Constructionisadynamicindustrythatrequires
effectiveleadershiptonavigatethechallengesthat arise.Pioneeringleadersarethosewhoareableto thinkoutsidetheboxandbringfreshideasandapproaches totheconstructionindustry Theypossesscertainkey qualitiesthatenablethemtoleadtheirteamstosuccess.
Leadersinconstructionpossessinnovativethinking,which enablesthemtocomeupwithnewandcreativesolutionsto complexproblems.Theyareabletothinkoutsidethebox andchallengetraditionalapproachestoconstruction.They embracenewtechnologiesandtechniquestomakethe constructionprocessmoreefficientandcost-effective.
Pioneeringleadershaveastrategicvisionofwherethey wanttheirorganizationtogo,andtheyareableto communicatethisvisioneffectivelytotheirteammembers. Theysetcleargoalsandobjectivesandcreateactionable planstoachievethem.Theyareabletoanticipatefuture challengesandopportunitiesandadapttheirstrategies accordingly
Effectivecommunicationiscriticalforpioneeringleadersto inspireandmotivatetheirteams.Theyareableto communicatetheirvision,strategy,andexpectationsclearly andeffectively,usingavarietyofcommunicationchannels. Theyarealsoabletoactivelylistentotheirteammembers andprovidefeedbackthatenablesthemtoimprovetheir performance.
Pioneeringleadersunderstandtheimportanceof collaborationintheconstructionindustry.Theyareableto workeffectivelywitharchitects,engineers,contractors,and otherstakeholderstoachievecommongoals.Theyareable tobuildstrongrelationshipswiththeirteammembersand stakeholders,whichenablesthemtofosterapositivework environment.
Theyarenotafraidtotakecalculatedriskstoachievetheir goals.Theyareabletoassessthepotentialrisksand rewardsofadecisionandmakeinformedchoices.They understandthattakingrisksisessentialforinnovationand growthandarewillingtoembracechangetostayaheadof thecurve.
Intherapidlychangingconstructionindustry,adaptabilityis essential.Pioneeringleadersareabletoadapttonew situationsquicklyandeffectively.Theyareabletopivot whennecessaryandmakebolddecisionsinthefaceof uncertainty Theyareabletostaycalmunderpressureand thinkcreativelytofindsolutionstocomplexproblems.
Pioneeringleadersinconstructionpossessauniquesetof qualitiesthatenablethemtoleadtheirorganizationsto successintherapidlyevolvingconstructionindustry.They possessinnovativethinking,strategicvision,effective communication,acollaborativeapproach,risk-taking,and adaptability.Bycultivatingthesequalities,leaderscan inspiretheirteamstoachieveunprecedentedsuccessand drivetheconstructionindustryforwardin2023andbeyond.
ThelatesteditionofInsightsSuccessshedslightontheTop 10PioneeringLeadersinConstruction2023whoare enablingnoveltiesandadvancementsintheconstruction nichewithsheercommitmenttowardsinnovationwitha visiontorevolutionizetheindustryinthenearfuture. Flipthroughthepagesandhaveadelightfulread!
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Dannyhasbeencompletingamyriadofcomplexprojectsina varietyofindustriesandfulfilstheservicespromptly
GarryandKuldeepareexperiencedleaderintheconstruction withexpertiseinBudgeting,ValueEngineering,Contractors, Sales,andProjectEstimation.
Balfour
Leoconnectswiththeyoungstersthroughhisbeliefwhich impliesitiscriticaltoengagethemindsoftheyounger generation,empoweringandequippingthemwiththetoolsand techniquestoensurethecontinuedsuccessofthecountryaswe buildbackbetterandmoresustainably
Stephenisaserialentrepreneurwhohasfoundedcompaniesin variousindustries—includinginmanufacturing,retail,real estate,investmentbanking,healthyrestaurants(LYFEKitchen) andfoodbrands(Luvo)—raisingoverabilliondollarsinthe process.
Swatiisanaccomplishedbusinessleader,withdiversesector experience,leadingthecommercial,legal,ethics,governance, complianceandriskfunctions,forSkanskaUKPlc.Sheis highlymotivatedandachievement-orientedwithstrong collaborationskills.
DannyCavalier DirectorofBusiness Development CrystalConsultingInc ccigroup.ca GarrySanghaCEO and KuldeepSinghChohan COO Beatty balfourbeatty.com LeoQuinn CEO NexiiBuildingSolutions nexii.com StephenSidwell CEO ShanskaUKPlc skansha.co.uk SwatiPaul Director,and ExecutiveVicePresident, Commercial&LegalThe wonderful thing about construction is that your hands do the talking. My superior building capability, a strong sense of community, and spiritualism tied me closely to those that I worked for and those that worked for me.
O V E R S T O R Y
Ahouseisoftenmadeintoahomebytheloving
bondsofafamilythatlivesinit.Buteventhe barebonesconstructionofahouserequiresawhole lotoftime,dedication,attentiontodetail,andloveforthe jobbecauseonlythenaqualityhousecanbebuilt,onethat lastsafamilyforgenerationstocome.
