In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan talks with Matthew Mackey, a no-nonsense leader with 27 years in construction across the UK and Australia. Matt shares real-world insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and navigating burnout in an industry that often overlooks people skills. He opens up about a six-week “disaster stint” in contracting, the power of simplifying complex ideas, and why kindness is essential, not optional, for long-term success.

Matt challenges the myth of linear career paths and calls for leaders who admit mistakes and prioritize psychological safety. He also highlights how his networking group, Property Leaders Brisbane, supports professionals across Australia’s construction landscape.

Whether you're early in your career or leading a team, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective. Real leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about creating environments where people can truly thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Leadership That Connects

• Why technical expertise doesn’t equal leadership
• The missing human skills: storytelling, empathy, and being "just a good human"
• Why EQ not just KPIs is the future-proof skill

Changing a Stuck Industry

• Why innovation in construction starts with people, not just AI or procurement models
• How legacy processes, rigid hierarchies, and ego block real progress
• The myth of “the honest tradie” and the undervaluing of consultants in Australia

Culture, Kindness, and the Cost of Silence

• What “no-blame culture” really looks like and how it fails
• The hidden damage caused by promoting toxic top performers
• Creating safe spaces for mistakes, feedback, and actual change

From Panic to Purpose

• Matt’s six-week contracting experiment and the lesson he’ll never forget
• The power of gut instinct and what happens when you ignore it
• Why trusting your intuition is often smarter than following the title

Building Networks That Last

• The origin of Property Leaders Brisbane and its grassroots mission
• Why Matt stopped networking for work and started connecting people
• How a side project became a platform for industry-wide impact

Key Quotes from Matthew Mackey:

• “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no.”
• “Leadership would be easy if it weren’t for the people.”
• “We’ve built a whole industry of people talking about leadership. That tells you how big the gap really is.”
• “You don’t have to manage people to be valuable. We need other paths.”
• “I don’t want credit, I just want to grease the wheels for change.”

About Our Guest:

Matthew Mackey is a senior construction and infrastructure leader with over 27 years of experience across the UK and Australian markets. Known for his honest, often humorous take on leadership and systems, Matt is committed to transforming how we work, not just what we build. He’s the founder of Property Leaders Brisbane and co-host of The Shovel podcast.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Matthew Mackay on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey, and check out his podcast, The Shovel Podcast.
  
  

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
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Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.