The Take Off - The Quantity Surveying Podcast

Mick Donaghy
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The Take Off is a Specialist Quantity Surveying Podcast showcasing the journey's of Quantity Surveyors Globally. Each week, your host, Mick Donaghy will interview a leading Quantity Surveying Entrepreneur or Leader within the Built Environment to share their story. Our goal is to educate, inspire and offer advice for Quantity Surveyors navigating the globally construction industry. As we all know, construction is a people business and we as people are fundamentally, imperfect. Which is part of the reason why we all love stories. The Highs, the Lows and the continued Battle to be Better.

  1. EP 173 | The realities of moving to australia as a QS

    12/14/2025

    EP 173 | The realities of moving to australia as a QS

    What’s it really like moving to Australia as a Quantity Surveyor? In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Mick breaks down the reality of relocating overseas to build a career in construction — from starting out on site and improving communication skills, to navigating different construction cultures across Europe and Australia. The episode explores the pressures of early career decisions, the value of hands-on site experience, and why mastering construction fundamentals still matters in an industry increasingly shaped by AI. Mick also reflects on working on globally significant projects, including stadium developments at FC Barcelona, and leading cost strategies within major international organisations. A candid conversation about ambition, risk, caree r patience, and what it really takes to build a sustainable Quantity Surveying career abroad. 🎧 Listen now to understand the real trade-offs behind moving overseas for work. 🏗️ Learn how we support construction professionals building international careers at 👉 www.gedonexecutive.com

    1 hr

  2. 12/07/2025

    EP 173 | Alberto Fernandez – Senior Cost Engineer at Amazon on Stadiums, AI and a Global Career in Construction

    From small family contractors in Spain…to working on the Camp Nou redevelopment for FC Barcelona…to leading cost strategy for Amazon across Europe and beyond. In this episode, We're joined by Alberto Fernandez, MRICS chartered quantity surveyor and Senior Cost Engineer at Amazon, to talk about a truly global career in construction – and how AI is about to reshape the industry. Alberto shares how early days on site with a labour–owner taught him the realities of construction, why he left Spain during the financial crisis to improve his English in Australia, and how that eventually led to roles with major contractors, FC Barcelona and now Amazon. We dive into: Growing up in Spain and “falling into” construction via a technical architect degree Early years on site: concrete on your boots, drywall, rebar and understanding the real basics How the global financial crisis forced him to reset and move to Australia Discovering quantity surveying and the RICS route later in his career Landing the role at FC Barcelona and working on Camp Nou & Johan Cruyff Stadium What it really takes to deliver complex stadium projects under huge pressure Moving into Amazon and leading cost engineering across Europe and beyond His take on AI in construction – what’s hype, what’s real and what’s coming next Why companies will need their own AI tools and “internal schools” for juniors Advice for young QSs and cost engineers entering an AI-powered industry If you’re interested in stadiums, global careers, cost engineering or AI in construction, this one is packed with insight. 👉 For more conversations like this, visit gedonexecutive.com Or Connect with Alberto

    57 min
  3. EP 172 | Joey Hidalgo – Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company on Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Estimating at Scale

    11/30/2025

    EP 172 | Joey Hidalgo – Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company on Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Estimating at Scale

    What happens when an electrical engineer, estimator, and salesperson becomes a construction tech founder? You get The Measuring Company — and one of the fastest-growing remote estimating models in Australia. In this episode, Joey Hidalgo, Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company, breaks down his journey from the Philippines to Australia, the flaws he saw in traditional estimating, and how he built a global team delivering measurement, estimating and procurement support for builders and subcontractors. Joey shares: Why most builders lose profit long before a job starts The true bottlenecks in estimating teams How offshore talent can increase accuracy — not reduce it Why AI won’t replace estimators, but estimators who use AI will win How TMC trains engineers to work at Australian standards The future of estimating, outsourcing, and construction tech A must-listen for estimators, QSs, builders and anyone shaping the future of construction operations. 👉 Explore more construction leadership insights at gedonexecutive.com

    48 min
  4. EP 171 | Joseph Stewart, Director of JS Held - A Deep Dive Into Quantum expert Work

    11/24/2025

    EP 171 | Joseph Stewart, Director of JS Held - A Deep Dive Into Quantum expert Work

    What does it really take to become a quantum expert in construction? In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Joe Stewart, Director at JS Held, shares how he went from a 16-year-old university student in Scotland to a trusted figure in dispute resolution and expert witness work. Joe breaks down: ⚖️ The real difference between QS and expert roles 📋 How adjudication and arbitration actually work in practice 🧠 Why mastering fundamentals still matters in expert work 🤖 The power — and danger — of AI in claims and analysis 📉 Why tier-one contractors are pulling back from high-risk markets Whether you’re an aspiring expert, a senior QS, or just curious how construction disputes are won and lost — this is a must-listen. 🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast 🏗️ Build your next move with gedonexecutive.com

