In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Nick Mair, founder of Pack Mentality Group and a rising voice for men’s mental health across construction, mining, and FIFO workforces. Nick opens up about his near-fatal mental health crisis, the moment Lifeline saved his life, and how that experience inspired him to build a movement centered around community, connection, and giving men a safe space to speak without judgment.
Nick unpacks the hidden struggles workers face in high-pressure, male-dominated industries, from isolation and fatigue to identity shifts and societal expectations. Whether you lead teams, work onsite, or simply care about the well-being of people around you, this conversation will challenge you to rethink strength, connection, and what it means to show up for each other.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The Truth About Men’s Mental Health:
Inside the FIFO and Construction Reality:
Building Pack Mentality Group & The Power of the Pack:
Connection, Identity & Living Your Values
Key Quotes from Nick Mair:
About Our Guest:
Nick Mair is the founder of Pack Mentality Group, an organization dedicated to smashing the stigma around men's mental health. Through workplace sessions, Mental Health First Aid training, and community groups like the Palmy Army, Nick provides education, awareness, and safe spaces for men to be seen and heard. His mission is fueled by his own lived experience and a passion for ensuring no one feels as alone as he once did.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Ryza Garbacz, the second-generation Managing Director of NEACH, a leading Australian steel fabrication and manufacturing company. From humble beginnings in a small Noosa workshop, NEACH has evolved into a powerhouse supplier for some of the nation’s most complex infrastructure projects, championing regional capability and sovereign manufacturing.
Ryza shares his journey from sweeping floors in his family’s factory to managing major tier-one projects across Australia, before returning to transform his family’s 50-year-old business. He reflects on lessons in leadership, authenticity, and the power of building loyalty through developing homegrown talent.
The conversation explores data-driven decision-making, transparent communication, and creating a culture that thrives through change. Ryza also unpacks the resurgence of trades, the transition ahead for Australian manufacturing, and the importance of sustainable growth. He leaves listeners with an inspiring message about legacy, purpose, and building a business that endures beyond yourself.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Leadership and Legacy:
Career Growth and Authentic Leadership:
Building and Retaining Talent:
Data, Decisions, and Sustainable Growth:
Resilience, Balance, and Happiness
Key Quotes from Ryza Garbacz
About Our Guest:
Ryza Garbacz is the Managing Director of NEACH, a second-generation Australian manufacturing company based on the Sunshine Coast. With a background in civil engineering and a decade working on major infrastructure projects across the country, Ryza brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, commercial acumen, and deep commitment to regional manufacturing. Under his leadership, NEACH has become a trusted partner in sovereign supply and sustainable growth across Australia’s construction sector.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Paul Rojas, a commercial litigation lawyer and founder of ConstructSupport Australia. Paul pulls back the curtain on the silent crisis gripping the construction industry: record-high insolvencies. With years of experience working with builders, liquidators, and directors in the midst of legal storms, Paul provides a stark look at the realities of cash flow strain, contract breaches, and the domino effect that can topple even established companies.
Paul shares hard-won wisdom on why proactive legal counsel is not an expense, but a critical investment in your business's survival. He demystifies complex contract clauses, reveals the common pitfalls that sink SMEs, and outlines the practical steps every construction business owner must take to shield themselves from financial collapse. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a new subcontractor, this episode is an essential guide to building a more resilient and legally sound business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Insolvency and Risk in Construction:
Contracts and Legal Protection:
Business Growth and Leadership:
Resilience and Legacy:
Key Quotes from Paul Rojas
About Our Guest:
Paul Rojas is a commercial litigation lawyer and founder of RCR Lawyers, ConstructSupport Australia, and a national debt collection company. With more than 20 years of experience across construction, insolvency, and commercial law, Paul has helped countless businesses navigate disputes, avoid collapse, and rebuild stronger. Passionate about making legal support more accessible, he is now pioneering a subscription-based legal model for SMEs in the building industry.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, whose story is one of resilience, innovation, and leadership in an ever-evolving construction industry.
