<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms">Send us a text</a>How do we make circular construction scalable and healthy homes the new normal? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans brings together three leading voices shaping the future of sustainable building: - Chaline Church (540 World &amp; Cradle to Cradle Partner) - Oliver Novakovic (Technical &amp; Innovation Director, Barratt Redrow) - Paul Lynch (EcoCocon, Finland-based natural building pioneer). Together they explore the real-world barriers and opportunities to embedding circularity, regenerative design, and healthy materials into mainstream construction. It’s a dynamic, honest, and solutions-driven conversation that cuts across design, development, manufacturing, and human health. Key Highlights • Cradle to Cradle Thinking – Chaline Church explains how material health, social fairness, and full circularity can transform both people and the planet. • From Concept to Construction – Paul Lynch shares how EcoCocon builds large-scale modular homes from straw and timber — fast, healthy, and fully certified. • Innovation at Scale – Oliver Novakovic discusses how Barratt Redrow is tackling net zero, supply chains, and real-world testing through 52 innovation projects. • Bridging the Gap – The guests tackle the disconnect between ambition and delivery and why storytelling, trust, and collaboration are key to real change. • Healthy Buildings = Healthy People – Why offgassing, acoustics, light, and authentic materials directly affect wellbeing, focus, and long-term health. • Regenerative Farming &amp; Circular Supply Chains – How straw, hemp, and bio-based materials can feed both housing and soil health, reducing carbon while improving ecosystems. • Reframing ‘Sustainability’ – Why the word itself may be losing trust and why ‘health’, ‘quality’, and ‘legacy’ might be the language that moves people to act. This conversation is essential for developers, architects, manufacturers, and sustainability leaders who believe the next revolution in construction won’t just be about carbon, it’ll be about people, materials, and mindset. Chapters  • 00:00 – Introduction &amp; meeting the guests • 02:00 – How design, health, and circularity connect • 05:00 – From Disney to Cradle to Cradle: Chaline’s journey into healthy materials • 09:00 – Paul’s story: building natural homes in Finland &amp; launching EcoCocon • 13:00 – Oliver’s path from marine engineering to sustainable innovation at Barratt Redrow • 16:00 – The business case for sustainability and scalability • 20:00 – Straw, timber &amp; regenerative farming: how circular construction works in practice • 23:00 – Can circular materials meet volume demand? • 27:00 – Cost, scalability &amp; the JLL study on consumer demand for healthy homes • 33:00 – Why health sells better than “sustainability” • 37:00 – Collaboration, testing &amp; breaking down supply chain fear • 41:00 – Offgassing, acoustics &amp; materials that impact wellbeing • 46:00 – Design psychology: why interiors and materials affect healing and focus • 51:00 – How large developers can adopt circularity step by step • 56:00 – Lessons from regenerative farming &amp; natural building supply chains • 1:01:00 – Circularity, culture &amp; how to make change stick • 1:05:00 – The myth of “low-quality sustainable materials” • 1:10:00 – Unlocking brownfield sites with circular thinking • 1:15:00 – Myth-busting, mindset, and making sustainability easy • 1:20:00 – Final reflections: collaboration over competition in building a better industry Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do we make circular construction scalable and healthy homes the new normal?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans brings together three leading voices shaping the future of sustainable building:&lt;br/&gt;- Chaline Church (540 World &amp;amp; Cradle to Cradle Partner)&lt;br/&gt;- Oliver Novakovic (Technical &amp;amp; Innovation Director, Barratt Redrow)&lt;br/&gt;- Paul Lynch (EcoCocon, Finland-based natural building pioneer).