Building Conversations

#10 CSC Robotics: Conversations in Construction Tech

Dive into the Fifth Industrial Revolution with Michael Ren, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of CSC Robotic Engineering Limited. In this critical episode, we explore the future of the construction industry and how robotics is the vital bridge to solving the massive skilled labor shortage. Michael makes the provocative argument for "Physical AI"—intelligent machines that execute, rather than abstract AI models. Learn how CSC's autonomous drilling and anchoring robots are providing an essential solution to low productivity and the staggering 40% waste produced by construction. Michael reveals the engineering genius behind the force-sensing technology that safely avoids rebar, and offers an exclusive glimpse into the game-changer technology that will define the next generation of infrastructure. This is a must-listen for anyone searching for podcasts on ConTech, construction automation, jobsite safety, AI in construction, and the future of sustainable building.

#9 Lessons from a C-Level Strategist: A 31-Year Business Journey (With Roger Amir)

In this episode of Building Conversations, we sit down with Roger Amir of Mytronics to discuss his incredible business journey. From cold calls to connections, Roger shares the key lessons he's learned over a 31-year career building an empire from a single office to a national company with 18 locations. Discover the secret to success isn't what you think—it's about focusing on relationships and providing value, not just making a sale. Roger reveals his "belly-to-belly" networking strategy and his unique approach to turning losses into wins. This is more than a business story; it's a masterclass in the entrepreneur's mindset: building an empire, one conversation at a time. Join us for a chat with Roger Amir of Mytronics and learn how to navigate the modern business world with old-school principles of integrity, hard work, and genuine connection.

#8 The Business of Football with Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson

What does it take to run a top-tier football club? We sit down with Scott Hudson, CEO of the Western Sydney Wanderers, to get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Australian football. From managing player transfers and fan expectations to building a sustainable community presence and leveraging new technology like AI, Scott reveals the many "spinning plates" of his role. He opens up about the unique challenges of the A-League, the rise of women's football, and his optimistic vision for the sport's growth in Australia, all while sharing personal stories from his career and a love of the game that started right in his own backyard.

#7 The Hidden Cost of Building the Old Way: Why the Building Industry Is Due for Disruption

Could a modular home be safer in an earthquake? Is time more important than cost when building? And why are we still using century-old methods to construct modern homes? In this episode, Dr. Pejman Shirazi from Western Sydney University unpacks the real barriers holding back the construction industry—and what it will take to modernise it. From gigafactories to net-zero cities, modular housing to robotic rebar tying, this conversation is packed with future-focused insights, bold ideas, and practical solutions for an industry overdue for disruption.

#6 Can Robots Fix What People Broke?

We’ve reached a tipping point. Trade culture is in crisis, hard work is undervalued, skilled workers are vanishing—and now we’re looking to technology, robots, and AI to save an industry that people themselves have neglected. In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Nick Halakatevakis, founder of Innovatus Projects, shares how decades on the tools, managing teams, and running projects shaped his views on what’s really broken in the construction industry. We talk about: * The slow death of work ethic and sacrifice * Why younger generations are avoiding hands-on trades * The growing gap in real training and practical experience * Labour shortages and productivity decline * Rising cost of living—and a culture that wants luxury without effort * And why robots might help, but can’t replace lost values It’s a grounded, honest look at what’s happening behind the scenes—and what might need to change if we want a future we can actually build.