Top 10 Pioneering Leaders in Construction 2023.pdf

Quality A ributes
Traits of Transforma ve
Leaders in the Dynamic
Business Arena
www.insightssuccess.com
VOL-03 | ISSUE - 15 | 2023
Know How
How Technology is Enabling
Advancements in the Modern
Construc on Sector?
Garry Sangha
&
Kuldeep Singh Chohan
Building Legacy Homes & Business
Garry Sangha
Garry Sangha
CEO
Crystal Consul ng Inc
COO
Crystal Consul ng Inc

We Shapeour
Buildings; thereafter,
they Shape us.
Shape
they Shape us.

The Epitome of Innovation
with Sheer Brilliance
onstruction is a dynamic industry that requires
Ceffective leadership to navigate the challenges that
arise. Pioneering leaders are those who are able to
think outside the box and bring fresh ideas and approaches
to the construction industry. They possess certain key
qualities that enable them to lead their teams to success.
Leaders in construction possess innovative thinking, which
enables them to come up with new and creative solutions to
complex problems. They are able to think outside the box
and challenge traditional approaches to construction. They
embrace new technologies and techniques to make the
construction process more efficient and cost-effective.
Pioneering leaders have a strategic vision of where they
want their organization to go, and they are able to
communicate this vision effectively to their team members.
They set clear goals and objectives and create actionable
plans to achieve them. They are able to anticipate future
challenges and opportunities and adapt their strategies
accordingly.
Effective communication is critical for pioneering leaders to
inspire and motivate their teams. They are able to
communicate their vision, strategy, and expectations clearly
and effectively, using a variety of communication channels.
They are also able to actively listen to their team members
and provide feedback that enables them to improve their
performance.
Pioneering leaders understand the importance of
collaboration in the construction industry. They are able to
work effectively with architects, engineers, contractors, and
other stakeholders to achieve common goals. They are able
to build strong relationships with their team members and
stakeholders, which enables them to foster a positive work
environment.
They are not afraid to take calculated risks to achieve their
goals. They are able to assess the potential risks and
rewards of a decision and make informed choices. They
understand that taking risks is essential for innovation and
growth and are willing to embrace change to stay ahead of
the curve.
In the rapidly changing construction industry, adaptability is
essential. Pioneering leaders are able to adapt to new
situations quickly and effectively. They are able to pivot
when necessary and make bold decisions in the face of
uncertainty. They are able to stay calm under pressure and
think creatively to find solutions to complex problems.
Pioneering leaders in construction possess a unique set of
qualities that enable them to lead their organizations to
success in the rapidly evolving construction industry. They
possess innovative thinking, strategic vision, effective
communication, a collaborative approach, risk-taking, and
adaptability. By cultivating these qualities, leaders can
inspire their teams to achieve unprecedented success and
drive the construction industry forward in 2023 and beyond.
The latest edition of Insights Success sheds light on the Top
10 Pioneering Leaders in Construction 2023 who are
enabling novelties and advancements in the construction
niche with sheer commitment towards innovation with a
vision to revolutionize the industry in the near future.
Flip through the pages and have a delightful read!
AbhishekJoshi

Note
Editor’s
Editor’s
Editor’s

08
Garry Sangha
&
Garry Sangha

16
24
Stephen Sidwell
Exhibiting a Resolute
Leadership Acumen
Swati Paul
A Staunch Leader
with Immersive Strategies
Qual y A ributes
Traits of Transformative Leaders in
the Dynamic Business Arena
Know How
How Technology is Enabling Advancements
in the Modern Construction Sector
C o n t e n t s
A r t i c l e s
28

sales@insightssuccess.com
March, 2023
Editor-in-Chief
Senior Sales Manager Business Development Manager
Marketing Manager
Technical Head
Technical Specialist Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Database Management Technology Consultant
Merry D'Souza
Deputy Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editors
Visualizer
David King
Art & Design Director Associate Designer
Sihanee M., Rouniyar A. Robin, Krutant
Saurabh, Joe
Sales Executives
Jordan, Adam
Business Development Executives
Steve, Alaric
Jacob Smile
Prachi Mokashi Dominique T.
SME-SMO Executive
Sagar Lahigade Frank Adams
Circulation Manager
Robert Brown Stella Andrew David Stokes
Ankita Pandharpure
Copyright © 2023 Insights Success, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success.
Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success.
Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ www.twitter.com/insightssuccess
We are also available on :
Abhishek Joshi
Revati Badkas
Jenny Fernandes Anish Miller