&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Together they explore the real-world barriers and opportunities to embedding circularity, regenerative design, and healthy materials into mainstream construction. It’s a dynamic, honest, and solutions-driven conversation that cuts across design, development, manufacturing, and human health.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Key Highlights&lt;br/&gt;• Cradle to Cradle Thinking – Chaline Church explains how material health, social fairness, and full circularity can transform both people and the planet.&lt;br/&gt;• From Concept to Construction – Paul Lynch shares how EcoCocon builds large-scale modular homes from straw and timber — fast, healthy, and fully certified.&lt;br/&gt;• Innovation at Scale – Oliver Novakovic discusses how Barratt Redrow is tackling net zero, supply chains, and real-world testing through 52 innovation projects.&lt;br/&gt;• Bridging the Gap – The guests tackle the disconnect between ambition and delivery and why storytelling, trust, and collaboration are key to real change.&lt;br/&gt;• Healthy Buildings = Healthy People – Why offgassing, acoustics, light, and authentic materials directly affect wellbeing, focus, and long-term health.&lt;br/&gt;• Regenerative Farming &amp;amp; Circular Supply Chains – How straw, hemp, and bio-based materials can feed both housing and soil health, reducing carbon while improving ecosystems.&lt;br/&gt;• Reframing ‘Sustainability’ – Why the word itself may be losing trust and why ‘health’, ‘quality’, and ‘legacy’ might be the language that moves people to act.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This conversation is essential for developers, architects, manufacturers, and sustainability leaders who believe the next revolution in construction won’t just be about carbon, it’ll be about people, materials, and mindset.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Chapters &lt;br/&gt;• 00:00 – Introduction &amp;amp; meeting the guests&lt;br/&gt;• 02:00 – How design, health, and circularity connect&lt;br/&gt;• 05:00 – From Disney to Cradle to Cradle: Chaline’s journey into healthy materials&lt;br/&gt;• 09:00 – Paul’s story: building natural homes in Finland &amp;amp; launching EcoCocon&lt;br/&gt;• 13:00 – Oliver’s path from marine engineering to sustainable innovation at Barratt Redrow&lt;br/&gt;• 16:00 – The business case for sustainability and scalability&lt;br/&gt;• 20:00 – Straw, timber &amp;amp; regenerative farming: how circular construction works in practice&lt;br/&gt;• 23:00 – Can circular materials meet volume demand?&lt;br/&gt;• 27:00 – Cost, scalability &amp;amp; the JLL study on consumer demand for healthy homes&lt;br/&gt;• 33:00 – Why health sells better than “sustainability”&lt;br/&gt;• 37:00 – Collaboration, testing &amp;amp; breaking down supply chain fear&lt;br/&gt;• 41:00 – Offgassing, acoustics &amp;amp; materials that impact wellbeing&lt;br/&gt;• 46:00 – Design psychology: why interiors and materials affect healing and focus&lt;br/&gt;• 51:00 – How large developers can adopt circularity step by step&lt;br/&gt;• 56:00 – Lessons from regenerative farming &amp;amp; natural building supply chains&lt;br/&gt;• 1:01:00 – Circularity, culture &amp;amp; how to make change stick&lt;br/&gt;• 1:05:00 – The myth of “low-quality sustainable materials”&lt;br/&gt;• 1:10:00 – Unlocking brownfield sites with circular thinking&lt;br/&gt;• 1:15:00 – Myth-busting, mindset, and making sustainability easy&lt;br/&gt;• 1:20:00 – Final reflections: collaboration over competition in building a better industry&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Find us on:&lt;br/&gt;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT&lt;br/&gt;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text How do we make circular construction scalable and healthy homes the new normal?  In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans brings together three leading voices shaping the future of sustainable building: - Chaline Church (540 World &amp; Cradle to Cradle Partner) - Oliver Novakovic (Technical &amp; Innovation Director, Barratt Redrow) - Paul Lynch (EcoCocon, Finland-based natural building pioneer).  Together they explore the real-world barriers and opp...

