Mick Donaghy
The Take Off - The Quantity Surveying Podcast
The Take Off is a Specialist Quantity Surveying Podcast showcasing the journey's of Quantity Surveyors Globally. Each week, your host, Mick Donaghy will interview a leading Quantity Surveying Entrepreneur or Leader within the Built Environment to share their story. Our goal is to educate, inspire and offer advice for Quantity Surveyors navigating the globally construction industry. As we all know, construction is a people business and we as people are fundamentally, imperfect. Which is part of the reason why we all love stories. The Highs, the Lows and the continued Battle to be Better.
Author
Mick Donaghy
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Dec 14, 2025
Where to listen?
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Episodes
EP 125 : The secret to Strengthening Builder-Subcontractor Relationships with Michelle Cirson 21.03.2024 18:24
Building Stronger Partnerships: The Key to Project Success on The Take-Off Podcast This week on The Take-Off Podcast, we delve into a cornerstone of successful construction projects: fostering strong builder-subcontractor relationships. Our guest, Michelle Cirson, a distinguished construction lawyer and CEO of Tricks of Your Trade, shares her invaluable insights. Is your current approach to builde...
EP 124 | EXPAT SERIES | Expanding Horizons: A Quantity Surveyor's Journey from London to Sydney with Reiss Draper 17.03.2024 44:35
🎙️ 🔍 Peek behind the construction curtain!, featuring @Reiss Draper in our Expat Series! 🌐 Hailing from Essex in the UK, Reiss Draper, an Associate Director of @mbm in Brisbane has over 14 years of Quantity Surveying expertise. 🏗️ From Cost & Commercial Management Services to tailored procurement advice across International Markets, Reiss has had an amazing growth journey! His global journ...
EP 123: How can subcontractors succeed? With Michelle Cirson, Construction Lawyer 13.03.2024 13:57
This mini-episode of The Take Off Podcast features Michelle Cirson, a construction lawyer with a wealth of knowledge on subcontractor success. Michelle shares her insights on navigating the ever-evolving construction landscape and achieving long-term growth: Building Strong Relationships: Discover how to forge lasting partnerships with general contractors and other key stakeholders. Maximizing Eff...
EP 122: TRAILBLAZER SERIES: Samantha Hiller - Breaking the Mold: How to start and thrive in a career in Development Management? 10.03.2024 43:17
Developing a Legacy: @Samantha Hiller Takes the Stage! ️ The construction & development’s industry's future is bright, and Samantha is leading from the front! This inaugural episode of our #Trailblazer series features Samantha Hiller, Development Manager of @fiteni Inspired by her family,Samantha has crafted a strategic path to success, from graduating from @Bond University to securing her...
EP 121: Jonathan Warburton: EXPAT SERIES: Liverpool to Sydney via Namibia, The Power of Saying Yes to Opportunities & Building World Wide Relationships 03.03.2024 47:00
Ever dreamed of building your career abroad? Jonathan, an experience QS from the UK, went from Liverpool to Dubai, then Namibia (and beyond!).The secret? Saying YES to opportunities & forging global connections. This episode is your passport to: Saying YES to adventure & international construction careers ️ Building meaningful relationships across the globe Insider tips for navigating in...
EP 120: Matt Miles: EXPAT SERIES: Leaving England, Moving to Brisbane, Hating It, Loving it, The Power of Hard Work & Putting Yourself Out There 25.02.2024 46:12
How is it Leaving England and moving to Brisbane? Well, its better if @Matt Miles, the latest guest of our podcast , tells you about it.😉With hands-on experience across education, commercial, and retail sectors in both the UK and Australia , Matt's story is anything but ordinary. Join us as we delve into: His unique career path: How can you make the move from the UK to Australia? Navigating t...
EP 119: Kevin Granger - EXPAT SERIES - Leaving the UK to Building a life in Australia as Project Manager in the Construction Industry" 18.02.2024 43:37
Moving from the UK to Australia as a Project Manager. That’s exactly what @Kevin Granger -a Senior Project Manager with over 15 years of experience and the latest guest of The Take-Off Podcast, did 💪🏻 There’s nothing we like more than speaking with real people about the reality of life down under. It’s where the true knowledge lies. 🧠 This time we had the chance to sit down and talk about: 1....
