Tradies Who Lead

What does leadership look like when you've sat across from hundreds of builders, tradies, and business owners right across Australia?Aaron "Az" Ng is the founder of The Good Builder, Australia's leading media and intelligence platform for the residential construction industry. After years of conversations with builders and trade business owners right across the country, Az knows exactly what separates the ones who last from the ones who don't.In this conversation, we get into:• Why low trust in the building industry is a business problem• How relationships are the foundation of every great business• Why ego is the first thing that must go if you want to lead wellChapters:0:00 Coming Up1:56 Meet Aaron Ng, Co-Founder of The Good Builder3:11 Essential Leadership Skills and Attitudes6:47 No Such Thing as a “Great” Leader7:56 Can You Be “Too Nice” as a Leader9:25 Why Leaders Need to Know Themselves12:25 How Poor Leadership is Creating Low Trust inConstruction15:46 Why A Beautiful Home Isn’t Enough17:34 The Mindset That Makes Trade Businesses Great19:02 What Strong Performance and Relationships Needs20:40 Leading Different People23:08 How Listening and Empathy Improve YourLeadership24:54 ConclusionFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Aaron or The Good Builder, you can reach him via https://linktr.ee/TheGoodBuilder

Join me for the first episode of Tradies Who Lead as I chat with Dave and Cat McCarthy, the founders of the award-winning business McCarthy Plumbing Group. In this conversation, we dive into the leadership nuances of making the leap from managing someone else's business to running your own. We explore the power of authentic company culture and the importance of continuous improvement at all levels – from individual development to team dynamics and the entire organisation. Ready to level up your everyday leadership? Listen now and learn practical insights from two inspiring business leaders who've mastered the art of leadership in their business!Chapters - (00:00) Meet Cat & David McCarthy from McCarthy Plumbing(01:29) Why start a plumbing business(02:23) How management skills and experience support running a trade business(05:05) How to lead by example as a tradie and business owner(05:59) Why you need authenticity and transparency as a trade business leader(07:34) How to create a good team culture in trade businesses and trade teams for better retention and talent attraction(12:52) How to grow a trade business(14:07) How to apply continuous improvement in a trade business(17:38) Why you should collaborate instead of competing with other businesses(20:14) Advice to tradies and trade business owners about how they can practice leadership(22:03) Conclusion Don’t miss out! New episodes drop every fortnight. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming guests and more! Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholeadTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholeadYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!  Want to follow McCarthy Plumbing Group? Connect with them here:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mccarthyplumbinggroup/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccarthyplumbinggpTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mccarthyplumbinggroup

What does leadership look like when your title isn’t ‘manager’, ‘supervisor’ or ‘boss’ and you’re trying to change an industry while still on the tools?Jasmyn Smith is a Tassie sparky and co-founder of The GO Company, a business built around a problem that’s been on worksites for years but rarely talked about: access to basic hygiene onsite. Jazz has turned her experience into a movement raising standards across the industry.In this conversation, we get into:• The courage it takes to start the hard conversations• Why making challenges visible is what lifts an industry• What sites getting inclusion right are doing differently• How everyday leadership shows up when you don’t hold the titleChapters:0:00 Meet Jasmyn Smith from The GO Company3:04 Leading as a Role Model4:12 Mentoring Women in Trade5:26 Origins of The GO Company8:54 Discussing Hygiene Access Onsite11:16 Creating Visibility to Influence Change13:12 Building a Business on the Tools15:24 The Cost of Not Speaking Up18:02 Set Up Sites Better for Inclusion20:38 Acknowledge Your Progress 22:25 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with The GO Company, you can reach them via:Website - https://www.thegocompany.com.au/ Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-go-company-358029320/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@the.go.companyInsta - https://www.instagram.com/thegocompanytas/

Creating clear standards and real accountability with one filter: if it doesn’t work on the floor, it doesn’t belong in the program.Matt Wyatt is a trade-qualified leader with over 30 years in the heavy vehicle industry. He started as an apprentice, worked through operational and national leadership roles, and has spent the last 15 years focused on developing people.In this conversation, we get into:• Stepping out of firefighting mode and finding solutions• Holding the line on standards across numerous teams• What most trade businesses get wrong when developing apprentices• Why you need to develop stronger relationships as a leaderChapters:0:00 Meet Matt Wyatt1:56 Setting Standards and Building Trust4:56 Earning Respect from your Team6:10 Sharing the Big Picture7:31 How to Stop Fighting Fires9:16 Delivering Training That Sticks11:38 How KPIs Can Hurt Apprentices14:03 Creating Change from the Ground Up16:34 Maintain Standards Across Numerous Job Sites18:51 The Aha Moment in Training20:11 Demonstrate Leadership Everyday21:40 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Matt, you can reach him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-w-30903b82/

