging 50 percent of the population, you're missing a huge opportunity.""We need workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and able to do their best work.""Inclusion is not just a diversity initiative. It's a business strategy." About Our Guest: Cathryn Greville is the CEO of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), a lawyer by background with decades of experience in industry reform, regulation, and governance. She has worked across litigation, collaborative contracting, and cultural transformation in both the UK and Australia. Cathryn is currently leading NAWIC’s $5 million "Allyship in Action" project (funded by the Building Women’s Careers Grant Program), delivered in partnership with CPB Contractors, Adco Constructions, the Australian Workers’ Union, and Holmesglen Institute. Her mission: to make "male ally" an obsolete term within a decade by building a sector that works for everyone. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in construction leadership, retention, team culture, and building a more inclusive industry. Connect with Cathryn Greville and NAWIC to learn more about workforce inclusion and culture change initiatives.Stay Connected: Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content. Let’s Connect: Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au. Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    1h 4m
  3. 94. The Productivity Paradox: Why Infrastructure Is Stuck in 1990 and How AI Can Actually Help with Daryl Sadgrove

    May 24

    94. The Productivity Paradox: Why Infrastructure Is Stuck in 1990 and How AI Can Actually Help with Daryl Sadgrove

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Daryl Sadgrove, a leader who has worked across healthcare, telecommunications, e-commerce, logistics, education, and professional services before joining Struber, a business focused on unlocking human potential in infrastructure. Daryl brings a rare cross sector lens to one of the industry's most stubborn challenges: flatlining productivity. From his time at Telstra under David Thodey through to his current role as CEO of Struber, Daryl reveals what actually creates momentum in large organizations. He challenges the belief that AI is a magic bullet, warning that accelerating an inefficient model only makes things worse, faster. Daryl also shares a powerful sliding doors moment from his time at Australia Post during COVID, when a reactive fear based decision could have led to mass layoffs, but curiosity and analysis unlocked 20% year on year growth. He makes the case that infrastructure's real constraints aren't technical, they are human. And he explains why leaders must supercharge their people with AI, not replace them. Tune in for a thought provoking conversation on productivity, legacy, and the future of infrastructure leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Building Momentum in Large Organizations: How strategic clarity from the top creates a “tsunami” of alignmentWhy leaders need to repeat strategy until they are sick of it, at least seven times via different channelsThe power of hyper effective meetings: narrow focus, clear outcomes, and the right people only The Productivity Paradox in Infrastructure: Why infrastructure productivity is 2% below 1990 levels despite the internet, mobile phones, and AIHow communication, collaboration, and culture are the three biggest constraints, according to Infrastructure AustraliaThe danger of treating “soft skills” as a nice to have when they unlock millions in ROI AI as a Leadership Opportunity, Not a Shortcut:  Why AI can make bad systems, bad data, and bad culture worse, fasterThe difference between using AI to replace people versus supercharging themA real life case study: a new hire in her second week building an AI powered infrastructure project pipeline that blew Daryl’s mind The Sliding Doors Moment at Australia Post During COVID:  How fear nearly led to 10,000 layoffs and why pausing to question assumptions changed everythingThe power of internal research, curiosity, and reframing risk as opportunityWhy the “best case scenario” of 50% growth became reality, not the worst case AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Work:  Why humans will still deliver infrastructure for decades (10,000 people on a job site is not going away)How to use AI to accelerate your own voice, not replace itThe two business models: cut staff and gain 50% productivity OR supercharge everyone and gain 300% Legacy, Leadership, and Being Present:  Why Daryl’s legacy is translating solutions across industry silosThe importance of being truly home when you are home, with family, not just in bodyKey Quotes from Daryl Sadgrove: “Communication, collaboration, and culture are the biggest constraints holding projects back.”“You don’t need everyone on the bus. You need critical mass.”“If you’re not sick of repeating the strategy, you probably haven’t communicated it enough.”“AI can make bad systems worse faster.”“The businesses that win with AI will be the ones that supercharge people, not replace them.”“People are craving human connection more than ever.”“Leadership clarity matters exponentially more in the AI era.”“The future belongs to organizations that unlock human potential.”“Infrastructure productivity is still sitting below where it was in 1990.” About Our Guest: Daryl Sadgrove is a leader who has worked across healthcare, telecommunications (Telstra), e-commerce, logistics, education, and professional services before joining Struber, a business focused on unlocking the human constraints in infrastructure. He has seen what works in high performing organizations and what does not. A former GM of Innovation at Telstra, a musician, and a golfer in training, Daryl brings cross-sector wisdom, strategic clarity, and a deep belief that people, not technology, are the real accelerators. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in construction leadership, retention, team culture, and building a more inclusive industry Connect with Daryl Sadgrove on LinkedIn.Stay Connected: Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content. Let’s Connect: Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au. Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    52 min
  4. 93. Construction Has a Thinking Problem: Challenging the Assumptions That Hold the Industry Back with Adam Woodley

