Episodes
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Welcome to another insightful episode of "Innovation Deciphered," where your host, Brendan Morahan, Director at Invvent, engages in an intriguing conversation with a distinguished guest, Marc Stchedroff.
Marc serves as the CEO at Trade Angel Supplies Ltd and holds the position of Managing Director at The Oxford & London Building Co Ltd (OLBC), focusing on heritage buildings and consultancy within the heritage sector. In this episode, Brendan delves into Marc's remarkable journey, from a physics degree to revolutionising the delivery of Trade & DIY materials.
Marc sheds light on the challenges faced in the construction industry, emphasizing the gaps in technology adoption and communication between construction sites and merchants. The conversation unfolds, revealing Marc's frustration with existing systems and his determination to bridge the innovation gap.
They explore Marc's innovative platform developed in 2012, designed to revolutionise task-oriented management within construction. Marc underlines the importance of integrating technology, behavioural change, and precise stock control to enhance efficiency. As the episode progresses,
Marc introduces his latest venture, a pioneering solution for delivering construction materials within 90 minutes. The focus is on the speed and accuracy of deliveries, addressing the challenges faced by tradesmen in a congested and evolving urban environment.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the intersection of technology, construction, and business transformation, as Marc Stchedroff shares his extraordinary journey on this episode of "Innovation Deciphered."
#InnovationDeciphered #BuildingInnovation
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Welcome to an engaging episode of Innovation Deciphered, led by your host, Director of Invennt, Tim Fitch. Joining him is Drew Ritchie, a distinguished figure and the Founder and Former CEO of UPP broadband. Prepare to embark on a journey through the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship and visionary leadership.
In this enlightening discussion, Tim and Drew delve into the depths of Drew's illustrious career spanning over three decades. From his early days as a civil engineer to his evolution into a strategic leader, Drew's insights illuminate the path to success, culminating in the acquisition of UPP by Virgin Media for a remarkable 9-figure sum in September 2023.
Discover how Drew secured substantial private equity investment, guiding the company through its inception to a stage of significant growth, overseeing a team of over 185 employees and achieving exceptional metrics in infrastructure, customer satisfaction, and employee contentment.
Join us as Drew unveils the keys to navigating complex regulatory environments and driving innovation in regulated industries. As a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Chartered Engineer, Drew's contributions extend far beyond his professional roles, shaping the industry's future through his leadership and vision.
Explore the nuances of entrepreneurship as Drew recounts his journey from corporate life to founding and scaling up his ventures. Gain insights from his experiences in crafting compelling business plans, raising capital, and navigating the unpredictable terrain of start-up ecosystems.
Above all, discover the transformative power of collaboration, a cornerstone of Drew's journey. Tim and Drew delve into the importance of diverse perspectives, expertise, and ideas in shaping groundbreaking solutions and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Innovation Deciphered" with your host, Tim Fitch, Director at Invvent.
On this episode Tim has a captivating conversation with distinguished guest, James Garner, the Global Head of Data and Insights & Analytics at GLEEDS, a Senior Director based in the London Office. James is a distinguished Fellow of the RICS, serving as the Chairman for the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence - contributing as the technical author for RICS, focusing on crucial guidance for cashflow forecasting in the construction industry.
In this episode, they dive into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its adoption in the construction industry. James shares insights into the barriers and cultural challenges surrounding AI adoption, drawing parallels with the music industry. They explore the evolving landscape of technology, from ChatGPT to Power BI, and how these tools transform workflows in the construction sector.
The conversation delves into the critical topic of data sharing within the construction industry. They discuss the importance of breaking down cultural barriers and highlight initiatives like the Construction Data Trust and benchmarking services by the Infrastructure Projects Authority.
Switching gears, they explore the realm of predictive analytics and its application in construction, particularly in cash flow forecasting. James sheds light on the historical shortcomings in utilising project data effectively and emphasises the need for a shift toward predictive analytics. The conversation reflects on the tools available, such as Power BI, and the transformative impact they can have on project progress meetings.
As they navigate the intricacies of technology adoption, data sharing, and predictive analytics, James Garner provides valuable insights and encourages industry professionals to embrace these innovations for positive change.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of technology in the construction industry on this episode of "Innovation Deciphered."
