The Building People | A Grid Edge original series

EP11 - Andrew Spencer (Equans)

content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this insightful interview, Andrew Spencer, Energy and Carbon Services Director at Equans UK, shares his journey from engineering to leading decarbonisation projects across the UK. Discover how technology, human behaviour, and innovative strategies are transforming the built environment for a sustainable future. keywords Decarbonisation, Built Environment, Energy Transition, Virtual Power Plants, Place-Based Decarbonisation, Sustainability, UK Buildings, Energy Management, Climate Resilience key topics Andrew Spencer's career journey from engineering to decarbonisation The role of technology and human behaviour in sustainable buildings Place-based decarbonisation projects and their impact Virtual power plants and energy flexibility Climate resilience and adaptation in the built environment Titles From Engineering to Net Zero: Andrew Spencer's Decarbonisation Journey How Technology and Human Behaviour Shape Sustainable Buildings sound bites "Virtual power plants match demand and generation digitally" "Climate change impacts are already costing the UK millions" "Find what interests you and have passion in your career" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Energy and Decarbonisation 01:26 Andrew's Journey into Energy and Engineering 06:08 The Role of Community in Energy Projects 09:27 Success Metrics in Energy Projects 13:37 Understanding Building Management and Human Interaction 15:34 Technology and Human Element in Energy Solutions 18:20 Explaining Virtual Power Plants and Flexibility 21:26 Decarbonisation and Energy Security 23:01 Resilience in the Built Environment 24:49 Climate Adaptation and Cost of Inaction 29:29 Future Innovations in Energy Management 32:47 Navigating the Energy Industry: Lessons Learned resources Equans UK - https://www.equans.co.uk/ PAS 2035 and 335 - https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/

EP10 - Andre Bothma (Bellrock)

Transforming Building Operations with Andre Bothma: Insights on Tech, Leadership, and Industry InnovationIn this episode, Andre Bothma shares his extensive journey through proptech, energy management, and venture capital, highlighting how technology is reshaping the future of building operations. Discover key lessons on scaling solutions, fostering innovation, and understanding customer needs in a complex industry.Main Topics Covered: * Andre’s career evolution from engineering to proptech and VC * The importance of understanding customer priorities for technological adoption * How Bell Rock’s Symphony platform empowers engineers and improves building management * Navigating the challenges of scale-up in property technology * The role of leadership and board support in driving industry change * Strategies for startups to build credibility and scale within real estate * The significance of people and culture alongside technology * Upcoming industry trends and unresolved challenges in asset management * Bell Rock Group [https://bellrockgroup.com/] * Symfony Platform [https://bellrockgroup.com/symphony] * Andre Bothma on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/andre-bothma] * Microsoft Fabric [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/enterprise/fabric] * Power BI [https://powerbi.microsoft.com/] * JLL Integral [https://jll.com/] * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/andre-bothma] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/andre_bothma] Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Andre’s background in engineering and proptech 01:21 - Transition from operational management to tech solutions 03:12 - Founding of Bell Rock and new platform Symphony 04:50 - Insights on investing, acquisitions, and start-up ecosystem 07:41 - Scaling technology in large real estate organizations 11:01 - Venture capital experience and industry insights 13:29 - Building trust with property owners and asset managers 15:16 - Leadership’s role in fostering innovation at Bell Rock 19:41 - Key factors for startups' success in the real estate tech space 22:57 - The importance of continuous value delivery and scaling issues 26:04 - Data insights and the importance of people in tech adoption 30:00 - How Symphony improves preventative maintenance and team autonomy 37:48 - Challenges in waste management, digital twins, and infrastructure disruptions 46:27 - Market gaps, industry needs, and Andre’s advice for new entrants 51:28 - The remaining hurdles in asset, energy, and sustainability management 55:48 - The potential of technology in managing complex, multi-asset environments 60:56 - Leadership influence and Andre’s mentors 61:47 - Tips for newcomers in the industry: network and relationship-building advice 65:28 - Opportunities for collaboration and innovation with Bell Rock 68:02 - The importance of integrated data and holistic approaches 72:23 - Customer-centric solutions and the future of building management 75:00 - The role of asset verification, waste, and digital twin solutions 76:38 - Lessons learned from healthcare and education sectors 77:05 - Final thoughts and next steps for listeners interested in proptech innovationResources & Links:Connect with Andre Bothma:Note: This episode reflects the convergence of technology, leadership, and strategic growth in the built environment industry. Andre’s insights underscore the critical role of customer-centric innovation, people, and data integration for future-proofing assets and operations.

