Legacy, Leadership & The Real Story Behind Sustainable Construction
Fri Jan 02 2026
What This Episode Is AboutThe construction industry loves to talk a big game on sustainability, wellbeing, and diversity. But who’s actually doing it?Meet Chelsi and Phil from Walker Construction, a 60-year legacy business who are walking the talk without pretending they’ve got all the answers.In this episode, we dig into:🚧 What it really takes to build a sustainable construction business🧠 Tackling mental health head-on (yes, even in a male-heavy industry)🧑🏭 Why apprenticeships are having a moment, and why the old degree-first route is falling behind👷♀️ How being a woman in construction doesn’t always look like you expect💡 Why leaders need to show up human first and how vulnerability drives team performanceThis isn’t fluffy DEI talk. This is the messy, real, unfiltered journey to creating a company where people want to stay and grow.Highlights💚 Walker’s award-winning ESG journey and why they’re proud not to be “perfect”🧱 Phil’s son left university and accidentally built a career in construction🧩 Why the next generation won’t be bribed with fancy job titles (purpose, package)🛠️ Apprenticeships from 18 to 42, what it looks like when careers don’t follow the script❤️ “I’d rather have 60% of you than none of you”... what true leadership sounds likeKey Quote“We’re not the best but we’re being real. And real change starts with honesty, not another target on a spreadsheet.”ConnectWalker Construction: https://www.walker-construction.co.uk/The Heald Method™: Helping leaders rewire culture, not people → https://www.rebecca-heald.co.uk/▶️ Listen, Share, ReviewGot thoughts on what makes real leadership in construction? Please comment or tag me on LinkedIn. Let’s keep the conversation going.🎧 Stream this episode wherever you get your podcasts.💬 Rate & review if this hit the mark.
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What This Episode Is AboutThe construction industry loves to talk a big game on sustainability, wellbeing, and diversity. But who’s actually doing it?Meet Chelsi and Phil from Walker Construction, a 60-year legacy business who are walking the talk without pretending they’ve got all the answers.In this episode, we dig into:🚧 What it really takes to build a sustainable construction business🧠 Tackling mental health head-on (yes, even in a male-heavy industry)🧑🏭 Why apprenticeships are having a moment, and why the old degree-first route is falling behind👷♀️ How being a woman in construction doesn’t always look like you expect💡 Why leaders need to show up human first and how vulnerability drives team performanceThis isn’t fluffy DEI talk. This is the messy, real, unfiltered journey to creating a company where people want to stay and grow.Highlights💚 Walker’s award-winning ESG journey and why they’re proud not to be “perfect”🧱 Phil’s son left university and accidentally built a career in construction🧩 Why the next generation won’t be bribed with fancy job titles (purpose, package)🛠️ Apprenticeships from 18 to 42, what it looks like when careers don’t follow the script❤️ “I’d rather have 60% of you than none of you”... what true leadership sounds likeKey Quote“We’re not the best but we’re being real. And real change starts with honesty, not another target on a spreadsheet.”ConnectWalker Construction: https://www.walker-construction.co.uk/The Heald Method™: Helping leaders rewire culture, not people → https://www.rebecca-heald.co.uk/▶️ Listen, Share, ReviewGot thoughts on what makes real leadership in construction? Please comment or tag me on LinkedIn. Let’s keep the conversation going.🎧 Stream this episode wherever you get your podcasts.💬 Rate & review if this hit the mark.