Thiscohesionofconstructionandfamilythatmakesa homeisexemplifiedbyCrystalConsultingInc–a constructionbusinessthatisbeingfunctionedbythe Sanghafamilyandoperatesonfamilyvalues.Garry SanghaistheCEOofthecompany,andhisbrother-in-law KuldeepSinghChohanistheCOO.Bothofthem followedtheirfather’slegacy,AjitSangha,inthe constructionbusiness.AftermovingtoCanadafromasmall farmingvillageinPunjab,Ajitworkedasalaborerina drywallcompanyin1997.Eventually,drywallwouldcome todescribethefamilylegacy.
WhenGarryandKuldeepapproachedAjittoformCCI, theydidn’thaveasubstantialbackgroundintheBC Constructionindustry,andtheirassetswereminimalto backthestart-up.Whatthefamilyhadwasthebeliefthat muchmorecouldbedoneinthespaceofthisindustryand waswaitingforsomeoneinnovativetooccupyit.
CrystalConsulting(Drywall)Inc.wasthenfoundedin 2005.Asadrywallcompany,itwouldinitiallyworkin multi-familyconcreteresidentialprojects.Todaythefamily hasprogressedtobeingamajorpresenceacrosstheBC constructionspace.Sincethen,CrystalConsultinghas grownimmenselyandhasintroducedCCIWaterproofing, CrystalConsultingGroupofCompanies,CCIAlberta, KaninConstructionManagement,CCIMasonry,andthe CCIGroupMentalHealthSociety
Garrysays, “What we build must have value. I grew up playing sports, and similarly, in business, it takes time, dedication, and practice to be good. The thing about family, sport, and business is that everyone must share a vision/belief system and work to common objectives to achieve real success.”
Kuldeepadds, “It is a blessing what we have done as a family. While we all work hard to achieve success, we are not so vain to think we did it on our own. Everybody who has, does, or will work with us makes a real contribution to how we move forward. Moreover, as a business, we are grateful for the trust our clients give when awarding us work and thankful to all the trades and suppliers that work with us to realize our construction objectives.”
approach construction and
our ability to deliver the highest quality of work on schedule. Our systemized approach is a massive CCI strength.
Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Garryand Kuldeepshareanimmigrantfamily’sdreamofbuildinga legacythatlasts.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Brieflydescribeyourprofessionaljourneyupuntilnow.
Garry Sangha: Igrewupinalovingandsupportivefamily thatemphasizedfamilyvalues,ahighdegreeofcommunity involvement,andanhonestworkeffort.Alongsidemy brother-in-lawKuldeepSinghChohan,wejoinedmyfather, AjitSangha,instartingCrystalConsultingInc.
Wewerealreadyworkingtogetheronconstructionprojects, anditwastimetobranchoutonourowntobuildafamily legacyinCanada,muchasmyfatherhadinIndia.We sacrificedandmadeeverynecessaryefforttogrowour business.Wehadarealdesiretodistinguishourselvesin thescaleoftheprojectwecouldtakeonandtohonorour commitmentstoourclients.
Thiscleardifferentiationiswhatallowedustobepartners withthelargestdevelopersinCanadaandtoexpandour businessscopetotheextentthattodaywetooarebecoming amajordeveloperwiththeintentiontoquicklyapproachin scalethatofourpeerswhowehaveservedforthelasttwo
We are unique in how we
in
decadesandwitheveryintentiontocontinueserving.We intendtobeoneofBC’sanchorcompanies,onethathasan obviousimpactontheskylinesinthemajorcitiesinthe province.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Likemanynewimmigrantsto Canada,Ifoundmystartinmyadoptedcountryin construction.Earlyon,IfoundthatIhadapassionforthe tradeandquicklybecameamasterinframing,drywalling, andfinishing.Ialsohadakeeneyeforinvestingandbuilta portfolioofpropertieslocallyandintheUS.
ImarriedSandeepSanghaand,assuch,becameasonto AjitSangha,thePatriarchofthefamily,andBrotherto GarrySangha.Wewereapowerfulteamandtogether formedCrystalConsultingInc.Itooktheoperationallead fromthestartbuildingupthecompany’sfieldcapabilitiesat impressivespeed.Today,Iamhighlyrespectedinthe
constructioncommunityasaninspiringleaderwhoisas fairindealingasstrongtechnicallyinhisconstruction knowledge.
Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?
Garry Sangha: Icouldsaythatwefacedthechallengesthat anyotherimmigrantdid,butreally,Iviewmyheritageasa strengthandmyupbringingassomethingtobeleveraged. Therealchallengeisthespeedofgrowthandbackfilling policyinstructuretoensurethatwenevermakethesame mistaketwice.
Growingabusinessmeansalwaysbeingoutsideyour comfortzoneandwillingtotakeonsubstantivepersonal riskeveryday.Aleaderneedstohaveathickskinandthe confidencetomoveforwardevenwhenothersplacedoubt inyourmind.Truly,youalsohavetoworkonyourselfto overcomedoubtandrideonoptimism.Youcanmake mistakesinbusiness,butonlyifyouarealwaysinan adaptiveanddynamicoperatingmode.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Ibrokeintotheindustrydespitea languagebarrier.Thewonderfulthingaboutconstructionis thatyourhandsdothetalking.Mysuperiorbuilding capabilityallowedmetoshine.Moreover,astrongsenseof communityandspiritualismtiedmecloselytothosethatI workedforandthosethatworkedforme.Iamverygiving ofmytime,contributingtocommunityprojectsandcauses. Ilivebytheexampleoftheadage,‘whatyougiveiswhat youget.
