Construction Leadership That Scales: Clarity, Risk and Culture — with Alex Douglas (01:08:58)
Construction leadership in a delivery environment is won or lost on clarity: what matters, who owns what, and how quickly decisions move. In this conversation, Alex Douglas shares how he went from a desk and photocopier at home to building a $150m+ business by engineering the client journey and making communication a competitive advantage.

This episode is for founders, CEOs and senior leaders who are scaling operations, managing thin margins, or trying to lift performance across a complex partner ecosystem. Alex breaks down what smooth delivery looks like in practice: early intent-setting, disciplined pre-construction, and creating the conditions for subcontractors and consultants to do good work without churn.

You’ll also hear the less glamorous lessons: why “later” becomes too late in leadership, how teams notice what you don’t address, and how Douglas Construction protects margin through calculated, informed risk—sometimes by walking away from work that removes their value-add.

Key takeaways:
• Clear intention drives aligned attention and faster decisions.
• Smooth delivery comes from upfront communication, not heroics.
• Avoid uninformed risk: price what you don’t know or don’t bid.
• “Later” is a leadership tax—small issues compound into culture problems.
• Retention and sustainable hours protect safety, productivity and margin.

Valuable learnings for business leaders:
• Build a repeatable pre-construction roadmap to reduce variation and rework.
• Choose clients and partners that allow you to add value, not just carry risk.
• Design rhythms that scale leadership beyond the founder.

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In this episode of Slicing Through the Noise, Jennifer sits down with Brendan Flaxman to unpack what leadership really looks like when the stakes are high, the work is physical, and the consequences are real.
Brendan’s story doesn’t begin in a corner office — it starts with humble work, an early setback, and the kind of “figure it out” pressure that forces you to build resilience fast.

From there, the conversation moves into what separates “title-chasing” from true capability: sticking around long enough to earn experience, learning to respect the hard-won lessons that only time and repetition can teach, and developing the maturity to lead people who may have more years on the tools than you do.

Brendan shares the leadership mindset behind people-first safety — not as compliance, but as culture — where “everyone home safe every day” becomes a non-negotiable standard, and where the dangerous “I’ll just…” moments are treated as the real risk.

He also gets real about business ownership: the sacrifice, the grind, and why the “nine-to-five CEO fantasy” collapses quickly in the real world — especially in the early years when you’re still riding with “trainer wheels” on.
Finally, Brendan breaks down practical business fundamentals: why “cash is king,” how profitable companies can still become insolvent, and what leaders must watch if they want a business that can survive shocks and reinvest for the long term.

Key takeaways:
• Leadership growth takes time — “trainer wheels” and all (and it’s normal).
• Early business ownership often means long weeks and real sacrifice.
• Safety is culture, led from the top — “everyone home safe every day.”
• Developing people: willingness + learning agility + doing the work.
• Sustainable service requires structure, systems, and no shortcuts.
• Cash flow isn’t optional — it’s survival.

Chapters (timestamps):
00:00 Intro: Slicing Through the Noise
00:40 Meet Brendan + what we’re unpacking
01:11 Humble beginnings + early injury & resilience
06:07 Why tenure & experience matter (beyond qualifications)
11:44 Leading older crews: resentment, maturity, self-awareness
17:45 Taking a leap: real estate, going broke, and what it taught him
21:39 Ownership reality: work, sacrifice, and the “shiny” myth
23:12 “Trainer wheels” leadership + 60-hour weeks
31:18 Working from home vs collaboration & culture
32:54 People-first safety + split-second decisions
40:43 Seeing potential in others (and what to look for)
46:32 From price to partnership with customers & suppliers
51:32 No shortcuts: structure, process, accountability
52:54 Tech in construction: what’s real vs hype
55:25 Carbon targets, supply chain reality, practical constraints
58:13 “Cash is king” and why businesses fail
62:35 Family support, isolation in leadership, finding safe outlets
66:34 Motorbikes, mindset, and thinking space
69:14 Advice: your first key hire
71:12 Legacy: what he hopes the culture becomes

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Tim Cutler—senior executive with over two decades of leadership experience—shares his candid journey through the realities of leadership, culture, and accountability.
From sourcing great products to building high-performing teams, Tim reveals the hard-earned lessons that shaped his leadership style. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation delivers practical insights on what it takes to lead with integrity and purpose.

Key Takeaways
• Why cultural fit matters more than credential
• The difference between skill and attitude
• Why owning mistakes is critical for growth

Tim also reflects on his time as CEO, the lessons learned, and why he chose to step back into a role that aligns with his strengths and values. Through honest stories and actionable advice, he highlights the power of trust, agility, and creating a culture where people thrive.
Watch now and discover what it truly means to lead with purpose.