Bringing people along on a vision they can’t see yet is its own kind of leadership, and it’s how Tom’s building things that didn’t exist before.Tom Macrokanis is a qualified boilermaker who started his first business at 17. Since then, he’s founded Macro3D, a concrete 3D printing company tackling housing affordability, and directs Macro Constructions Group across steel, concrete and light-gauge steel framing.In this conversation, we get into:• Leveraging AI to address the skill shortage• Leading industry changes when the road ahead isn’t clear• Communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders• Handling setbacks without losing momentumChapters:0:00 Meet Tom Macrokanis2:00 Extreme Ownership as a Leader3:30 Leading Through Action Instead of Words5:05 Tom’s Journey to Entrepreneurship7:38 Finding the Right Mentor9:26 Funding the New Version of Construction12:26 Not Taking Setbacks to Heart13:26 Working Effectively with Stakeholders15:28 Automation and 3D Printing in Construction19:50 Over-Communicate for Better Results20:21 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Tom, you can reach him via:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-macrokanis-2b3b00120/ Website - https://www.tommacrokanis.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tommacrokanis__/

When the industry wasn’t built with you in mind, leading looks like showing up consistently, backing yourself anyway, and then bringing others with you.Stefanie Apostolidis, also known as Melbourne Chippy Chick, is a qualified carpenter, founder of Tradie Lady Hire and Tradie Lady Club, and one of the most recognisable voices for women in Australian trades.In this conversation, we get into:• Building confidence when the industry wasn’t built for you• What happens when content turns into a real community• How to lead without a title and bring others along• What it actually takes to shift things at an industry levelChapters:0:00 Meet Stefanie Apostolidis, Melbourne Chippy Chick2:35 Origins of the Tradie Lady Club Community4:45 Building Confidence as a Woman in Trade6:39 How Knowledge Supports Leadership9:04 Juggling Parenting and Business Needs11:00 Prioritise Your Mental Health as a Leader12:49 Growing Resilience & Mental Wellbeing14:07 How to Support Women into Trades 18:16 Back Yourself to Grow19:41 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to learn more about Tradie Lady Club or Tradie Lady Hire, visit these websites:www.tradieladyclub.au www.tlcmemberships.au www.tradieladyhire.com.au

The hardest part of any job isn’t the paperwork. Often, it’s managing different roles and people and figuring out how to lead well across diverse sites.Vincent Saunders has 17-plus years of experience across buildings, quantity surveying, and construction management, and hosts the Constructing Mindsets podcast. He brings a solutions-focused view to the people-challenges that don’t show up on paper.In this conversation, we get into:• How to communicate with very different people toward one goal• Why authenticity is one of the most underrated skills on site• What sets the best leaders apart from everyone else• The positive mindset habits that help people thrive under pressureChapters:0:00 Meet Vincent Saunders from Constructing Mindsets3:57 Leading Different Job Roles6:34 Communicate Better through Listening8:36 Problem Solving with an Open Mind9:46 Managing Stress in Construction11:37 Benefits of Positive Mindset13:46 The Constructing Mindsets Podcast16:01 Embrace New Experiences17:29 What is Authentic Leadership21:40 Continue Growing as a Leader23:28 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Vincent or the Constructing Mindsets podcast, check out these links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vin-saunders/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constructing.mindsets/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GUqIENqFnayIVGGVKTHob

Discipline, vulnerability, and consistency aren’t just personal strengths; they’re tools that shape how you show up for your crew. Many know Claude Thomsen as @ThatSoberTradie, where he’s become a steady voice for healthier habits and a stronger culture across the trades. He went from the Army Reserves to the leading hand at a roofing company, and became a role model for other tradies online.In this episode, we cover:• How doing the inner work changes the way you lead• The way to build respect and get the best out of others• How healthy routines and sobriety improve performanceChapters:0:00 Meet Claude Thomsen, That Sober Tradie2:19 Leadership Skills from the Army Reserve3:32 Earn Respect as a Leader5:17 Get the Best Out of Others6:41 Charge Your Battery as a Leader7:35 Model Healthy Site Culture9:09 Introducing That Sober Tradie10:56 The Positive Impact of Sobriety13:45 The Tradies Have an Attitude Problem15:24 How to Influence Others15:52 Learning to be Vulnerable18:10 Built to Last Community Event19:04 Lead by Example19:16 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Claude, you can reach him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thatsobertradie