’
Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttothe Constructionindustry?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Webuiltoneofthelargest constructionforcesinBC.Iamknownacrosstheprovince formywork,andIattract,mentor,andguidenewrecruits intothefamilybusinessatarapidpace.Itrytoembody inclusiveness,andwhileIamquiet,Ispeakwithmy actions,movingtheworkforcetoachieveanamazing amountofnewbuildingconstructionataqualitythatis difficulttomatch.
Garry Sangha: KuldeepandIaretotallyfocusedon scheduleandquality.Itrulybelievethatweareuniquein theprovinceinhowweapproachconstructionandour abilitytodeliverthehighestqualityworkonschedule.Our systemizedapproachisamassiveCCIstrength.
TellusaboutCrystalConsultingIncanditsfoundation pillar.
Garry Sangha: CrystalConsultingInccomesoutofthe broadconstructionexperiencewederivedinCCI,andit extendsmuchbeyonddrywall.Ourclientsrecognizedthe scopeofdeliverablesthatwehadbecomeproficientinand thefactthatourproblem-solvingcapabilitywentwell beyondtheservicesweweredelivering.Thenextlogical stepwastotakeonthefullscopeofconstruction managementandincludethefullscopeoftrades managementformallyasopposedtojustusingtechnical influence.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Familyiswhatmakesusstrong. Werespecteachother;werespectthosethathonoruswith theirworkandthosethatworkforus.Familyisaspiralthat continuouslygrowsoutward.Witheachnewhomewe build,weaddtoourfamily Therecanbehundredsof peopleinanewbuildingandthousandsinanew development.Wemustbefairtothosethatwillinvestin whatwehavebuiltandensurethattheirhomesareofthe highestquality Webuildforthemthatwhichwewould expectforourselves.
HowdoesCrystalConsultingIncpromoteworkforce flexibility,andwhatisyourroleinit?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Wehavehiredandworked alongsidethousandsofpeoplewhilewehavebeenin business.Weallowpeopletogrowandshowthemawayto succeed.Manyofthepeoplethathaveworkedforushave lefttostarttheirownbusinesses.Wesupportthis entrepreneurshipandcelebratetheirinitiative.
Whilethosethatworkforusmustadheretoour constructionpractices,wesupporttheminmanywaysand seetheirfamilyasourfamily Wedoourbesttoprovidea pathforpeopletogettowheretheywanttoinlife.Aspart ofthecommunity,wemusthaveempathyandflexibility.
Garry Sangha: Constructionisahighlystructured business.Process,systems,andsafetyareparamount.The scheduleisnotsubjecttonegotiation.Thatsaid,the businessiskeenonprofessionaladvancementand inclusion.Weareanopenworkplacethatwelcomesall qualifiedandkeenindividualsintothefold.
Training,mentorship,andpromotionbasedoncontribution areintegralpartsofourculture.Weexpectloyaltyandare extremelyloyaltoouremployees.Weunderstandthatdaily
lifedoesimpacttheabilitytowork,andweare compassionateandflexibleinaccommodatingthevagaries thatimpactallofus.Asaleader,Icommunicatemy expectationsclearlyandalsolayoutwhatisrequiredfor eachindividualtoachievepersonalsuccess.
Whatisyourtakeontechnology’simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Wearealwayshappytotrynew toolsandmethods.Giventhescaleofouractivities,thereis alwaysanopportunitytogiveanewtechnologyor approachachance.Ifitworks,weadoptitquicklyandroll itoutacrosstheorganization.Weareagileinthisregard.
Industrystandardsandcommunityexpectationsalsodrive ourtechnologyadoption.Thesedayswearepayingalotof attentiontosustainabilityandourimpactonthe environment.Wearealwaystryingtogreenourbuilding practices.
Garry Sangha: Constructionisatraditionalfieldandoneof theoldestindustriesinexistence.Weallstillmarvelatthe monumentsbuiltbyancientculturesthatstillstandtoday thousandsofyearsaftertheywerebuilt.Wedonotexpect ourstructurestostillstandathousandyearsfromnow,but wedobuildtolast.
Wetakethebasicfoundationsofconstructionandapply modernmethodsandmaterials.Automationand connectivityarekeyfeaturesoftoday’shomes,andwe
We developed the CCI Group Mental Health Society to address a common issue in our society.
Being successful in business means that we can have a big impact, not only directionally, but financially in bettering our communities.
Like the developers we serve, we will be a company that leaves a lasting mark on the skylines of our cities.
embracethosetechnologiesaswellasstandardsand methodstoachievesustainabilityandgreenerbuildings. Fromaworkmanagementperspective,weemploysoftware thatimprovesconstructionmanagementand communicationbetweenallstakeholders.
Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeinthe constructionindustry,andhowareyoupreparingforit?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Greenisthenewgoldstandard. Peoplewillmeasureyourqualityandvaluenotonlyon whatyoudeliverbutonyourabilitytoshowyourreduction ofGHGconsumptionorminimalenvironmentalimpact.
Garry Sangha: Ithinkmorethanintherecentpath, developmentshaveafocusoncommunityandlifestyle. Buyershaveanexpectationofsuperiordesignandlivability aswellasuniqueamenitiesthatenhancedailylife.
