{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Building Doors with Lauren Karan","title":"72. Why Every Future Leader Needs to Master “Two-Up” Thinking with Michael Furey","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3754,"description":"In this episode ofBuilding Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Michael Furey, leadership coach, former sales leader, and founder of We Aspire, to unpack why construction leadership needs a radical reframe. From being demoted in his first management job to building programs that train Australia’s future leaders, Michael shares how lived experience, failure, and values-led development are transforming how we build capability across the industry.Drawing parallels between professional sport and construction, Michael reveals why project leaders aren’t just managing jobs, they’re living a lifestyle, often with unsustainable expectations. He breaks down why authoritarian leadership is crumbling, why skills shortages are pushing values misalignment to the brink, and how even small changes (like asking your boss’s boss what they need) can kickstart massive personal and cultural shifts.Whether you're an aspiring leader or shaping policy at the top, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical insight, and a refreshing reminder that leadership isn't about knowing it all, it's about caring enough to learn.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Career Transitions & Personal Growth:Why Michael’s leadership journey began with burnout and a demotion, and how that changed his approach forever.The story of a junior leader who paid $8K out of pocket for training, and what it reveals about ambition, ROI, and the hunger for change.Why “fake it till you make it” sometimes works, and when it absolutely doesn’t.Real Leadership Development:The lie school teaches us about failure, and how it cripples leadership growth later in life.Why “being too nice” might be your greatest leadership asset.The missing piece in most corporate training: identity, belief, and emotional foundations.Why asking “What’s your boss’ boss’ intent?” could be your secret weapon.Industry-Specific Challenges:How construction mimics professional sport, and why that’s burning out both junior and senior...","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}