Backing yourself to show up as a leader takes more than a title – it takes the discipline to keep showing up when no one’s making you.Les Wikiriwhi came up through the tools and founded Stand-Up Recruitment, a Trans-Tasman company helping Kiwi tradies build a better future in Australia. He’s honest about the early struggles and the habits that keep him consistent.In this conversation, we get into:• The discipline it takes to lead from the front• How to handle pressure and take ownership of your next move• The behaviours that build trust with the people around you• The mindset shifts that help you unlock your best selfChapters:0:00 Meet Les Wikiriwhi1:53 Set A Strong Leadership Example4:19 Accepting Leadership Responsibility5:10 Leading Without Certainty7:12 Supporting Kiwis to Move to Australia8:51 Finding Your Purpose to Handle Challenges10:46 Building Discipline and Mindset14:02 Embracing Total Responsibility16:37 Normalising Mistakes in the Trades18:21 How Leaders Set the Culture21:08 Lead Yourself First23:19 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Les or Stand Up Recruitment, you can reach them via:Website: https://standuprecruitment.co.nz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-wikiriwhi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DApnRxdQf/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/les_wikiriwhi/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@les.wikiriwhi

Whether it’s getting paid on time or leading a team, success is about the quality of your communication skills and business systems.George Dib is a Senior Commercial Manager at Credit Protect and a former accountant who’s helped hundreds of Aussie tradies tackle unpaid invoices. He’s seen the stress and the money left on the table, and he gives tradies the leverage big businesses take for granted.In this conversation, we get into:• How to chase money without becoming the bad guy• The hidden cost of unpaid invoices on your business• Why boundaries and communication are essential leadership skills• The mindset shifts that help you lead yourself and your team with confidenceChapters:0:00 Meet George Dib1:43 Servant Leadership Style3:18 Learning from Good & Bad Examples of Leaders5:08 How to Deliver Value to Others8:02 Reduce Unpaid Invoices10:35 Handling Difficult Conversations with Empathy14:00 How to Lead from the Front16:54 Embrace Your Gaps17:53 What Sets Successful Trade Businesses Apart22:27 The ROI of Investing in Your Team25:21 Focus on Doing Good Work 27:03 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with George, you can reach out on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeanthonydib/

When your people and your customers’ expectations keep changing, the way you lead must evolve if you want to keep up.Kosta Kantilaftis is a second-generation technician, workshop owner and industry advocate with nearly two decades in the game. He started his first business at 19 and now leads Dulwich Hill Automotive and SMART Mechanic Sydney, and co-founded The Garage Network, a community of almost 6,000 technicians and workshop owners.In this episode, we discuss:• Managing new workplace expectations• How to lead and develop the next generation• Ways the industry can lift capability through training and community• Building high-performing teams who take ownershipChapters:0:00 Meet Kosta Kantilaftis2:53 Letting Go of Control for Freedom4:15 Building Process to Empower Decisions6:42 Creating Healthy Culture Around Mistakes8:19 Leadership in The Garage Network10:35 Mindset to Evolve with Industry & Workforce Changes12:24 Building a Sellable Trade Business14:15 Leading the Next Generation with Emotional Intelligence17:33 Adapting for Different People19:27 Creating Strong Team Culture21:12 Understand Your Team’s Goals22:41 Build Your Accountability23:44 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Kosta, you can reach him via: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosta-kantilaftis-bbb870204/Website: https://dulwichhillautomotive.com.au/The Garage Network: https://www.thegaragenetwork.com.au/