Wetakegreatcareinthedesignphasetoarchitecta buildingthatembodieslifestylechoicesforadiverse buyingpublic.Globalwarmingisalsoaparamountissue, andthebuildingindustryhasaresponsibilitytoinclude greentechnologiesandchooselessimpactfulmaterialsand buildingmethods.
Whatareyourgoalsfortheupcomingfuture?
Garry Sangha: Iwantustobeananchorgroupof companiesinBC.Weshouldberecognizedasanemployer ofchoiceandasubstantivecontributortotheeconomy.Our childrenshouldbeproudofwhatwehaveaccomplishedas afamilyandbehaveinwaysthataresupportiveofour community.Likethedevelopersweserve,wewillbea companythatleavesalastingmarkontheskylinesofour cities.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Iwanttoseeourchildrenbenefit fromourhardworkandcontinueinourcommunity contributions.Theydonothavetodowhatwehavedone, theycanmaketheirownway,butI’dwanttoseethembe generousinspirit.
WedevelopedtheCCIGroupMentalHealthSocietyto addressacommonissueinoursociety.Thiscauseandthe supportofothersisimportanttous.Beingsuccessfulin businessmeansthatwecanhaveabigimpact,notonly directionallybutfinancially,inbetteringourcommunities.I wantourfamilytobeseenashumblecontributors.
Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?
Garry Sangha: Thereisnohidinginbusiness.Lifeis transparent,andwhatyoudoasabusinessleaderwillaffect thelongevityofyourbusinessandhowyouareperceivedin thecommunity.Moreimportantly,youractionswillshape thebehaviorofyourchildrenandthoseclosetoyou.Atall times,youshouldworktoinspireotherstobelikeyou.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Youmustalwaystrytobeyour bestandshareyourknowledgefreely.Personalpowerdoes notcomefromhoardingknowledgeorkeepingsecrets.It comesfromallowingotherstojoinyouinyourpathand shiningthelightinthedarkness.Wehavebeenabletobuild suchawonderfulworkforcebecausewecommunicate directlyandarenotafraidtosharewhatweknow.Itisthen uptothatpersontodowhattheycanwithwhattheylearn fromyou.
Throughouthiscareer,StephenSidwellhasfounded
businessesinanumberofdifferentsectors includingretail,realestate,manufacturing, investmentbanking,healthyrestaurants(LyfeKitchen),and consumerpackagedgoods(Luvo),raisingoverabillion dollarsintheprocess.
Heispassionateaboutbuildingbusinessesthatthriveand positivelyimpacttheircommunities.Hiscurrentmissionas aCEOofNexiiBuildingSolutionsistohelptransformthe globalconstructionindustry,usingNexii’sbuilding technologytocreateabrighterfutureforpeopleandthe planet.
In an interview with Insights Success, Stephen Sidwell shares valuable facts highlighting his professional tenure, his journey and ambitions in the niche.
IwasintroducedtoBenandMichaelDombowskyin2018. WedecidedtopartnertocreateNexiiBuildingSolutions withthevisionofreinventinghowtheworldbuildsreducingcarbonandwastewhileincreasingefficiency withintheconstructionindustry.BenandMichaelare extremelytalentedinventorswithwelloverfortyyearsin theindustry.Theyinvestedmanyyearsofresearchand developmentintothecreationoftheNexiisystem.
SinceNexii’sinception,we’vefocusedonprovingour systemwithmultiplebuildingtypes,scalingupoperations, andreducingourimpactontheplanet.In2021,afterjust31 months,Nexiireachedunicornstatus—amorethan$1 billionvaluation.Itisthefastestcompanytodosoin Canadianhistory.
AtNexii,ourmissionistobuildavibrantfutureforpeople andtheplanet.Wedothisbymovingawayfromcarbonintensivematerialsandcreatinganewwayofbuildingthat reducesbuildtimes,cutswastetonearzero,andconsiders thefulllifecycleofabuilding—designingwithreusein mind,creatingacircularconstructionecosystem.
Buildingsandconstructionareresponsibleforalmost40% ofglobalcarbonpollution.Aswegrow,weare demonstratingtotheindustrythatourgreenconstruction systemisabreakthroughsolutiontoreduceemissions.
TellusaboutNexiiBuildingSolutionsanditsfoundation pillar.
Nexiiisagreenconstructioncompanythatdesignsand manufactureslow-carbonbuildingsandproductstotackle theclimateimpactofthebuiltenvironment.Sustainable andscalablesolutionsareurgentlyneededtomakenetzero buildingsareality.
Ourbreakthroughmaterial,Nexiite,andbuildingsolutions enabletherapidassemblyofhigh-qualitybuildingswith reducedend-to-endcarbonemissions,producenearzero waste,andcauselessdisruptiontothecommunity
Nexiibuildingproducts,includingStarbucks,Popeyes,and Marriott,havebeenusedinclientprojects.Mostrecently, wecompletedthemanufacturingof10serviceplaza buildingsfortheNewYorkStateThruway
Whatisyourtakeontechnology'simportance,andhow areyouleveragingit?