    May 10

    93. Construction Has a Thinking Problem: Challenging the Assumptions That Hold the Industry Back with Adam Woodley

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Adam Woodley, a refrigeration and air conditioning veteran, former business leader, and passionate male ally. From tradie apprentice to building a business with 97 percent staff retention, Adam proves great teams aren't luck. They are built on trust, empathy, and rejecting "that's just how it is." Adam shares the small choices that kept his people loyal: high end tools, eight to ten shirts for Queensland's heat, and customer first autonomy. He also opens up about surviving a house fire that left him clinically dead, a second chance that reshaped his approach to work, family, and legacy. He speaks frankly on why construction struggles to retain women, what microaggressions look like on site, and why change must start from the bottom up with young men aged 17 to 25. As a leader of the Male Allies program, run with Trellis and NAWIC, Adam equips young tradies and engineers to call out poor behaviour without fear. Tune in for honest insights on retention, courage, and building an industry people actually want to stay in. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Building a Career Through Opportunity and Work Ethic: How early exposure to trades shaped Adam’s career path and mindsetWhy hard work creates “luck” and opens doors over timeThe value of adaptability and being willing to take on new challengesScaling a Business from the Ground Up: What it takes to build a service business without acquisitionsWhy customer service is the foundation of sustainable growthHow repeat business is earned through consistency, not shortcuts Hiring, Retention, and High-Performance Teams:  Why hiring through trusted referrals leads to stronger teamsHow culture is built through shared standards and accountabilityThe small, practical decisions that led to exceptional staff retention Leadership, Autonomy, and Trust:  Why empowering employees to make decisions improves outcomesThe importance of giving teams full ownership not partial responsibilityHow removing friction helps people perform at their best Customer Experience and Long-Term Loyalty:  Why customers stay loyal to people, not just companiesHow professionalism, attitude, and consistency drive repeat workThe role of trust in building long-term client relationshipsLife-Changing Perspective and Personal Growth:  How surviving a house fire reshaped Adam’s priorities and mindsetWhy living with urgency changes how you lead and make decisionsThe importance of focusing on what truly matters todayCulture, Bias, and Industry Change:  Why construction doesn’t have a talent problem, it has a thinking problemHow unconscious bias and microaggressions impact retentionThe role leaders and teams play in shaping inclusive workplaces Male Allyship and the Future of Construction:  The case for changing culture from the bottom up, starting with young men aged 17–25What it takes to create a culture where everyone belongsWhy the goal is to make "male ally" an obsolete term in 10 years Key Quotes from Adam Woodley: “Construction has never had a talent problem. It has a thinking problem.”“Hard work creates the luck that people see.”“If you can do it today, don’t put it off until tomorrow.”“Customers are loyal to the person, not the company.”“Don’t ever be too busy to make sure your door is always open.”“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.” About Our Guest: Adam Woodley is a refrigeration and air conditioning professional who built and scaled a service business in Queensland from scratch, achieving industry leading retention rates. He's a passionate advocate for cultural change in construction, co facilitating the Male Allies program (in partnership with Trellis and NAWIC ) to equip young men aged 17 to 25 with the skills to challenge poor behaviour and build more inclusive sites. Adam's perspective is shaped by decades on the tools, a near fatal house fire, and the experience of watching his own daughter try to enter a trade, only to find the doors still closed. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in construction leadership, retention, team culture, and building a more inclusive industry Connect with Adam Woodley on LinkedIn. Stay Connected: Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content. Let’s Connect: Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    48 min
  5. 92. Standards Are Everything: Why Settling for "Good Enough" Kills Projects with Cameron Bell