Brief
Company Name
Danny has been completing a myriad of complex projects in a
variety of industries and fulﬁls the services promptly.
Featured Person
Ardent Services LLC
ardent.us
Danny Cavalier
Director of Business
Development
Garry and Kuldeep are experienced leader in the construction
with expertise in Budgeting, Value Engineering, Contractors,
Sales, and Project Estimation.
Crystal Consulting Inc
ccigroup.ca
Garry Sangha CEO
and
COO
Leo connects with the youngsters through his belief which
implies it is critical to engage the minds of the younger
generation, empowering and equipping them with the tools and
techniques to ensure the continued success of the country as we
build back better and more sustainably.
Balfour Beatty
balfourbeatty.com
Leo Quinn
CEO
Stephen is a serial entrepreneur who has founded companies in
various industries—including in manufacturing, retail, real
estate, investment banking, healthy restaurants (LYFE Kitchen)
and food brands (Luvo)—raising over a billion dollars in the
process.
Nexii Building Solutions
nexii.com
Stephen Sidwell
CEO
Swati is an accomplished business leader, with diverse sector
experience, leading the commercial, legal, ethics, governance,
compliance and risk functions, for Skanska UK Plc. She is
highly motivated and achievement-oriented with strong
collaboration skills.
Shanska UK Plc
skansha.co.uk
Swati Paul
Director, and
Executive Vice President,
Commercial & Legal

Garry Sangha
&
Garry Sangha
The wonderful thing about
construction is that your hands do the
talking. My superior building capability,
a strong sense of community, and
spiritualism tied me closely to those
that I worked for and those that
worked for me.

C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
Y
COO
Garry Sangha
CEO

house is often made into a home by the loving
Abonds of a family that lives in it. But even the
barebones construction of a house requires a whole
lot of time, dedication, attention to detail, and love for the
job because only then a quality house can be built, one that
lasts a family for generations to come.
This cohesion of construction and family that makes a
home is exemplified by Crystal Consulting Inc – a
construction business that is being functioned by the
Sangha family and operates on family values. Garry
Sangha is the CEO of the company, and his brother-in-law
Kuldeep Singh Chohan is the COO. Both of them
followed their father’s legacy, Ajit Sangha, in the
construction business. After moving to Canada from a small
farming village in Punjab, Ajit worked as a laborer in a
drywall company in 1997. Eventually, drywall would come
to describe the family legacy.
When Garry and Kuldeep approached Ajit to form CCI,
they didn’t have a substantial background in the BC
Construction industry, and their assets were minimal to
back the start-up. What the family had was the belief that
much more could be done in the space of this industry and
was waiting for someone innovative to occupy it.
Crystal Consulting (Drywall) Inc. was then founded in
2005. As a drywall company, it would initially work in
multi-family concrete residential projects. Today the family
has progressed to being a major presence across the BC
construction space. Since then, Crystal Consulting has
grown immensely and has introduced CCI Waterproofing,
Crystal Consulting Group of Companies, CCI Alberta,
Kanin Construction Management, CCI Masonry, and the
CCI Group Mental Health Society.
Garry says, “What we build must have value. I grew up
playing sports, and similarly, in business, it takes time,
dedication, and practice to be good. The thing about family,
sport, and business is that everyone must share a
vision/belief system and work to common objectives to
achieve real success.”
Kuldeep adds, “It is a blessing what we have done as a
family. While we all work hard to achieve success, we are
not so vain to think we did it on our own. Everybody who
has, does, or will work with us makes a real contribution to
how we move forward. Moreover, as a business, we are
grateful for the trust our clients give when awarding us
work and thankful to all the trades and suppliers that work
with us to realize our construction objectives.”
In an exclusive interview with Insights Success, Garry and
Kuldeep share an immigrant family’s dream of building a
legacy that lasts.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefly describe your professional journey up until now.
Garry Sangha: I grew up in a loving and supportive family
that emphasized family values, a high degree of community
involvement, and an honest work effort. Alongside my
brother-in-law Kuldeep Singh Chohan, we joined my father,
Ajit Sangha, in starting Crystal Consulting Inc.
We were already working together on construction projects,
and it was time to branch out on our own to build a family
legacy in Canada, much as my father had in India. We
sacrificed and made every necessary effort to grow our
business. We had a real desire to distinguish ourselves in
the scale of the project we could take on and to honor our
commitments to our clients.
This clear differentiation is what allowed us to be partners
with the largest developers in Canada and to expand our
business scope to the extent that today we too are becoming
a major developer with the intention to quickly approach in
scale that of our peers who we have served for the last two
We are unique in how we
approach construction and in
our ability to deliver the
highest quality of work on
schedule. Our systemized
approach is a massive CCI
strength.