Tofundamentallychangehowtheworldbuilds,technology andinnovativesolutionsareessential.AtNexii,we leveragetechnologyinseveralwaystomakesustainable buildingsareality
Nexii’sbuildingtechnologyisdesignedtospeedup constructionandreducetheoverallembodiedcarbonand energyuseofthebuilding.Buildingsareprecision manufacturedoffsiteandrapidlyassembledonsite.Nexii panelshaveanaverageof31%lessembodiedcarbonand Nexiibuildingsuseapproximatelyathirdlessenergy, significantlyloweringenergyneedsandemissionsfor ongoingbuildingoperations.
Nexii’s
building technology is designed to speed up construction and reduce the overall embodied carbon and energy use of the building.
Tomakenetzerobuildingsatscaleareality,Nexiiforged allianceswithworld-classbrands,includingSiemens, Honeywell,TraneTechnologies,Pella,andSolarEarth. CombiningNexiibuildingsolutionswithindustry-leading technologiesenableshigh-performancebuildingswitha muchlowerenvironmentalfootprint.
Whatwillbethenextsignificantchangeinthe Constructionindustry,andhowareyoupreparingfor it?
Weanticipatetherewillbemanychangesfortheindustry asworldevents,legislation,andinflationhaveforcedglobal leaderstohaveacloserlookathigh-pollutingindustries. Theevolvingeconomiclandscapedirectlyimpacts construction,andIhavenodoubtthattherewillbean increasedfocusonefficiencyanddecarbonizationofthe industry.
Wealreadyseethesechangestakingplace.DuringCOP27, thecommitmentstocleaningupthecarbon-intensive constructionindustryandreducingenergyconsumptionin buildingsemergedassignificantpriorities.PresidentBiden recentlyannouncedthe Buy Clean taskforcewithan ambitiontocutcarbonemissionstonetzeroby2050.The USFederalGovernmenthasintroducedrecommendations highlightinglow-carbonmaterials,sustainableprocesses, andcarbondatatransparency Thislegislationwillhavea profoundimpactontheconstructionindustry
AtNexii,ourconstructionmethodandproprietarymaterial Nexiitearewell-suitedtohelpreachthesetargets.Asa greenconstructioncompanywithamissiontoaddressthe climateimpactofourbuiltenvironment,itiswonderfulto seethatindustryandgovernmentsarestartingtostepup andcomealongwithusonthisjourney Althoughitisvery positivethatthesechangesaretakingplace,ourindustry hasbeenlaggingoninnovationandsustainabilityfor decades,andweneedtoseeactioninthisdecade!
AtNexii,wesay,“changetheblueprint,changetheplanet,” andourgoalistoscaleupourcompanytomaximizeour positiveimpactontheworld.WewanttobringNexii’s breakthroughproductsandbuildingstomoremarketsto meetthegrowingdemandfortrulysustainableconstruction.
WhenIlookbackatmycareer,Iamproudofallofmy endeavors.IfIweretogivethenextgenerationsome advice,itwouldbetodosomethingthatyouwilllookback onin5-10yearsandfeelproudof.
Whateveryouendupdoing,youhavetocaredeeplyabout it.Ihavealwaysaspiredtomakeatrueimpactontheworld aroundme,andthathasbeenmydrivingforce.
Influentialbusinessleadersarethosewho inspireandmotivateotherstoachieve success.Theypossesscertaintraitsand characteristicsthatsetthemapartfromothers.In thisarticle,wewillexplorethekeytraitsof influentialbusinessleaders.
Influentialbusinessleadersarevisionarythinkers. Theyhaveaclearunderstandingoftheir organization'smission,values,andgoals.Theyare abletocreateacompellingvisionforthefutureand communicateiteffectivelytoothers.Byhavingaclear vision,theyareabletoinspireandmotivate employeestoworktowardscommongoals.
Visionarythinkingcreatesaclearfocusforindividuals andorganizations.Ithelpsthemtoidentifytheir prioritiesandgoalsandtoaligntheiractions accordingly Thisfocusenablesindividualsand organizationstoworkmoreefficientlyandeffectively towardsachievingtheirvision.
Visionarythinkingdriveschange.Byenvisioninga futurestatethatisdifferentfromthepresent, individualsandorganizationscancreateasenseof urgencyandadesireforchange.Thiscanmotivate individualsandorganizationstotakeaction,totry
newthings,andtodriveinnovationandgrowth. Itcreatesaclearfocusforindividualsand organizations.Ithelpsthemtoidentifytheirpriorities andgoalsandtoaligntheiractionsaccordingly.This focusenablesindividualsandorganizationstowork moreefficientlyandeffectivelytowardsachieving theirvision.
Influentialbusinessleadershavestrong communicationskills.Theyareabletoconveytheir ideasandvisionclearlyandeffectivelytoothers.They aregoodlisteners,abletotakefeedbackandideas fromothersandincorporatethemintotheirown thinking.Theyalsohavetheabilitytoinspireand motivateothersthroughtheirwordsandactions.
Strongcommunicationskillsbuildstrong relationships.Bybeingabletocommunicate effectively,individualscanestablishrapportwith others,buildtrust,andfosterasenseofcommunity. Thiscanleadtobettercollaboration,increased productivity,andimprovedmorale.
Strongcommunicationskillsenhanceleadership.By beingabletocommunicateeffectively,leaderscan inspireandmotivatetheirteam,providedirectionand feedback,andbuildacultureoftrustand collaboration.Thiscanleadtoincreasedemployee engagement,improvedperformance,andbetter results.