    Apr 26

    92. Standards Are Everything: Why Settling for "Good Enough" Kills Projects with Cameron Bell

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Cameron Bell, a seasoned construction and project management leader with decades of experience across Scotland and Australia. Cam has built his reputation on something surprisingly simple: holding a clear, consistent standard. From his early days as a “peggy” (chainman) in Scotland to leading major infrastructure teams in Australia, Cam shares the reality of what it takes to deliver profitable projects without cutting corners. Cam opens up about his rocky start in Australia, including washing dishes for three months, the pressure of losing money on a job, and why he refuses to settle for “good enough” when hiring. He also talks about the concrete footpath that sets the tone for an entire project, the power of a sticker board meeting, and why the most important concrete you pour might not be structural at all.  Tune in to hear how strong standards, honest leadership, and disciplined decision-making can shape better projects, stronger teams, and a lasting reputation in construction. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Building Strong Foundations in Engineering: Why Cameron’s early career in Scotland created a hands-on understanding of constructionHow engineers overseas are trained differently through practical responsibilityThe importance of learning how projects are built, not just how they are designedWhy early career exposure to pressure creates stronger long-term capabilityPersistence, Career Growth, and Breaking Into the Industry: How Cameron went from washing dishes to landing an engineering role in AustraliaWhy persistence matters more than perfect timing when searching for opportunitiesThe value of saying yes to regional roles to gain experience and credibilityWhy graduates should focus on gaining experience rather than chasing the perfect jobHigh Standards and Hiring the Right People: Why lowering hiring standards creates long-term project problemsWhat Cameron looks for in interviews beyond technical skillsWhy attitude, accountability, and willingness to learn matter more than technical brillianceHow early expectations shape performance culture across a project teamLeadership Under Pressure: How to manage stress when projects are losing money or facing delaysWhy great leaders focus on solutions instead of blameThe importance of honesty when mistakes happen on-siteHow clear communication helps teams recover during difficult periodsCulture, Accountability, and High-Performance Teams: Why project culture starts with the smallest details on siteHow leadership behaviors shape standards across an entire workforceThe importance of holding teams accountable without creating blameWhy one high performer can elevate an entire teamHow “rotten eggs” quietly damage morale and performanceProblem Solving and Lean Construction Thinking: Why construction is ultimately a constant exercise in communication and problem-solvingHow lean construction methods improve collaboration and planningThe value of bringing engineers, supervisors, safety, and environmental teams togetherWhy alignment across disciplines creates stronger project outcomesIntegrity, Reputation, and Long-Term Success: Why reputation matters more than short-term winsCameron’s “pub test” and “Sunday paper test” for making ethical decisionsThe role integrity plays in hiring, leadership, and client relationshipsWhy people remember both strong leaders and poor decisionsFamily, Burnout, and Life Outside Construction: The reality of balancing leadership roles with family lifeWhy Cameron made weekends family time after becoming a project managerHow long holidays and downtime help leaders reset mentallyThe importance of finding identity beyond workKey Quotes from Cameron Bell: “Honesty is the best policy. It’s easier to fix a mistake at the start.”“There's always a solution. You just haven't looked hard enough.”“You’ve got to set the standards at the start with the people you hire.”“If you settle on anything in life, you’re giving up.”“There’s nothing worse than not dealing with a rotten egg. It kills the culture.”“We're not tier one, tier two, or tier three. We're just the best people to work with.”About Our Guest: Cameron Bell is a construction and project management leader with extensive experience across Scotland and Australia. He has held senior roles on major infrastructure projects and is known for delivering profitable outcomes through high standards, strong teams, and consistent problem-solving. Cam currently works with Georgiou, where he leads multiple projects and helps shape a culture of performance and accountability. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.Connect with Cameron Bell on LinkedIn.Stay Connected: Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.Let’s Connect: Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    1h 3m
  6. 91. Sustainability Is Everyone's Problem: Engineering, Values, and Raising the Next Generation with Ashley Hernandez