decades and with every intention to continue serving. We
intend to be one of BC’s anchor companies, one that has an
obvious impact on the skylines in the major cities in the
province.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Like many new immigrants to
Canada, I found my start in my adopted country in
construction. Early on, I found that I had a passion for the
trade and quickly became a master in framing, drywalling,
and finishing. I also had a keen eye for investing and built a
portfolio of properties locally and in the US.
I married Sandeep Sangha and, as such, became a son to
Ajit Sangha, the Patriarch of the family, and Brother to
Garry Sangha. We were a powerful team and together
formed Crystal Consulting Inc. I took the operational lead
from the start building up the company’s field capabilities at
impressive speed. Today, I am highly respected in the
construction community as an inspiring leader who is as
fair in dealing as strong technically in his construction
knowledge.
What challenges did you face along the way?
Garry Sangha: I could say that we faced the challenges that
any other immigrant did, but really, I view my heritage as a
strength and my upbringing as something to be leveraged.
The real challenge is the speed of growth and backfilling
policy in structure to ensure that we never make the same
mistake twice.
Growing a business means always being outside your
comfort zone and willing to take on substantive personal
risk every day. A leader needs to have a thick skin and the
confidence to move forward even when others place doubt
in your mind. Truly, you also have to work on yourself to
overcome doubt and ride on optimism. You can make
mistakes in business, but only if you are always in an
adaptive and dynamic operating mode.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: I broke into the industry despite a
language barrier. The wonderful thing about construction is
that your hands do the talking. My superior building
capability allowed me to shine. Moreover, a strong sense of
community and spiritualism tied me closely to those that I
worked for and those that worked for me. I am very giving
of my time, contributing to community projects and causes.
I live by the example of the adage, ‘what you give is what
you get.
’
What significant impact have you brought to the
Construction industry?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: We built one of the largest
construction forces in BC. I am known across the province
for my work, and I attract, mentor, and guide new recruits
into the family business at a rapid pace. I try to embody
inclusiveness, and while I am quiet, I speak with my
actions, moving the workforce to achieve an amazing
amount of new building construction at a quality that is
difficult to match.
Garry Sangha: Kuldeep and I are totally focused on
schedule and quality. I truly believe that we are unique in
the province in how we approach construction and our
ability to deliver the highest quality work on schedule. Our
systemized approach is a massive CCI strength.

Tell us about Crystal Consulting Inc and its foundation
pillar.
Garry Sangha: Crystal Consulting Inc comes out of the
broad construction experience we derived in CCI, and it
extends much beyond drywall. Our clients recognized the
scope of deliverables that we had become proficient in and
the fact that our problem-solving capability went well
beyond the services we were delivering. The next logical
step was to take on the full scope of construction
management and include the full scope of trades
management formally as opposed to just using technical
influence.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Family is what makes us strong.
We respect each other; we respect those that honor us with
their work and those that work for us. Family is a spiral that
continuously grows outward. With each new home we
build, we add to our family. There can be hundreds of
people in a new building and thousands in a new
development. We must be fair to those that will invest in
what we have built and ensure that their homes are of the
highest quality. We build for them that which we would
expect for ourselves.
How does Crystal Consulting Inc promote workforce
flexibility, and what is your role in it?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: We have hired and worked
alongside thousands of people while we have been in
business. We allow people to grow and show them a way to
succeed. Many of the people that have worked for us have
left to start their own businesses. We support this
entrepreneurship and celebrate their initiative.
While those that work for us must adhere to our
construction practices, we support them in many ways and
see their family as our family. We do our best to provide a
path for people to get to where they want to in life. As part
of the community, we must have empathy and flexibility.
Garry Sangha: Construction is a highly structured
business. Process, systems, and safety are paramount. The
schedule is not subject to negotiation. That said, the
business is keen on professional advancement and
inclusion. We are an open workplace that welcomes all
qualified and keen individuals into the fold.
Training, mentorship, and promotion based on contribution
are integral parts of our culture. We expect loyalty and are
extremely loyal to our employees. We understand that daily
We developed the CCI Group
Mental Health Society to address
a common issue in our society.
Being successful in business
means that we can have a big
impact, not only directionally, but
financially in bettering our
communities.
life does impact the ability to work, and we are
compassionate and flexible in accommodating the vagaries
that impact all of us. As a leader, I communicate my
expectations clearly and also lay out what is required for
each individual to achieve personal success.
What is your take on technology’s importance, and how
are you leveraging it?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: We are always happy to try new
tools and methods. Given the scale of our activities, there is
always an opportunity to give a new technology or
approach a chance. If it works, we adopt it quickly and roll
it out across the organization. We are agile in this regard.
Industry standards and community expectations also drive
our technology adoption. These days we are paying a lot of
attention to sustainability and our impact on the
environment. We are always trying to green our building
practices.
Garry Sangha: Construction is a traditional field and one of
the oldest industries in existence. We all still marvel at the
monuments built by ancient cultures that still stand today
thousands of years after they were built. We do not expect
our structures to still stand a thousand years from now, but
we do build to last.
We take the basic foundations of construction and apply
modern methods and materials. Automation and
connectivity are key features of today’s homes, and we