A decade into business, and the challenges change: how do you continue to build systems on the go, stay visible to your crew off the tools, and keep family and work from swallowing each other?Cam and Matt are brothers-in-law turned business partners and the founders of Limitless Build and its sister brand, Melbourne Decks and Pergolas. They’ve grown a word-of-mouth carpentry business into a full-service building company without ever sitting in an office.In this episode, we cover:• How to build systems and routines that create more freedom• Transitioning from the Tools to Leadership• Creating Visibility for Better Teamwork• How to get started creating a Trade BusinessChapters:0:00 Meet Matt & Cam from Limitless Build3:43 Create Visibility with Written Records5:12 Embracing Your Team’s Input6:45 Applying Continuous Improvement8:32 Mindset for Transitioning off the Tools10:51 Measuring Performance in the Business13:18 Consulting Your Team’s Knowledge14:15 Coaching Your Team to Problem Solve15:04 Tips for Starting Your Own Trade Business17:35 Work Life Harmony as a Business Owner19:55 Invest Time in Your Family21:07 Remember Rest & Reward21:55 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Cam and Matt, you can reach them via:Websites – www.limitlessbuild.com.au OR www.melbournedecksandpergolas.com.auFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/limitlessbuildInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/limitlessbuild/LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/limitless-build-724447347

Building something every Australian knows didn’t come from systems alone — it came from staying personally connected to the people doing the work.Jim Penman is the founder and CEO of Jim’s Group, which grew from a one-man mowing round into a network of 5,500-plus franchisees across 50+ divisions. Behind the scale is a leader driven by people, purpose and genuine care.In this conversation, we get into:• Creating purpose and value-driven leadership • Investing in your development and health for success • Why you need to be customer-focused in business • How to embrace different types of leadership at every levelChapters:0:00 Meet Jim Penman1:37 Values Driven Leadership5:31 Importance of Community6:38 The Biggest Threat to Business Owners7:55 Supporting Mental Health in Your Team10:33 Tips for a Successful Trade Business10:47 Be Endlessly Self-Critical12:50 Recognise Different Performers14:06 Be Customer Focused14:58 Invest in Your Health18:15 Employing the Right People19:46 Success from Failure21:16 Build Your Resilience22:00 Jim Penman’s Research into Society23:36 “No Other Success” Book27:42 Leadership Comes at Every Level28:02 Leadership as a Parent29:13 Find Purpose in Your Work31:33 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Jim, you can reach him online or on socials at:Website: https://jims.net/ OR http://www.jimpenman.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejimpenman/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thejimpenmanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejimpenmanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejimpenman

The goal isn’t a team that needs your sign-off on everything. It’s a team that can make the call without you in the room.Adam Hall is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of AH Fencing, one of Australia’s fastest-growing commercial security fencing companies. He’s grown it from a start-up to a multi-state operation on culture and empowered leadership.In this conversation, we get into:• How to empower your team to make decisions without your approval• Practical ways to coach tradespeople into leadership roles• How Adam keeps sharpening his own leadership as the business grows• How leadership solves skill and efficiency problems in a trade businessChapters:0:00 Meet Adam Hall of AH Fencing1:50 Leaders Will Never Outgrow the Boss3:26 Creating A Vision Others Will Follow4:32 Invest in Personal & Professional Development6:25 Empowering Decisions in Your Team9:19 Practical Ways to Coach Others12:46 Vulnerability for Strong Culture16:19 Top Skills of a Great Leader19:26 Practical Ways to Lead22:56 Implement Good Advice23:49 Leadership Solves the Skill Shortage26:45 Lead Yourself through Attitude28:00 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Adam, you can reach him at:Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_adamhallTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_adamhallLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hall-ahfencing/

Most builders don’t get held back by their trade skills. It’s the leadership blind spots they can’t see that cost them the team.Mick Hawes is the host of The Toolshed Podcast and founder of Builders Business Blackbelt. He’s spent years coaching builders to turn stressful, time-poor operations into businesses that actually work.In this conversation, we get into:• The leadership blind spots that quietly hold builders back• The habits that make or break a team• Why Listening is the Biggest Leadership Gap• The most surprising lessons from years of coaching buildersChapters:0:00 Meet Mick Hawes4:15 Impossible to Lead Others Without Self-Leadership5:31 Leading as a Coach & Mentor7:28 Creating Work Life Harmony10:49 Build Your Emotional Fitness14:53 Power of a Pause19:13 Listening is Essential for Effective Communication22:10 Break Out of the Shark Cage26:55 Stop Being the Bottleneck28:35 Encouraging Mistakes for Performance32:37 Build a Personal Success Ritual34:09 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Mick Hawes, you can reach him on social and via his website: Website: https://buildersbusinessblackbelt.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhawes/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/builders_business_blackbeltFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/buildersbusinessblackbelt/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mick.hawesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast

