{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Building Doors with Lauren Karan","title":"90. The Power of People: Leadership, Vulnerability, and Building a Better Construction Culture with Paul Rhoden","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4377,"description":"In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Paul Rhoden, a seasoned infrastructure leader, podcaster, and consultant with over 30 years of experience across the UK and Australia. Paul is the founder of Vulpra Contractors and the host of the Construction Matters podcast, where he champions the human side of construction.Paul shares why he believes the industry’s greatest asset is its people, and how authentic, vulnerable leadership can transform project cultures. From his early days in the Royal Navy to leading major infrastructure projects, Paul opens up about his journey through grief, burnout, and purpose. He offers powerful insights on male allyship, the importance of listening to your supply chain, and why sometimes the best way to save a failing project is to simply stop and ask for help.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Leadership and Vulnerability:Why authentic leadership means admitting you don’t have all the answers.How leaders can create psychological safety by being vulnerable first.The power of “stopping” a project to reset culture and solve underlying problems.Male Allyship and Gender Diversity:Practical ways men can use their influence to amplify women’s voices in meetings and on-site.Why true allyship is about everyday behaviors, not just policies.Paul’s personal motivation: his mother’s strength and his three daughters.Mental Health and Psychosocial Safety:The link between purpose, retirement, and wellbeing in construction.How burnout and “rust-out” affect the industry, and what leaders can do about it.The importance of self-care for those who spend their lives helping others.Project Culture and Supply Chain:Why paying subcontractors fairly builds loyalty, innovation, and better outcomes.Moving from a “master-servant” dynamic to genuine business partnerships.The value of listening to everyone from the plant operator to the cleaner for breakthrough ideas.Key Quotes from Paul Rhoden:“If you’re willing to turn up and have a go...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/rcJTQ5eXITvLdAogYDlhRpa2ZvZlMeipr6w7MvQqkqs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM1NTExLzE2Njgz/OTU0OTQtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}