EP 168 | Mastering the Fundamentals is the Real QS Superpower with Aaron Tomsett from Costplan Group
What does it really take to build a lasting career in construction?Not quick moves. Not luck. Real growth comes from understanding the fundamentals — and playing the long game.In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Aaron Tomsett, Group Operations Director at Cost Plan Group, shares his journey from leaving school at 16 to leading an international construction consultancy across Australia, the UK, and Papua New Guinea.Aaron talks about:Why career patience often beats constant job-hoppingHow he took a pay cut to move from development to contracting — and why it paid offWhat schools and universities get wrong about career guidance in constructionThe power of mentorship and leadership awarenessHow understanding the core principles of quantity surveying reduces stress and errorsWhat the construction markets in Australia, PNG, and the UK look like right nowWhether you’re an aspiring quantity surveyor, a project manager looking for direction, or a senior leader shaping teams, this conversation delivers grounded insights on career progression_____we help top-tier contractors, developers, and consultancies build teams that build the industry — connecting the right people to the right opportunities at the right time.🚀 Ready to build what’s next?Explore how we help ambitious professionals and forward-thinking firms grow together at 👉 www.gedonexecutive.com
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EP 167 | Director of Quantity Surveying at TTPP on a Life & Career in Quantity Surveying
30+ years in the game and Alan Bertram still says the best thing you can do is go to site and ask questions.No fluff. No filters. Just honest reflections from someone who worked his way from office junior… to director.In this week’s episode, we talk:– Why analogue learning built better QSs– The truth about leadership (and why it’s more about listening than directing)– Why technology hasn't delivered on its promise– And what really makes someone promotable in today’s market“You don’t need to know everything.But you need to care.And you need to get on with people.”🎧 Listen here: #TheTakeoffPodcast #QuantitySurveying #ConstructionCareers #LeadershipInQS #OldSchoolLearning #BuiltDifferent
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EP 166 | Leadership, Loyalty, and Letting Go—A Raw Chat with Neil Watson
When Neil Watson moved to Australia, he had no job, no network, and no shortcuts.Now he's a Director at Savills Australia & New Zealand.On this week’s Takeoff Podcast, Neil unpacks:🔹 Restarting his career at 30🔹 Going from QS to project lead🔹 Building relationships over chasing titles🔹 Why six months on-site changed everythingIt’s honest, practical, and proof that patience does pay off.👤 Connect with Neil here: Neil Watson🚀 Powered by GedonExecutive.com#TakeoffPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #GedonExecutive #CareerRestart #QS #AustraliaConstruction
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EP 165 - The power of Making one Hard Decision and sticking to it
What happens when your dream dies before you’re even 25?Lachlan Stuart—men’s coach, ultra-endurance athlete, and founder of The Man That Can Project—shares his transformation from a lost ex-rugby player to a global leader in men’s mental health and performance.You’ll hear: The mindset shift that changed his life How selling supplements sparked personal reinvention What 58 marathons in 58 days taught him about pain, purpose, and leadership The real cost of chasing success the wrong way Why most men don’t need more advice—they need directionWhether you're in a season of growth, burnout, or recalibration, this conversation will meet you where you are—and challenge you to take full ownership of your life. Listen now and get ready to redefine what you're capable of. Sponsored by GEDON Executive We place elite PreConstruction and PreControl™ talent across Ireland, the UK & Australia. Connect with Lachlan StuartWebsite: www.themanthatcanproject.com Instagram: @lachlanstuart LinkedIn: Lachlan Stuart
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EP 164: Stop Guessing. Start Delivering — with Megan Smith, Adrian Budiono & Dan Butterick
In this roundtable, we go deep into project deliverability — how to actually get things built on time, within budget, and without the usual chaos.I’m joined by three absolute guns in the quantity surveying game:👉 Megan Smith (DCWC)👉 Adrian Budiono (Genus Advisory)👉 Daniel Butterick (RPS)We talk about how QSs can make or break a build, why you should never tender without a clean cost plan, how to spot risk early, and the brutal truth about Australia’s design-delivery misalignment.If you're building anything over $1M, this episode is worth every second.Brought to you by GEDON — for companies who take construction delivery seriously.Want to level up your cost strategy? Visit the link.🎙️ Reach the guests:Megan Smith – LinkedInAdrian Burdiono – LinkedInDan Butterick – LinkedInFollow the show, drop a review, and tag us on socials if something hits.We know it will!#QuantitySurveying #Construction #ProjectDelivery #CostManagement #TakeOffPodcast
About The Take Off - The Quantity Surveying Podcast
The Take Off is a Specialist Quantity Surveying Podcast showcasing the journey's of Quantity Surveyors Globally.
Each week, your host, Mick Donaghy will interview a leading Quantity Surveying Entrepreneur or Leader within the Built Environment to share their story.
Our goal is to educate, inspire and offer advice for Quantity Surveyors navigating the globally construction industry.
As we all know, construction is a people business and we as people are fundamentally, imperfect.
Which is part of the reason why we all love stories. The Highs, the Lows and the continued Battle to be Better.
Listen to The Take Off - The Quantity Surveying Podcast, Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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