EP 172 | Joey Hidalgo – Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company on Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Estimating at Scale
What happens when an electrical engineer, estimator, and salesperson becomes a construction tech founder?You get The Measuring Company — and one of the fastest-growing remote estimating models in Australia.In this episode, Joey Hidalgo, Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company, breaks down his journey from the Philippines to Australia, the flaws he saw in traditional estimating, and how he built a global team delivering measurement, estimating and procurement support for builders and subcontractors.Joey shares:Why most builders lose profit long before a job startsThe true bottlenecks in estimating teamsHow offshore talent can increase accuracy — not reduce itWhy AI won’t replace estimators, but estimators who use AI will winHow TMC trains engineers to work at Australian standardsThe future of estimating, outsourcing, and construction techA must-listen for estimators, QSs, builders and anyone shaping the future of construction operations.👉 Explore more construction leadership insights at gedonexecutive.com
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EP 171 | Joseph Stewart, Director of JS Held - A Deep Dive Into Quantum expert Work
What does it really take to become a quantum expert in construction?In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Joe Stewart, Director at JS Held, shares how he went from a 16-year-old university student in Scotland to a trusted figure in dispute resolution and expert witness work.Joe breaks down:⚖️ The real difference between QS and expert roles📋 How adjudication and arbitration actually work in practice🧠 Why mastering fundamentals still matters in expert work🤖 The power — and danger — of AI in claims and analysis📉 Why tier-one contractors are pulling back from high-risk marketsWhether you’re an aspiring expert, a senior QS, or just curious how construction disputes are won and lost — this is a must-listen.🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast🏗️ Build your next move with gedonexecutive.com
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EP 170 | Orla Kellehan - Chartered Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk on a Life as a Female QS, Mother & Leader in the Global Construction Sector
Can you build a high-level career in construction without giving up your personal life?Orla Kellehan, Senior Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk & Son and chartered member of the SCSI and RICS, proves you can.In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Orla shares her 20-year journey through Ireland and Australia — from her early days juggling part-time study and site work, to becoming a respected voice for flexibility and inclusion in the industry.We dive into:The realities of being a woman and mother in constructionHow Orla negotiated a 4-day hybrid role while staying on major projectsWhy true equality starts with flexibility, not slogansHer advice for young women considering a career in quantity surveyingAnd how mentorship, continuous learning, and empathy can reshape leadership in constructionIt’s honest, practical, and deeply relevant to anyone who believes career and life don’t have to compete.🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast🏗️ Build your next move at gedonexecutive.com
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EP 169 | International Experience, Local Impact with Paschal Walsh Managing Director at TIMESING
What if the best degree you ever took wasn’t in a classroom — but on site?Paschal Walsh, FRICS and founder of Times in Tribe, has spent three decades shaping projects and people across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and Australia. From local housing schemes to billion-pound infrastructure, his story shows how curiosity and adaptability fuel success.He shares why testing your education before you invest, building a strong network, and gaining international experience can transform your career in construction and quantity surveying.🎧 For professionals focused on career development, RICS chartership, or leadership in construction, this episode is a must.At GEDON Executive, we connect ambitious professionals with projects that matter.🌐 Let’s build your next move: gedonexecutive.com
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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
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, Inside Business with Ciaran Hancock and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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