Tradies Who Lead

Building People & Lifting Performance: Development and Accountability in the Trades with Matt Wyatt

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we're joined by Matt Wyatt, a trade-qualified leader with over 30 years in the heavy vehicle industry. Starting as an apprentice, Matt worked his way through operational and national leadership roles before spending the last 15 years focused on one thing: developing people. His approach is straightforward: clear standards, strong accountability, and no fluff. If it doesn't work on the floor, it doesn't belong in the program. We get into how to step out of firefighting mode and actually lead, how to hold the line on standards without damaging relationships, and what most trade businesses are getting wrong when it comes to developing apprentices. If you're leading a team, developing apprentices, or trying to build something that lasts, this one's worth your time. Stay in the loop — new episodes land every fortnight. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for recaps of your favourite guests and more from the Tradies Who Lead community. Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead If you want to connect with Matt, you can reach him via: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-w-30903b82/

Building the Future: Leadership, Communication and Leading Change in the Construction Industry with Tom Macrokanis

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we're joined by Tom Macrokanis, a qualified boilermaker who started his first business at 17 and has spent his career building things that didn't exist yet. Tom is the founder of Macro3D, a concrete 3D printing company tackling one of Australia's biggest challenges — housing affordability — and Director of Macro Constructions Group, a vertically integrated business delivering steel, concrete, and light-gauge steel framing solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Tom's story is as much about leadership and communication as it is about technology. Building partnerships with universities and industry leaders, developing proprietary systems, and progressing multiple patents — none of that happens without the ability to influence, earn trust, and bring people along on a vision most couldn't see yet. We get into what it takes to lead through change, how to handle setbacks without losing momentum, and why the skills Tom learned on the tools still shape his leadership today. If you're navigating change in your business, leading a team through uncertainty, or trying to figure out how to bring people with you when the road ahead isn't clear — this conversation is for you. 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/tradieswholead TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead If 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__/

Backing Yourself: Confidence, Community and Leading in the Trades with Melbourne Chippy Chick

In this episode of Tradies Who Lead, we're joined by Stefanie Apostolidis — better known as Melbourne Chippy Chick — qualified carpenter, founder of Tradie Lady Hire and Tradie Lady Club, and one of the most recognisable voices for women in the Australian trades. Stef's built her platforms, her businesses, and her reputation the same way she approaches leadership: by showing up consistently, backing herself, and bringing others along with her. In this conversation, she gets into what that's actually looked like in practice, where confidence comes from when the industry wasn't built for you, what happens when content becomes community, and what it really takes to shift things at an industry level. If you're a tradie figuring out how to lead without a title or someone ready to back yourself and grow, this is the conversation for you. Don’t miss out! New episodes are released every fortnight. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming guests, episode highlights and more! Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead If 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

Positive Mindset, Authenticity and Leading Diverse Teams in Construction with Vincent Saunders

In this episode, we're joined by Vincent Saunders, a construction professional with over 17 years' experience across building, quantity surveying, and construction management. Vincent is also the host of the Constructing Mindsets podcast, a show dedicated to shining a positive light on the industry through real stories. Vincent brings a solutions-focused lens to everything, from contractor coordination and site safety to the everyday people challenges that don't show up in any project plan. We explore what leadership really looks like when you're working across diverse teams, why authenticity is one of the most underrated skills onsite, and the mindset habits that help people thrive under pressure. We get into how to communicate across a broad range of people to hit a common goal, what sets the best leaders apart from everyone else on site, and why building your mindset early matters. If you're working in construction and want to lead better, communicate more effectively, and show up as your best self on the tools, this one's worth your time. New episodes drop every fortnight. Follow Tradies Who Lead on socials for sneak peeks of upcoming guests and more! Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tradieswholead/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradieswholead TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead If 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

Doing the Inner Work: Discipline, Sobriety & Leading for a Healthier Trade Culture with Claude Thomsen

In this episode, Claude Thomsen shares a grounded, honest look at what leadership in the trades can become when you’re willing to do the inner work first. From his time in the Army to his role as a leading hand at Webber Roofing, Claude has learned that discipline, vulnerability, and consistency aren’t just personal strengths, they’re tools that shape how you show up for your crew. Many know Claude as @ThatSoberTradie, where he’s become a steady voice for healthier habits and a stronger culture across the trades. Here, he opens about how sobriety reshaped his approach to work, how routines keep him steady onsite, and why being willing to face the hard conversations pays off in the long run for you and the people you lead. We explore the habits that anchor him, the behaviours he models on site, and the practical ways he supports others without dictating their actions. Claude’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about choosing to do the work even when no one’s watching. If you’re looking to build resilience, strengthen your influence, or lead with more intention, this conversation offers real, lived insight you can apply straight away. New episodes are released fortnightly. If you’re a tradesperson, make sure you’re following 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/tradieswholead TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradieswholead YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradieswholead If you want to connect with Claude, you can reach him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thatsobertradie