In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan chats with Luke Crouch, a former air traffic controller who made a bold leap into construction project management. Luke’s unconventional career, from managing McDonald’s to directing airspace and now leading infrastructure projects, challenges traditional ideas about how talent enters the construction industry.

He opens up about the risks of changing careers, including taking a pay cut and starting over, all in pursuit of a more fulfilling path. Luke shares how persistence, adaptability, and values-driven leadership helped him stand out in a competitive market and build a rewarding new chapter.

Once introverted, Luke has evolved into a people-focused leader, using culture as a cornerstone of team and client success. His story is a powerful example of how diverse backgrounds bring fresh thinking to the industry.

Whether you're navigating a career shift or leading a team, Luke’s insights will inspire you to rethink what's possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Career Transitions & Resilience:

• Why Luke walked away from a six-figure salary in air traffic control and how it led to a more fulfilling career.
• The “cold-calling” strategy that landed him his first role in construction and why persistence matters more than traditional resumes.
• How skills like decision-making under pressure translate across industries.

Leadership & Hiring Differently:

• Why Luke now prioritizes initiative and drive over industry experience when hiring.
• The flaws in traditional recruitment (e.g., Seek ads) and why “annoying” candidates often stand out.
• How to onboard talent from non-traditional backgrounds and foster innovation.

Industry Challenges & Cultural Shifts:

• Why construction is still slow to adopt change, and how younger generations are driving tech/AI integration.
• The surprising reality of project management: 80% people skills, 20% technical work.
• The impact of building a “just culture” where learning from failure is embraced.
• Balancing rigid contracts with client relationships and why flexibility wins long-term trust.

Personal Growth & Legacy

• How becoming a father reshaped Luke’s priorities and what he hopes to model for his son.
• The leadership philosophy he borrowed from aviation: “Just Culture” (no blame, collaborative problem-solving).
• His vision for leaving a legacy of empowerment and collaboration in construction.

Key Quotes from Luke Crouch:

• "There are times where a leader has to push because otherwise things get stuck and they stagnate. But I think most of the time you can get through if you show trust in people, and people will perform better than you realize when they're given the opportunity."
• "I wanna see people really empowered in this space. And that's something that I will continue to drive for my entire career."
•  "I'm excited for the future of technology, especially in the construction space. I think that improved efficiencies in construction are gonna be a fantastic boom for the whole industry."

About Our Guest:

Luke Crouch is a Project Manager at Flexem, bringing a unique blend of skills from air traffic control, retail management, and construction. Known for his problem-solving mindset and commitment to fostering diverse talent, Luke is helping reshape how the industry approaches hiring and leadership.

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 Luke 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! Remember: The best leaders aren’t waiting for doors to open, they’re building them.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan welcomes Domenic De Fazio, a seasoned executive whose career journey from project manager to CEO is marked by conviction, courage, and consistency. Domenic shares the raw truth about navigating leadership without compromising your values, and what happens when the traditional leadership "suit" no longer fits who you are. From making the leap into executive roles to managing board dynamics and driving a values-based culture, this is a masterclass in real-world leadership.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional rethinking your next move, this episode unpacks what it means to lead with empathy, build trust, and influence without manipulation, even in complex corporate environments.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Leadership & Organisational Culture

• Why empathy and consistency matter more than charisma in leadership
• How to build and scale culture across teams, departments, and countries
• The art of giving feedback that’s honest, not brutal

Navigating Executive Roles

• How Domenic stepped into the CEO seat while staying true to himself
• Why board dynamics are often dysfunctional, and how to lead through them
• Skills that matter most at the GM and C-suite levels

Career Development & Succession

• How visibility and risk-taking can accelerate your rise
• The difference between managing up and bringing people along
• Why being “seen” matters more than ever in hybrid workplaces

Authenticity & Personal Legacy

• The link between personal values and professional leadership
• Why authenticity creates safety, and what that looks like in practice
• How to leave a legacy that empowers others to be their best, most honest selves

Key Quotes from Domenic De Fazio:

• “If getting to the top means I have to be more of a mongrel, I’m okay not getting to the top.”
• “Sometimes people just need time to get used to ideas. You plant the seed and let it grow.”
• “There’s nothing authentic about brutality. Feedback should be empathetic and honest.”
• “If you’re not seen, you’re not seen. Visibility matters.”
• “Because they worked with me, I hope people felt they could be their true selves.”

About Our Guest:

Domenic De Fazio is a seasoned executive and former COO who has built his career on authentic leadership, strategic risk-taking, and a deep commitment to building cultures that last. With experience across project management, operations, and executive roles across Australia and New Zealand, Domenic’s story is a blueprint for leaders who want to do more than succeed; they want to lead with purpose.

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 Domenic De Fazio 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.