You don’t need a title to lead. You just need to take more responsibility — and Leon backed that belief by walking away from job security to start again on the tools.Leon Simmons is a 4th-year electrical apprentice in Melbourne who left high pay and security to chase a new career in the trade. He documents life as a mature-aged apprentice and turned it into a community of tradies.In this conversation, we get into:• How to lead without any formal authority or rank• Why responsibility is a mindset, not a position• What good mentoring looks like onsite• How sharing your story can build a community around youChapters:0:00 Meet Leon Simmons2:04 Leading as an Apprentice3:56 Transferable Leadership Skills 5:46 Taking More Responsibility7:24 Understanding the Big Picture9:17 Challenges of Mature-Aged Apprenticeships10:50 What Great Mentorship Looks Like15:19 Managing Confidence after Criticism16:42 Showing Up Online as an Apprentice20:10 Trade Online Community21:42 Be Nice to Lead Better22:50 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Leon, you can follow him on Instagram at @sparky_simmons OR https://www.instagram.com/sparky_simmons

After 20 years of listening to tradies, you recognise the patterns in the challenges and leadership role models that span industries. Harry Murtough is the editor of The Tradie magazine, a trusted industry voice that spotlights and supports the trades. He takes us behind the scenes of telling the trade’s stories and shows how self-awareness relates to showing up for others.In this episode, we cover:• The Power of Sharing Your Story• Common Problems Harry Hears from The Ground• Why Sharing Knowledge Builds a Stronger Industry• How Self-Awareness and Wisdom Improve Your LeadershipChapters:0:00 Meet Harry Murtough1:21 The Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom2:44 Mentoring Your Juniors3:59 What is The Tradie Magazine5:39 Why Stories Matter in Leadership 11:13 Importance of Listening13:10 Recognising the Empathy Gap18:32 Prime Creative Media’s Industry Events21:31 Self-Awareness and the Big Picture23:42 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipUse the code CONVERGE50 to get a discount on your ticket to the Major Projects Stage for the Converge Expo on the 17th to 18th of September.If you want to connect with Harry, you can reach him via LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-murtough-b582a5124/If you want to check out The Tradie Magazine, you can visit the website or follow them on socials:Website: https://www.tradiemagazine.com.au/Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/TheTradieMagazine/Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thetradiettt/

Managing and leading aren’t the same thing. And on a job site, knowing the difference is what builds a crew that performs under pressure.Dave Malone from SMD Projects has two decades of construction experience. He’s blunt about the mistakes he made and what they taught him about owning your mistakes, communicating to ensure understanding and leading diverse teams.In this conversation, we get into:• The real difference between managing and leading onsite• Why owning your mistakes builds more trust than hiding them• How to communicate clearly when the pressure’s onChapters:0:00 Meet Dave Malone of SMD Projects1:42 Adjusting Your Leadership to Your Team’s Needs3:54 The Difference Between Managing and Leading5:05 How to Develop Your Leadership Skills6:08 Tips to Lead a High-Performing Team7:11 Create Extremely Clear Communication8:37 Scheduling for Wellbeing as a Leader10:31 Leading When Plans Fall Apart11:27 Sharing Mistakes as a Leader13:59 Benefits of Supporting Your Local Community15:13 Support Your Team to Mentor Apprentices16:03 Being Your Best is Enough16:32 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with @SMD_Projects on Instagram, @smd.projects on TikTok or their website at https://www.smdprojects.com.au/

Construction runs at full noise. Learning to slow down and lead from a steadier place is how you keep performing without burning out.Stacey Combe is a mindful career mentor who brings calm to the chaos of construction. She works with everyone from site managers to designers, helping them handle pressure and the mental load without losing the plot.In this conversation, we get into:• How to lead with intention when everything’s moving fast• Practical ways to handle pressure and expectation on the job• Why presence makes you more effective, not slower• How to perform at a high level without running yourself into the groundChapters:0:00 Meet Stacey Combe1:44 Lead Yourself with Self-Leadership3:21 How Performance Cracks Under Pressure7:20 Shift Your Shame Around Mistakes10:40 Mindfulness Practice and Tools for Construction13:35 Benefits of Presence in Our Lives16:04 Manage Yourself in High-Pressure Roles17:21 Communicate to Avoid Mistakes20:42 Presence, Acceptance and Patience22:14 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Stacey, you can book a free call here, or follow her on social media at:Free call: https://subscribepage.io/partnershipconnectioncallLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-combe-mindfulness/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceycombecoach/