EP 118: Career Crossroads: Electrician to Associate Director - Lessons from John Mahon's Journey 11.02.2024 59:26
Ever felt stuck in a career rut? Dreamed of a bold career switch in construction but not sure where to start ? Buckle up, because this episode of The Take Off will leave you buzzing with inspiration! Join us as we chat with John Mahon, a former electrician who defied expectations and skyrocketed to the position of Associate Director at TBH. In this captivating conversation, you'll discover: Wh...
Ep 1117: Our hunch on the Australian Construction Industry in 2024 and Plans for the Podcast this year with Mick Donaghy 04.02.2024 20:40
Mick is back with another year of The Take Off Podcast. After taking a month's break, Mick is back revealing his thoughts and feelings on the year that lies ahead, 2024. The construction industry has been a tricky place to navigate from 2020 to the present day and Mick predicts that this year could revert to Normal rather than the New Normal. Find out 5 other aspects Mick believes could shape...
EP 116: Review of 2023 Australian Construction Industry & What We Need To Do For Success in 2024 17.12.2023 10:22
In this episode has been of The Take Off, Mick provides analysis on the year that has been 2023. From companies going bust. To major escalation. To difficulty in finding talent. 2023 has provided a lot of challenges and things for us to think about. What strategies are we going to execute in 2024? How can we attract the best talent? How can we build a marketing funnel that will lead to more applic...
EP 115 | Scott Clements: Managing Director of Inertia Engineering on Building an Engineering Consultancy to over 60 People throughout Australia 10.12.2023 38:36
Are you passionate about design and construction? Do you dream of shaping the skylines of tomorrow? Join us on Episode 115 of The Take Off Podcast as we soar into the fascinating world of construction engineering with special guest Scott Clements! In this episode, you'll discover: Did you know? Ready to take off on your journey to becoming a successful construction engineer? Don't miss thi...
EP 114 | The Reality behind being a subcontractor with Robert Wolfe 03.12.2023 31:30
Are you a subcontractor in the construction industry? Are you looking to achieve your goals and grow your business? If so, then this podcast is for you! Join us as we dive into the unfiltered realities of subcontracting with Robert Wolfe, Managing Director of Ascot Air. Whether you are a seasoned subcontractor or just starting out, this podcast has something for you. Subscribe today and start ach...
EP 113 | REPOST: Joe Fusca, Managing Director of Graphite Projects on Switching from the Aviation to the Construction Industry at 30 26.11.2023 42:36
This is a repost of an episode Mick and Joe recorded back in 2021. Joe Fusca Commenced career in the Aviation industry, securing an apprenticeship with QANTAS Engineering in 1974. Held numerous positions over the next 15 years, ultimately in the position of Foreman in the Jet Engine Overhaul Section. In 1989, left QANTAS and in partnership established a successful automotive repair and parts busin...
EP 112 | Estimators Are Vanishing: What's Behind the Construction Industry's Talent Drain? 19.11.2023 24:59
The construction industry is facing a critical challenge: a dwindling pool of skilled estimators. This shortage threatens to hinder project progress, increase costs, and impede innovation. In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind the vanishing estimator and explore strategies for creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled estimators. Join us as we discuss: The factors contributing to the...
Ep 111: Alison Mirams from Quantity Surveyor to Building a $1.5 Billion Pipeline in 5 years as CEO of Roberts Co, the Boutique Tier 1 Contractor 12.11.2023 43:28
Okay, this is a BIG ONE! Welcoming to the show, for the very first time, the incredible @Alison Mirams. To the Australian Construction industry, Alison needs no introduction. But did you know that Alison started her career off as a #QuantitySurveyor? Or that her first job with #BrookfieldMultiplex was that of a #ContractAdministrator? Over a career that has spanned over 2 decades, Alison is mo...
EP 110 | Guy Clothier, Project Manager and Interior Specialist 05.11.2023 27:46
Aspiring Construction Entrepreneurs, This One's for You! 👷♂️🎧 Join us for our latest episode of The Take Off Podcast, where we delve into the world of construction entrepreneurship with Guy Clothier, a seasoned Project Manager, Interior Specialist, and seasoned entrepreneur. In this insightful episode, Guy shares: His journey from construction novice to successful entrepreneur Secrets to na...