Thanks for listening! Leaders don’t wait for doors to open, they build them.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Harley Whaikawa, Director at Minerva Group, whose journey from the military to civil engineering and into consultancy leadership is anything but traditional. From cold calls and rejection to becoming a respected voice in fire engineering and a force on LinkedIn, Harley shares the lessons he’s learned about authenticity, leadership, and playing the long game.

Whether you’re a graduate seeking your first role or a business owner navigating the digital landscape, this conversation provides a no-fluff look into building a reputation that lasts, both online and offline.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Leadership & High Performance

• Why leading by example is non-negotiable in high-performing teams
• How Harley’s military discipline translates into running a consultancy
• Setting standards and attracting like-minded professionals

Brand & Business Development

• How Harley went from 300 LinkedIn connections to 12,000+ weekly impressions
• What actually works (and what flops) when trying to build a personal brand online
• Why human connection beats automation every time in sales and relationship-building

Career Journeys & Transition

• The real talk about leaving the military and starting over
• How rejection, cold calls, and missed expectations shaped Harley’s grit
• Why building a consultancy is not all sunshine and smooth sailing

Authenticity in a Digital World

• The power of transparency, inside your calendar, team culture, and online presence
• Why authenticity online isn’t optional anymore
• Where AI fits into the future of business (and where it really doesn’t)

Key Quotes from Harley Whaikawa:

• “You can't fake effort. People spot it a mile away.”
• “If I’m not willing to operate at a high level, how can I expect others to?”
• “LinkedIn is a two-to-three-year game. You’ve got to do it for the right reasons.”
• “People still do business with people they like and trust.”

About Our Guest:

Harley Whaikawa is Director at Minerva Group and a leader in fire engineering consultancy. A former military forward observer turned civil engineer, Harley brings structure, grit, and a human-centered approach to building businesses, teams, and client relationships. He’s also grown a vibrant, authentic presence on LinkedIn, known as much for fire engineering insights as he is for his fruit trees.

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 Harley on LinkedIn and follow Minerva Group.

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.

Thanks for listening! Remember, leaders don’t wait for an opportunity. They build it.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Jock Macfarlane, a leader in environmental and sustainability practices within the construction industry. Jock shares his insights on why Australia’s construction sector is lagging in sustainability and how technological innovation can be the key to bridging the gap.

Jock, a respected leader known for his authentic leadership style and dedication to diversity, also shares personal stories of career growth, finding balance, and the impact of becoming a father. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting your career, Jock’s story will inspire you to think differently about leadership, sustainability, and personal growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Leadership in Sustainability:

• Why Australia’s construction industry is slow to adopt sustainability practices.
• How embedding sustainability into tender processes could drive change.
• The role of technology in reducing administrative burdens and increasing efficiency.

Personal Growth and Leadership:

• How stepping back from a high-pressure career led Jock to a more balanced and purposeful life.
• Lessons on leadership and creating flexible, inclusive workplaces.
• The challenges and rewards of balancing career ambitions with family life.

Diversity and Inclusivity:

• Why fostering diversity in the workplace is more than just a numbers game.
• Jock’s approach to building a high-performing, diverse team in the construction sector.

Key Quotes from Jock Macfarlane:

• “If we don’t take action, our kids may not have a sustainable future.”
• “We need to rethink how we award contracts to encourage sustainable practices.”
• “Finding balance is about prioritizing what truly matters, both at work and at home.”

About Our Guest:

Jock Macfarlane is a passionate leader in the environmental and sustainability space within the construction industry. Known for his hands-on approach and dedication to diversity, Jock has led numerous teams to success while advocating for smarter, greener, and more inclusive industry practices. His journey from high-energy kid to national sustainability leader is a testament to the power of persistence and passion.

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 Jock on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

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.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan welcomes the remarkable Radmila Desic, a carpenter turned national changemaker and Order of Australia Medal recipient, to explore what it truly takes to reshape an industry and build a legacy that lasts.

Radmila’s story spans continents, generations, and industries, from her humble beginnings in Montenegro to becoming a leading voice for women in construction. As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, Radmila shares a bold vision: empowering women and elite athletes to build the very stadiums they’ll one day play in.

This is a raw, real, and incredibly inspiring conversation about courage, culture change, and doing the hard things, even when the world says “no.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Trailblazing in Trades:

• Rad’s journey from immigrant to industry influencer.
• What it was really like to be a female apprentice in a male-dominated trade.
• Standing up to discrimination with wit, resilience, and action.

Shifting Culture, Not Just Genders:

• Why inclusion on job sites benefits everyone, not just women.
• The Male Allies program that’s changing mindsets, one conversation at a time.
• How workplace culture impacts everything from safety to mental health.

