Site Story

Colin Tomlinson
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The People, Skills and Strategies that Bring Projects to Life. Site Story is where construction meets conversation. This podcast takes you beyond the technical plans and into the minds of the people behind them. Each episode dives into the diverse roles and relationships that make projects succeed—unpacking the blueprints of leadership, collaboration and craftsmanship that shape the industry. We explore the essential contributions of every role on a construction project and bridge the gap between the technical and the human side of construction.

  1. Jul 23

    Stop Measuring Activity and Start Measuring Value with James Harrison

    What happens when an organisation launches an ambitious transformation but nobody agrees on the outcome, the priorities or their individual role in delivering it? In this episode of Site Story, Colin Tomlinson speaks with James Harrison, a transformation executive working across BT’s group and international agendas. Drawing on experience from the military, construction, the London 2012 Olympics and major corporate transformationprogrammes, James explains why successful change depends on far more than a plan, a governance structure or an impressive presentation. For James, transformation begins with clarity: clarity about the future state, the value being created, the resourcesrequired and the part each person must play. In This Episode: What separates genuine transformation from an ordinary project or business-as-usual activityWhy organisations must measure the value created rather than the activity completedHow training, culture and engagement programmes can fail to demonstrate a meaningful returnWhy transformation cannot be treated as a secondary responsibilityHow competing objectives and incentives undermine deliveryThe importance of aligning personal, departmental and organisational prioritiesWhy preparation and planning are never wasted effortHow military planning principles can improve civilian transformation programmesWhy assumptions need to be identified, tested and managed centrallyHow rich pictures can make complex programmes easier to understandWhy a single image can sometimes communicate more effectively than a 30-slide presentationHow AI tools can challenge thinking, expose gaps and act as a force multiplierWhy leaders should use AI to strengthen emerging talent rather than remove junior rolesThe difference between management and leadership during periods of changeHow to identify and resolve resistance before it becomes a serious delivery problemWhy senior sponsors must dedicate visible time, attention and resources to transformation The conversation is a practical reminder that transformation succeeds when leaders make the destination clear, connectactivity to value and give people the capacity to deliver.About James HarrisonJames Harrison is a transformation executive working across BT’s group and international portfolios. His role involves connecting strategic priorities, supporting senior leaders and helping transformation programmes move from intention into measurable execution. James brings experience from the military, construction and complex international transformation environments. His work focuses on leadership, clarity, governance, value realisation and the practical conditions required to deliver sustainable change. You can connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-harrison-transformation-value/Tools and Ideas Mentioned Rich picturesMicrosoft CopilotClaudeChatGPTBenefits realisationValue-based transformationTarget operating modelsProgramme and transformation managementofficesMilitary planning principlesAssumptions, risks and dependenciesThe London 2012 Olympic programme About Us 150CLD helps construction project teams improve planning, leadership, communication and delivery, particularly where misalignment, rework or pressure is affecting performance. Explore training and leadership development at 150cld.co.uk.

    Stop Measuring Activity and Start Measuring Value with James Harrison

  2. Jul 16

    The Career Habits That Make Leaders Lucky with Mark Thurston

    What does it take to move from carrying a toolkit on the London Underground to leading some of Britain’s most complex and closely scrutinised infrastructure organisations? In this episode of Site Story, Colin Tomlinson speaks with Mark Thurston, Chief Executive Officer of Anglian Water and one of the UK infrastructure sector’s most experienced leaders. Mark began his career as a 16-year-old technical apprentice before progressing through engineering, project management and executive leadership. His career has included senior roles connected with the London 2012 Olympic Games, Crossrail, CH2M and HS2. Today, he is helping Anglian Water navigate a period of significant infrastructure investment, technological change and regulatory reform. This is an honest conversation about how careers actually develop, through strong foundations, trusted relationships, thoughtful risks and the confidence to step forward before you feel completely ready. Why Mark chose an apprenticeship rather than universityThe habits he developed while working as a young technicianWhy conscientiousness can be more valuable than academic brillianceHow mentors and role models shaped Mark’s early careerWhy every professional needs support beyond their line managerWhat reverse mentoring can teach experienced executivesHow personal networks create unexpected career opportunitiesWhy the London 2012 Olympic programme succeeded where other major projects struggleThe difference between overt ambition and quiet self-beliefHow to become comfortable wearing the “cloak” of leadershipWhat project managers should consider before stepping into bigger rolesWhy senior leadership can become lonely and why Mark still works with an executive coachHow professionals can build a personal reputation without becoming self-promotionalThe role of technology, talent and infrastructure investment in Anglian Water’s futureWhy leaders must manage today’s performance while preparing an organisation for a future they may never personally oversee Mark’s story is a reminder that extraordinary careers are often built from ordinary disciplines practised consistently over many years. Resources: Mark Thurston is an engineer and infrastructure leader with more than 30 years of experience. Before joining Anglian Water, he served as European Managing Director of CH2M and worked on major programmes including the London 2012 Olympics and Crossrail. From March 2017 to September 2023, he was Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd. Mark became Chief Executive Officer of Anglian Water in 2024. The organisation provides water and water recycling services to almost seven million people across the East of England and Hartlepool. Connect with Mark Mark Thurston’s official Anglian Water biography and the Anglian Water Group leadership page: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/corporate/about-us/about-anglian-water/group-structure/our-board/mark-thurston Follow Mark Thurston on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/markthurston Organisations Mentioned — London Underground apprenticeship programme— London 2012 Olympic Games— Crossrail— CH2M— HS2— Anglian Water— UCL Infrastructure MBA— Executive coaching and reverse mentoring Develop Your Construction Leaders Explore practical project management and construction leadership development with Colin Tomlinson and 150CLD. Its training focuses on helping construction professionals think clearly, lead confidently and improve project performance.