EP 109 | Joel Dobbins, Project Manager and Director of Dobbins Construction on Project Management, Mental Health in Construction & Following Your Passion 29.10.2023 45:47
Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Joel Dobbins, a seasoned Project Manager and Director of Dobbins Construction. With years of experience under his belt, Joel has plenty of insights to share about the construction industry and project management. In this episode, Joel will take us through his journey from being an intern to becoming a successful Project Manager at Dobbins Constr...
EP 108 | Louise Vlatko, Chief Commercial Officer HQ Worldwide Shows on Construction in Australia Post Pandemic and Quantity Surveying Opportunities in Dubai & UAE 22.10.2023 53:51
How has life in construction changed after COVID? You won't believe who's back to share her experience! Say welcome back to the one and only Louise Vlatko! A chief commercial officer and management consultant with outstanding achievements such as: Developing Strategies for Success in the Construction, Property and Infrastructure sectors including Games and Events Becoming the Commerc...
EP 107 | Tamika Smith - Founding Director of My Bella Casa & Most Influential Woman In Construction on Fixing Australia's Affordable Housing Problem 15.10.2023 45:00
New Episode Alert Get ready, because we have another amazing guest joining us on this week's episode: Tamika Smith We are thrilled to introduce you to Tamika Smith, recently named 'Entrepreneur Woman of the Year' and shortlisted for Queenslander of the Year. With over 10 years of experience in the construction and #affordablehousing sectors, Tamika brings a wealth of knowledge and exp...
Ep 106: Kylie Dixon, Director of The Bid Coordinator and What it Takes to Creating Winning Bids & Communicating Value like Never Before 08.10.2023 49:45
On this episode of The Take Off - Construction Podcast, we are joined by Kylie Dixon, Construction Professional, Entrepreneur and Director of the Bid Coordinator. Since establishing The Bid Coordinator Pty Ltd Kylie has worked with a number of Tier 1, 2 and 3 companies in the construction industry ($2.5M - $2.7B). Kylie's business, The Bid Coordinator, works with a range of construction compan...
Ep 105 | Mark Obushak of INTREC and Evolving from Project Management to a Career in Business Development & Estimating Management 01.10.2023 37:25
It's time to take off with the latest episode of The Take Off Podcast! In this episode, we discuss the evolution from project management to estimating management with special guest Mark Obushak. Whether you are a contractor, estimator, or project manager in the construction industry, this is an essential conversation for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on all things related to construction e...
EP 104 | What to consider before signing high risk contracts with Construction Lawyer, Michelle Cirson 24.09.2023 48:26
Have you ever wondered what to consider before signing a high-risk construction contract? In The Take Off podcast Episode 104, Michelle Searson shares the wisdom of her years in the construction industry to help you make smart decisions. From estimating costs to budgeting for unseen costs, get the tips you need on how to accurately estimate and evaluate contracts - a must-listen resource for any c...
EP 103 | Rob McCahill: Estimating & Pre Construction Expert, Mining and Resources 17.09.2023 36:50
Are you a builder looking for tips on how to make your construction projects more profitable? Then you don't want to miss this episode of The Take-Off Podcast! We are joined by Rob McCahill, an expert on estimating and pre-construction for mining and resources. Rob shares all of his secrets on construction estimating – from how he uses his math degree in this field, , the best practices to com...
EP 102 | Joshua Preston, Project Manager of INTREC & the Reality of Modern Project Management 10.09.2023 40:59
Are you a project manager looking for some guidance on how to manage your projects like a pro? Look no further! Join Joshua Preston as he talks about the reality of modern project management and shares his expert tips and tricks in this episode of The Take-off Podcast. Learn from the best and take your project management skills to the next level – don't miss out!
Ep 101 | Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association and The Productivity Problem in Australia 03.09.2023 28:53
🎙️🔨 Join us for a milestone episode! In Episode 101 of our podcast, we sit down with industry expert Jon Davies, CEO of ACA, to tackle the pressing issue of productivity within Australian Construction. 🇦🇺⚒️ In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon shares his insights on the challenges plaguing the construction sector and highlights the urgent need for action. With years of experience leading m...
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