Like the
developers we
serve, we will be
a company that
leaves a lasting
mark on the
skylines of our
cities.

embrace those technologies as well as standards and
methods to achieve sustainability and greener buildings.
From a work management perspective, we employ software
that improves construction management and
communication between all stakeholders.
What will be the next significant change in the
construction industry, and how are you preparing for it?
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: Green is the new gold standard.
People will measure your quality and value not only on
what you deliver but on your ability to show your reduction
of GHG consumption or minimal environmental impact.
Garry Sangha: I think more than in the recent path,
developments have a focus on community and lifestyle.
Buyers have an expectation of superior design and livability
as well as unique amenities that enhance daily life.
We take great care in the design phase to architect a
building that embodies lifestyle choices for a diverse
buying public. Global warming is also a paramount issue,
and the building industry has a responsibility to include
green technologies and choose less impactful materials and
building methods.
What are your goals for the upcoming future?
Garry Sangha: I want us to be an anchor group of
companies in BC. We should be recognized as an employer
of choice and a substantive contributor to the economy. Our
children should be proud of what we have accomplished as
a family and behave in ways that are supportive of our
community. Like the developers we serve, we will be a
company that leaves a lasting mark on the skylines of our
cities.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: I want to see our children benefit
from our hard work and continue in our community
contributions. They do not have to do what we have done,
they can make their own way, but I’d want to see them be
generous in spirit.
We developed the CCI Group Mental Health Society to
address a common issue in our society. This cause and the
support of others is important to us. Being successful in
business means that we can have a big impact, not only
directionally but financially, in bettering our communities. I
want our family to be seen as humble contributors.
What advice would you like to give the next generation
of aspiring business leaders?
Garry Sangha: There is no hiding in business. Life is
transparent, and what you do as a business leader will affect
the longevity of your business and how you are perceived in
the community. More importantly, your actions will shape
the behavior of your children and those close to you. At all
times, you should work to inspire others to be like you.
Kuldeep Singh Chohan: You must always try to be your
best and share your knowledge freely. Personal power does
not come from hoarding knowledge or keeping secrets. It
comes from allowing others to join you in your path and
shining the light in the darkness. We have been able to build
such a wonderful workforce because we communicate
directly and are not afraid to share what we know. It is then
up to that person to do what they can with what they learn
from you.

Exhibiting a Resolute Leadership Acumen
hroughout his career, Stephen Sidwell has founded
Tbusinesses in a number of different sectors
including retail, real estate, manufacturing,
investment banking, healthy restaurants (Lyfe Kitchen), and
consumer packaged goods (Luvo), raising over a billion
dollars in the process.
He is passionate about building businesses that thrive and
positively impact their communities. His current mission as
a CEO of Nexii Building Solutions is to help transform the
global construction industry, using Nexii’s building
technology to create a brighter future for people and the
planet.
In an interview with Insights Success, Stephen Sidwell
shares valuable facts highlighting his professional tenure,
his journey and ambitions in the niche.
I was introduced to Ben and Michael Dombowsky in 2018.
We decided to partner to create Nexii Building Solutions
with the vision of reinventing how the world builds -
reducing carbon and waste while increasing efficiency
within the construction industry. Ben and Michael are
extremely talented inventors with well over forty years in
the industry. They invested many years of research and
development into the creation of the Nexii system.
Since Nexii’s inception, we’ve focused on proving our
system with multiple building types, scaling up operations,
and reducing our impact on the planet. In 2021, after just 31
months, Nexii reached unicorn status— a more than $1
billion valuation. It is the fastest company to do so in
Canadian history.
At Nexii, our mission is to build a vibrant future for people
and the planet. We do this by moving away from carbon-
intensive materials and creating a new way of building that
reduces build times, cuts waste to near zero, and considers
the full lifecycle of a building — designing with reuse in
mind, creating a circular construction ecosystem.
Buildings and construction are responsible for almost 40%
of global carbon pollution. As we grow, we are
demonstrating to the industry that our green construction
system is a breakthrough solution to reduce emissions.
Tell us about Nexii Building Solutions and its foundation
pillar.
Nexii is a green construction company that designs and
manufactures low-carbon buildings and products to tackle
the climate impact of the built environment. Sustainable
and scalable solutions are urgently needed to make net zero
buildings a reality.
Our breakthrough material, Nexiite, and building solutions
enable the rapid assembly of high-quality buildings with
reduced end-to-end carbon emissions, produce near zero
waste, and cause less disruption to the community.
Nexii building products, including Starbucks, Popeyes, and
Marriott, have been used in client projects. Most recently,
we completed the manufacturing of 10 service plaza
buildings for the New York State Thruway.
What is your take on technology's importance, and how
are you leveraging it?
To fundamentally change how the world builds, technology
and innovative solutions are essential. At Nexii, we
leverage technology in several ways to make sustainable
buildings a reality.
Nexii’s building technology is designed to speed up
construction and reduce the overall embodied carbon and
energy use of the building. Buildings are precision
manufactured offsite and rapidly assembled onsite. Nexii
panels have an average of 31% less embodied carbon and
Nexii buildings use approximately a third less energy,
significantly lowering energy needs and emissions for
ongoing building operations.
March 2023 | 16 | www.insightssuccess.com