    The Career Habits That Make Leaders Lucky with Mark Thurston

  3. Jul 14

    Curiousity is a Superpower with Alina Lixandru

    Do you assume that spending more time with people automatically builds trust and stronger working relationships? What if the real challenge is learning how to understand people before trying to influence them? In this episode of Site Story, host Colin Tomlinson sits down with Alina Lixandru, Associate Director for Complex Projects at Atkins, to explore the role of communication, trust, collaboration and leadership in major infrastructure projects. Drawing on her experience working across cultures, clients and complex programmes, Alina shares practical insights into building relationships that deliver results. In this episode, we cover: Why trust became even more important during and after the pandemicThe lessons learned from managing relationships in a hybrid working worldHow communication differs across cultures, clients and organisationsWhy speaking up is the first step towards becoming a better communicatorThe importance of understanding a client's challenges before proposing solutionsWhy one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work in complex projectsHow genuine curiosity helps create stronger professional relationshipsThe role of adaptability in consultancy and project leadershipPractical ways to establish trust quickly with new stakeholdersWhy successful collaboration starts with understanding people's motivations A thoughtful conversation packed with practical leadership lessons for anyone managing clients, teams or complex projects.

    Curiousity is a Superpower with Alina Lixandru

  4. Jun 25

    Stop Telling Men To Talk About Mental Health

    What if the reason many men struggle to open up about mental health is because we're asking them in the wrong way? In this episode, host Colin Tomlinson speaks with Anthony Hutton, founder of the Never Throw In The Towel project, former Big Brother winner, barber, keynote speaker, and mental health advocate. Anthony shares how his own experiences with fame, adversity, and personal challenges inspired him to create practical, male-focused approaches to mental wellbeing. In this episode: Why traditional mental health campaigns often fail to engage menHow a barber chair can become a safe space for life-changing conversationsThe power of storytelling in creating trust and connectionSimple breathwork techniques to manage stress and anxietyWhy walking side-by-side often leads to deeper conversationsThe importance of environment, community, and daily habits for mental wellbeingPractical advice for leaders wanting to support mental health within their teamsThe story behind the Never Throw In The Towel movement and its growing impact A powerful conversation about resilience, vulnerability, leadership, and creating spaces where people feel safe enough to ask for help.

    Stop Telling Men To Talk About Mental Health

  5. May 21

    Returning to Work After Maternity

    What happens when a decade away from the workplace becomes your greatest leadership advantage? In this episode of Site Story, Colin Tomlinson sits down with Rachel Tomkins to explore her journey from the military to motherhood, and then back into the infrastructure industry through one of the UK’s first construction returnship programmes at Tideway. Rachel shares how transferable skills, curiosity, leadership and resilience helped her rebuild a meaningful career after a 10-year career break — and why the industry is missing out if it overlooks people returning to work. In this episode, we cover: Why returnship programmes can unlock hidden talent in infrastructure and engineeringHow Rachel transitioned from the Royal Engineers into major projectsThe reality of confidence, childcare and commuting after a long career breakWhy soft skills and leadership matter just as much as technical expertiseThe importance of mentoring and supportive workplace culturesWhat employers should look for beyond CVs and qualificationsWhy infrastructure projects offer a strong sense of purpose and fulfilmentHow diverse career experiences can strengthen project teamsLessons from Tideway’s pioneering returnship programmeWhy “taking the risk” on people often delivers the best long-term resultsA powerful conversation about careers, confidence, leadership and creating opportunities for people who thought their professional chapter had closed.

