Thrive In Construction with Darren Evans
'Thrive in Construction' is the only podcast that delves into the personal journeys of sustainability leaders and innovators in the construction industry across the UK. Our show differentiates by offering unscripted, passion-fueled conversations that go beyond the buzzwords to the heart of what's driving the industry forward. It's tailored for aspiring professionals, seasoned experts, and anyone with a keen interest in the sustainable evolution of construction. We're here at a time when the call for sustainable development is not just a trend, but a societal imperative, empowering listeners to build a career that contributes to a greener future.
Thrive In Construction with Darren Evans
Demolition Zone: Change is Not Just Somebody Else's Problem | Martin Townsend
The belief that change, progress, and performance improvement are solely the responsibilities of others is a myth that Martin Townsend wants to demolish. Martin eloquently dismantles this notion, advocating for a collective and individual commitment to driving sustainable innovation.
Martin's persuasive argument is a call to arms for everyone in the industry—from architects to engineers, from suppliers to clients—to recognize their unique power and responsibility in shaping a sustainable future. He emphasises that making a difference is not only a possibility for each of us but a necessity.
This segment of the podcast is an essential listen for those ready to be inspired and to take action, understanding that true progress in sustainability and construction innovation begins with individual initiative.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8OraOuvoJYU?feature=shared
Follow Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinjtownsend/
Learn more about his organisation: https://www.youtube.com/c/BritishStandardsInstitution
Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io
So now, Martin, we are in the demolition zone and you? Have created this myth here that you are going to knock down for us very shortly. But before we go bashing anything down, what is this myth that's out there that just needs to be debunked or destroyed?
Speaker 2:So I think the biggest myth and we've touched upon this a couple of times in our conversation which is change, performance, progress, is somebody else's problem, and it's not. It's something that we all have a role to play in, and it really, really doesn't matter where you are in the industry, it doesn't matter what role you play. It doesn't matter if you were a supplier, doesn't matter if you were an architect, a client. Whatever role you play, everybody has the opportunity to make a difference. I'm a firm believer that this is a inclusive, all in contact sport, that basically, if we're going to make change happen, this isn't about standing back, standing on the sidelines, somebody else's problem, waiting for government, waiting for my boss, waiting for the organization to do something which I can then subscribe to or disagree with, and then crack on. No, sorry, if that is your mindset, I think you need to stop and pause. I think you need to say to yourself I need to really now think about what I can do to contribute to make a difference.
Speaker 1:And it sounds like we have the ability to as well. Not only do we need to do it, but that we can do it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and it's important that you know doesn't matter where you are. If you're, you know, in your own kind of personal sort of private time talking to people, share some of the stories, in spite I've done that on a number of occasions that my neighbors get really annoyed with me sometimes when I start to talk about recycling and what we can do as a community to drive change, because actually you know, every opportunity is an opportunity to try and do something different. It is a professional kind of role, I think, to think about every aspect of our life.
Speaker 1:Well, now that you've cleared it up, destroy the myth.
Speaker 2:And if you wanted a kind of what was that? What's the blue? It was no man is an Island. So the blue bit was basically the sea and basically the eye was the person standing on this island, because the green bits were trees. So the whole idea that was we're not islands, we are actually connected ecosystems where we all needed to play a role to drive change.
Speaker 1:It's a great message, martin, and I agree with it wholeheartedly.
Speaker 2:Good.
Speaker 1:That's the thing that I talk about, not just within my team, but effectively. That's the reason I started the podcast. Yeah, thank you. It's been a great conversation, martin's been fantastic having you here on the podcast. Thanks for your time. Thanks for your wisdom, your honesty and openness. Thank you, thank you. Thanks for your time.