Influentialbusinessleadersaredecisive.Theyareable tomaketoughdecisionsquicklyandeffectively.They areabletoanalyzecomplexsituationsandmake decisionsbasedontheirexperience,intuition,and data.Theyarealsoabletocommunicatetheir decisionsclearlyandeffectivelytoothers.
Decisivenessincreasesproductivity.Bymakingquick andeffectivedecisions,individualsandorganizations cansavetimeandresources.Theycanavoidwasting timeandenergyonindecisionordelay.Thisincreased productivitycanleadtogreatersuccessandthe achievementofgoals.
Decisivenessimprovesproblem-solvingskills.By
analyzinginformationandmakingdecisionsquickly andeffectively,individualsandorganizationscan developtheirproblem-solvingskills.Theycanlearnto identifytherootcausesofproblems,evaluateoptions, andtakeactiontoresolveissues.
Decisivenessbuildsconfidence.Whenindividualsand organizationsmakedecisionsquicklyandconfidently, theydemonstratetheircompetenceandexpertise.This confidencecaninspiretrustandrespectfromothers, leadingtogreateropportunitiesandsuccess.
Influentialbusinessleadersareresilient.Theyareable tobouncebackfromsetbacksandfailures.Theyare abletomaintaintheirfocusandcommitmenttotheir vision,eveninthefaceofadversity Theyarealso abletolearnfromtheirmistakesandusethemas opportunitiesforgrowthandimprovement.
Influentialbusinessleadershavehighemotional intelligence.Theyareabletounderstandandmanage theirownemotionseffectively Theyarealsoableto empathizewithothersandunderstandtheir perspective.Thisallowsthemtobuildstrong relationshipswithemployees,customers,andother stakeholders.
Influentialbusinessleadersarestrategicthinkers. Theyareabletoseethebigpictureanddevelop strategiestoachievetheirvision.Theyareableto analyzetrends,anticipatechallenges,anddevelop planstoaddressthem.Theyarealsoabletoadjust theirstrategiesasneededtorespondtochanging circumstances.
Inconclusion,influentialbusinessleaderspossessa uniquesetoftraitsandcharacteristicsthatenable themtoinspireandmotivateotherstoachieve success.Byexhibitingvisionarythinking,strong communicationskills,decisiveness,resilience, emotionalintelligence,andstrategicthinking, influentialbusinessleadersareabletocreatea positiveimpactontheirorganizationsandthewider businesscommunity
Theglobalconstructionsectorisundergoing
significantadvancementswithparadigmshiftsin standardoperatingmethods.Beinganeffective leaderintheconstructionsectorrequiresmorethanstrong managerialskills.Youalsoneedtopossessanddevelop strongleadershipskills,toinspireotherstoperformatthe highestleveltosupporttheworktobedone.
Effectiveconstructionleadersareabletoidentifytheneeds ofasituation,identifytheneedsoftheindividuals performingthework,identifytheneedsoftheorganization, andthencompelindividualstoactinawaythatbenefits everyoneinvolvedinaparticularproject.Giventhe complexityofcertainprojects,thereis aneedfor professionalismamongtheconstructionproject participants.Itisalsoessential tomeettheobjectivesand aspirationsofthestakeholders,inthemostinnovative, imaginative,andvalue-addingmannerforthebenefitofthe clientandallconcerned.
Torealizethegoalsandobjectivesfortheconstruction industry,itisimportanttodevelopauthenticleadersand followerstosetthevisionforimprovingtheconstruction industry’sperformancebyenhancingitscapacityand capabilityineachcountryconcerned.Manyparadigmsfor leadershiphavebeendeveloped.
Innovative,holisticleadershipiscriticaltoconstruction projects,inthemanagementofconstructionbusinesses, andtoindustrydevelopmentasawhole.SwatiPaulis strivingforcontinuousimprovement,whileadheringtoall thesefundamentals.
CurrentlyWorkingasDirectoratSkanskaUKPlcand ExecutiveVicePresident,Commercial&Legal,sheaimsto drivethebusinessforwardwhileimplementingimmersive strategies.
InanexclusiveinterviewwithInsightsSuccess,Swati sharesherprofessionaltenureandhighlightsherjourneyso farintheconstructionniche.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Brieflydescribeyourprofessionaljourneyupuntilnow.
“Iamdelightedtobesharingmyjourneywithyou. Iwork foranamazingglobalbusiness,andIamproudofallIhave beenabletodo.SkanskaUKPlcisadynamic,progressive company. I’maboarddirector,theheadofthelegal, commercial,andethicsfunctionsofabusinesswith revenuesinexcessof£1billion.
Ichairanumberofinternalcommitteesincludingtheethics committee.Myrolealsoincludesleadinggovernance,risk, insuranceandcompliance.Thisisanunusualportfolioof responsibility,butonethatsitswellwithmydiversesector experience.
SkanskaUKPlcspecializesinbuildingandcomplexand oftenhigh-valueprojects:suchastheHS2(highspeedrail) projectmotorways,andmajorcommercialdevelopments whichhaveshapedtheskylineofLondonandothermajor cities.Ourclientsarebothgovernmentsandtheprivate sector.Funnilyenough,Ilearnttoflyasabusinesswoman atanairport–notliterally,butmetaphorically
IwasGeneralCounselandCompanySecretary,forsix yearsatoneofthefastest-growingBritishAirports(Luton) (LLA).InternationalshareholdersownedLLA. There,by beingonthemainboardaswellasbeingtheGeneral Counsel,Ilearnthowtodealwithawiderangeof stakeholders.
