In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with James Gleeson, civil engineer and co-founder of Marvel Engineers, to unpack what productivity really means in infrastructure and what it takes to build a resilient specialist consultancy.
James shares his journey from tech drawing at school to launching Marvel Engineers after walking away from corporate burnout. Together, they explore the realities of starting a business with no blueprint, the risks of niching too narrowly, and the lessons learned from navigating market slowdowns in government-funded infrastructure
The conversation dives deep into procurement systems, panel arrangements, and the hidden cost of endless tendering. James challenges the industry to rethink how we engage consultants if we’re serious about delivering major infrastructure ahead of 2032.
If you’re building a business or leading through market uncertainty, this episode will show you how to stay nimble, structure for growth, and rethink productivity to build long-term resilience.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Productivity in Infrastructure:
- Why current procurement processes may be slowing delivery
- The real cost of panel prequalification and repeated tendering
- How simplifying engagement could unlock speed and efficiency
Building and Pivoting a Consultancy:
- The risks of concentration in government-funded work
- Why diversification doesn’t mean abandoning your niche
- How structure and clarity create momentum in a growing business
Leadership and Resilience:
- Why having a strong business partner matters
- How to lead through market slowdowns without losing composure
- The importance of support networks in sustaining long-term growth
Hiring and Culture
- What makes a “rounded consultant” in a small business
- Why communication and accountability matter more than ever
- How intentional onboarding shapes culture from day one
Key Quotes from James Gleeson:
- “There’s no guideline or standard on how to create a business. It’s a blank canvas.”
- “If we’re serious about productivity, we need to rethink how we engage industry.”
- “We’re not a big cruise ship. We can pivot quickly, but we’re exposed.”
About Our Guest:
James Gleeson is a civil engineer and co-founder of Marvel Engineers, a specialist consultancy focused on transport infrastructure and government projects. Passionate about productivity reform and collaborative delivery, James is building a nimble business grounded in structure, accountability, and strong relationships.
About Your Host:
Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.
How You Can Support the Podcast:
- Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
- Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
- Connect with James on LinkedIn and share your takeaways.
Stay Connected:
- Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
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Let’s Connect:
- Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
What is Building Doors with Lauren Karan?
Building Doors, hosted by Lauren Karan, is the podcast for ambitious professionals in construction, infrastructure, and engineering ready to accelerate their careers and lead with impact. Each episode explores how top industry leaders built their success and what it takes to stand out.
Lauren shares practical strategies for career growth, networking, and influence, along with insights on leadership, hiring trends, and the future of the industry. You’ll hear real conversations with CEOs, project managers, and innovators shaping the built environment.
Tune in every two weeks for expert guidance and inspiration—and start building doors to your future.