Episode Breakdown
00:00 — Intro
• Welcome to the podcast and guest introduction
• Overview of Tim Cutler's leadership journey
• Focus on culture, accountability, and integrity
03:15 — Defining Good People
• Importance of cultural fit in teams
• Distinction between skill and attitude
• How to identify 'good people' in the workplace
10:45 — Lessons from Poor Cultural Fit
• The cost of tolerating poor fit
• Indicators of misalignment in teams
• Why addressing issues early is critical
18:30 — Owning Mistakes as a Leader
• Tim's personal story of a costly mistake
• The importance of transparency and accountability
• How owning mistakes strengthens team trust
26:00 — The Role of Fun in Culture
• Balancing fun with business challenges
• How values like 'fun' shape team dynamics
• Adapting culture to market realities
33:20 — Reflections on Being a CEO
• Why the CEO role wasn’t the right fit for Tim
• The challenges and responsibilities of leadership
• Lessons learned about leadership and self-awareness
41:00 — Building a High-Trust Executive Team
• The importance of trust and accountability
• How to foster open, honest conversations
• Aligning loyalty to vision and values
48:15 — Leadership as Teaching
• The analogy of teaching and learning with his son
• How leaders can learn from their teams
• The role of humility in leadership growth
55:00 — Closing Thoughts
• Tim’s advice for senior executives: grow your people
• Balancing ego and service in leadership
• Final reflections on leadership and culture

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In this episode, Jennifer Elliott speaks with Peter Drinkwater, founder of House of Brand, about how leaders can build brand energy that cuts through the noise. Peter unpacks the attention economy, why authenticity now outperforms polished messaging, and how organisations can create signals people want to engage with rather than push content that gets ignored. This conversation is practical, direct, and highly relevant for CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigating cluttered markets.

What you’ll learn:
• How brand energy works and why it matters
• Why attention is earned, not bought
• The shift from messaging control to meaningful connection
• Practical examples of brands creating momentum without massive budgets

01:10 – Peter’s Early Career
How a finance background shaped his understanding of value, customers, and commercial decision-making.

05:20 – What “Brand Energy” Really Means
Peter explains how brand energy is created, why it matters, and how it differs from traditional branding.

08:45 – Competing for Attention
The rise of the attention economy and why quality, not volume, now determines engagement.

11:30 – Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage
Why audiences respond more to genuine signals than polished messaging—and how leaders can use this.

15:40 – Story: When Simplicity Outperformed Big Budgets
Peter shares examples of small ideas generating outsized attention compared to expensive campaigns.

20:50 – How Energy Spreads Through a Market
Understanding momentum, resonance, and what makes people share or talk about your brand.

25:30 – The Leader’s Role in Creating Brand Energy
Decision-making, clarity, and internal alignment as drivers of brand impact.

30:05 – Connecting Emotionally Without “Performing”
How leaders can communicate naturally without forcing personality or over-curating their image.

35:40 – Brand Building in Noisy, Competitive Categories
Examples of brands finding a distinctive edge in crowded markets.

41:00 – The Risks of Trying to Control the Message
Why over–managing communication suppresses energy and reduces authenticity.

45:20 – Using Curiosity & Insight to Build Followership
How leaders can turn insight, humour, or candour into attention that compounds.

50:10 – Making Brand Decisions at Speed
Peter’s advice for leaders making strategic calls in fast-moving environments.

55:40 – Practical Actions for Leaders
Where CEOs should focus first: internal clarity, emotional relevance, and consistent signals.

59:30 – Final Insights & Takeaways
Peter’s advice to leaders navigating complexity and the attention economy.

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In this episode, Paul Noppen, CEO and founder of Noppen Air, shares his remarkable journey from a 14-year-old apprentice to leading a thriving air conditioning business. Paul’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and learning from both triumphs and setbacks. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Paul’s insights into leadership, cashflow management, and building a values-driven company will resonate deeply.

Paul discusses the challenges of starting a business with limited resources, the importance of prioritising service over ego-driven growth, and how he navigated betrayal within his leadership team. He also highlights the critical role of hobbies and personal passions in maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to build sustainable businesses and foster loyal teams.

Key takeaways:
- Cashflow is king: Prioritise financial health over turnover.
- Build a values-driven culture to engage and retain employees.
- Trust your instincts and learn from setbacks.

Valuable learnings for business leaders:
- Service-based models can provide long-term stability.
- Forgiveness and letting go of negativity are essential for leadership clarity.
- Hobbies and passions outside work are vital for maintaining balance and creativity.