Ep. 93 Straw, Circularity and the One Question Nobody’s Asking

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms">Send us a text</a>How do we close the gap between how buildings are designed and how they actually perform? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Luke Smith, CEO of Build Test Solutions, about his journey from architectural technologist to industry innovator—developing new tools that make it easier, faster, and more accurate to measure real building performance. Luke explains why measurement must become mainstream if we’re serious about net zero, retrofit quality, and energy efficiency and how Build Test Solutions is helping the industry move from guesswork to evidence. Key Highlights • From RAF Childhood to Retrofit Pioneer – Luke’s early influences, his practical mindset, and how hands-on curiosity shaped his career in sustainability and building science. • The Birth of Build Test Solutions – How a university PhD project became Pulse, an innovative air-tightness testing system now adopted in UK building regulations. • Beyond Air Testing – Developing a suite of new tools for measuring heat loss, ventilation, and real-world performance across homes and non-domestic buildings. • The Performance Gap Problem – Why most new builds and retrofits don’t meet design targets—and how measurement can help bridge the gap between theory and reality. • Measurement in Practice – How Pulse compares to blower door tests, the benefits of speed, simplicity, and accuracy, and how it’s transforming compliance testing. • Retrofit, Heat Pumps &amp; Reality – How measuring heat transfer and real energy use helps optimise retrofit strategies, validate carbon savings, and right-size heating systems. • Future Home Standard &amp; What’s Next – Why the next decade of construction will depend on measurable proof of performance—and how smart data will empower consumers, not just developers. This conversation is essential for construction professionals, sustainability leaders, retrofit coordinators, and anyone passionate about smarter, data-driven delivery in the built environment. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Luke Smith&apos;s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsmith88/ Build Test Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/build-test-solutions/ Build Test Solutions Website: https://www.buildtestsolutions.com/<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do we close the gap between how buildings are designed and how they actually perform?&lt;br/&gt;In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Luke Smith, CEO of Build Test Solutions, about his journey from architectural technologist to industry innovator—developing new tools that make it easier, faster, and more accurate to measure real building performance.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Luke explains why measurement must become mainstream if we’re serious about net zero, retrofit quality, and energy efficiency and how Build Test Solutions is helping the industry move from guesswork to evidence.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Key Highlights&lt;br/&gt;• From RAF Childhood to Retrofit Pioneer – Luke’s early influences, his practical mindset, and how hands-on curiosity shaped his career in sustainability and building science.&lt;br/&gt;• The Birth of Build Test Solutions – How a university PhD project became Pulse, an innovative air-tightness testing system now adopted in UK building regulations.&lt;br/&gt;• Beyond Air Testing – Developing a suite of new tools for measuring heat loss, ventilation, and real-world performance across homes and non-domestic buildings.&lt;br/&gt;• The Performance Gap Problem – Why most new builds and retrofits don’t meet design targets—and how measurement can help bridge the gap between theory and reality.&lt;br/&gt;• Measurement in Practice – How Pulse compares to blower door tests, the benefits of speed, simplicity, and accuracy, and how it’s transforming compliance testing.&lt;br/&gt;• Retrofit, Heat Pumps &amp;amp; Reality – How measuring heat transfer and real energy use helps optimise retrofit strategies, validate carbon savings, and right-size heating systems.&lt;br/&gt;• Future Home Standard &amp;amp; What’s Next – Why the next decade of construction will depend on measurable proof of performance—and how smart data will empower consumers, not just developers.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This conversation is essential for construction professionals, sustainability leaders, retrofit coordinators, and anyone passionate about smarter, data-driven delivery in the built environment.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Find us on:&lt;br/&gt;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT&lt;br/&gt;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152&lt;br/&gt;YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/&lt;br/&gt;Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Links:&lt;br/&gt;Luke Smith&amp;apos;s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsmith88/&lt;br/&gt;Build Test Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/build-test-solutions/&lt;br/&gt;Build Test Solutions Website: https://www.buildtestsolutions.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text How do we close the gap between how buildings are designed and how they actually perform? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Luke Smith, CEO of Build Test Solutions, about his journey from architectural technologist to industry innovator—developing new tools that make it easier, faster, and more accurate to measure real building performance.  Luke explains why measurement must become mainstream if we’re serious about net zero, retrofi...

Ep. 92 Build Test Solution's Luke Smith on Measurement, Retrofit & the Future Home Standard