#InnovationDeciphered #BuildingTheFuture #BuildingTheFuture
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Innovation Deciphered." Join your host, Tim Fitch, Director at Invennt, in a captivating conversation with our distinguished guest, Antoine Vernet, Associate Professor in the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and Director of the MSc Strategic Management of Projects.
Antoine Vernet, a seasoned researcher in Organisational Design and Social Networks, brings a wealth of expertise to the discussion. His projects delve into the impact of social networks on workplace inequality, dynamics of collaboration in hybrid work environments, and organizational responses to AI.
With a background in construction management and significant contributions to projects with Crossrail and Citi, Antoine extends his influence through a dedicated YouTube channel, emphasizing the vital significance of data literacy.
In this episode, Tim and Antoine embark on an exploration of the profound impact of AI on both everyday life and academia. The conversation delves into the significance of data literacy in understanding our world, unravelling the role of AI in shaping interactions and work environments. The importance of critical thinking is highlighted, emphasising potential pitfalls if we solely rely on AI.
Discover the intricate nuances of generative AI and the ever-changing nature of these models. Explore the ongoing debate: Are structural changes or increased scale the key to unlocking the next level of AI capabilities?
As part of the broader discussion, the podcast navigates the realm of organizational design and social networks. Explore the intersection of formal structures and informal relationships within organisations. This episode also addresses the lasting impact of our working environment due to COVID, thoroughly examining the pros and cons of hybrid working, and offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of work.
#InnovationDeciphered #CollaborativeCulture #EmpowerInnovation
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Welcome to another insightful episode of Innovation Deciphered, where Ben Pritchard, Head of Innovation Management at Invennt, engages in a dynamic conversation with Derek Rees, Chief Executive of SECBE Ltd, and Sarah Winckless MBE, an Executive Coach and Leadership Development Specialist.
Derek Rees, the driving force behind SECBE, brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the challenges in the built environment sector in London and the South East. Trained in construction management: Derek's broader knowledge of the UK was honed through his work with the Construction Industry Board, the national strategic forum for construction. SECBE's mission is clear: to drive positive change through the built environment sector, grounded in core values of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.
Sarah Winckless, with over 20 years of experience in high performance and corporate development at senior leadership and board levels, is a specialist in effecting cultural change. An Olympic and World Championship medallist in rowing, Sarah has also played a pivotal role as Chef de Mission for Team England and Team GB. Her influence extends to policy and strategy, particularly in the anti-doping landscape.
This episode delves into the people side of innovation, exploring topics such as culture, people, and the mindset surrounding innovation. Derek Rees and Sarah Winckless discuss the pivotal role of people versus processes in idea development and implementation. They highlight the importance of diversity of thought and experience in developing transformative ideas and breaking free from the echo chamber of similar concepts.
The conversation touches on innovation in the construction industry, emphasising the need to champion each other and promote a culture of readiness to share. Collaboration is presented as a transformative tool to enhance the overall system. Drawing parallels with sports: The discussion unveils the transformative effect that occurs when resources are shared, benefiting everyone involved.
The exploration extends to examining potential business models and knowledge management issues within the construction sector. The conversation advocates for creating systems within and between organisations to foster collaboration. The guests distinguish between innovation and invention, emphasising the importance of applied learning throughout projects.
Addressing resistance to change and the comfort found in familiarity, the episode sheds light on the public relations challenges the construction industry faces.
As the episode concludes, practical advice is shared on how companies can foster innovation. The importance of placing value on thinking as much as on working is highlighted, along with the empowerment of everyone within the organisation. The concept of inverting the organisation is explored as a powerful strategy for encouraging innovative thinking.
Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the multifaceted landscape of innovation, leadership, and cultural change in the built environment sector. Subscribe to Innovation Deciphered for more captivating discussions that shape the future of industries.
Learn about SECBE here: https://www.secbe.org.uk/
Learn about SECBE’s Innovative Future Leaders Programme here: https://www.theiflp.org/
#InnovationDeciphered #CollaborativeCulture #EmpowerInnovation
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Welcome to an eye-opening episode of Innovation Deciphered, where our Director, Tim Fitch, engages in a profound discussion with Mark McBride-Wright, Chair & Co-founder of InterEngineering and Founder & Managing Director of EqualEngineers.