Scott shares how he built his company from the ground up, navigated economic downturns, and even doubled in size during COVID, proving that adaptability is the ultimate advantage. He and Lauren dig into how AI and design automation are transforming civil engineering, cutting project timelines in half while freeing teams to focus on creativity and problem-solving.
They also explore the realities of leadership, how to protect culture as you grow, hire the right people, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. From tackling labor shortages to reimagining the government’s role in driving productivity, this episode is packed with fresh insights and inspiration for leaders ready to embrace change and keep building, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Resilience and Leadership:
AI and the Future of Engineering:
Culture and People:
Industry Insights and Government’s Role:
Personal Lessons and Balance:
Key Quotes from Scott Clements
About Our Guest
Scott Clements is the Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a leading civil engineering consultancy known for embracing innovation and sustainability. With over 20 years of experience, Scott has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader who integrates technology, creativity, and culture to deliver impactful engineering solutions. From pioneering AI partnerships to mentoring future leaders, Scott is shaping the next generation of engineering excellence.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Sally Stannard, the Director General of Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads. Sally’s journey from a farm in New South Wales to leading one of the most ambitious transport reform agendas in Australia is one of grit, curiosity, and transformation. In this powerful conversation, Sally reveals her insights into the importance of leadership, inclusivity, and how women are breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated infrastructure sector.
From the challenges of starting in a country town to leading large-scale infrastructure projects, Sally shares her experiences of creating change in the transport industry. She discusses how crucial it is to understand both design and construction, the importance of leadership during high-stakes moments, and why she believes infrastructure is about people, not just concrete and contracts.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Female Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Building Support
Transforming Public Transport
Collaborative Contracting: Partnership Over Paperwork
Shaping People and Culture
Infrastructure as Lifeline
Technology Transforming Infrastructure
Key Quotes from Sally Stannard:
About Our Guest
Sally Stannard is a visionary leader and a driving force behind the transformation of Queensland's transport systems. She is passionate about creating inclusive, forward-thinking infrastructure projects that address the needs of the community while embracing cutting-edge technologies. Throughout her career, Sally has worked across multiple facets of the transport sector, championing digital innovation, sustainable practices, and collaborative approaches to infrastructure development.
Connect with Sally Stannard on LinkedIn.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan chats with Erik Vandenberg, a seasoned leader with a fascinating journey from technical expert to executive in the energy sector. Erik’s career spans diverse roles in aircraft maintenance, oil and gas, and now, executive leadership in energy transitions. Erik reveals his insights into leadership evolution, the power of emotional intelligence, and the rapid changes in the energy industry.
From navigating mergers and organizational change to making high-stakes decisions in critical environments, Erik’s journey offers valuable lessons on how to lead through uncertainty and drive meaningful progress. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting in your career, this episode provides actionable insights for anyone looking to thrive in complex industries.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Emotional Intelligence & Leadership
Navigating Energy Transitions
Leadership Challenges
Lessons from the Field
The Role of AI in Leadership & Business
Key Quotes from Erik Vandenberg
About Our Guest
Erik Vandenberg is a leadership expert with extensive experience in mechanical engineering, oil and gas, and the energy sector. Currently focused on leading growth during the energy transition, Erik’s career spans technical, operational, and strategic roles. Passionate about mentoring, he continues to navigate complex projects, always seeking the next challenge. Erik advocates for the importance of combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence in 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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Michael Terry, a construction leader whose career journey has taken him from dreaming of becoming a vet to running his own business to senior leadership roles on both the contracting and client side. Michael shares candid insights into work ethic, ownership, and the importance of systems in building successful projects, as well as how to transition from “110% worker” to leader and mentor.
