Shifting Foundations:
Bringing together the insights of 21 industry leaders on the trends that will define the next era of construction
About the Book
Construction is an industry built on solid foundations. Yet right now those foundations are shifting. Market pressures, workforce expectations, and technological advancements are reshaping how we build, lead, and work.
Shifting Foundations brings together the insights of 21 of the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders to explore the people, industry, and leadership trends that will define the future of construction.
Contributors include:
Rik Irons-McCleans - CTO, Microsoft
Helen McHugh - President, Australia Computer Society
Nathan Kirchner - Founder, Presien (Construction AI specialist)
Jennifer Gillet - President, National Association Women In Construction QLD
Simon Kuestenmacher - Co-Founder Demographics Group
Dan Lambert - Leading Water Infrastructure Expert
Mark Campbell - CEO, DBM Vircon and 15 more leaders in industry….
This book will serve as a roadmap for executives, project leaders, and decision-makers who want to stay ahead of change rather than be disrupted by it. By capturing the perspectives of those shaping the industry today, Shifting Foundations will highlight the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Why this book matters
The construction industry is undergoing a transformation at an unprecedented pace. Workforce shortages, regulatory changes, sustainability goals, nd digital disruption are all converging. The next decade will demand more from leaders than ever before.
Through candid interviews and deep insights, Shifting Foundations will answer pressing questions:
What trends are shaping the future of construction?
How are industry leaders preparing for these shifts?
What skills and mindsets will be essential for the next generation of leaders?
How can companies attract, develop, and retain top talent in an evolving landscape?
Your role as a Leader in Industry
This book is an opportunity for industry leaders to share their perspectives on what’s next and contribute to a broader conversation about the future of construction. As a key interviewee, you will be positioned as a thought leader driving innovation and progress within the industry.
Your insights will not only influence the direction of the book but also provide valuable guidance to executives, decision-makers, and emerging leaders navigating the complexities of the sector.
Launching in May 2025
Each chapter will explore a key trend shaping the industry, drawing from expert interviews and real-world examples. Topics include:
Changing Workforce Expectations
How leadership is adapting to workforce expectations, project complexity, and industry transformation.
Attracting, Retaining, and Developing Talent
What strategies do you think will win for addressing skills shortages, and making construction an industry of choice for top talent.
AI, Automation, and the Future of Work
How do you think AI, robotics, and digital workflows will transform how we do business. Will it be profound or cosmetic?
Environmental and Economic Uncertainty
How leaders are responding to sustainability mandates, supply chain disruptions, and economic volatility.
More Than Structures
Why the future of construction depends on fostering a culture of safety, inclusion, and mental health awareness.
Collaboration, Innovation, and Client Expectations
How stakeholder collaboration, new contract models, and client expectations are redefining project success.
What Today’s Leaders Want to Leave Behind
Final reflections from industry leaders on what they believe will define the next era of construction.