Episode Breakdown
00:00 — Intro
• Introduction to Paul Noppen, CEO of Noppen Air
• Overview of the episode's focus on leadership and resilience
• Setting the stage for Paul's journey from apprentice to CEO
03:15 — Early Life and Apprenticeship
• Paul's early start as a 14-year-old apprentice
• Learning skills from various companies and mentors
• The decision to start his own business
08:45 — Starting Noppen Air
• Winning a key contract after a major company closure
• Challenges of managing service calls and cashflow
• Balancing work demands with personal life
15:30 — The Importance of Trades
• The societal undervaluing of trades and its impact
• Paul's advocacy for apprenticeships and skilled trades
• How trades build essential communication skills
21:00 — Cashflow and Business Growth
• Why cashflow is more critical than turnover
• Lessons from financial challenges and economic downturns
• The risks of large contracts versus smaller, consistent jobs
28:45 — Betrayal and Leadership Lessons
• Paul's experience with a business partner's embezzlement
• The importance of trusting instincts and forensic audits
• Forgiveness as a tool for leadership clarity
36:20 — Building a Values-Driven Culture
• How Noppen Air developed its core values with staff input
• Using values as a tool for accountability and alignment
• The impact of values on employee retention and morale
43:10 — The Role of Hobbies and Balance
• Why hobbies are essential for avoiding burnout
• Paul's personal passions and their impact on his leadership
• Encouraging leaders to find creative outlets
50:00 — Advice for Aspiring Leaders
• Treat every employee with respect and humility
• Stay grounded and remember your roots
• The importance of clarity and honesty in leadership

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Top 3 Quotes from Craig Patterson

“You can’t steer a boat sitting still. I was always willing to give something a go—and if it didn’t work, just change direction.”

“Business is about trust, and trust is built on relationships. Relationships start with conversations.”

“The thing that stopped the growth of our business—was me. I had to learn first.”

Episode Title:
From Bulldozers to Boardrooms: Craig Patterson on Building a $100M Business From the Ground Up

Episode Synopsis
In this powerful and deeply human episode of Slicing Through the Noise, Craig Patterson shares his remarkable journey from growing up on a struggling family farm to leading a $100 million civil and mining services business with over 150 employees. With candor and insight, Craig reflects on the leadership lessons earned through hardship, humility, and hard work—from succession battles and Aboriginal partnerships to safety culture, strategy pivots, and developing next-generation leaders. Whether you're leading a small team or scaling a national operation, this episode is a masterclass in grounded leadership, values-based decision-making, and the power of staying true to your word.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

[00:00] Welcome & Guest Introduction
Host Jennifer opens the episode by introducing Craig Patterson and teasing the story of how he transformed off-farm contracting work into a $100M business.

[03:30] Antarctica, Authenticity & Bullshit Meters
Craig reflects on how he and Jennifer met in Antarctica, and how calling out inauthenticity has shaped his leadership style.

[06:45] From Farm to Bulldozers: The Early Hustle
Craig shares how his family’s financial struggles during a drought led to buying a bulldozer to survive—and how he ended up operating heavy machinery at 14.

[11:40] Baptism by Fire: Becoming a Leader at 22
Thrust into supervising 15 men in remote Australia, Craig had to quickly learn how to lead without being the boss’s son who "didn’t know anything."

[15:00] Succession Planning & Family Fallout
An honest and emotional look at the complexities of family business succession—and how a lack of planning damaged Craig’s relationship with his father.

[21:30] Scaling With Help: Mentors, Growth Walls & The Power of "Why"
Craig explains the value of seeking external support and how personal growth was often the bottleneck to business growth.

[27:00] Mistakes, Metrics & Rope Necklaces
From poor delegation to bad data and unspoken expectations, Craig shares hard-earned lessons—and his “rope necklace” metaphor for accountability avoidance.

[33:30] Building Trust in Regional WA
Craig outlines how deep relationships, honesty, and consistent delivery built Centrals' reputation across sparsely populated regions.

[36:00] Aboriginal Engagement & Real Partnership
A highlight of the episode: Craig’s personal evolution in understanding Aboriginal Australia and how genuine partnerships have created generational change.

[46:30] Safety, Complexity & Culture in Remote Operations
Safety isn't about ticking boxes—Craig discusses how real safety culture is built through simplification, communication, and accountability.

[51:00] Strategic Focus: Saying No to Grow
Craig shares how Centrals refined its business model by focusi

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“Leadership isn’t about being the smartest in the room — it’s about creating an environment where others bring the gold.”

“You cannot shrink your way to greatness. You cannot cut your way to success and profitability.”

“Leadership is a team game. It’s not a pyramid with you at the top — it's an inverted pyramid where your job is to support and enable.”