Michael’s story highlights resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and the value of mentoring the next generation. From early struggles at school to shaping communities through large-scale developments, his journey offers valuable lessons for anyone in construction, engineering, or leadership.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Career Journey & Resilience
Ownership & Work Ethic
Leadership & Mentorship
Systems & Business Mindset
Client-Side Perspective
Key Quotes from Michael Terry
About Our Guest:
Michael Terry is a seasoned construction leader with experience spanning demolition, infrastructure, and development. From running his own business in his early 20s to senior leadership in client-side development, he brings a unique perspective on ownership, systems, and building high-performing teams. Passionate about mentoring, Michael is committed to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of engineers and leaders.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan talks with Matthew Mackey, a no-nonsense leader with 27 years in construction across the UK and Australia. Matt shares real-world insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and navigating burnout in an industry that often overlooks people skills. He opens up about a six-week “disaster stint” in contracting, the power of simplifying complex ideas, and why kindness is essential, not optional, for long-term success.
Matt challenges the myth of linear career paths and calls for leaders who admit mistakes and prioritize psychological safety. He also highlights how his networking group, Property Leaders Brisbane, supports professionals across Australia’s construction landscape.
Whether you're early in your career or leading a team, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective. Real leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about creating environments where people can truly thrive.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Leadership That Connects
Changing a Stuck Industry
Culture, Kindness, and the Cost of Silence
From Panic to Purpose
Building Networks That Last
Key Quotes from Matthew Mackey:
About Our Guest:
Matthew Mackey is a senior construction and infrastructure leader with over 27 years of experience across the UK and Australian markets. Known for his honest, often humorous take on leadership and systems, Matt is committed to transforming how we work, not just what we build. He’s the founder of Property Leaders Brisbane and co-host of The Shovel podcast.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Josh Yates, co-founder of Landy Group, a company that’s reimagining leadership in construction through relationships, trust, and community. Josh shares how he went from corporate loyalty to co-founding a people-first business with multiple arms and a clear social purpose. He opens up about navigating financial risk, arbitration, and the emotional challenges of leadership, while staying anchored in humility and impact.
From team culture to legacy-building, this conversation is packed with real talk on what it takes to lead with heart. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, Josh’s story will inspire you to build beyond the blueprint.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Relationships First, Always
People Over Titles
Real Talk on Leadership and Resilience
Legacy Beyond Projects
Key Quotes from Josh Yates:
About Our Guest:
Josh Yates is the co-founder of Landy Group, a growing consultancy and delivery firm in the infrastructure and construction sector. With over two decades of experience, Josh is known for his genuine leadership style, focus on relationships, and commitment to social impact. He believes in building businesses that serve people first and profits second.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
In this episode ofBuilding Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Michael Furey, leadership coach, former sales leader, and founder of We Aspire, to unpack why construction leadership needs a radical reframe. From being demoted in his first management job to building programs that train Australia’s future leaders, Michael shares how lived experience, failure, and values-led development are transforming how we build capability across the industry.
Drawing parallels between professional sport and construction, Michael reveals why project leaders aren’t just managing jobs, they’re living a lifestyle, often with unsustainable expectations. He breaks down why authoritarian leadership is crumbling, why skills shortages are pushing values misalignment to the brink, and how even small changes (like asking your boss’s boss what they need) can kickstart massive personal and cultural shifts.
Whether you're an aspiring leader or shaping policy at the top, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical insight, and a refreshing reminder that leadership isn't about knowing it all, it's about caring enough to learn.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Career Transitions & Personal Growth:
Real Leadership Development:
Industry-Specific Challenges:
Future Thinking & System Shifts:
Key Quotes from Michael Furey:
About Our Guest:
Michael Furey is the founder of We Aspire, a leadership development firm focused on the construction and infrastructure sectors. A former sales manager turned coach, Michael blends lived experience, deep vulnerability, and industry insight to help emerging and senior leaders navigate real-world leadership. His new book, Shifting Foundations, captures insights from over 20 leaders across the sector—and is available for free via We Aspire.