    Apr 12

    91. Sustainability Is Everyone's Problem: Engineering, Values, and Raising the Next Generation with Ashley Hernandez

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Ashley Hernandez, a civil engineer turned sustainability consultant who has worked across Australia, the Middle East, and the United States. Now a key member of the boutique consultancy Losee Consulting, Ashley brings a rare blend of technical engineering knowledge, sustainability expertise, and mindfulness practice to her work. Ashley opens up about her unexpected journey into engineering, her time in Abu Dhabi chasing the mysterious “green kilometre,” and why she walked away from big consultancies to align her career with her values. She also shares how becoming a mother reshaped her perspective on work, leadership, and legacy. From the power of single-tasking to the importance of turning cameras on, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone navigating the human side of infrastructure. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Sustainability as Integration, Not Silos: Why sustainability isn’t just “something the enviros do”How infrastructure rating systems (like Greenroads and ISC) create a common languageThe challenge of moving goalposts and why that’s actually a sign of progress Career Transitions and Values Alignment: Why Ashley left large consultancies to join a boutique firmHow saying “yes before thinking” led to a board role and a new career pathLetting your RPQ lapse and why that was the right decision Motherhood, Activism, and Legacy: Why “motherhood in and of itself is activism”How raising the next generation is the most influential work we can doThe shift from selling your soul for a paycheck to building a life aligned with your valuesMindfulness for the Overwhelmed Professional: Why burnout builds from micro-stresses, not just major crisesPractical techniques: box breathing, single-tasking, and the “rubber ball vs. glass ball” analogyHow to transition between meetings (and why a minute of breath work matters more than being on time) Workplace Culture and Human Connection: Why cameras off on Teams calls creates anonymity and hostilityThe power of in-person kick-off meetings to build psychological safetyHow a manager who encouraged friendship created a high-performing team Gender Equity and Male Allyship: The sting of “working a short day today?” and why it still happens 20 years laterWhy bystanders have more power than targets to call out biasThe importance of male allies in creating psychologically safe workplacesKey Quotes from Ashley Hernandez: “Sustainability brings it all to the forefront. This is everyone’s problem.”“We’re here for a short time. What kind of life are we living if we’re not true to our values?”“Motherhood in and of itself is activism.”“It’s not that serious. We’re saving PDFs, not lives.”“We design and build these massive pieces of infrastructure through teamwork and through people.” About Our Guest: Ashley Hernandez is a civil infrastructure professional with over a decade of experience across Australia, the Middle East, and the United States. She currently works at Losee Consulting, a boutique sustainability firm, where she helps clients integrate environmental and social outcomes into major infrastructure projects. Ashley is also a certified yoga teacher who leads weekly mindfulness sessions for her team, and a former board chair of the Greenroads Foundation. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.Connect with Ashley on LinkedInStay Connected: Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content. Let’s Connect: Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    1h 16m
  7. 90. The Power of People: Leadership, Vulnerability, and Building a Better Construction Culture with Paul Rhoden

    Mar 29

    90. The Power of People: Leadership, Vulnerability, and Building a Better Construction Culture with Paul Rhoden

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Paul Rhoden, a seasoned infrastructure leader, podcaster, and consultant with over 30 years of experience across the UK and Australia. Paul is the founder of Vulpra Contractors and the host of the Construction Matters podcast, where he champions the human side of construction. Paul shares why he believes the industry’s greatest asset is its people, and how authentic, vulnerable leadership can transform project cultures. From his early days in the Royal Navy to leading major infrastructure projects, Paul opens up about his journey through grief, burnout, and purpose. He offers powerful insights on male allyship, the importance of listening to your supply chain, and why sometimes the best way to save a failing project is to simply stop and ask for help. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Leadership and Vulnerability: Why authentic leadership means admitting you don’t have all the answers.How leaders can create psychological safety by being vulnerable first.The power of “stopping” a project to reset culture and solve underlying problems.Male Allyship and Gender Diversity: Practical ways men can use their influence to amplify women’s voices in meetings and on-site.Why true allyship is about everyday behaviors, not just policies.Paul’s personal motivation: his mother’s strength and his three daughters.Mental Health and Psychosocial Safety: The link between purpose, retirement, and wellbeing in construction.How burnout and “rust-out” affect the industry, and what leaders can do about it.The importance of self-care for those who spend their lives helping others.Project Culture and Supply Chain: Why paying subcontractors fairly builds loyalty, innovation, and better outcomes.Moving from a “master-servant” dynamic to genuine business partnerships.The value of listening to everyone from the plant operator to the cleaner for breakthrough ideas.Key Quotes from Paul Rhoden: “If you’re willing to turn up and have a go and ask for help, you get help. For me, it’s the power of human relationships.”“We’re great at building bridges and roads. We need to get better at building people.”“When I look at a social media post or a brochure, that reveals intent. But sites reveal design.”“Don’t worry about position and power. It’ll chase you when you’re ready and you may not want it.” About Our Guest: Paul Rhoden is a civil infrastructure leader with more than three decades of experience delivering complex projects across the UK and Australia. A passionate advocate for mental health, gender equity, and authentic leadership, Paul now runs his own consultancy, Vulpra Contractors, and hosts the Construction Matters podcast, where he continues to shift the conversation toward the people who make the industry possible. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.Connect with Paul on LinkedIn and listen to his podcast Construction Matters.Stay Connected: Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.Let’s Connect: Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    1h 13m
  8. 89. Finding Calm Amid the Chaos: The Leadership Shift Every Construction Professional Needs to Hear with Alex Prenzel

