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 Alana Luppi about breaking cycles, building culture and backing the next gen of builders
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Thanks for joining me today on The Building Talks Podcast, got a ripper episode lined up…
In this episode, I’m joined by Alana “Lu” Luppi, Senior Project Manager at ESR Group. From cleaning site sheds and abseiling high-rises to leading major commercial builds, Lu’s journey into construction is anything but ordinary.
We chat about how mentoring over 40 emerging professionals shaped her career, the story behind launching the Speak Up Foundation, and why emotional intelligence and continuous training matter more than bravado. If you care about culture, growth and fixing the industry’s training gaps, this one's for you.
Takeaways:
✅ Mentoring done right can keep people in the industry
✅ Curiosity trumps bravado in great leaders
✅ The industry needs more structured training and support
✅ Speaking up changes culture from the inside
✅ You don’t have to “do it tough” just because others did
Chapters:
04:40 – The Toughness of the Construction Industry
08:52 – Personal Journey into Construction
12:19 – Gender Dynamics in Construction
17:03 – Career Pivots and Education
20:05 – Mentorship and Support Systems
28:15 – Empowering Women and Marginalised Group in Construction
31:54 – Addressing Bias and Inclusion in the Industry
33:33 – The Role of Mentorship in Career Development
36:12 – Challenges in In-House Career Development
39:05 – The Importance of Leadership and Support
42:03 – Creating a Supportive Work Environment
44:39 – The Speak Up Foundation’s Mission
50:01 – The Future of Training and Development in Construction
58:39 – Evolving Mindsets and Personal Growth
01:00:46 – The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
01:03:18 – Navigating Challenges in Project Management
01:07:32 – Time Management and Reflection in Construction
01:10:52 – The Journey of Writing a Book
01:16:31 – Balancing Passion Projects with Professional Life
Tune in for an honest, energising chat on what it really takes to create a better future for construction.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #MentoringMatters #MentalHealthInConstruction #SpeakUpFoundation #WomenInConstruction #ESRGroup #ProjectManagement #IndustryCulture
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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