Constructive Talk

Symal Group

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Constructive Talk — a podcast by Symal, sparking conversations that build more than just projects. Join us as we explore the people, culture, wellbeing, and innovation shaping the future of construction. Because the way we work together today builds the success of tomorrow.

1 juin

All In: Learning, Listening and the Role We All Play in Reconciliation

In this special National Reconciliation Week episode of Constructive Talk, Wamarra Managing Director and proud Wiradjuri man Hayden Heta sits down with Symal Group team members to explore the impact of cultural awareness training and the role each of us can play in advancing reconciliation. The conversation reflects on the importance of understanding Australia's shared history, challenging assumptions, and creating space for meaningful learning and discussion. Team members share their personal experiences from participating in cultural awareness training, including the moments that challenged their perspectives, deepened their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and inspired conversations beyond the workplace. From recognising the realities of past and present injustices, to understanding the importance of cultural safety, inclusion and respect, the discussion highlights how reconciliation is not the responsibility of one person, team or organisation. It is a collective effort that requires curiosity, empathy, action and a willingness to keep learning. The episode also explores the broader impact businesses can have within the communities in which they operate, and why authentic engagement matters more than simply meeting obligations or ticking boxes. Aligned with this year's National Reconciliation Week theme, All In, the conversation serves as a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing journey. Every conversation, every action and every commitment to understanding contributes to a stronger, more inclusive future for all Australians. Whether you're just beginning your reconciliation journey or continuing to build on what you've learned, this episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the power of listening, learning and being part of the conversation.

16 min
23 avr.

Doug Baird OAM: Service, Sacrifice & Legacy - The Story of Cameron Baird VC MG

This special episode of Constructive Talk is a deeply personal and powerful conversation marking the significance of Anzac Day. We speak with with Doug Baird OAM, father of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, to reflect on a life defined by humility, determination, and an unwavering commitment to others. From a talented young athlete with dreams of AFL, to an elite soldier in the Australian Army, Cameron’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. Doug shares stories of Cameron’s early years, his relentless drive to overcome setbacks, and the qualities that made him not just a decorated soldier, but a respected leader and mate. The conversation also explores the reality behind the medals: the courage, the split-second decisions and ultimately, the sacrifice that led to Cameron being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. More than a story of one individual, this episode is a reflection on service, mateship, and the enduring impact of those who serve and the families who carry their legacy forward. As Anzac Day approaches, this episode serves as a reminder that behind every act of service is a person, a family and a story worth remembering. Lest we forget Cameron's military profile, including the citations for his Medal of Gallantry and Victoria Cross, can be found on the Australian Army website > Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG | Australian Army

43 min
4 mars

Alison Laing: Give to Gain – Leadership, growth and backing women in construction

In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Alison Laing, Symal’s Chief People and Culture Officer, for an honest conversation about leadership, growth and supporting women in construction. Joining Symal at a pivotal stage of its growth journey, Alison shares how she sees her role at its core: building capability and managing risk, while protecting the culture and generosity that make the business special. Drawing on her experience in large listed organisations, including Coles, she talks about balancing governance and structure with agility and humanity as organisations scale. Alison reflects on a defining piece of career advice — “sometimes you’ve just got to close your eyes and jump” — and how saying yes to stretch opportunities shaped her leadership. She also speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, often being the only woman at the leadership table, and the importance of mentors, allies and asking for support. Aligned to International Women's Day and the 2026 theme “Give to Gain,” the conversation explores what meaningful support for women really looks like in practice. It’s not just policies or programs, it’s listening, inviting quieter voices into the room, acting on feedback and creating space for people to thrive. Practical, thoughtful and optimistic, this episode is a reminder that when we invest in people, with time, trust and opportunity, we all gain stronger teams and a more inclusive future.

22 min
11/12/2025

George Markelis, Amy O’Neill & Michael Roberts: Beyond the rush — Safety, focus and finishing the year strong

As we head into the busiest period of the year, safety matters more than ever. In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll is joined by George Markelis, Amy O’Neill, and Michael Roberts to talk about what makes the end of year so challenging on site — and what we can all do to stay focused. The team explores the pressures that come with the end of the year: tighter programs, fatigue, changing plans, inclement weather and the distractions that naturally come with the festive season. They share what we’re seeing across the industry right now, why some incidents hit harder at this time of year, and how the external environment, including live traffic and community impacts, adds another layer of complexity for our teams. You’ll hear practical, straight-to-the-point advice on how leaders and crews can support each other, the importance of speaking up, and the small actions that make the biggest difference. From planning and risk awareness to being present on site and backing each other in, it’s all about keeping the basics front of mind. This conversation is all about finishing the year safely, staying connected, and looking out for our mates, so everyone gets home for the break ahead.