    Mar 15

    89. Finding Calm Amid the Chaos: The Leadership Shift Every Construction Professional Needs to Hear with Alex Prenzel

    In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Alex Prenzel, a construction leader and coach with more than 20 years of experience in the property and infrastructure sector. Alex shares her insights on the pressures many professionals face in high-performance environments and why the constant push to deliver more can come at a hidden personal cost. Together, they explore what it means to find calm amid the chaos and why shifting how we think about leadership may be the key to sustaining long-term success in the construction industry. Alex, known for her thoughtful leadership and focus on mindset and wellbeing, also shares personal stories from her own career journey. From navigating imposter syndrome to discovering the transformative impact of meditation, she reflects on how slowing down helped her lead with greater clarity and resilience. Whether you are an industry veteran or early in your career, this conversation will challenge you to rethink performance, pressure, and what sustainable leadership truly looks like. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: High Performance and Leadership Pressure: Why many high achievers tie their identity to their professional success.The hidden cost of “grinding it out” in high-performance industries.How capable leaders often carry silent pressure to always be the reliable one.Mindset and Sustainable Performance: How meditation helped Alex shift from constant stress to clearer thinking.Why slowing down can actually improve decision-making and creativity.The difference between working harder and expanding your leadership capacity.Identity, Self-Acceptance, and Leadership: How imposter syndrome can exist even at senior leadership levels.Why self-acceptance is a critical foundation for authentic leadership.How embracing different leadership styles strengthens teams and organizations.Practical Advice for the Boom Times Ahead: How to navigate the upcoming pipeline of work in Queensland without burning out.Why "grind it out or tap out" isn't the only choice, there's a third way.The difference between capability issues (which most high performers don't have) and capacity issues (which require a mindset shift).Key Quotes from Alex Prenzel: “If we’re going to be high performers, we need to give ourselves space to breathe. Otherwise, we’re just on a narrow track of relentless achievement.”“You can’t increase your capacity simply by working harder. You have to change how you think about the work.”“I am enough exactly the way I am. The more I accept myself, the easier it is to go out and do exciting things without being tied to the outcome.” About Our Guest: Alex Prenzel is a construction leader, consultant, and coach with over 20 years of experience in the property and infrastructure sectors. Having delivered complex projects and led large teams across the UK and Australia, Alex now works with high-performing professionals to help them navigate pressure, strengthen leadership capability, and build sustainable approaches to performance. Through coaching, meditation practices, and mindset work, she helps leaders unlock clarity, creativity, and long-term resilience in demanding industries. About Your Host: Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers. How You Can Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.Connect with Alex Prenzel on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.Stay Connected: Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.Let’s Connect: Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

    56 min
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Building Doors, hosted by Lauren Karan, is the podcast for ambitious professionals in construction, infrastructure, and engineering ready to accelerate their careers and lead with impact. Each episode explores how top industry leaders built their success and what it takes to stand out. Lauren shares practical strategies for career growth, networking, and influence, along with insights on leadership, hiring trends, and the future of the industry. You’ll hear real conversations with CEOs, project managers, and innovators shaping the built environment. Tune in every two weeks for expert guidance and inspiration—and start building doors to your future.

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