Brisbane 2032 and the Legacy Opportunity:

• A call to action: getting women and athletes into trades to build Olympic infrastructure.
• Leveraging elite sporting pathways into parallel careers in construction.
• Why we need to target sporting clubs, not just schools, for recruitment.

Creating Systemic Change:

• Why we must rethink flexibility and work-life balance in construction.
• The case for diversity as a driver of innovation and productivity.
• What “30 percent by 2032” could mean for the future of trades.

About Our Guest:

Radmila Desic AM is a nationally recognised leader in the Australian construction sector and a fierce advocate for tradeswomen. A qualified carpenter, former elite rugby league player, and the recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, Rad is currently spearheading efforts to use the Brisbane 2032 Olympics as a launchpad for lasting change. Her work bridges the gap between sport, trades, and equity, empowering women to build the very future they’ll compete in.

Key Quotes from Radmila:

• “We’re not just building stadiums, we’re building futures.”
• “The barriers aren’t the work. The barriers are the culture.”
• “Women have been moving furniture solo for decades. We can build bridges too.”

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan is the founder of Karan & Co. and the voice behind Building Doors, where she interviews changemakers who are rewriting the rules in construction, infrastructure, and beyond. A recruiter, coach, and advocate for career empowerment, Lauren helps listeners stop waiting and start building their futures.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with leaders, recruiters, and advocates who can help open more doors.
• Follow Lauren Karan and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Join the Building Doors newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and bonus content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share your thoughts?
  Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au
  
  

Thanks for listening. It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Monica Bradley, board advisor, impact strategist, and systems thinker, to explore the radical mindset shifts needed to thrive in today’s construction and infrastructure landscape.

With a career that spans continents, industries, and boardrooms, Monica brings unmatched insight into how leaders can adapt, innovate, and build for the future, not just repeat the past. From designing buildings that can float to redefining value beyond the balance sheet, Monica’s stories are as practical as they are powerful.

This episode is for the forward-thinking professional ready to lead with clarity, courage, and curiosity. Whether you’re in construction, infrastructure, leadership or investment, you’ll walk away seeing things differently.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Leadership for a Changing World:

• Why the best leaders aren’t just managing risk, they’re rethinking it.
• The power of asking “How might we?” to unlock bold new ideas.
• What legacy really means and why your work isn’t just about profit.

Construction, Innovation & Systems Thinking

• Why modular, circular, and multi-use design is the future of infrastructure.
• The hidden cost of outdated processes and the mindset shifts that fix them.
• How innovation is already solving challenges like waste, labor shortages, and climate risk.

High-Performance Culture & Inclusion

• What most companies miss when hiring neurodiverse or unconventional talent.
• How boardrooms can embrace challenge, not avoid it, and why it matters.
• What the next generation of professionals really want and how to lead them well.

From Global Strategy to Ground-Level Impact

• What Monica learned advising sovereign wealth funds, Silicon Valley investors, and Middle Eastern Sheikhs.
• The surprising link between better design and better lives.
• Why Brisbane’s biggest opportunity isn’t a building, it’s our mindset.

About Our Guest

Monica Bradley is a powerhouse strategist, speaker, and board advisor known for challenging conventional thinking and shaping sustainable, inclusive ecosystems. She has advised high-growth startups, government, global investors and some of the most influential leaders in business. Whether she’s mentoring women founders or guiding infrastructure boards through transformation, Monica’s mission is clear: create value that lasts, and do it with purpose.

Key Quotes from Monica

• “AI won’t take your job. But if your competitor uses AI better, they will take your customer.”
• “We’re still building what’s safe instead of what’s right for the next 50 years.”
• “The real risk isn’t change, it’s building something that doesn’t belong in the future.”
• “We’ve become addicted to binary thinking. The future is about the power of ‘and’.”
• “Great businesses aren’t built on perfection, they’re built on ambition and shared value.”
• “Your legacy isn’t a title. It’s the impact you create and the mindset you leave behind.”

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with industry peers, leaders, and young professionals.
• Stay connected: Follow Lauren and Building Doors on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive insights.

Don’t Miss Out

• Listen to previous episodes here.
• Interested in being a guest or providing feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.
  
  

Thank you for tuning in! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Lana Johnston—executive HR strategist, leadership consultant, and founder of Ageing Connect—to unpack a deeply human conversation around aging workforces, career transitions, and the urgent need for intentional connection in our personal and professional lives.

With decades of experience at the crossroads of people strategy and organizational change, Lana brings fresh insight into the emotional and structural challenges facing today’s leaders, especially as the workforce ages and generational expectations shift. From the quiet grief of retirement to the sandwich generation’s struggle to do it all, this conversation is filled with warmth, wisdom, and practical takeaways.

