Built From Within: a Mission Critical Podcast

Chris Brookes
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Hosted by Chris Brookes, CEO of Pentagon Technical Services, Built From Within is where leadership, pressure, and performance collide. From global data centers to critical infrastructure, each episode uncovers the mindset, resilience, and real-life experiences behind the people delivering some of the world’s most demanding projects. Raw conversations. Hard-earned lessons. Real leaders Built From Within.

Episodes

  1. Jul 2

    Ep: 7 Marynet Bassily on Leadership, Procurement & Purpose

    In this episode of Built Form Within, Marynet Bassily shares her journey from construction engineering into the fast-growing data center industry, revealing how transferable skills, meaningful relationships, and a service-first approach to leadership have shaped every stage of her career. Together, we explore the role of procurement beyond contracts, the importance of trust and fairness in business, and what it really takes to build successful teams and lasting partnerships. Marynet also reflects on launching Mission Procure, NexConnect Hub, and She Speaks, the value of mentorship, and why creating opportunities for the next generation has become a core part of her mission. The conversation also dives into diversity, the industry's growing talent shortage, the impact of AI, and the exciting future of mission-critical infrastructure. Whether you work in construction, procurement, engineering, or data centers, this episode offers practical leadership insights and an inspiring perspective on building a career with purpose.

  2. Jun 18

    Ep: 5 : From Semi-Pro Football to Project Leadership: Lee Soar’s Journey of Risk and Resilience

    What happens when the dream you've built your life around suddenly disappears? In this episode, Lee Soar shares his remarkable journey from semi-professional football and failed trials to leading some of the world's most complex construction projects. After career-ending injuries forced him to rethink his future, Lee transformed adversity into opportunity, developing the resilience, leadership mindset, and determination that now define his success. From his early days as an electrician in Nottingham to managing high-pressure, mission-critical projects across the Middle East and beyond, Lee reveals the lessons learned from taking risks, embracing setbacks, and leading through uncertainty. In this conversation, you'll discover: • How leaving a secure career to pursue football shaped Lee's approach to risk, resilience, and growth • The realities of working on large-scale construction projects and the impact they can have on mental and physical wellbeing • Leadership strategies for building trust, managing high-performing teams, and creating strong workplace cultures • Why unrealistic project timelines are one of the industry's biggest challenges—and how leaders can drive change • Practical advice for young professionals on taking calculated risks, learning from failure, and prioritizing long-term health and success Lee also opens up about personal health challenges, the importance of honest communication, and why great leadership starts with genuinely caring about people. His insights on resilience, mental health, innovation, and the future of construction offer valuable lessons for anyone facing difficult decisions or navigating change. Whether you're an aspiring leader, project manager, entrepreneur, or simply someone searching for the confidence to take the next step, this episode is a masterclass in turning setbacks into strength and pressure into performance. Lee Soar is a senior project leader with extensive international experience in construction management, known for delivering complex projects while building resilient teams, strong cultures, and lasting impact.

  3. May 28

    Ep:2 The Humble Beginnings and Global Success Story of a Data Center Expert

    What does it really take to lead under pressure? In this episode of Built From Within, Stephen Moss shares his journey from a small island in Scotland to leading some of the world’s largest hyperscale data center and infrastructure projects. From Birmingham New Street Station to billion-dollar programs across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Stephen opens up about leadership, resilience, burnout, mental health, and the human side of construction. He shares powerful lessons on earning trust, leading multicultural teams, handling relentless pressure, and why empathy and communication are just as critical as technical expertise. This conversation dives into the realities of high-pressure project environments, the hidden cost of unrealistic deadlines, and how strong leadership can transform team culture and performance. Stephen also reflects on personal setbacks, continuous learning, and the mindset required to succeed in one of the world’s most demanding industries. A must listen for project leaders, construction professionals, and anyone interested in leadership, performance, and building great teams under pressure.

  4. May 21

    Ep:1 From Boy Soldier to Executive Leader

    Welcome to Built From Within: The mission critical podcast where we go beyond concrete, steel, and services to explore the people shaping the built environment. In each episode, we sit down with leaders, thinkers, and game changers to uncover what drives resilience, leadership, and personal growth.​ Today’s guest has an extraordinary story. From boy soldier to executive leader, with over 27 years of global experience in the mission-critical sector, we’re diving into what it takes to lead under pressure and what truly builds strength from within.​

  • 4 Episodes

About

Hosted by Chris Brookes, CEO of Pentagon Technical Services, Built From Within is where leadership, pressure, and performance collide. From global data centers to critical infrastructure, each episode uncovers the mindset, resilience, and real-life experiences behind the people delivering some of the world’s most demanding projects. Raw conversations. Hard-earned lessons. Real leaders Built From Within.

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