About This Episode
In a unique role reversal, Blair Chant interviews Andy for the first time in three appearances (previously Ep 11 and Ep 43). Andy reveals his origin story, wanting to be an F1 race engineer (inspired by Lewis Hamilton), building a Formula SAE car at university that failed to get sponsorship, then the GFC hitting in 2008 and attending a campus interview for a Dubai role "with nothing to lose." He defines project controls as "who is doing what, where, when, and how much of it?" combined with data-driven decisions. The conversation highlights the Commercial Bay story, Andy implemented a weekly project control cycle with critical path tracking, initially met with resistance but by week three the on-site team was fully engaged. He created a time scale logic diagram (TSLD) showing the entire tower on one A3 sheet, which won a Fletchers award. Other highlights include the "jump lift" concept (temporary machine room for lift car as internal hoist during construction), Auckland Airport phase three described as "rebuilding your bathroom while having a shower in it," and podcast stats showing 1M LinkedIn impressions per year with 80% from NZ.
Key Topics Discussed
- Role reversal. Blair interviews Andy for the first time, turning the tables after two previous appearances as guest.
- Andy's origin story. F1 dream inspired by Lewis Hamilton, Formula SAE car at university, GFC in 2008, Dubai interview "with nothing to lose."
- Project Controls defined. "Who is doing what, where, when, and how much of it?" combined with data-driven decisions.
- Commercial Bay. Weekly project control cycle, critical path tracking, TSLD on one A3, Fletchers award. Initially met with resistance but team fully engaged by week three.
- Jump lift concept. Temporary machine room for lift car used as internal hoist during construction, allowing facade closure and crashing the critical path.
- Auckland Airport phase three. "Rebuilding your bathroom while having a shower in it."
- Podcast stats. 1M LinkedIn impressions per year, 80% from NZ, self-funded through Strategic Planning Co.
- "Best and worst industry to be in". Construction's duality of camaraderie and stress.
Notable Quotes
"Who is doing what, where, when, and how much of it?", Andy's definition of project controls.
"Rebuilding your bathroom while having a shower in it.", Andy on Auckland Airport phase three.
"Best and worst industry to be in.", Andy on construction's duality of camaraderie and stress.
Guest Background
Blair Chant returns for his third appearance on the podcast (previously Ep 11 and Ep 43), this time turning the tables to interview Andy.