The trade sector has a habit of guarding its knowledge instead of sharing it, and it’s holding the whole industry back.Chad Perry is the director of Trik Con Construction and founder of Master Form Concrete Academy. With 20-plus years in concreting, he’s built a successful business leading diverse teams with the simple practice of paying more attention.In this conversation, we get into:• The mindset you need to succeed• How to get better results by paying attention• Why we need to start sharing more knowledge• Essential people skills to manage a teamChapters:0:00 Meet Chad Perry of Trik Con Construction3:56 Understanding Others to Improve Your Results5:48 There’s Room for Everyone to Succeed6:14 Mindset for Success7:37 Benefits of Sharing Your Trade Knowledge11:08 Why People Skills are Essential for Leaders13:44 Strategies to Manage Your Team15:03 Maintain Your Wellbeing as a Leader16:41 Pay Attention and Give Your Best17:29 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Chad, you can follow him on Instagram at @trik_con. Our listeners can get 5% off for Master Form Concrete Academy using the discount code ‘TRADIE’: mfconcreteacademy.com.au

In a trade world that rewards toughness, leading with kindness sounds soft. Jonno’s built a business that proves it’s a competitive advantage.Jonno McCartney is the Director of Prolink Trade Group. He leads with grit and heart in equal measure, building purpose-driven communities and putting people first — and it’s worked.In this conversation, we get into:• How kindness drives results in the trades• How to empower people instead of holding all the control• How tips for how to start a trade business• The benefits of building a community for businessChapters:0:00 Meet Jonno McCartney1:20 How to Lead from Values Instead of Fear2:22 Defining Success to Drive Team Performance 5:58 How to Lead from the Front7:04 Empathy is Your Strongest Leadership Skill8:51 Redefining Mistakes for Learning11:10 Finding Belonging in Work and Life15:20 Tips for Starting Your Own Trade Business18:16 Kindness is a Business Strategy20:49 Create Time for Yourself as a Leader21:40 The Benefit of Doing Hard Things25:02 Lead Yourself with Accountability27:19 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Jonno, you can reach him at @jonnomccartney on Instagram or at his website www.prolinktradegroup.com.au

Nobody hands you a manual when you go from doing the work to being responsible for the people doing it. Gavin’s spent 30 years working out the lessons the hard way.Gavin Cribb started as an apprentice at Ford and now leads a team of 70 trainers as a trade school. He’s got three decades of automotive and leadership experience and a clear view of what the next generation needs.In this conversation, we get into:• How to build rapport and trust with your team • Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work• How to attract and support the next generation of apprentices• How to use a leadership role to drive change in the industryChapters:0:00 Meet Gavin Cribb2:50 The Essential Ingredients of Leadership3:42 How to Lead a Large Trade Team5:21 Strategies to Build Rapport as a Leader7:55 Different Generations’ Ideas of Good Leadership9:16 How to Attract Our Future Tradies15:09 Why Industry Needs to Collaborate More16:31 Victorian Automotive Forum for Trainers21:52 Leading for Your Team and Customers22:36 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Gavin, you can reach him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-cribb-b4713158/

Feeling like the odd one out on site is more common than anyone admits, but it doesn’t have to stop you from leading.Louise Azzopardi is a heavy vehicle mechanic turned coach and workshop facilitator. She started her trade at 15 and represented Australia at the 2017 WorldSkills competition, placing 4th in heavy vehicle maintenance. Now she helps women in trade back themselves.In this conversation, we get into:• How to handle imposter syndrome • Practical ways to manage anxiety in the workplace• How to build the confidence to lead • What it takes to become a role modelChapters:0:00 Meet Louise Azzopardi4:37 How to Practice Leadership as a Coach6:00 Words Have Power as a Role Model8:33 How to Deliver Constructive Feedback10:46 Taking Responsibility in Your Relationships12:09 How to Receive Feedback Well13:57 Find Mentors and Community as a Woman in Trade20:06 Pay Attention to How You Talk to Yourself21:21 How to Have Difficult Conversations 23:10 Managing Anxiety as a Tradie or Apprentice25:13 Practice Leadership by Giving Your Best Each Day 26:19 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Louise, you can connect with her via her social media at:Website: www.louiseazzopardi.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009063836223Insta: https://www.instagram.com/louiseazzopardicoaching/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-azzopardi-699072126/

