Own The Build

In this episode, Paul is joined by Mark Holden-Smith, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Registered Adjudicator, Registered Arbitrator and Director of Holden Smith Consultancy, for a deep dive into one of construction's most misunderstood topics:
Why do so many final accounts end in dispute?
Having progressed from labourer and plasterer to Managing Director before specialising in claims, dispute resolution and adjudication, Mark brings a unique perspective from every corner of the industry.
The conversation explores why difficult final accounts are rarely caused by the final account itself. Instead, the root cause is often found months or even years earlier — in misunderstood contract terms, ambiguous documentation, and a failure to properly administer the contract from day one.
Paul and Mark discuss:
 why most disputes originate during procurement and contract formation; 
 the importance of understanding what you've actually signed up to; 
 why "being contractual" shouldn't be viewed as a negative; 
 the delicate balance between practising the contract and maintaining relationships; 
 how leverage is created through strong contractual positioning; and 
 the habits that separate commercial professionals who resolve disputes from those who create them. 
The discussion also challenges common industry behaviours, including the tendency to leave difficult issues unresolved until project closeout — often turning manageable disagreements into major disputes.
The message is clear:
the best way to resolve a difficult final account is to stop it becoming a difficult final account in the first place.
A practical and insightful conversation for QSs, Commercial Managers, Commercial Directors and anyone responsible for protecting commercial outcomes on construction projects.
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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
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Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link. 
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

In this episode, Paul is joined by Bernie Keens, freelance Commercial Manager and Managing QS, to explore a growing trend in the construction industry:
Why are experienced QSs choosing freelance over the traditional climb to Commercial Director?
Having spent 13 years progressing from Junior QS to Commercial Manager within the same contractor, Bernie recently made the move into freelance commercial management. The conversation explores what drove that decision, what he's learned so far, and whether the industry's traditional career ladder still appeals to experienced commercial professionals.
Paul and Bernie discuss:
 the realities of moving from QS to people manager and commercial leader; 
 why mentorship and continuous learning remain critical throughout your career; 
 the challenge of retaining ambitious Senior QSs in a competitive market; 
 why some of the industry's best commercial professionals don't actually want management roles; and 
 how flexibility, autonomy and lifestyle are changing career decisions for a new generation of QSs. 
The discussion also tackles a broader industry challenge: how contractors attract and retain the commercial talent needed to become the next generation of leadership.
The message is clear:
career success isn't always about the next job title — it's about finding the role, lifestyle and opportunities that are right for you.
A thoughtful conversation for QSs, Commercial Managers and business leaders looking to understand how career aspirations in construction are evolving.
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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link. 
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

In this Own the Build Question Time episode, Paul is joined once again by Chris Barber, COO and Co-Founder of C-Link, to tackle two candid listener questions about career progression, mentorship and the realities of building a successful quantity surveying career. 
The first question comes from a construction professional with over 15 years of site experience who is struggling to transition into quantity surveying despite completing an MSc and making hundreds of applications. Paul and Chris explore whether the industry's widely discussed QS shortage really applies to trainees, why site experience is often undervalued, and what practical steps people can take to break into commercial roles.
The second question comes from an experienced Senior QS who moved companies for better pay and progression, only to find themselves without the mentors and support network they previously relied on. The discussion focuses on the importance of mentorship at every stage of your career, taking ownership of your development, and how to approach senior leaders when you need more guidance.
The conversation covers:
 whether construction genuinely invests in developing new QS talent; 
 the value of operational and site experience in commercial roles; 
 why mentorship never stops being important; 
 how to take control of your own career progression; and 
 the difficult but necessary conversations that often unlock growth. 
The message throughout is simple:
the best careers are rarely built by waiting for opportunities — they're built by actively creating them.
A thoughtful episode for aspiring QSs, experienced commercial professionals, and anyone looking to take the next step in their career.
---------------------------------
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link. 
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

In the sixth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Prabhat Shikotra, Strategy Lead at BAM UK & Ireland, to explore a very different path into senior leadership — and why the future of construction will belong to businesses that think long term. 
Starting his career in architecture before moving into construction through digital planning and innovation, Prabhat shares how curiosity, creativity and consistently putting his hand up for difficult challenges shaped his progression into one of the UK’s largest contractors.
The conversation explores:
 why construction struggles to attract young talent despite the impact it has on society; 
 the importance of working on the business, not just in the business; 
 how BAM shifted from project-by-project thinking to a disciplined long-term strategy focused on margin, selectivity and client partnerships; 
 why culture and communication matter more than PowerPoint strategies; and 
 how technology, AI and workforce planning will shape the next decade of construction leadership. 
Prabhat also reflects on the habits that separate future leaders from the rest — including visibility, consistency, curiosity and taking ownership when opportunities arise.
The episode closes on a powerful leadership message:
 don’t chase titles — chase difficult challenges, build trust, and let leadership emerge organically.
A fascinating conversation for QSs, commercial professionals and future leaders looking to understand how strategic thinking, innovation and long-term relationships are reshaping construction in 2026 and beyond.
---------------------------------
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link. 
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

In this episode, Paul is joined once again by Dave Stitt, leadership coach and former construction director, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most misunderstood skills in construction leadership:
Influence.
Drawing on 50 years in the industry and decades coaching senior leaders across major contractors and infrastructure projects, Dave introduces the core ideas behind his upcoming book, Advanced Influencing for Leaders.
The conversation explores why technical competence alone is not enough to lead effectively — and why the best leaders influence through character, beliefs, values and the way they show up every day.
Paul and Dave discuss:
 why leadership in construction is still largely learned “by accident”; 
 the hidden beliefs that shape how leaders behave under pressure; 
 how micromanagement, stress and burnout often stem from limiting belief systems; 
 the difference between management and genuine leadership influence; and 
 why inspiration, trust and self-awareness are critical to building high-performing teams. 
The episode also introduces Dave’s powerful “Be, Do, Have” framework — exploring how who you are as a person ultimately shapes your actions, your influence and your long-term results.
The message is clear:
great leadership is not just about what you know — it’s about who you are when people experience you.
A fascinating episode for QSs, Commercial Directors and aspiring leaders looking to better understand themselves, influence people more effectively, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.
---------------------------------
📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:
Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success
Send us Fan Mail

Want to connect with Paul?

Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at paul@c-link.com or through, C-Link. 
C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient.
Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.