40 min
10/11/2025

Joe Piasecki: Beyond the uniform - Veterans, Defence and the meaning of Remembrance Day

Daniel Carroll sits down with former submariner and social procurement advocate Joe Piasecki, alongside Symal Group Defence Manager Rhys Hannan, for a timely and grounded conversation ahead of Remembrance Day. Together they unpack what the day truly means, why veterans need recognition all year round and not just on 11 November, and how Symal is building stronger pathways to support contemporary veterans in the workplace. From Joe’s candid journey from Navy life to social procurement, to Rhys’ insight into Australia’s evolving Defence infrastructure landscape, this episode explores service, sacrifice, family impact and the power of meaningful employment. It’s an honest, thoughtful discussion that invites listeners to pause, reflect and consider the people whose experiences have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

54 min
22/10/2025

Sarah Tozer: Building balance - Leadership, pressure and wellbeing

In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Sarah Tozer, General Manager VIC/TAS/SA Building at John Holland, to talk about leadership, resilience, and the emotional reality of working in one of Australia’s toughest industries. From her early years as one of the few women on site to leading some of the country’s most complex infrastructure projects, Sarah shares an honest look at what it takes to build a career — and a life — in construction. She reflects on burnout, boundaries, and how learning to “press pause” became one of her most important leadership lessons. Sarah and Daniel dig into the emotional rhythm of major projects — from the excitement of the final stretch to the exhaustion and despair that often hit before the finish line. Sarah explains why acknowledging those emotions, naming them, and talking about them openly can transform how teams work together and support one another. The conversation also explores how small moments of connection — shared lunches, morning toolbox chats, a site barbecue — can make a big difference in managing stress and building culture. Sarah shares practical ways leaders can embed rest, recovery, and empathy into project life, and why sometimes the best thing a manager can say is, “Take a break — we’ve got you.” ---------- Resources: If this conversation brings up anything for you or someoneyou know, support is available. MATES in Construction — 1300 642 111 Lifeline — 13 11 14 Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 📖 Sarah’s book recommendation: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

45 min
17/10/2025

Joe Williams: The Enemy Within - Turning pain into purpose

In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Joe Williams — former NRL player, champion boxer and founder of The Enemy Within — for an honest and powerful conversation about mental health, resilience and the journey to self-discovery. From growing up as a young footy prodigy in Wagga to navigating the pressures of professional sport, Joe shares the lessons learned from his highs and lows — and how he found purpose beyond the game. After surviving his own mental health battles and a suicide attempt in 2012, Joe turned his pain into purpose, creating The Enemy Within to help others do the same. In this candid discussion, Joe opens up about the importance of facing discomfort, the healing power of connection, and how small “one percenters” — like moving your body, eating well, and surrounding yourself with good people — can make a life-changing difference. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t just about what we build on site or on the field — it’s about how we look after ourselves and each other. If this conversation raises any concerns for you, or if you need support, please reach out to: Lifeline — 13 11 14 Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636

45 min
15/10/2025

Ed Ross: More than a shirt - How TradeMutt is changing the conversation on site

In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Ed Ross, co-founder of TradeMutt and TIACS, to talk about mateship, mental health, and how two tradies from rural Queensland are reshaping the way our industry connects. From growing up in outback Queensland to launching a movement that’s helping thousands of workers open up about mental health, Ed shares the journey behind TradeMutt — the bold, conversation-starting workwear brand that’s turning shirts into life-saving tools. What began as a tribute to a mate lost too soon has become a national movement, funding free counselling through TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter). Together, they’ve created a powerful loop — where every shirt sold helps another tradie, truckie or farmer get the help they need. Ed and Daniel dig into everything from the importance of mateship and connection, to breaking the “blokes don’t talk” myth, to practical ways leaders and teams can build a culture where checking in is just part of the job. ---------- Resources and links If today’s conversation brought something up for you or someone you know, support is available: TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) — Free, confidential counselling for tradies, truckies, farmers and their loved ones. Call or text 0488 846 988 (Mon–Fri, 8am–10pm AEST). TradeMutt — trademutt.com Watch Dan Allen’s TED Talk — “Changing the face of mental health, one work shirt at a time.” Need to talk now? TIACS: 0488 846 988Incolink Counselling: 1300 000 129Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 📖 Ed's book recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear

33 min
08/10/2025

Erik Locke: Breaking the silence - Why mental health matters in construction

In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Erik Locke, CEO of Incolink, to explore one of the toughest conversations in our industry — mental health. Construction is an industry built on strength, endurance and teamwork — but behind the hard hats, many workers are struggling in silence. With suicide rates nearly twice the national male average, it’s time to talk openly about what’s really going on. Erik shares how Incolink is leading change through programs like Blue Hats, Drop the Act, and onsite counselling — all designed to break stigma, build peer support and save lives. From practical mental health advice to cultural change on site, this conversation goes beyond awareness — it’s about action. Tune in to hear why mental health matters as much as physical safety, and how each of us can play a role in supporting our mates. ---------- Resources and links If today’s conversation brought something up for you or someone you know, there’s support available: Incolink Blue Hats Program Peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health support for construction workers.Drop the Act Incolink’s campaign encouraging workers to stop pretending everything’s okay and start a real conversation.Incolink Wellbeing & Support Services Free, confidential counselling and onsite support for construction industry workers. Need to talk now? Incolink Counselling: 1300 000 129Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 You can also learn more about 'Feeling Good' by David Burns here 👉 Feeling Good | The website of David D. Burns, MD You owe it to yourself to Feel Good!

36 min

9 épisodes

Constructive Talk — a podcast by Symal, sparking conversations that build more than just projects. Join us as we explore the people, culture, wellbeing, and innovation shaping the future of construction. Because the way we work together today builds the success of tomorrow.

Création

Symal Group
Années d’activité

2025 - 2026
Épisodes

9
Classification

Contenu explicite
Copyright

© Symal Group
Site web de l’émission

Constructive Talk

Affaires

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