In this compelling episode of Slicing Through the Noise, Richard McCarthy — executive general manager at Interflow — shares his transformative leadership journey from the corporate world of Shell to a purpose-driven role in infrastructure. With trademark humility and strategic clarity, Richard explores the mindset shifts that shaped his approach to leadership: from values-led decision-making and redefining achievement, to letting go of being “the smart guy.””

He dives into the tough calls, the art of growing people, maintaining cultural integrity through acquisitions, and how AFL (yes, footy!) offers surprising parallels to business leadership. Richard reminds us that true leadership isn’t about quarterly targets — it’s about relationships, reflection, and legacy. This episode is packed with wisdom for leaders ready to challenge themselves and lead with purpose.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – 06:30 | Welcome & Introduction
Jennifer opens with admiration for Richard’s leadership journey. They set the tone for a story of personal growth and transformation.

06:30 – 13:00 | Family Values & Foundations
Richard reflects on how family-first values became the cornerstone of his leadership style — providing belonging, honesty, and realness.

13:00 – 20:30 | The Turning Point: “Smart Guy Can’t Lead”
A pivotal piece of feedback forces Richard to confront the limitations of intellect-driven leadership and shift toward connection and trust.

20:30 – 26:00 | Enabling vs. Controlling
How stepping back, letting others lead, and trusting the unknown has delivered greater team performance — and personal joy.

26:00 – 32:30 | From Shell to Interflow: Lessons Across Industries
What oil, construction, consulting, and manufacturing all taught him about consistent leadership and values misalignment.

32:30 – 40:00 | Values vs. Shareholder Returns
A candid conversation about what happens when profit becomes the silent, dominant value — and how to lead with integrity instead.

40:00 – 46:00 | Football & Business: The AFL Analogy
How coaching, team development, and passion in sport mirrors leadership in business, and why celebration matters.

46:00 – 52:00 | Growing People, Growing Business
The messy reality of growth: making hard resource decisions, avoiding leadership exhaustion, and developing “ready enough” talent.

52:00 – 56:30 | Strategic Thinking in a Fast-Paced World
Why slowing down to ask better questions unlocks better outcomes — and the myth of speed in decision-making.

56:30 – 1:00:00 | Legacy, Integration & Final Reflections
How Richard wants to be remembered: as a leader who built capable teams, strengthened a 90-year-old business, and came home present for dinner.

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🧠 Top Quotes

🎧 Episode Synopsis

In this compelling episode, Rohan McLellan, founder and CEO of Clover Pipelines, shares his remarkable journey from junior world champion cyclist to pioneering third-generation entrepreneur in Australia’s water infrastructure industry. With deep insight and humble candor, Rohan reflects on how the discipline of elite sport shaped his leadership philosophy and how he's built a business that delivers critical infrastructure across Australia and the Pacific. From ensuring clean water in Fiji to championing quality over cost, this episode delivers a masterclass in integrity, resilience, and purpose-driven business leadership.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
Host sets the stage and introduces Rohan McLellan, highlighting his unique path from sport to infrastructure.

02:00 – From Junior World Champion to CEO
Rohan shares how athletic discipline shaped his strategic thinking, time management, and goal-setting as a business leader.

06:30 – Leadership Lessons from the Foundry
Early memories of working in his grandfather’s foundry taught Rohan hands-on business fundamentals and respect for frontline workers.

11:00 – Translating Race Day Preparation to Executive Strategy
How meticulous planning, timing, and patience from elite sport apply directly to managing operations, logistics, and growth at Clover Pipelines.

16:15 – Global Supply Chains & Quality Control
Rohan discusses sourcing infrastructure products globally (including from Turkey), and the non-negotiable importance of quality.

21:45 – The Mission: Delivering Clean Water
From suburban Australia to rural Fiji, Rohan details how Clover Pipelines impacts human lives through potable water access.

25:30 – The Cost of Losing Australian Manufacturing
Why younger generations struggle to grasp end-to-end product lifecycles—and how Clover combats that with immersive training.

30:15 – Building a Culture of Accountability
Rohan breaks down how caring, presence, and leading by example created a “we, not me” culture inside Clover Pipelines.

35:00 – Hiring, Financial Literacy & Storytelling
How Rohan evaluates new hires by asking them to “tell the story of the numbers”—and why interpretation beats spreadsheets.

38:40 – Product Innovation & Sustainability
From lining technology to circular economy pressures, Rohan explores how Clover Pipelines balances innovation with performance and safety.

43:00 – Multi-Generational Legacy & Vision
Rohan reflects on the legacy of his father and grandfather, and how he wants Clover Pipelines to be remembered: for credibility and contribution to Australia’s water future.

46:30 – Final Reflections & Gratitude
Closing thoughts on trust, growth, and the quiet leadership that fuels enduring businesses.

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