Whether you're an HR professional, executive leader, or someone navigating aging parents and career priorities—you won’t want to miss this one.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Building Connection in a Disconnected World:

• How to turn small moments into meaningful bonds with aging loved ones.
• Why we must rethink retirement and redefine legacy.
• The overlooked cost of being task-focused in both work and life.

Career Transitions & Aging Workforces:

• Why many professionals in their 60s and 70s aren’t ready to retire—and what companies can do about it.
• The emotional and logistical rollercoaster of redundancy and restructure.
• How to recognize and repurpose your transferable skills in times of change.

Leadership, HR & Culture:

• Why caregiving should be a workplace conversation—not just a personal one.
• How mentoring across generations can drive innovation and inclusion.
• The leadership lessons we can apply at home—from delegation to ecosystem thinking.

Small Steps, Big Shifts:

• The philosophy behind Lana’s upcoming book Small Moments and Strong Bonds.
• How to live with intention in the “sandwich generation”—and why small shifts matter more than big bangs.

About Our Guest:

Lana Johnston is the founder of Ageing Connect and a powerhouse in HR strategy and leadership consulting. With over 20 years of experience across industries—from mining to banking—Lana supports individuals and organizations through change, transition, and transformation. Her latest work shines a spotlight on aging workforces and the human side of leadership. Lana’s mission? To reimagine connection at work and at home—and to help people avoid regrets by making time for what matters most.

Key Quotes from Lana:

• "Small steps create shifts. There’s rarely one big thing that fixes everything—impact comes from the accumulation of moments."
• "We tend to go tactical with aging parents, and the connection gets lost. That’s what we regret later."
• "Your network is still the most powerful tool you have—especially during career transitions."

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is a recruitment leader and development coach passionate about helping professionals unlock their potential. Through this podcast, she shares powerful conversations that empower you to stop waiting and start building the future you want.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with industry peers, leaders, and young professionals.
• Stay connected: Follow Lauren and Building Doors on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive insights.

Don’t Miss Out

• Listen to previous episodes here.
• Interested in being a guest or providing feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.
  
  

Thank you for tuning in! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.

In this episode of The Building Doors Podcast, host Lauren Karan sits down with Carina Nixon, an engineer and sustainability advocate, to discuss the future of engineering, the changing workforce, and why knowledge transfer is critical to success in construction.

With a background spanning renewable energy, hydrogen technology, and supply chain decarbonization, Carina is a passionate leader who believes that younger generations hold the key to industry transformation.

She’s also tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: How do we ensure a smooth transition between an aging workforce and the next generation of engineers, project managers, and construction professionals?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Changing Workforce & Industry Evolution:

• Why five generations in the workforce create both challenges and opportunities.
• How Gen Z learns differently—and why that’s reshaping knowledge transfer.
• What companies must do to retain young talent in a competitive market.

Sustainability & Innovation in Construction:

• How supply chains are evolving for a greener future.
• The role of renewables, hydrogen energy, and decarbonization in the industry.
• Why small-scale projects might be the key to long-term success.

The Role of Technology & AI:

• How artificial intelligence is changing the way young engineers work.
• The risk of over-reliance on automation—and what that means for learning.
• Why human oversight in AI-driven decision-making is crucial for safety and innovation.

Bridging the Generation Gap in Leadership:

• Why Gen Z values purpose, flexibility, and innovation in their careers.
• How mentorship and knowledge sharing will shape the next era of construction.
• The case for giving young leaders a voice at the boardroom table.

About Our Guest

Carina Nixon is an engineer, sustainability leader, and former CEO of Youth Without Borders. She has worked extensively in renewable energy, decarbonization, and future-focused engineering solutions.

Carina is a strong advocate for bridging the gap between older generations and Gen Z, ensuring that the construction and engineering industries retain knowledge while embracing innovation.

A world champion in whitewater rafting, she brings the same fearless, strategic mindset to her career, helping to reshape industries and push boundaries in sustainable engineering.

Key Quotes from Carina Nixon

• “Gen Z doesn’t just want a job. We want a career that aligns with our values and makes an impact.”
• “If we don’t rethink how we pass down knowledge, we risk losing decades of expertise as our workforce retires.”
• “The best way to future-proof the industry is to invest in smaller projects where young engineers can fail, learn, and innovate.”
• “AI isn’t replacing senior engineers—it’s replacing young engineers who are still learning. That’s a huge risk.”

About Your Host

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of The Building Doors Podcast, is a recruiter and development coach passionate about helping professionals unlock their potential. Through this podcast, Lauren shares real stories and actionable insights to empower listeners to create opportunities 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 industry peers, leaders, and young professionals.
• Stay connected: Follow Lauren and Building Doors on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive insights.

Don’t Miss Out

• Listen to previous episodes here.
• Interested in being a guest or providing feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.
  
  

Thank you for tuning in! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.