Nexii’s building technology is designed
to speed up construction and reduce
the overall embodied carbon and energy
use of the building.
Stephen Sidwel
CEO
Nexii Building
Solutions

To make net zero buildings at scale a reality, Nexii forged
alliances with world-class brands, including Siemens,
Honeywell, Trane Technologies, Pella, and Solar Earth.
Combining Nexii building solutions with industry-leading
technologies enables high-performance buildings with a
much lower environmental footprint.
What will be the next significant change in the
Construction industry, and how are you preparing for
it?
We anticipate there will be many changes for the industry
as world events, legislation, and inflation have forced global
leaders to have a closer look at high-polluting industries.
The evolving economic landscape directly impacts
construction, and I have no doubt that there will be an
increased focus on efficiency and decarbonization of the
industry.
We already see these changes taking place. During COP27,
the commitments to cleaning up the carbon-intensive
construction industry and reducing energy consumption in
buildings emerged as significant priorities. President Biden
recently announced the Buy Clean task force with an
ambition to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. The
US Federal Government has introduced recommendations
highlighting low-carbon materials, sustainable processes,
and carbon data transparency. This legislation will have a
profound impact on the construction industry.
At Nexii, our construction method and proprietary material
Nexiite are well-suited to help reach these targets. As a
green construction company with a mission to address the
climate impact of our built environment, it is wonderful to
see that industry and governments are starting to step up
and come along with us on this journey. Although it is very
positive that these changes are taking place, our industry
has been lagging on innovation and sustainability for
decades, and we need to see action in this decade!
What are your goals for the future?
At Nexii, we say, “change the blueprint, change the planet,”
and our goal is to scale up our company to maximize our
positive impact on the world. We want to bring Nexii’s
breakthrough products and buildings to more markets to
meet the growing demand for truly sustainable construction.
When I look back at my career, I am proud of all of my
endeavors. If I were to give the next generation some
advice, it would be to do something that you will look back
on in 5-10 years and feel proud of.
Whatever you end up doing, you have to care deeply about
it. I have always aspired to make a true impact on the world
around me, and that has been my driving force.

Traitsof
Leaders in the
Dynamic Business
Dynamic Business
Dynamic Business
Arena
Transformative
Transformative
Transformative
Traits
Arena

Quality Attributes
Influential business leaders are those who
inspire and motivate others to achieve
success. They possess certain traits and
characteristics that set them apart from others. In
this article, we will explore the key traits of
influential business leaders.
Visionary Thinking
Influential business leaders are visionary thinkers.
They have a clear understanding of their
organization's mission, values, and goals. They are
able to create a compelling vision for the future and
communicate it effectively to others. By having a clear
vision, they are able to inspire and motivate
employees to work towards common goals.
Visionary thinking creates a clear focus for individuals
and organizations. It helps them to identify their
priorities and goals and to align their actions
accordingly. This focus enables individuals and
organizations to work more efficiently and effectively
towards achieving their vision.
Visionary thinking drives change. By envisioning a
future state that is different from the present,
individuals and organizations can create a sense of
urgency and a desire for change. This can motivate
individuals and organizations to take action, to try

