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The Building Talks Podcast
A fortnightly podcast showcasing conversations with professionals across Australia’s Built Environment—spanning Construction, Property Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Consulting (and much besides).
In each episode, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry, while hearing the stories, insights, and experiences of the people behind the projects. From architects and engineers to builders, project managers, quantity surveyors, researchers, and business leaders, our guests offer valuable perspectives from across the sector.
Whether you're curious about industry issues or want to better understand the people driving Australia’s built environment, The Building Talks Podcast brings you authentic conversations with those ‘in the know.’
The Building Talks Podcast
Talking with Adam Jeffery about International Construction experiences: from London to New York and back to Melbourne!
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What’s up, everyone? This week, we catch up with Adam Jeffery, Project Manager at Kane Constructions, whose career has taken him from Melbourne to London and New York before returning home. Adam shares sharp insights into how construction differs across these markets, touching on contracts, procurement, safety, and the role (or absence) of unions.
We also explore what it takes to step into project management, the balance of technical know-how and people skills, and how young professionals can prepare for the leap. Adam opens up about relocating with a young family, re-establishing himself locally, and why international experience, when used wisely, can give you a powerful career edge.
Takeaways
✅ Comparing construction in London, New York and Melbourne
✅ Why project management is as much about people as it is process
✅ The different roles unions play around the world
✅ How international experience can set you apart back home
✅ The challenges (and rewards) of moving countries with a young family
Chapters:
03:11 – Background and International Experience
10:44 – Transitioning to the UK Construction Industry
16:15 – Brexit and Its Impact on the Construction Workforce
19:34 – Moving to the US and New York experience
31:27 – Contracting Differences: UK vs US
37:57 – Union Dynamics in Construction
57:39 – First Project at Kane: La Trobe University
01:01:50 – Perceptions of Overseas Experience in Australia
01:03:57 – Advise for Employers on Hiring International Talent
01:07:50 – The Importance of Soft Skills in Project Management
01:10:09 – Career Progression and Aspirations in Construction
01:11:34 – Advice for Young Professionals Considering Overseas Opportunities
Whether you’re eyeing an overseas stint, starting out in project management, or just curious about how different regions shape the way we build, this one’s full of practical takeaways.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #Construction #ProjectManagement #KaneConstructions #InternationalExperience #LeadershipInConstruction #CareerGrowth #BuildingSuccess #MelbourneConstruction #LondonConstruction #NewYorkConstruction
The 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.au
Proud 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.
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