Leading a team that’s been at it longer than you have is its own kind of test. The fix isn’t more authority — it’s a different way of leading.Chris Hale is a sales manager in the wind energy industry who came up through sport and coaching. He brings an outside-the-trades view on leading experienced teams, building partnerships, and driving training that actually changes culture.In this conversation, we get into:• How to lead people who’ve got more years on the job than you• Why flexible leadership beats one-size-fits-all• How training and inclusion drive real change across an industry• What sports and coaching teach you about leading a crewChapters:0:00 Meet Chris Hale from Skylar Education2:14 How to Lead with Less Technical Experience4:47 Work Opportunities in the Wind Industry6:42 The Role of Training in Improving Safety Culture10:25 Embracing Women in the Wind Industry17:33 The Link Between Sport and Leadership19:57 Have a Leadership Attitude20:33 Wrap UpFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Chris or Skylar Education, you can reach them at:Website: www.skylareducation.edu.auInsta: https://www.instagram.com/skylar.education/Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hale-5693bba6

Leading a crew on site and representing the trade online are two different jobs, and parenthood has a way of changing how you do both.Andrew Hopkins (a.k.a. Hoppo) is a Melbourne carpenter, business owner at Hopkins Construction, content creator and dad. He’s led teams for over eight years while building an online presence that shows the good side of the trade.In this conversation, we get into:• How self-awareness changes the way you show up for the crew• What changes about your leadership when you become a parent• What it takes to represent the industry online without the highlight reel• How to lead a team and build a business as a tradie off the toolsChapters:0.00 Meet Andrew Hopkins of Hopkins Construction2.54 What Leadership Means as a Tradie4:04 How to Lead the Next Generation of Tradies5:55 Why You Need to Be Flexible as a Leader 8:26 Team Building Strategy for Trade Businesses11:41 Managing Imposter Syndrome as a Tradie Off the Tools12:59 Developing Self-Awareness Skills13:48 Showing up Online as a Chippy 17:34 Being Authentic on Social Media18:45 How Fatherhood Influences Your Leadership21:22 Navigating Flexible Work for Tradie Parents23:01 Creating Strong Team Culture by Finding Common Ground25:20 Advice to Apprentices to Build Their Leadership26:16 Wrap Up Follow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipWant to connect with Andrew? You can find him on Instagram and TikTok at @hopkinsconstruction.

Surface-level banter keeps a crew comfortable, but it doesn’t keep them safe. Going beyond the usual back-and-forth is where we build stronger teams.Aaron Huey (a.k.a Coach Huey) is a construction mental health advocate, life coach and founder of Hustletalk Coaching. With 20-plus years in the industry and a hard-earned story through stress, anxiety and single fatherhood, he talks straight about wellbeing in the trades.In this conversation, we get into:• Why both the hard and the human sides of leadership matter onsite• How to build a culture where blokes talk before things boil over• What connecting beyond banter does for safety and retention• How to show up better for yourself so you can show up for your crewChapters:0:00 Meet Aaron WD Huey 1:45 The Onsite Gap that Inspired Hustletalk Coaching4:29 Why Traditional HR Wellbeing Approaches Don’t Work Onsite7:33 We Need More Local Mental Health Role Models9:20 How to Show Leadership as a Site Manager11.21 Managing Stress on a Construction Site 13:58 Setting Boundaries Between Work and Home Pressures18:19 Build Stronger Team Relationships Beyond Banter23:12 Masculine and Feminine Energy of Leadership24:56 ConclusionFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Coach Huey, you can reach him via his social platforms: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-wd-huey-6803341ab/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_wd_huey/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronWDHuey/ If you have an everyday leadership story to share or want to be featured on Tradies Who Lead, submit your expression of interest via the website – we'd love to hear from you!