new things, and to drive innovation and growth.
It creates a clear focus for individuals and
organizations. It helps them to identify their priorities
and goals and to align their actions accordingly. This
focus enables individuals and organizations to work
more efficiently and effectively towards achieving
their vision.
Strong Communication Skills
Influential business leaders have strong
communication skills. They are able to convey their
ideas and vision clearly and effectively to others. They
are good listeners, able to take feedback and ideas
from others and incorporate them into their own
thinking. They also have the ability to inspire and
motivate others through their words and actions.
Strong communication skills build strong
relationships. By being able to communicate
effectively, individuals can establish rapport with
others, build trust, and foster a sense of community.
This can lead to better collaboration, increased
productivity, and improved morale.
Strong communication skills enhance leadership. By
being able to communicate effectively, leaders can
inspire and motivate their team, provide direction and
feedback, and build a culture of trust and
collaboration. This can lead to increased employee
engagement, improved performance, and better
results.
Decisiveness
Influential business leaders are decisive. They are able
to make tough decisions quickly and effectively. They
are able to analyze complex situations and make
decisions based on their experience, intuition, and
data. They are also able to communicate their
decisions clearly and effectively to others.
Decisiveness increases productivity. By making quick
and effective decisions, individuals and organizations
can save time and resources. They can avoid wasting
time and energy on indecision or delay. This increased
productivity can lead to greater success and the
achievement of goals.
Decisiveness improves problem-solving skills. By
analyzing information and making decisions quickly
and effectively, individuals and organizations can
develop their problem-solving skills. They can learn to
identify the root causes of problems, evaluate options,
and take action to resolve issues.
Decisiveness builds confidence. When individuals and
organizations make decisions quickly and confidently,
they demonstrate their competence and expertise. This
confidence can inspire trust and respect from others,
leading to greater opportunities and success.
Resilience
Influential business leaders are resilient. They are able
to bounce back from setbacks and failures. They are
able to maintain their focus and commitment to their
vision, even in the face of adversity. They are also
able to learn from their mistakes and use them as
opportunities for growth and improvement.
Emotional Intelligence
Influential business leaders have high emotional
intelligence. They are able to understand and manage
their own emotions effectively. They are also able to
empathize with others and understand their
perspective. This allows them to build strong
relationships with employees, customers, and other
stakeholders.
Strategic Thinking
Influential business leaders are strategic thinkers.
They are able to see the big picture and develop
strategies to achieve their vision. They are able to
analyze trends, anticipate challenges, and develop
plans to address them. They are also able to adjust
their strategies as needed to respond to changing
circumstances.
In conclusion, influential business leaders possess a
unique set of traits and characteristics that enable
them to inspire and motivate others to achieve
success. By exhibiting visionary thinking, strong
communication skills, decisiveness, resilience,
emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking,
influential business leaders are able to create a
positive impact on their organizations and the wider
business community.

Swati
Swati
Paul
Paul
AStaunchL
eader
with Immersive Strategies
he global construction sector is undergoing
Tsignificant advancements with paradigm shifts in
standard operating methods. Being an effective
leader in the construction sector requires more than strong
managerial skills. You also need to possess and develop
strong leadership skills, to inspire others to perform at the
highest level to support the work to be done.
Effective construction leaders are able to identify the needs
of a situation, identify the needs of the individuals
performing the work, identify the needs of the organization,
and then compel individuals to act in a way that benefits
everyone involved in a particular project. Given the
complexity of certain projects, there is a need for
professionalism among the construction project
participants. It is also essential to meet the objectives and
aspirations of the stakeholders, in the most innovative,
imaginative, and value-adding manner for the benefit of the
client and all concerned.
To realize the goals and objectives for the construction
industry, it is important to develop authentic leaders and
followers to set the vision for improving the construction
industry’s performance by enhancing its capacity and
capability in each country concerned. Many paradigms for
leadership have been developed.
Innovative, holistic leadership is critical to construction
projects, in the management of construction businesses ,
and to industry development as a whole. Swati Paul is
striving for continuous improvement, while adhering to all
these fundamentals.
Currently Working as Director at Skanska UK Plc and
Executive Vice President, Commercial & Legal, she aims to
drive the business forward while implementing immersive
strategies.
In an exclusive interview with Insights Success, Swati
shares her professional tenure and highlights her journey so
far in the construction niche.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Briefly describe your professional journey up until now.
“I am delighted to be sharing my journey with you. I work
for an amazing global business, and I am proud of all I have
been able to do. Skanska UK Plc is a dynamic, progressive
company. I’m a board director, the head of the legal,
commercial, and ethics functions of a business with
revenues in excess of £ 1 billion.
I chair a number of internal committees including the ethics
committee. My role also includes leading governance, risk,
insurance and compliance. This is an unusual portfolio of
responsibility, but one that sits well with my diverse sector
experience.
Skanska UK Plc specializes in building and complex and
often high-value projects: such as the HS2 (high speed rail)
project motorways, and major commercial developments
which have shaped the skyline of London and other major
cities. Our clients are both governments and the private
sector. Funnily enough, I learnt to fly as a businesswoman
at an airport – not literally, but metaphorically.
I was General Counsel and Company Secretary, for six
years at one of the fastest-growing British Airports (Luton)
(LLA). International shareholders owned LLA. There, by
being on the main board as well as being the General
Counsel, I learnt how to deal with a wide range of
stakeholders.
I came to the role of General Counsel from having
originally trained and worked in large corporate law firms
in London. Work in these firms involved very long hours,
complex deals and international travel.
What challenges did you face along the way?
It was a highly competitive environment, and I aspired to
become a partner. However, once I had children, the
demands of this particular career were simply too high for
me.