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms">Send us a text</a>How do you design buildings where safety, sustainability, and education all come together? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Kevin Higgs, Development Director at Happy Days Nurseries, about creating early-years environments that prioritise safety, learning, and sustainability. After a career in property and retail development—including nearly a decade at Tesco—Kevin joined Happy Days Nurseries to help shape spaces that support both children’s growth and environmental responsibility. From designing safe, nurturing spaces to embedding sustainability in every project, Kevin shares what it takes to build for purpose rather than profit. Key Highlights • From Retail to Early Years – Why Kevin left corporate development to work in education, and how purpose reshaped his career. • Safety &amp; Responsibility – How safeguarding and building compliance underpin every decision when designing nurseries for young children. • Designing for Education, Not Efficiency – Balancing open, flexible learning spaces with the technical challenges of heating, cooling, and sustainability. • Human-Centred Design – Why architects and contractors must see buildings through a child’s eyes—every corner, height, and transition matters. • Sustainability in Practice – From “last-person-out” switches to all-electric systems and BMS controls, how small details make a big difference. • Building Relationships – What makes great partnerships between clients, developers, and contractors—and why shared values matter as much as capability. • Purpose &amp; Impact – How Happy Days uses its buildings and curriculum to teach sustainability, connect generations, and shape lifelong habits. This episode is essential for architects, developers, sustainability professionals, and anyone designing for people, not just profit. Kevin’s insights reveal how thoughtful property decisions can create healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Kevin&apos;s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-higgs-30119590/ Happy Days Nurseries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happy-days-nurseries-south-west-ltd/posts/?feedView=all Happy Days Nurseries Website: https://happydaysnurseries.com/ #Sustainability #ConstructionPodcast #ThriveInConstruction #EarlyYearsEducation #HappyDaysNurseries #BuildingDesign #NetZero #HealthyBuildings #PropertyDevelopment #BuiltEnvironment #SafetyFirst<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do you design buildings where safety, sustainability, and education all come together?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Kevin Higgs, Development Director at Happy Days Nurseries, about creating early-years environments that prioritise safety, learning, and sustainability.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;After a career in property and retail development—including nearly a decade at Tesco—Kevin joined Happy Days Nurseries to help shape spaces that support both children’s growth and environmental responsibility. From designing safe, nurturing spaces to embedding sustainability in every project, Kevin shares what it takes to build for purpose rather than profit.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Key Highlights&lt;br/&gt;• From Retail to Early Years – Why Kevin left corporate development to work in education, and how purpose reshaped his career.&lt;br/&gt;• Safety &amp;amp; Responsibility – How safeguarding and building compliance underpin every decision when designing nurseries for young children.&lt;br/&gt;• Designing for Education, Not Efficiency – Balancing open, flexible learning spaces with the technical challenges of heating, cooling, and sustainability.&lt;br/&gt;• Human-Centred Design – Why architects and contractors must see buildings through a child’s eyes—every corner, height, and transition matters.&lt;br/&gt;• Sustainability in Practice – From “last-person-out” switches to all-electric systems and BMS controls, how small details make a big difference.&lt;br/&gt;• Building Relationships – What makes great partnerships between clients, developers, and contractors—and why shared values matter as much as capability.&lt;br/&gt;• Purpose &amp;amp; Impact – How Happy Days uses its buildings and curriculum to teach sustainability, connect generations, and shape lifelong habits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This episode is essential for architects, developers, sustainability professionals, and anyone designing for people, not just profit. Kevin’s insights reveal how thoughtful property decisions can create healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Find us on:&lt;br/&gt;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT&lt;br/&gt;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152&lt;br/&gt;YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/&lt;br/&gt;Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Links:&lt;br/&gt;Kevin&amp;apos;s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-higgs-30119590/&lt;br/&gt;Happy Days Nurseries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happy-days-nurseries-south-west-ltd/posts/?feedView=all&lt;br/&gt;Happy Days Nurseries Website: https://happydaysnurseries.com/&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;#Sustainability #ConstructionPodcast #ThriveInConstruction #EarlyYearsEducation #HappyDaysNurseries #BuildingDesign #NetZero #HealthyBuildings #PropertyDevelopment #BuiltEnvironment #SafetyFirst&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text How do you design buildings where safety, sustainability, and education all come together?  In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Kevin Higgs, Development Director at Happy Days Nurseries, about creating early-years environments that prioritise safety, learning, and sustainability.  After a career in property and retail development—including nearly a decade at Tesco—Kevin joined Happy Days Nurseries to help shape spaces that support both...