    Returning to Work After Maternity

  6. May 7

    Unlocking Mega Project Success

    What really causes billion-pound projects to fail - poor execution or poor leadership? In this episode of Site Story, Colin Tomlinson sits down with Tim McManus, a global authority on mega project delivery, to explore what truly drives success in the world’s most complex builds. From nuclear power plants to leading the delivery of the New England Patriots stadium, Tim shares practical insights from decades at the sharp end of construction, and why so many projects are set up to fail before they even begin. You’ll discover why the planning phase is often rushed (and the cost of that mistake), how treating a project like a business changes decision-making, and why collaboration, not competition, is the real key to delivering results. Tim also breaks down the four leadership mindsets every project leader must adopt, alongside the growing importance of digital transformation and developing the next generation of leaders in an industry under pressure. If you’re involved in major projects, or aspiring to step up, this episode offers a clear, honest perspective on what needs to change.

    Unlocking Mega Project Success

  7. Apr 23

    Design Doesn’t Come With A Playbook, and That’s The Job

    Ever worked on a project where the design keeps evolving, and wondered why there isn’t a clearer plan from the start?This episode brings a more honest perspective to that question. Colin Tomlinson sits down with Claire Dioszegi to explore what design work actually looks like in practice, especially in complex projects where not everything is known upfront. Because the reality is, design doesn’t always come fully formed. It develops over time. And the people managing it are often learning, adapting, and making decisions as things unfold. It's important to remember that’s not a flaw in the system, it is the system.  They talked about: Why not all design work starts with a complete plan, and why that’s expected How people grow into design management roles through experience What “figuring it out as you go” actually looks like in real projects The balance between moving forward and refining design at the same time Why evolving designs aren’t a sign something’s wrong How better understanding this process improves collaboration for everyone Whether you work alongside design teams or within one, this conversation offers a clearer lens on what’s really happening behind the scenes. It's a practical conversation that normalises the reality of design, and helps teams work with it, not against it. Resources About the Guest Claire Dioszegi is a design project management expert with experience across complex infrastructure projects, known for her practical approach to navigating evolving designs and real-world delivery challenges. Connect with her on LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/claire-dioszegi-mba-ceng-fice-2069b425

    Design Doesn’t Come With A Playbook, and That’s The Job

  8. Apr 16

    Before You Buy Software, Answer This First

    Are you about to invest in new software… but not 100% clear on the problem you're solving? In this episode of Site Story, Colin Tomlinson sits down with James Dixon to unpack a common (and costly) mistake across construction and project delivery: buying technology before truly understanding the need. With over a decade of experience across tier one contractors, SMEs, and client-side roles, James shares why even the best platforms fail... and what leaders should be doing first. More importantly than tools, this conversation is about clarity, culture, and making better decisions before the investment is made. In this episode, we cover: Why most software fails before it’s even implemented What a “tech stack” actually means (without the jargon) The hidden cost of duplication and rekeying data across systems Why “show, don’t tell” should guide every software decision How unclear processes lead to poor tech outcomes The role of leadership in driving successful adoption Why fear of failure and culture matter more than the platform itself How to bring visibility and structure into the design phase Practical ways project managers can challenge and improve systems Why starting with the problem—not the software—is the only way to succeed If you’re considering new tools, platforms, or digital solutions, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Because the wrong question isn’t “what software should we buy?”, it’s “what problem are we solving?” 🔗 About The Guest: James Dixon is a construction technology and process improvement specialist with experience across design, delivery, and client-side environments. He works with organisations to connect their systems, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure technology genuinely supports project delivery. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dixon-mciob-63a22023/ Resources Mentioned – Common Data Environments (CDEs) – Workflow mapping and process design – Digital construction tools and system integration Want to make better decisions before your next tech investment? 👉 Discover how we help leaders and project teams improve performance at 150CLD—explore our training and resources today.

    Before You Buy Software, Answer This First
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About

The People, Skills and Strategies that Bring Projects to Life. Site Story is where construction meets conversation. This podcast takes you beyond the technical plans and into the minds of the people behind them. Each episode dives into the diverse roles and relationships that make projects succeed—unpacking the blueprints of leadership, collaboration and craftsmanship that shape the industry. We explore the essential contributions of every role on a construction project and bridge the gap between the technical and the human side of construction.

Information

  • Creator
    Colin Tomlinson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Colin Tomlinson
  • Show Website
    Site Story