Better, Faster, Together: Building Global Lean Community with Derek Sinnott (Episode 95)

In this wide-ranging episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots connects with Derek Sinnott, a self-described pracademic from Wexford, Ireland. Derek is a civil engineer-turned-academic at SETU (South East Technological University), a Lean coach, and the Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in Ireland. Adam and Derek first crossed paths in Japan, and the conversation that unfolded there clearly stuck — because Derek showed up in Ireland when Adam brought a team of Clemson students over for a construction competition, and that says everything you need to know about who Derek is. Derek opens up about his background growing up on a farm, finding his footing in engineering after struggling through secondary school, and ultimately discovering his true calling in training, coaching, and developing people across the construction industry. The conversation dives deep into: •       Why the biggest inefficiency in construction is the illusion of collaboration •       The difference between being efficient and being effective when coaching teams •       What sustainability really means in Ireland — and why it goes way beyond green building •       The supply chain as the true value-delivery engine of every project •       Why early contractor involvement is critical, and what it looks like when done well •       How asking good questions leads to better relationships — and better buildings Derek also shares his deep respect for trade workers and frontline teams — the people who actually put nail to formwork — and reflects on what real respect for people looks like in practice. He talks about the power of simply walking the job and being curious rather than coming in with a fixed agenda. They also revisit the ASCE student competition that brought Adam's Clemson team to Ireland (earning two third-place trophies and a Best Speaker Award), explore the possibility of teaming up for the upcoming November competition, and Derek teases a podcast of his own on the horizon. This episode is equal parts Lean philosophy, sustainability education, and authentic human connection — a reminder that no matter what ocean separates us, we're all telling the same story in different accents. KEY TAKEAWAYS: •       Collaboration ≠ More Meetings: Real collaboration means breaking down silos and sharing learning, not just scheduling more conversations. •       Coach, Don't Consult: The most effective intervention isn't solving problems for teams — it's helping them develop the ability to solve their own. •       Sustainability Is Bigger Than Green: ESG — environmental, social, and governance — means taking care of your people, your community, and running an ethical business. •       Supply Chain Is Everything: The trade partners and vendors who install and deliver are the true value-creators. Educating and supporting them is how projects succeed. •       Decisions Made Early, Lived With Long: The choices made in pre-construction shape 90% of cost, schedule, and quality outcomes, and ripple through the building's entire lifecycle. •       "Can't" Is a Four-Letter Word: Derek's most despised phrase — there's always a path forward, even when there are constraints. •       Better, Faster, Together: The motto of Lean Construction Ireland and a philosophy that puts people first in pursuit of continuous improvement.   EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): •       "The biggest inefficiency in construction is the illusion that collaboration has taken place." •       "The most efficient thing is to just go solve it. But the most effective thing is to step back and coach." •       "I get disappointed when a group doesn't challenge me — that means nothing is landing." •       "Good looks like better than before." •       "Can't — that word drives me absolutely bananas." •       "We're always in pursuit of perfection. I'm not sure what that looks like, but it's an awful lot better than what we do at the moment." •       "It's not about being soft. It's just: how are you doing?"   RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • Lean Construction Ireland  • Supply Chain Sustainability School    • SETU (South East Technological University, Ireland) • Associated Schools of Construction Region 8 (ASC) Competition   GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: •   Derek Sinnott — Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor to CEOs & Senior Leaders in the Built Environment | Chair | MC | Speaker | Author | Director (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-sinnott) • Adam Hoots  — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground and Lean builder focused on respect for craft and field leadership.(https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/)   ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.