Ep. 91 Designing Spaces for Learning | Kevin Higgs on Safety, Purpose & Net Zero

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms">Send us a text</a>How do we keep moving forward in an uncertain world? And what does true leadership look like in sustainability and construction? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Andy Hay, Managing Director at Hollis, about leadership, adaptability, and thriving through change. From starting his career at Adidas to leading one of the UK’s most respected real-estate consultancies, Andy shares powerful lessons on agency, mindset, and the courage to keep evolving. Key Highlights • The Toblerone Philosophy – Why every challenge can be approached three ways: like it, change it, or deal with it—and how this mindset builds agency and resilience. • From Adidas to Hollis – Andy’s unconventional journey across industries—from sport and finance to real estate—and what he’s learned about transferable skills and reinvention. • Change &amp; Adaptability – Why shifting roles and “changing lanes” is vital for both personal growth and organisational innovation. • Leadership in Sustainability – How today’s turbulence in the net-zero and ESG space could signal maturity, not decline—and why the sector must refocus on what truly drives impact. • Dealing with Uncertainty – Navigating market shifts, political instability, and evolving business priorities with optimism and ownership. • Raising Standards &amp; Taking Ownership – Why success comes from effort, consistency, and leaning in fully to your goals and responsibilities. This conversation is a masterclass in resilient leadership, career reinvention, and finding opportunity in uncertainty, essential listening for sustainability professionals, business leaders, and anyone committed to growth in the built environment. #Leadership #Sustainability #ThriveInConstruction #ChangeManagement #CareerGrowth #RealEstate #Hollis #BuiltEnvironment #Resilience #NetZero #ConstructionPodcast  If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Andy Hay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hay-8bb57221/ Hollis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hollis-global/ Hollis Website: https://www.hollisglobal.com/<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do we keep moving forward in an uncertain world? And what does true leadership look like in sustainability and construction?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Andy Hay, Managing Director at Hollis, about leadership, adaptability, and thriving through change. From starting his career at Adidas to leading one of the UK’s most respected real-estate consultancies, Andy shares powerful lessons on agency, mindset, and the courage to keep evolving.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Key Highlights&lt;br/&gt;• The Toblerone Philosophy – Why every challenge can be approached three ways: like it, change it, or deal with it—and how this mindset builds agency and resilience.&lt;br/&gt;• From Adidas to Hollis – Andy’s unconventional journey across industries—from sport and finance to real estate—and what he’s learned about transferable skills and reinvention.&lt;br/&gt;• Change &amp;amp; Adaptability – Why shifting roles and “changing lanes” is vital for both personal growth and organisational innovation.&lt;br/&gt;• Leadership in Sustainability – How today’s turbulence in the net-zero and ESG space could signal maturity, not decline—and why the sector must refocus on what truly drives impact.&lt;br/&gt;• Dealing with Uncertainty – Navigating market shifts, political instability, and evolving business priorities with optimism and ownership.&lt;br/&gt;• Raising Standards &amp;amp; Taking Ownership – Why success comes from effort, consistency, and leaning in fully to your goals and responsibilities.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This conversation is a masterclass in resilient leadership, career reinvention, and finding opportunity in uncertainty, essential listening for sustainability professionals, business leaders, and anyone committed to growth in the built environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; #Leadership #Sustainability #ThriveInConstruction #ChangeManagement #CareerGrowth #RealEstate #Hollis #BuiltEnvironment #Resilience #NetZero #ConstructionPodcast &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Find us on:&lt;br/&gt;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT&lt;br/&gt;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152&lt;br/&gt;YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/&lt;br/&gt;Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Links:&lt;br/&gt;Andy Hay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hay-8bb57221/&lt;br/&gt;Hollis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hollis-global/&lt;br/&gt;Hollis Website: https://www.hollisglobal.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text How do we keep moving forward in an uncertain world? And what does true leadership look like in sustainability and construction?  In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Andy Hay, Managing Director at Hollis, about leadership, adaptability, and thriving through change. From starting his career at Adidas to leading one of the UK’s most respected real-estate consultancies, Andy shares powerful lessons on agency, mindset, and the courage to ...