Swati Paul,
Director Skanska UK
Plc, Executive Vice
President,Commercial
and Legal
Skanska UK Plc

I tried to find a more family-
friendly way of working. I got a job
at the energy regulator and then
as an in-house lawyer for
companies in manufacturing and
rail, working part-time.
“
“
I tried to find a more family-friendly way of working. I got
a job at the energy regulator and then as an in-house lawyer
for companies in manufacturing and rail, working part-time.
At the time, I did not see a clear path forward to progress
my career and remained on the “mommy track.” This was
helpful from a time perspective and frustrating from a
career progression perspective. However – I was always
committed to learning and improving.
When I joined LLA, I quickly recognized that limiting my
contribution to advising on the law, did not give me the
immediacy of the business impact I was seeking. I was
seeking a role where I could influence the commercial
success of a business, which both LLA and now Skanska
have done.
This journey has meant facing many personal
challenges–being the best professional I can be; learning
how to navigate organizational cultures; discovering how to
broaden my skillset beyond just legal; risking leaving the
security of one sector, or one established role; softening my
perfectionism; making myself heard as a woman in a man’s
world; balancing being a wife, mother and a committed
businesswoman; learning how to step up and serve on a
board.
I came into construction relatively recently. I love this
sector! The scale and scope of what we do, and the culture
of this company, allows me ample opportunity to be the
businesswoman I am. I also bring diverse life experience as
I was born and brought up in London but with a different
heritage.
It is really important to me that I work in accordance with
my values of honesty, integrity and “to do the right thing,”
which accords with Skanska’s values and code of conduct.
Diversity and inclusion are in my lifeblood. I am also the
Executive Sponsor of the “Ability Network” within
Skanska UK.
This focuses on making our workplace a place, where those
with any and all forms of disability and/or carers’
responsibilities can thrive and contribute fully to our
success.
Where do you envision Skanska UK Plc and what are
your future goals for the company?
My goal is to drive the business forward. Accordingly, the
changes that I have implemented so far include proactive
management of the legal function with an increased focus
on digital change, refreshing how the company deals with
ethics, introducing a more structured approach to enterprise
risk management and reviewing existing commercial
processes with a focus on recovery.
Of course, construction has its origins in traditional
working methods and ways. That said, the future is digital.
The whole sector will be transformed by a vast range of
digital technologies, some of which are already making
their way into our worlds, and some of which we are only
just beginning to glimpse the possibilities.
This has the possibility of greatly improving speed, safety,
time and cost and contributing to an improvement in
environmental outcomes.
My future goals are to carry on working within this
business to drive it forward. I would also like to continue to
grow as a professional and improve and adapt my skills.
My advice for the budding aspirants, I’d say,
- for your early career – become as technically proficient as
you can.
- for your mid-career – build “soft skills,”
- for your senior career – developing people skills are key.
Above all – believe in yourself!
Remember, work is only one part of a multi-faceted life. I
enjoy yoga, meditation, family, friends and the theatre. This
keeps me whole!

