Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Hi there, and welcome to The Building Talks Podcast, where we dig into what really builds success…In this episode, I sit down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a growing multidisciplinary Engineering firm based in Southeast Queensland. Scott’s story takes us from his early career in the UK to scaling a 70-person consultancy back in Australia, including some impressive growth during the COVID era.We explore the mix of strategy, timing and mindset that helped Inertia grow through unpredictable conditions. Scott also shares sharp takes on labour shortages, skilled migration, the real role of AI in construction productivity, and how he's using smart partnerships, including a joint venture with a New Zealand tech firm, to keep Inertia ahead of the curve. It’s a shorter conversation than usual, but full of practical insights and forward-thinking leadership.Takeaways:✅ Growing through uncertainty, strategy vs luck✅ Using AI and partnerships to drive productivity✅ Talent shortages and the immigration squeeze✅ Positioning your business for future growth✅ Engineering leadership that challenges the normChapters:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview00:15 - Scott's Career Journey01:25 - Industry Themes and Challenges02:35 - Inertia Engineering's Growth and Strategy03:37 - Podcast Partnership and Sponsorship05:10 - Scott's Early Interest in Engineering05:45 - Overseas Experience and Cultural Impact11:01 - Inertia Engineering's History and Expansion18:27 - Southeast Queensland Market Insights24:54 - Productivity Challenges in Construction28:12 - Cultural Shifts in Construction28:48 - Innovation and Technology in Engineering29:50 - Partnership with New Zealand Firm30:38 - Challenges in Project Leadership32:46 - Investment in AI and Automation37:08 - Education and Skill Development39:53 - Immigration and Labor Shortages47:38 - Future Predictions and Strategies57:55 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTune in for a sharp, honest chat on scaling smart and leading with intention in the built environment.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#ConstructionLeadership #EngineeringBusiness #SoutheastQueensland #BuiltEnvironment #AIFuture #ImmigrationPolicy #ProductivityInConstruction #TheBuildingTalksPodcastThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram Visit us on our website Email us at [email protected]