The trade gets passed down by the people willing to teach it, and mentoring the next generation doesn’t have to be hard.Raman is a vocational training specialist with international experience in education and training. He’s spent a career working out how people actually learn a trade, how to teach it better, and the diverse pathways a trade career can provide.In this conversation, we get into:• Practical ways to mentor and train an apprentice• Why your people skills matter as much as your technical skills• The continuous learning opportunities available to all tradiesChapters:0:00 Meet Raman Badekar2:28 What It Means to Show Up as a Leader4:03 The Positive Impact of Mentoring8:24 Practical Ways to Mentor an Apprentice10:46 The Global State of Skills15:06 The Unspoken Skills Learned through Trade Careers14:43 How to Be a Better Teacher in the Trades20:49 Diverse Opportunities in Vocational Careers21:38 Conclusion Follow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Raman or engage his Training and Development consulting services, you can reach him at: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raman-badekar-18796111/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raman.badekarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raman_b1/#

Plenty of tradies are carrying more than they let on. Bardie knows, because she spent years wearing a mask to fit in, while the hard stuff went unspoken. Bardie Somerville is the founder of The Shift, a platform built to give tradies real tools for life. She’s lived the mental health struggle she now helps others through with practical strategies that work onsite, whether you're leading teams or on the tools. In this conversation, we get into: • How to lead yourself and embrace authenticity • What you can do when a mate’s doing it tough • Practical ways to seek support or settle your nervous system on the jobChapters:0:00 Meet Bardie Somerville from The Shift2:01 What Authenticity Really Means3:36 You Need to Stop People Pleasing to Lead Yourself7:58 When Being Naïve Can Be a Good Thing9:20 How to Create Change in Our Lives10:28 Why Bardie Created The Shift14:45 The Importance of Community in the Trades for Mental Health17:17 Top Three Tips if you’re Having a Hard Time20:22 Ways to Support Better Mental Health in Your Team 21:56 How to have a Mental Health Chat Onsite23:46 How to Build Your Authenticity over Time25:07 Conclusion Follow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here. Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Bardie or The Shift, you can follow via their socials at: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bardie-somerville-a755a9286/Insta: http://instagram.com/bards.builds or https://www.instagram.com/theshift.au/#TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bardiesomerville If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available: Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for all Australians. Call 13 11 14.Beyond Blue: If you’re going through a tough time, Beyond Blue offers brief counselling and support 24/7. Call 1300 22 4636.TIACS: A free, professional text-or-call counselling service offering mental health support to Australia's blue-collar community. Call or text 0488 846 988.Men’s Line Australia:  Free 24/7 phone counselling for men facing mental health challenges, anger management, family violence, addiction, relationship concerns and stress. Call 1300 78 99 78. Please reach out. You don’t have to go through this alone.

A bad attitude on the crew is usually a symptom, not the problem. The real question is whether you’ll sit down and find out what’s actually going on.Matt Gilbert is a diesel mechanic who came up through the workshop and into a workshop manager role at a large civil mining company in regional Australia. He’s led crews that didn’t want to be led — and worked out how to win them over without throwing his weight around.In this conversation, we get into:• How to build trust with people who are openly challenging you• Why copying other leaders backfires, and how to find your own way of leading• The importance of authenticity and transparency as a leader• Ways that women change trade workplaces for the betterChapters:0:00 Meet Matt Gilbert2:22 The Importance of Receiving Feedback as a Leader4:03 How to Bridge the Gap Between Management Decisions and Trade Teams 7:27 The Importance of Being Authentic as a Leader9:38 Why You Need to Maintain Consistent Team Standards11:46 How to Address Difficult or Rebellious Behaviour in a Team13:38 Navigating the Apprentice Supervision Gap in the Trade Sector16:12 How Women in Trade Change Workplace Culture for the Better20:02 Ways that Women in the Workplace Can Make Leadership Easier21:24 ConclusionFollow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community.  Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you're looking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here.Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs to Know About LeadershipIf you want to connect with Matt, you can reach him via email at [email protected]

Welcome to Tradies Who Lead, the podcast about everyday leadership for everyday legends. Join Ashley Belteky, a diesel mechanic by trade, as she talks to a diverse range of tradies from across industries to uncover their leadership journeys and the tools of the trade they use to lead. From hard-learned lessons to practical strategies you can apply in your work, this podcast celebrates how tradespeople are leaders on the job site, in their businesses, and in their lives. Ready to level up your everyday leadership skills or feel inspired by fellow tradies? Don't miss out – tune in to Tradies Who Lead soon!