IcametotheroleofGeneralCounselfromhaving originallytrainedandworkedinlargecorporatelawfirms inLondon.Workinthesefirmsinvolvedverylonghours, complexdealsandinternationaltravel.
Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?
Itwasahighlycompetitiveenvironment,andIaspiredto becomeapartner.However,onceIhadchildren,the demandsofthisparticularcareerweresimplytoohighfor me.
Swati Paul, Director Skanska UK
Plc, Executive Vice President,Commercial and Legal
Skanska UK Plc
Itriedtofindamorefamily-friendlywayofworking.Igot ajobattheenergyregulatorandthenasanin-houselawyer forcompaniesinmanufacturingandrail,workingpart-time. Atthetime,Ididnotseeaclearpathforwardtoprogress mycareerandremainedonthe“mommytrack.”Thiswas helpfulfromatimeperspectiveandfrustratingfroma careerprogressionperspective. However–Iwasalways committedtolearningandimproving.
WhenIjoinedLLA,Iquicklyrecognizedthatlimitingmy contributiontoadvisingonthelaw,didnotgivemethe immediacyofthebusinessimpactIwasseeking.Iwas seekingarolewhereIcouldinfluencethecommercial successofabusiness,whichbothLLAandnowSkanska havedone.
Thisjourneyhasmeantfacingmanypersonal challenges–beingthebestprofessionalIcanbe;learning howtonavigateorganizationalcultures;discoveringhowto broadenmyskillsetbeyondjustlegal;riskingleavingthe securityofonesector,oroneestablishedrole;softeningmy perfectionism;makingmyselfheardasawomaninaman’s world;balancingbeingawife,motherandacommitted businesswoman;learninghowtostepupandserveona board.
Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttothe Constructionindustry?
Icameintoconstructionrelativelyrecently.Ilovethis sector!Thescaleandscopeofwhatwedo,andtheculture ofthiscompany,allowsmeampleopportunitytobethe businesswomanIam.Ialsobringdiverselifeexperienceas IwasbornandbroughtupinLondonbutwithadifferent heritage.
ItisreallyimportanttomethatIworkinaccordancewith myvaluesofhonesty,integrityand“todotherightthing,” whichaccordswithSkanska’svaluesandcodeofconduct. Diversityandinclusionareinmylifeblood. Iamalsothe ExecutiveSponsorofthe“AbilityNetwork”within SkanskaUK.
Thisfocusesonmakingourworkplaceaplace,wherethose withanyandallformsofdisabilityand/orcarers’ responsibilitiescanthriveandcontributefullytoour success.
I tried to find a more familyfriendly way of working. I got a job at the energy regulator and then as an in-house lawyer for companies in manufacturing and rail, working part-time.
WheredoyouenvisionSkanskaUKPlcandwhatare yourfuturegoalsforthecompany?
Mygoalistodrivethebusinessforward.Accordingly,the changesthatIhaveimplementedsofarincludeproactive managementofthelegalfunctionwithanincreasedfocus ondigitalchange,refreshinghowthecompanydealswith ethics,introducingamorestructuredapproachtoenterprise riskmanagementandreviewingexistingcommercial processeswithafocusonrecovery
Ofcourse,constructionhasitsoriginsintraditional workingmethodsandways.Thatsaid,thefutureisdigital. Thewholesectorwillbetransformedbyavastrangeof digitaltechnologies,someofwhicharealreadymaking theirwayintoourworlds,andsomeofwhichweareonly justbeginningtoglimpsethepossibilities.
Thishasthepossibilityofgreatlyimprovingspeed,safety, timeandcostandcontributingtoanimprovementin environmentaloutcomes.
Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?
Myfuturegoalsaretocarryonworkingwithinthis businesstodriveitforward.Iwouldalsoliketocontinueto growasaprofessionalandimproveandadaptmyskills. Myadviceforthebuddingaspirants,I’dsay,
- foryourearlycareer–becomeastechnicallyproficientas youcan.
-foryourmid-career–build“softskills,”
-foryourseniorcareer–developingpeopleskillsarekey. Aboveall–believeinyourself!
Remember,workisonlyonepartofamulti-facetedlife.I enjoyyoga,meditation,family,friendsandthetheatre.This keepsmewhole!
Themodernconstructionsectorisrapidlyevolving
withtheintegrationofnewtechnologies. Technologyisenablingadvancementsin constructionbymakingprocessesfaster,safer,andmore efficient.Therearevarioustechnologicaladvancementsthat arebeingusedintheconstructionsector,includingBuilding InformationModeling(BIM),drones,3Dprinting,and robotics.
Oneofthemostsignificanttechnologicaladvancementsin theconstructionsectorisBIM.BIMisadigital representationofabuildingorinfrastructureprojectthat enablesdesigners,architects,andconstructionprofessionals tocollaborateonaproject.Itallowsthemtovisualizethe structurein3D,whichenablesthemtoidentifyanydesign flawsorconflictsbeforeconstructionbegins.Thisreduces thelikelihoodofcostlyerrorsduringtheconstruction process,makingitmoreefficientandcost-effective.