This episode highlights the exponential importance and need for diversity, inclusion, and safety in the construction sector and what steps must be taken to achieve a future where everyone can feel represented and ultimately safe. Mark's journey began at a diversity event in construction where he recognised a stark absence of LGBTQ+ representation. That moment of transcendence, where his identity as an engineer intersected with being a gay man, sparked a natural passion.
In response, Mark co-founded InterEngineering, a platform with a mission to connect, inform, and empower LGBTQ+ engineers and their allies, fostering greater inclusion in engineering. Over the past decade, they've conducted panel discussions and provided open-source materials to enact meaningful changes in businesses. But Mark's commitment didn't stop there. He founded EqualEngineers seven years ago, identifying engineering as a sector lacking diversity and inclusion. The platform addresses this through training, recruitment, media, and events, recognising the impact on performance, growth, innovation, and overall wellbeing.
Mark, with a background in safety engineering, seamlessly bridges physical and psychological safety. He translates his safety engineering knowledge into creating safe workplace cultures. The culture he ignites encourages calling out non-inclusive behaviours as much as calling out unsafe acts without fear of retribution.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Mark discusses the alarming suicide rates in construction, manufacturing, and process industries in the UK. The reality of one in four engineering professionals reporting suicide ideation and losing a colleague to suicide underscores the urgent need for change. Mark confronts the industry, questioning why such a high-risk incident rate is tolerated and challenges listeners to consider what they plan to do about it.
As much as we try to get all the information in as we can, this episode only touches the surface, if you would like to hear more from Mark he has an upcoming book called, "Engineering Inclusive Culture: Masculinity, Mental Health, and a New Model of Safety in STEM," which continues to shed light on critical topics like discussed in this episode.
Learn more about InterEngineering here: https://interengineeringlgbt.com/
Learn more about EqualEngineers here: https://equalengineers.com/
#InnovationDeciphered #DiversityInEngineering #InclusiveCulture
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Building Leadership for Innovation - The Amazon Way | With John Rossman
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Welcome to a special online episode, beaming all the way from Seattle! In this exclusive instalment of Innovation Deciphered, our Director, Tim Fitch, takes you on a captivating journey alongside John Rossman, a former Amazon Executive and digital strategy guru.
Join us as we unravel the secrets of digital success and innovation in the digital age in this unique online session, originating from the tech-savvy hub of Seattle, home to Amazon's headquarters.
In this episode, John Rossman deciphers the core principles that powered Amazon's meteoric rise, providing valuable insights on customer obsession, long-term thinking, and innovation that businesses of all sizes can embrace to thrive in the digital era.
Moreover, we'll explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and business strategy, discovering how to integrate AI and machine learning into organisational processes to stay competitive and relevant in a fast-evolving technological landscape.
Get ready for a sneak peek into John's upcoming book, "Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era," set to release on February 27, 2024.
Learn systematic approaches to innovation, digital transformation, and business reinvention, crucial in the hyper-digital era.
Tune in for an enlightening exploration of leadership and innovation in the digital age, all the way from Seattle's tech heartland!
#InnovationDeciphered #DigitalLeadership #OnlineEpisode
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Innovation Deciphered, where our Director, Tim Fitch, takes you on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of technology, innovation, and the workplace.
Today, we are joined by a true tech enthusiast, David Maddison, Senior Sales Consultant at Abintra Consulting. In this episode, Tim and David dive deep into David's career, marked by a profound passion for technology. From his early days to his eventual journey to Abintra, David's story is a testament to the transformative power of innovation.
Abintra Consulting, a pioneering force in the world of workplace technology, comes into focus as David shares their incredible journey. Abintra recognised the need for a better way to measure space utilisation, setting out to solve this challenge long before it became a mainstream concern.
David introduces us to their groundbreaking technology, powered by heat and motion sensors, which provides astounding insights into how workspaces are used. Revelations abound, with data indicating that, in their experience, less than 50% of a team is typically in the workplace at any given time. But Abintra's mission goes beyond data collection
David sheds light on how their technology is addressing critical questions in this new era of hybrid working. They strive to find the delicate balance between cost-effectiveness and creating a pleasant, healthy, and productive workplace. Abintra stands at the forefront of this technology revolution, and
David offers a glimpse into their innovative reporting process. Tim delves deeper, exploring Abintra's exciting future developments and the path that lies ahead. If you're intrigued by the future of workplace technology, the challenges of hybrid work, and the quest for data-driven insights, this episode is a must-listen.
