Business of Building

She Left a Corporate Job in 1984 to Serve Millions And Never Looked Back Guest Introduction: Smt. Geeta Gunde What does it take to walk away from a successful career at the height of it — not for another job, not for more money — but for a calling? Today's guest did exactly that. Smt. Geeta Gunde holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry and spent twelve years as a Production Officer at Glaxo — building experti...

Join us for a powerful conversation between Gauri Lamb and her co-founder and husband, James Lamb, as they open up about the leaps of faith, career shifts, and life defining moments that shaped their journey. In this episode, they dive into: From Pedicab to Purpose – James’ journey began as a pedicab taxi driver and evolved into co-founding a student storage company for international students. Con...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Nick Johnson who has experience in retail, hospitality and residential sectors. He has contributed to winning competitions and awards throughout his career, both in projects in the UK and overseas. He leads the management team at Johnson Pinney Architects. In this episode, we explore: Managing the business for the wrong reasons- Some people are determine...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Charlotte Whincup who is a Co-owner and Director at Bloom Building Consultancy. Charlotte began her career with the built environment with a degree in Architectural Environment Engineering, which quickly led on to an interest in Building Surveying. In this episode, we explore: Role Models – Charlotte’s parents have been her cheerleaders throughout her li...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Philip Wagstaff , the man behind a thriving engineering business in London. His journey is anything but ordinary—shaped by music, role models, risks and challenges face as well as flying his own plane across the world! In this episode, we dive into: From passion to profession – How Milverdene became an engineering powerhouse Music to machines – The unexp...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Gaelle Blake who is a Managing Director for Groupe Adéquat who provide global Human Resources solutions temporary recruitment, fixed-term and permanent contracts, professional integration, HR consulting and risk prevention through 7 strong and complementary brands such as Adéquat, Adsearch, Sigmar recruitment, Totem, Connect, Skillflex and AxL Group. In...

In this episode, we explore how meaningful workplace relationships shape careers, foster growth, and create a supportive environment for success.  Su Sharma , a seasoned construction lawyer, and  Gemma Prior , an expert in cost management and quantity surveying, share how mentorship, friendship, and professional networks have played a pivotal role in their journeys. What we cover: The im...

On this episode of Business of Building I am joined by Rachel Bell, an Architect and Director of Partnerships at Stride Treglown. Her journey started with a BTEC in Construction and then she studied architecture at Bath university. Having joined Stride Treglown in 2000, Rachel has worked across many different sectors. Her role now at board level is leading the Winning Work team. Beyond her day job...

On this episode of Business of Building I am joined by Dr. Wayne Visser , Professor of Integrated Value and Holder of the Chair in Sustainable Transformation at Antwerp Management School and author of the best-selling book Thriving . He is also Founder of CSR International, Director of Kaleidoscope Futures and Fellow at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.  On...

In today’s episode I talk to the award winning entrepreneur Masami Sato, who is the founder and CEO of B1G1.  B1G1(also known as BUY1GIVE1) helps businesses around the world integrate effective giving in what they do. Today,B1G1 works with more than 3,000 businesses and these businesses have created over 300million giving impacts to date. Masami has a diverse business background, is a 2x TEDx...

In today’s episode I talk to Juliette Morgan. Juliette is a real-estate industry leader with 20 years experience of working internationally. Juliette has managed portfolios of millions of square feet in development and asset management, later focusing her career on ESG strategies in the built environment.   Juliette is now a leader in Gensler’s Global Climate Action and Sustainability Pr...

In this episode I speak with  Caleb is an American entrepreneur based in London. He’s the founder of Bold, a Space-as-a-Service brand acquired in 2019 by NewFlex. Bold just opened a community for entrepreneurs, innovators and fast growing companies in Manchester, England and we’re recording this podcast in The XCHG, a white label community in partnership with AXA IM at 22 Bishopsgate.  C...

In this episode I speak with Wesley Thomson, the Head of ESG for UK and Europe for the global real estate advisory firm Avison Young based out of London.   Wesley has over 17 years of experience in ESG and has advised Government, cities and large corporates across the globe on their decarbonisation journeys. The past 7 years specifically Wesley has been focused on global smart cities and...

In this episode I am going to share my own story, from growing up in Mumbai to founding a boutique PE firm in London with my husband.  We all have a journey to share, and we can all be an inspiration to others, which is why I think it’s important to open up.  I explain why I became interested in engineering, what motivated me to move to the UK, and how I came to have a career and a life...

In this episode I am joined by Scott Murdoch, Chairman of UK Retail at CBRE and the Founder/Managing Partner of CWM prior to the merger of the two businesses in March 2022.   Scott brings vast experience and considerable expertise from the Commercial Property Industry where he currently represents a number of Landlord clients including Battersea Power Station Development Company (Batters...

On this episode I am joined by Dave Forster, the Chairman of FHP Limited – a dynamic property engineering and sustainability services support in the real estate space. FHP were, and still are, at the forefront of economic movement to private real estate investment and ownership.  Dave started his career at the Brightside engineering company at age 16, later moving on to the NHS and MOD as an...

In this episode I am joined by Vanessa Murray, an Asset Manager for Stanhope Plc, property developer and investor who delivers large scale commercial and mixed-use construction projects across the UK.  Prior to joining Stanhope, Vanessa spent eight years specialising in property management. After a very brief stint in rural surveying and a whirlwind 18 months working in the property departmen...

In this episode I am joined by Bernd Hake.  Bernd brings deep experience in the luxury, consumer goods and technology sectors.  Prior to his CEO role at leading energy drink company Red Bull, Mr. Hake served as Global Chief Commercial Officer of Hugo Boss, a leading fashion and lifestyle brand, following senior executive roles in business development, product and brand management, privat...

I'm Gauri Talathi-Lamb and this is Business of Building - a personal note from the leaders of today to the leaders of tomorrow.  I am an engineer, project manager, business owner, CEO, wife and mother. I'm also an ordinary girl from an ordinary suburb in Mumbai, and I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting the most extraordinary and inspiring people in my career and life who have made a hu...