Ep. 90 Andy Hay on Sustainability’s Next Chapter & Leadership in Uncertain Times

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms">Send us a text</a>How can AI, emotional intelligence, and better communication transform the future of construction? In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans sits down with Bryony Coombs, civil engineer and Director at ALICE Technologies, to explore how innovation, inclusion, and risk-taking are shaping the next generation of the built environment. Bryony shares her journey from graduating as a civil engineer to becoming a leader in construction technology. She reflects on the challenges of entering a male-dominated industry, the importance of creating spaces for underrepresented voices, and how AI can revolutionize project planning—without replacing the people who make it all possible. Key Highlights • Women in Construction – Why inclusion isn’t just about representation, but about creating environments where everyone feels safe to contribute and thrive. • Reverse Mentoring in Action – How pairing junior women with senior leaders builds empathy, understanding, and better decision-making. • Demystifying AI in Construction – What ALICE Technologies does to optimize schedules, reduce inefficiency, and help engineers focus on problem-solving rather than admin. • Risk, Flow &amp; Innovation – How Bryony’s experiences in skiing and rugby taught her to balance calculated risk with creativity, mirroring the innovation construction needs to move forward. • Emotional Intelligence &amp; Communication – The most underrated skills in engineering—and why mastering them accelerates both careers and culture change. • The Future of Work – Why embracing digitization and AI is not about losing jobs, but about unlocking time, creativity, and human potential. This episode is essential for construction professionals, engineers, tech innovators, and diversity advocates who believe that progress in the built environment starts with courage, communication, and curiosity. If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip Find us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/ Links: Bryony&apos;s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryony-coombs/ ALICE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alice-technologies-inc/ ALICE Website: https://www.alicetechnologies.com/home #ConstructionPodcast #ThriveInConstruction #WomenInConstruction #AIinConstruction #DigitalTransformation #EngineeringLeadership #ALICETechnologies #Innovation #DiversityInSTEM #BuiltEnvironment<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2289429/open_sms"&gt;Send us a text&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How can AI, emotional intelligence, and better communication transform the future of construction?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans sits down with Bryony Coombs, civil engineer and Director at ALICE Technologies, to explore how innovation, inclusion, and risk-taking are shaping the next generation of the built environment.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Bryony shares her journey from graduating as a civil engineer to becoming a leader in construction technology. She reflects on the challenges of entering a male-dominated industry, the importance of creating spaces for underrepresented voices, and how AI can revolutionize project planning—without replacing the people who make it all possible.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Key Highlights&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;• Women in Construction – Why inclusion isn’t just about representation, but about creating environments where everyone feels safe to contribute and thrive.&lt;br/&gt;• Reverse Mentoring in Action – How pairing junior women with senior leaders builds empathy, understanding, and better decision-making.&lt;br/&gt;• Demystifying AI in Construction – What ALICE Technologies does to optimize schedules, reduce inefficiency, and help engineers focus on problem-solving rather than admin.&lt;br/&gt;• Risk, Flow &amp;amp; Innovation – How Bryony’s experiences in skiing and rugby taught her to balance calculated risk with creativity, mirroring the innovation construction needs to move forward.&lt;br/&gt;• Emotional Intelligence &amp;amp; Communication – The most underrated skills in engineering—and why mastering them accelerates both careers and culture change.&lt;br/&gt;• The Future of Work – Why embracing digitization and AI is not about losing jobs, but about unlocking time, creativity, and human potential.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This episode is essential for construction professionals, engineers, tech innovators, and diversity advocates who believe that progress in the built environment starts with courage, communication, and curiosity.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Find us on:&lt;br/&gt;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT&lt;br/&gt;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152&lt;br/&gt;YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw&lt;br/&gt;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/&lt;br/&gt;Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Links:&lt;br/&gt;Bryony&amp;apos;s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryony-coombs/&lt;br/&gt;ALICE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alice-technologies-inc/&lt;br/&gt;ALICE Website: https://www.alicetechnologies.com/home&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;#ConstructionPodcast #ThriveInConstruction #WomenInConstruction #AIinConstruction #DigitalTransformation #EngineeringLeadership #ALICETechnologies #Innovation #DiversityInSTEM #BuiltEnvironment&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2289429/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Send us a text How can AI, emotional intelligence, and better communication transform the future of construction?  In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans sits down with Bryony Coombs, civil engineer and Director at ALICE Technologies, to explore how innovation, inclusion, and risk-taking are shaping the next generation of the built environment.  Bryony shares her journey from graduating as a civil engineer to becoming a leader in construction technology. She refle...

Ep. 89 Rethinking Risk & Change: Bryony Coombs on Construction Innovation

'Thrive in Construction' is the only podcast that delves into the personal journeys of sustainability leaders and innovators in the construction industry across the UK. Our show differentiates by offering unscripted, passion-fueled conversations that go beyond the buzzwords to the heart of what's driving the industry forward. It's tailored for aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and anyone with a keen interest in the sustainable evolution of construction. We're here at a time when the call for sustainable development is not just a trend, but a societal imperative, empowering listeners to build a career that contributes to a greener future.

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