Dronesareanothertechnologicaladvancementthatis enablingadvancementsinconstruction.Dronescanbeused tosurveyconstructionsites,providingreal-timedataon projectprogress,aswellasidentifyingpotentialsafety hazards.Thisallowsconstructionprofessionalstomake informeddecisionsandadjustmentsinreal-time,improving thesafetyandefficiencyoftheconstructionprocess.
3Dprintingisanothertechnologythatisenabling advancementsintheconstructionsector.
3Dprintingallowsconstructionprofessionalstoprint buildingcomponents,suchaswallsandroofs,quicklyand efficiently Thisreducesthetimeandcostsassociatedwith traditionalconstructionmethodsandenablesconstruction professionalstocreatecomplexandintricatedesignsthat werepreviouslyimpossible.
Technologyisalsoenablingadvancementsinautomation, allowingcompaniestoautomatemanyofthemanual processesinvolvedinthesupplychain.Forexample, autonomousvehiclesanddronescannowbeusedto transportgoods,reducingtheneedforhumanintervention andimprovingefficiency.Inaddition,roboticprocess automation(RPA)canbeusedtoautomaterepetitivetasks, suchasdataentry,freeingupemployeestofocusonhighervaluetasks.
Technologyhasenabledtheautomationofmanyprocesses involvedintheconstructionniche,suchaspickingand packing,inventorymanagement,andshipping.Thishas resultedinimprovedspeedandaccuracy,lowercosts,and reducederrors.Automatedsystemssuchasconveyorbelts, automatedguidedvehicles(AGVs),andautonomousrobots havemadeitpossibletohandlehighvolumesofgoodswith minimalhumanintervention.
Finally,artificialintelligence(AI)isalsoenabling advancementsinthesupplychainandlogisticssector.By usingAI-poweredalgorithmstoanalyzedata,companies canidentifypatternsandtrendsthatwouldbedifficultfor humanstodetect.Thiscanhelpimproveforecasting accuracy,optimizeprocesses,andreducecosts.
Technologyenablessignificantadvancementsinthesupply chainandlogisticssector.Real-timetrackingofshipments, predictiveanalytics,automation,blockchain,andartificial intelligenceareallhelpingtoimprovetheefficiencyand effectivenessofthesupplychain.Astechnologycontinues toevolve,wecanexpecttoseeevenmoreadvancementsin theyearstocome.
AdvancementsinAIhaveenabledbusinessestouse machinelearningalgorithmstoanalyzevastamountsof dataandidentifypatternsandtrends.Thiscanhelp businessesoptimizetheirsupplychainoperations,including identifyingthemostefficientshippingroutes,forecasting demand,andreducingtheriskofstockouts.AIcanalsobe usedtoimprovecustomerexperiencesbyproviding personalizedrecommendationsandoptimizingdelivery times.
Technologyhasmadeitpossibletotrackshipmentsand inventoryinreal-timeusingGPS-enableddevices,sensors, andRFIDtags.Thishasresultedinimprovedvisibility, allowingbusinessestoidentifypotentialissuesandrespond quicklytodelaysordisruptions.Real-timetrackinghasalso enabledmoreaccurateforecastinganddemandplanning, resultinginbetterinventorymanagementandreduced waste.
Advancementsintechnologyhaveenabledpredictive analyticstobeusedintheconstructionniche.Byanalyzing datafromvarioussources,suchasweatherforecasts,traffic patterns,andhistoricalsalesdata,predictiveanalyticscan helpbusinessesoptimizetheirsupplychainoperations.This includesidentifyingthemostefficientshippingroutes, forecastingdemand,andreducingtheriskofstockouts.
Anotherkeyadvancementenabledbytechnologyis predictiveanalytics.Byanalyzinghistoricaldataandusing machinelearningalgorithms,companiescannowpredict demandpatternsandoptimizeroutestoreducecostsand improveefficiency Thisallowscompaniestomakedatadrivendecisionsandensurethattheyarealwaysoperating atpeakefficiency
Inconclusion,technologyhashadasignificantimpacton theconstructionniche,enablingadvancementsin automation,real-timetracking,predictiveanalytics, blockchain,andAI.Businessesthatadoptthese technologiescanimproveefficiency,reducecosts,and providebettercustomerexperiences,ultimatelygaininga competitiveadvantageinthemarketplace.Astechnology continuestoevolve,wecanexpecttoseeevenmore advancementsintheconstructionnicheinthefuture.
Roboticsisanothertechnologicaladvancementthatis enablingadvancementsintheconstructionsector.Robots canbeusedforavarietyoftasks,includingbricklaying, welding,anddemolition.Thisreducestheriskofinjuryto constructionworkers,andalsoimprovesthespeedand efficiencyoftheconstructionprocess.
Inconclusion,technologyisplayingavitalroleinenabling advancementsinthemodernconstructionsector.FromBIM todrones,3Dprinting,androbotics,thesetechnological advancementsaremakingconstructionfaster,safer,and moreefficient.Withthecontinuedintegrationofnew technologies,wecanexpecttoseeevenmore advancementsintheconstructionsectorintheyearsto come.
A is key to a solid foundation