    53 min
  5. EP 170 | Orla Kellehan - Chartered Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk on a Life as a Female QS, Mother & Leader in the Global Construction Sector

    11/16/2025

    EP 170 | Orla Kellehan - Chartered Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk on a Life as a Female QS, Mother & Leader in the Global Construction Sector

    Can you build a high-level career in construction without giving up your personal life? Orla Kellehan, Senior Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk & Son and chartered member of the SCSI and RICS, proves you can. In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Orla shares her 20-year journey through Ireland and Australia — from her early days juggling part-time study and site work, to becoming a respected voice for flexibility and inclusion in the industry. We dive into: The realities of being a woman and mother in construction How Orla negotiated a 4-day hybrid role while staying on major projects Why true equality starts with flexibility, not slogans Her advice for young women considering a career in quantity surveying And how mentorship, continuous learning, and empathy can reshape leadership in construction It’s honest, practical, and deeply relevant to anyone who believes career and life don’t have to compete. 🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast 🏗️ Build your next move at gedonexecutive.com

    56 min
  6. EP 169 | International Experience, Local Impact with Paschal Walsh Managing Director at TIMESING

    11/09/2025

    EP 169 | International Experience, Local Impact with Paschal Walsh Managing Director at TIMESING

    What if the best degree you ever took wasn’t in a classroom — but on site? Paschal Walsh, FRICS and founder of Times in Tribe, has spent three decades shaping projects and people across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and Australia. From local housing schemes to billion-pound infrastructure, his story shows how curiosity and adaptability fuel success. He shares why testing your education before you invest, building a strong network, and gaining international experience can transform your career in construction and quantity surveying. 🎧 For professionals focused on career development, RICS chartership, or leadership in construction, this episode is a must. At GEDON Executive, we connect ambitious professionals with projects that matter. 🌐 Let’s build your next move: gedonexecutive.com

    55 min
  7. EP 168 | Mastering the Fundamentals is the Real QS Superpower with Aaron Tomsett from Costplan Group

    11/02/2025

    EP 168 | Mastering the Fundamentals is the Real QS Superpower with Aaron Tomsett from Costplan Group

    What does it really take to build a lasting career in construction?Not quick moves. Not luck. Real growth comes from understanding the fundamentals — and playing the long game. In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Aaron Tomsett, Group Operations Director at Cost Plan Group, shares his journey from leaving school at 16 to leading an international construction consultancy across Australia, the UK, and Papua New Guinea. Aaron talks about: Why career patience often beats constant job-hopping How he took a pay cut to move from development to contracting — and why it paid off What schools and universities get wrong about career guidance in construction The power of mentorship and leadership awareness How understanding the core principles of quantity surveying reduces stress and errors What the construction markets in Australia, PNG, and the UK look like right now Whether you’re an aspiring quantity surveyor, a project manager looking for direction, or a senior leader shaping teams, this conversation delivers grounded insights on career progression _____ we help top-tier contractors, developers, and consultancies build teams that build the industry — connecting the right people to the right opportunities at the right time. 🚀 Ready to build what’s next?Explore how we help ambitious professionals and forward-thinking firms grow together at 👉 www.gedonexecutive.com

    50 min
  8. EP 167 | Director of Quantity Surveying at TTPP on a Life & Career in Quantity Surveying

    10/26/2025

    EP 167 | Director of Quantity Surveying at TTPP on a Life & Career in Quantity Surveying

    30+ years in the game and Alan Bertram still says the best thing you can do is go to site and ask questions. No fluff. No filters. Just honest reflections from someone who worked his way from office junior… to director. In this week’s episode, we talk: – Why analogue learning built better QSs – The truth about leadership (and why it’s more about listening than directing) – Why technology hasn't delivered on its promise – And what really makes someone promotable in today’s market “You don’t need to know everything. But you need to care. And you need to get on with people.” 🎧 Listen here: #TheTakeoffPodcast #QuantitySurveying #ConstructionCareers #LeadershipInQS #OldSchoolLearning #BuiltDifferent

    55 min
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About

The Take Off is a Specialist Quantity Surveying Podcast showcasing the journey's of Quantity Surveyors Globally. Each week, your host, Mick Donaghy will interview a leading Quantity Surveying Entrepreneur or Leader within the Built Environment to share their story. Our goal is to educate, inspire and offer advice for Quantity Surveyors navigating the globally construction industry. As we all know, construction is a people business and we as people are fundamentally, imperfect. Which is part of the reason why we all love stories. The Highs, the Lows and the continued Battle to be Better.

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