The Take Off - The Quantity Surveying Podcast

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EP 173 | Alberto Fernandez – Senior Cost Engineer at Amazon on Stadiums, AI and a Global Career in Construction
From small family contractors in Spain…to working on the Camp Nou redevelopment for FC Barcelona…to leading cost strategy for Amazon across Europe and beyond.In this episode, We're joined by Alberto Fernandez, MRICS chartered quantity surveyor and Senior Cost Engineer at Amazon, to talk about a truly global career in construction – and how AI is about to reshape the industry.Alberto shares how early days on site with a labour–owner taught him the realities of construction, why he left Spain during the financial crisis to improve his English in Australia, and how that eventually led to roles with major contractors, FC Barcelona and now Amazon.We dive into:Growing up in Spain and “falling into” construction via a technical architect degreeEarly years on site: concrete on your boots, drywall, rebar and understanding the real basicsHow the global financial crisis forced him to reset and move to AustraliaDiscovering quantity surveying and the RICS route later in his careerLanding the role at FC Barcelona and working on Camp Nou & Johan Cruyff StadiumWhat it really takes to deliver complex stadium projects under huge pressureMoving into Amazon and leading cost engineering across Europe and beyondHis take on AI in construction – what’s hype, what’s real and what’s coming nextWhy companies will need their own AI tools and “internal schools” for juniorsAdvice for young QSs and cost engineers entering an AI-powered industryIf you’re interested in stadiums, global careers, cost engineering or AI in construction, this one is packed with insight.👉 For more conversations like this, visit gedonexecutive.comOr Connect with Alberto
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EP 172 | Joey Hidalgo – Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company on Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Estimating at Scale
What happens when an electrical engineer, estimator, and salesperson becomes a construction tech founder?You get The Measuring Company — and one of the fastest-growing remote estimating models in Australia.In this episode, Joey Hidalgo, Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company, breaks down his journey from the Philippines to Australia, the flaws he saw in traditional estimating, and how he built a global team delivering measurement, estimating and procurement support for builders and subcontractors.Joey shares:Why most builders lose profit long before a job startsThe true bottlenecks in estimating teamsHow offshore talent can increase accuracy — not reduce itWhy AI won’t replace estimators, but estimators who use AI will winHow TMC trains engineers to work at Australian standardsThe future of estimating, outsourcing, and construction techA must-listen for estimators, QSs, builders and anyone shaping the future of construction operations.👉 Explore more construction leadership insights at gedonexecutive.com
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EP 171 | Joseph Stewart, Director of JS Held - A Deep Dive Into Quantum expert Work
What does it really take to become a quantum expert in construction?In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Joe Stewart, Director at JS Held, shares how he went from a 16-year-old university student in Scotland to a trusted figure in dispute resolution and expert witness work.Joe breaks down:⚖️ The real difference between QS and expert roles📋 How adjudication and arbitration actually work in practice🧠 Why mastering fundamentals still matters in expert work🤖 The power — and danger — of AI in claims and analysis📉 Why tier-one contractors are pulling back from high-risk marketsWhether you’re an aspiring expert, a senior QS, or just curious how construction disputes are won and lost — this is a must-listen.🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast🏗️ Build your next move with gedonexecutive.com
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EP 170 | Orla Kellehan - Chartered Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk on a Life as a Female QS, Mother & Leader in the Global Construction Sector
Can you build a high-level career in construction without giving up your personal life?Orla Kellehan, Senior Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk & Son and chartered member of the SCSI and RICS, proves you can.In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Orla shares her 20-year journey through Ireland and Australia — from her early days juggling part-time study and site work, to becoming a respected voice for flexibility and inclusion in the industry.We dive into:The realities of being a woman and mother in constructionHow Orla negotiated a 4-day hybrid role while staying on major projectsWhy true equality starts with flexibility, not slogansHer advice for young women considering a career in quantity surveyingAnd how mentorship, continuous learning, and empathy can reshape leadership in constructionIt’s honest, practical, and deeply relevant to anyone who believes career and life don’t have to compete.🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast🏗️ Build your next move at gedonexecutive.com
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EP 169 | International Experience, Local Impact with Paschal Walsh Managing Director at TIMESING
What if the best degree you ever took wasn’t in a classroom — but on site?Paschal Walsh, FRICS and founder of Times in Tribe, has spent three decades shaping projects and people across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and Australia. From local housing schemes to billion-pound infrastructure, his story shows how curiosity and adaptability fuel success.He shares why testing your education before you invest, building a strong network, and gaining international experience can transform your career in construction and quantity surveying.🎧 For professionals focused on career development, RICS chartership, or leadership in construction, this episode is a must.At GEDON Executive, we connect ambitious professionals with projects that matter.🌐 Let’s build your next move: gedonexecutive.com
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About The Take Off - The Quantity Surveying Podcast

The Take Off is a Specialist Quantity Surveying Podcast showcasing the journey's of Quantity Surveyors Globally. Each week, your host, Mick Donaghy will interview a leading Quantity Surveying Entrepreneur or Leader within the Built Environment to share their story. Our goal is to educate, inspire and offer advice for Quantity Surveyors navigating the globally construction industry. As we all know, construction is a people business and we as people are fundamentally, imperfect. Which is part of the reason why we all love stories. The Highs, the Lows and the continued Battle to be Better.

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