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
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 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:
Leadership & Hiring Differently:
Industry Challenges & Cultural Shifts:
Personal Growth & Legacy
Key Quotes from Luke Crouch:
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
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
Navigating Executive Roles
Career Development & Succession
Authenticity & Personal Legacy
Key Quotes from Domenic De Fazio:
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
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
Brand & Business Development
Career Journeys & Transition
Authenticity in a Digital World
Key Quotes from Harley Whaikawa:
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
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:
Personal Growth and Leadership:
Diversity and Inclusivity:
Key Quotes from Jock Macfarlane:
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:
Stay Connected:
Let’s Connect:
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:
Shifting Culture, Not Just Genders:
Brisbane 2032 and the Legacy Opportunity:
Creating Systemic Change:
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:
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:
Let’s Connect:
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:
Construction, Innovation & Systems Thinking
High-Performance Culture & Inclusion
From Global Strategy to Ground-Level Impact
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
How You Can Support the Podcast:
Don’t Miss Out
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:
Career Transitions & Aging Workforces:
Leadership, HR & Culture:
Small Steps, Big Shifts:
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:
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:
Don’t Miss Out
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:
Sustainability & Innovation in Construction:
The Role of Technology & AI:
Bridging the Generation Gap in Leadership:
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
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
Don’t Miss Out
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 Alison Sherry, a powerhouse leader known for her expertise in mergers, acquisitions, leadership resilience, and Indigenous advocacy.
With a career spanning executive roles, large-scale corporate transformations, and community impact, Alison shares insights on navigating uncertain times, building resilient teams, and fostering psychological safety in leadership.
From the complexities of merging companies to the personal growth that comes from career transitions, Alison’s wisdom is invaluable for leaders, professionals, and anyone navigating change in their career or organization.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Leadership in Times of Change:
Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Transitions:
Career Resilience & Adaptability:
The Power of Contribution & Giving Back:
About Our Guest
Alison Sherry is a highly regarded corporate leader with experience in mergers & acquisitions, executive leadership, and cultural transformation. She has played a pivotal role in major organizational integrations, leading teams through uncertainty and ensuring seamless transitions.
Alison’s passion for leadership extends beyond the corporate world—she’s a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal for her advocacy work in Indigenous employment and volunteering with RSPCA Queensland. She is also an active mentor supporting female leaders and elite athletes as they transition into corporate careers.
Her leadership philosophy? Integrity above all else.
Key Quotes from Alison Sherry
About Your Host
Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, 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 colleagues, leaders, and changemakers navigating corporate transitions.
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Don’t Miss Out
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 Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association (ACA), to discuss how the construction industry is at a turning point. With rising costs, crippling skills shortages, and increasing pressure for sustainability, Jon explains why 2024 is the year for transformation—and how leaders, contractors, and clients can work together to drive real change.
From modern methods of construction (MMC) to flexible work practices, Jon shares bold ideas for increasing productivity, creating inclusive workplaces, and making construction a more attractive career path. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to be part of the solution.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Leadership, Culture & Change:
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC):
Diversity, Inclusion & Retention:
Rebranding the Industry:
About Our Guest:
Jon Davies is the CEO of the Australian Constructors Association (ACA) and a passionate advocate for improving culture, productivity, and diversity in construction. With over 30 years of experience across the UK, Middle East, Singapore, and Australia, Jon has worked with major contractors, led industry associations, and driven national initiatives for positive change.
Through ACA, Jon is leading industry-wide projects like the Culture in Construction Standard, the Foundations and Frontiers Forum, and advocacy for modern methods of construction (MMC). He believes construction can be an industry people aspire to join—not one they avoid.
Key Quotes from Jon Davies:
About Your Host:
Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is a recruiter and development coach passionate about helping professionals unlock their potential. Through this podcast, Lauren shares inspiring stories and actionable insights to empower listeners to create opportunities in their lives and careers.
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