Join us as we unravel the story of Abintra Consulting and their vision for a smarter, more efficient, and more engaging workplace. T
o learn more about Abintra Consulting and their cutting-edge solutions, visit their website at https://abintra-consulting.co.uk/
Tune in to Innovation Deciphered and immerse yourself in the world of technology-driven workplace innovation!
#InnovationDeciphered #WorkplaceTech #AbintraConsulting
Monday Sep 18, 2023
Ideaworks: Luxury Innovations with Kevin Andrews
Monday Sep 18, 2023
Monday Sep 18, 2023
Welcome to another captivating episode of Innovation Deciphered! In this installment, our Director, Tim Fitch, is joined by a true luminary in the field of technology and luxury design, Kevin Andrews, Chairman of Ideaworks.
Prepare to embark on a journey through the realms of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolution of technology in the world of luxury.
Kevin Andrews' career, much like Tim's own journey, began as a young entrepreneur at the dawn of the digital era. He started by automating audio and lighting, a seemingly simple endeavor that laid the foundation for what Ideaworks has become today. Ideaworks, now spanning six countries and comprising 180 talented individuals, is a creative agency that harnesses cutting-edge technology to craft solutions for luxury super yachts and high-end bespoke residential projects.
Tim and Kevin delve into the origins of Ideaworks and its transformation into a global powerhouse of innovation and design. From the earliest days of automation to their current focus on the pinnacle of luxury technology, their conversation unravels the fascinating journey of Ideaworks and the ever-evolving landscape of technology in the luxury sector. But the conversation doesn't stop there. Tim and Kevin also explore the significance of setting up trade associations and why they are instrumental in shaping industry standards and fostering collaboration.
They then venture into the heart of the matter - "smart homes." Kevin shares his unique perspective on what the term truly means and why he challenges its use.
This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the nuances of technology in modern living spaces.
To learn more about Ideaworks and their cutting-edge solutions, visit their website at https://www.ideaworks.co.uk/#ideaworks
Tune in to Innovation Deciphered and join Tim Fitch and Kevin Andrews as they unravel the captivating story of Ideaworks, entrepreneurship, and the ever-evolving world of luxury technology.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about the intersection of innovation and luxury living.
Hosted by: https://invennt.com/
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Welcome to a compelling episode of Innovation Deciphered, hosted by our very own Director, Tim Fitch. Joining him is a remarkable guest, James Stuart, a Senior Project Manager at Galliford Try. Brace yourself for a journey through the realms of innovation, construction, and the power of collaboration.
In this episode, Tim and James embark on an exploration of James's early career and the evolution of Galliford Try, a prominent construction company.
As the conversation unfolds, they delve into the heart of innovation, sparked by a pivotal incident that ignited the recognition for change within the industry. Discover the solution that emerged from this incident—the birth of the Exceptional Lift Procedure (ELP) procedure.
Join us as James recounts the journey of conceptualising and implementing this innovative approach, designed to revolutionise conventional practices in the construction world. Dive into the intricacies of the ELP procedure and understand how it diverges from standard industry norms. Witness the real-world impact of this transformation in action, as James shares the trial-and-error process and the dedicated efforts to refine and perfect the procedure.
Above all, discover the linchpin of this innovative journey: collaboration. Tim and James delve into the crucial role of collaboration in fostering innovation. They discuss how different perspectives, expertise, and ideas converge to shape groundbreaking solutions, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the construction industry.
Whether you're an industry enthusiast, an aspiring innovator, or simply fascinated by the dynamics of change, this episode promises valuable insights into the power of innovation and collaboration.
Join Tim Fitch and James Stuart as they unravel the riveting tale of transformation and collaboration in the construction sector. This episode is a tribute to the exceptional individuals who dare to challenge the status quo and usher in a new era of innovation.
Learn more about Galliford Try here: https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/
Hosted by Invennt : https://invennt.com/
#InnovationDeciphered #ConstructionInnovation #CollaborationMatters