EP9 - Seumas Kerr (Defence Impact)

content type Interview primary goal Educational summary Seamus Kerr shares insights from his 35-year military career, leadership principles, and his work bridging the gap between the armed forces and the business community through Defence Impact. Discover how military leadership skills translate to the commercial world and the importance of purpose, decision-making, and social value in defense contracting. keywords Leadership, Military to Civilian Transition, Defence Impact, Business and Armed Forces, Leadership Principles, Strategic Decision-Making, Social Value, Military Networks, Veteran Employment, Cross-Sector Partnerships key topics Military leadership principles and their application in business The importance of purpose and decision-making in leadership Bridging the gap between the armed forces and the business community guest name Seamus Kerr Titles From Major General to Business Leader: Seamus Kerr's Leadership Journey Bridging the Gap: Military Skills in the Business World sound bites "Be bold and make decisions for the greater good" "Leadership is about serving and trusting your team" "Define your main effort and give clear objectives" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Seamus Kerr's Journey 02:47 The Path to Military Leadership 06:11 Military Training and Leadership Development 12:18 Transitioning to the Commercial World 15:51 Leadership Challenges in Business 19:42 Decision-Making and Leadership Philosophy 23:08 Bridging Business and Armed Forces 23:19 Creating Social Value in Defense Contracts 28:14 Skanska's Role in Supporting Military Talent 31:06 The Importance of Facility Management in Defense 36:20 Leadership Lessons from Military Experience 39:25 Mentorship and Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 42:48 Engaging with the Armed Forces Community resources Defence Impact - https://defenceimpact.org.uk/ Armed Forces Covenant - https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/ BuildForce - https://buildforce.org.uk/ Skanska - https://www.skanska.co.uk/ Royal College of Defence Studies - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/royal-college-of-defence-studies guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seamus-kerr/

EP8 - Chris Reid (BMSI)

content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this in-depth interview, Chris Reid, Managing Director at BMSI, shares his 30-year journey in the building management systems industry. From early beginnings in controls to leading a successful business, he discusses leadership, culture, technology, and talent development, offering valuable insights for aspiring professionals and industry veterans alike. keywords Building Management Systems, Leadership, Talent Development, Industry Insights, Technology in Buildings, BMSI, Career Journey, Industry Challenges, Innovation, Building Automation key topics Career journey in BMSI and controls industry Leadership and culture development Technology's role in smart buildings and energy optimization guest name Chris Reid key frameworks Leadership and Culture Development Talent Mapping and Apprenticeships Smart Building Technologies Energy Optimization Strategies Titles From Controls to Leadership: Chris Reid's 30-Year Industry Journey Building the Future: Insights from BMSI's MD Chris Reid sound bites "All right, see you." "It's about people, isn't it?" "Take as much jargon out of life." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Reid's Journey 00:53 Early Career and Family Influence 03:13 Career Progression and Key Experiences 06:01 Leadership Challenges and COVID-19 Impact 08:28 Cultural Development and Team Engagement 11:04 Communication and Transparency in Leadership 13:26 Lessons Learned from Mistakes 15:54 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations 23:29 Understanding Audience Dynamics 24:45 The Importance of Communication in Leadership 26:15 Learning from Failure and Adaptability 27:56 The Challenges of Public Speaking 29:45 The Reality of Leadership Responsibilities 31:36 The Future of Smart Buildings 34:51 Addressing the Skills Gap in the Industry 37:58 Investing in Future Talent 43:05 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry resources BMSI Careers Page - https://bmsi.co.uk/careers BCIA Apprenticeship Program - https://www.bcia.co.uk/education/apprenticeships Horizon Group Horizon Trailblazer Program - https://horizongroup.co.uk/ guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/chrisreid Company Website - https://bmsi.co.uk

EP7 - Alex Green (Ashden)

content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this insightful interview, Alex Green shares her journey from sustainability in various sectors to leading the Let's Go Zero campaign for UK schools. Discover how her work is transforming education estates into active climate infrastructures, the importance of human behavior, and practical strategies for achieving net zero in schools. keywords sustainability, education, net zero, climate action, schools, infrastructure, behavior change, UK, Let's Go Zero key topics The journey from sustainability to education leadership The impact of student activism on climate policy Strategies for decarbonizing school estates The importance of human behavior in sustainability Innovative solutions for overheating and flood resilience in schools guest name Alex Green Titles How UK Schools Are Going Zero Carbon: The Inside Story The Future of Sustainable Education with Alex Green sound bites "Most school buildings are already too warm for comfort" "Passive cooling and ventilation are key to climate resilience" "Access to private finance is the biggest challenge we face" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Education 11:12 Alex Green's Journey in Sustainability 13:11 The Impact of Student Strikes on Climate Action 15:45 Global Perspectives on Sustainability 17:38 Identifying Gaps in School Sustainability 20:08 Understanding Sustainability for Schools 24:20 The Ripple Effect of School Closures 27:21 Changing Approaches to Sustainability Advocacy 32:29 Adapting Schools for Climate Resilience 34:15 Cognitive Impact of Extreme Heat on Students 36:47 Leadership and Progress in Schools 38:39 Understanding Building Management and Usage 41:35 Making Environmental Management Easy 44:13 Challenges in Accessing Private Finance 46:52 Influences in Environmental Leadership 51:16 The Importance of Collaboration 53:40 Getting Involved with Let's Go Zero resources Let's Go Zero Website - https://www.letsgozero.org/ UK Department for Education Sustainability Strategy - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sustainable-schools Green Finance Institute - https://www.greenfinanceinstitute.co.uk/ UCL Research on Heat and Cognitive Function - https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/mar/heat-cognitive-performance-schools Oasis Community Organisations - https://www.oasisuk.org/ Education Estates Conference June 2023 - https://www.educationestates.com/ guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgreen/ Website - https://www.letsgozero.org/