Advancements
in the Modern
Construction
Sector?
Technology
Modern
Construction
he modern construction sector is rapidly evolving
Twith the integration of new technologies.
Technology is enabling advancements in
construction by making processes faster, safer, and more
efficient. There are various technological advancements that
are being used in the construction sector, including Building
Information Modeling (BIM), drones, 3D printing, and
robotics.
One of the most significant technological advancements in
the construction sector is BIM. BIM is a digital
representation of a building or infrastructure project that
enables designers, architects, and construction professionals
to collaborate on a project. It allows them to visualize the
structure in 3D, which enables them to identify any design
flaws or conflicts before construction begins. This reduces
the likelihood of costly errors during the construction
process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Drones are another technological advancement that is
enabling advancements in construction. Drones can be used
to survey construction sites, providing real-time data on
project progress, as well as identifying potential safety
hazards. This allows construction professionals to make
informed decisions and adjustments in real-time, improving
the safety and efficiency of the construction process.
3D printing is another technology that is enabling
advancements in the construction sector.
How
is Enabling
Technology

Know-How

3D printing allows construction professionals to print
building components, such as walls and roofs, quickly and
efficiently. This reduces the time and costs associated with
traditional construction methods and enables construction
professionals to create complex and intricate designs that
were previously impossible.
Automation
Technology is also enabling advancements in automation,
allowing companies to automate many of the manual
processes involved in the supply chain. For example,
autonomous vehicles and drones can now be used to
transport goods, reducing the need for human intervention
and improving efficiency. In addition, robotic process
automation (RPA) can be used to automate repetitive tasks,
such as data entry, freeing up employees to focus on higher-
value tasks.
Technology has enabled the automation of many processes
involved in the construction niche, such as picking and
packing, inventory management, and shipping. This has
resulted in improved speed and accuracy, lower costs, and
reduced errors. Automated systems such as conveyor belts,
automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and autonomous robots
have made it possible to handle high volumes of goods with
minimal human intervention.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) is also enabling
advancements in the supply chain and logistics sector. By
using AI-powered algorithms to analyze data, companies
can identify patterns and trends that would be difficult for
humans to detect. This can help improve forecasting
accuracy, optimize processes, and reduce costs.
Technology enables significant advancements in the supply
chain and logistics sector. Real-time tracking of shipments,
predictive analytics, automation, blockchain, and artificial
intelligence are all helping to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the supply chain. As technology continues
to evolve, we can expect to see even more advancements in
the years to come.
Advancements in AI have enabled businesses to use
machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of
data and identify patterns and trends. This can help
businesses optimize their supply chain operations, including
identifying the most efficient shipping routes, forecasting
demand, and reducing the risk of stockouts. AI can also be
used to improve customer experiences by providing
personalized recommendations and optimizing delivery
times.
Real-time Tracking
Technology has made it possible to track shipments and
inventory in real-time using GPS-enabled devices, sensors,
and RFID tags. This has resulted in improved visibility,
allowing businesses to identify potential issues and respond
quickly to delays or disruptions. Real-time tracking has also
enabled more accurate forecasting and demand planning,
resulting in better inventory management and reduced
waste.
Predictive Analytics
Advancements in technology have enabled predictive
analytics to be used in the construction niche. By analyzing
data from various sources, such as weather forecasts, traffic
patterns, and historical sales data, predictive analytics can
help businesses optimize their supply chain operations. This
includes identifying the most efficient shipping routes,
forecasting demand, and reducing the risk of stockouts.
Another key advancement enabled by technology is
predictive analytics. By analyzing historical data and using
machine learning algorithms, companies can now predict
demand patterns and optimize routes to reduce costs and
improve efficiency. This allows companies to make data-
driven decisions and ensure that they are always operating
at peak efficiency.
In conclusion, technology has had a significant impact on
the construction niche, enabling advancements in
automation, real-time tracking, predictive analytics,
blockchain, and AI. Businesses that adopt these
technologies can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and
provide better customer experiences, ultimately gaining a
competitive advantage in the marketplace. As technology
continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more
advancements in the construction niche in the future.
Robotics is another technological advancement that is
enabling advancements in the construction sector. Robots
can be used for a variety of tasks, including bricklaying,
welding, and demolition. This reduces the risk of injury to
construction workers, and also improves the speed and
efficiency of the construction process.
In conclusion, technology is playing a vital role in enabling
advancements in the modern construction sector. From BIM
to drones, 3D printing, and robotics, these technological
advancements are making construction faster, safer, and
more efficient. With the continued integration of new
technologies, we can expect to see even more
advancements in the construction sector in the years to
come.

A is key to a
solid foundation
Building's Construction

Top 10 Pioneering Leaders in Construction 2023.pdf

Top 10 Pioneering Leaders in Construction 2023.pdf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Top 10 Pioneering Leaders in Construction 2023.pdf

Similar to Top 10 Pioneering Leaders in Construction 2023.pdf (20)

More from InsightsSuccess4

More from InsightsSuccess4 (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Top 10 Pioneering Leaders in Construction 2023.pdf