Silke Deul

Silke Deul, a German civil engineer and principal project manager, joins Andy to unpack what cultural diversity really means for NZ construction productivity. Having worked on four continents before settling in New Zealand six years ago, Silke offers a nuanced view: diversity initially reduces productivity as people adapt, then increases it once workers find their place. The conversation covers the two-to-three-year adaptation curve for immigrants, the gap between corporate diversity rhetoric and reality, and practical advice for newcomers on building relationships in NZ. Andy also shares his own immigrant journey, from Indian roots to proud Kiwi homeowner at 25.

Key Topics Discussed

• Cultural diversity and productivity. Silke's diplomatic answer: diversity initially reduces productivity as people adapt to NZ culture, then increases it once they find their place. Two types of migrants matter: those settled 2+ years vs new arrivals still adjusting.
• Adaptation timeline. Takes 2-3 years to adapt to NZ work culture. Silke had to learn when to be "German" (structured, agenda-driven, brutally straightforward) vs when to be "Kiwi" (give people space to discuss and arrive at conclusions at their own pace).
• Company size matters. Larger companies have buffer to absorb diverse workers and invest in integration. Smaller companies (10 people) need to be aware of the extra work required to support newcomers.
• Corporate diversity policies as "LinkedIn clickbait". Companies say the right things publicly but don't put in the actual work to make diversity functional. Policy without practice.
• Client-side infrastructure work. Silke works client-side on 3 waters, transport, solid waste, and hydropower plant upgrades across NZ.
• Practical advice for immigrants. Go out and mingle, don't cluster exclusively with your own nationality. Mix (30% German friends, 70% other cultures). Relationships matter in NZ and networking leads to jobs.
• Andy's immigrant story. Indian background, proud Kiwi, bought first house at 25. "I don't think I have a lot of Indian left in me."

Notable Quotes

• Silke on diversity and productivity: initially it reduces productivity as people adapt, then increases it once people find their place.
• Silke on corporate diversity policies: often just "LinkedIn clickbait", companies say it but don't put in the work.
• Silke on adaptation: had to learn when to be "German" and when to be "Kiwi."
• Andy: "I don't think I have a lot of Indian left in me", on his identity as a proud Kiwi immigrant.

Guest Background

Silke Deul is a German civil engineer and principal project manager who has lived in New Zealand for approximately six years. She has worked on four continents including Germany, India, Africa, the Middle East, and NZ. She works client-side on infrastructure projects spanning 3 waters, transport, solid waste, and hydropower plant upgrades.