The Take Off Podcast

The #1 Quantity Surveying Podcast Worldwide

The Quantity Surveying & Commercial Leadership Podcast

The Take Off is a specialist construction and quantity surveying podcast hosted by Mick Donaghy. The show spotlights the careers, lessons, and real-world experiences of Quantity Surveyors and commercial leaders across the built environment, with a strong grounding in the Australian & New Zealand markets while staying globally relevant.

Episodes are typically interview-led and released weekly, featuring senior QSs, estimating and commercial directors, entrepreneurs, and other leaders who shape how construction projects are priced, procured, and delivered.

The Heart of the Podcast

At its core, The Take Off is about the human side of construction careers — the decisions, risks, setbacks, breakthroughs, and “aha” moments that don’t show up on a CV. The conversations are candid: not just the highlights, but the imperfect bits too. The show leans into the idea that construction is a people business, and that stories are often the fastest way to learn.

Listeners hear how high performers actually think about:

building technical mastery in cost planning, estimating, and commercial management
navigating the messy middle of projects (risk, deliverability, procurement tension)
leadership growth from site or consultancy roles into director/owner level positions
career pivots, relocation decisions, and market realities across regions

Typical themes and episode mix

While every guest brings their own story, the show regularly circles around a few high-value themes:

1) Career growth for QSs and commercial professionals

Practical insights on progressing from intermediate to senior to leadership roles, including the mindset shifts and skill gaps that matter most

2) Real project and market lessons

Episodes often tackle what makes projects succeed or fail in the real world — tendering quality, early risk visibility, the gap between design intent and delivery reality, and why cost strategy can make or break a job.

3) The future of the profession

Roundtables and expert chats explore the QS skills shortage, training pipelines, and how tech (including AI and modern estimating tools) is reshaping cost management.

4) Leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry impact

Guests share how they built teams, launched firms, or influenced change inside major consultancies, contractors, and client-side organisations.

Talk to our team

Who's it for

The Take Off is built for people who live in (or want to move into) the commercial and pre-construction space, including:

Quantity Surveyors (client-side, consultancy, or contractor)
Estimators and cost planners
Commercial managers and project controls professionals
Construction leaders, founders, and emerging industry voices
Graduates or juniors trying to understand the real pathways in the sector

What Listeners Get

What listeners are likely to get from it

People don’t just tune in for theory — they come away with usable perspective. Here’s what the average listener gains:

Actionable career clarity
Guests break down how they advanced, what they’d do differently, and what actually matters when you’re trying to level up — not generic advice, but tested decisions from people who’ve done it.

Sharper commercial thinking
Whether it’s tender strategy, cost plan discipline, or spotting deliverability risk early, the show gives listeners a more structured way to think about projects and the role QSs play in outcomes.

Industry truth, not PR
Episodes don’t sugar-coat the sector. Listeners hear the “good, bad, and imperfect” realities of construction — which helps them prepare better, lead better, and avoid common traps.

Inspiration from relatable journeys
Even at director level, guests talk about uncertainty, plateaus, and hard calls. That transparency is motivating for listeners who want reassurance that growth isn’t linear — and that they’re not the only ones figuring it out.

A global viewpoint with ANZ relevance
The show gives a wide lens on the profession while staying anchored to the needs and market dynamics QSs face in Australia and New Zealand.

Powered by GEDON™

The Take Off is powered by GEDON™ and sits at the heart of its wider mission to elevate the Pre-Contracts and Quantity Surveying profession by strengthening the people behind it. While GEDON™ is known for connecting top commercial talent with leading consultancies, contractors, and developers, the podcast is the profession-first, community and knowledge arm of the same purpose: raising capability through real project and leadership lessons, giving QSs clarity on what great career progression actually looks like, and building trust at scale by adding value long before any recruitment conversation begins. In a market where the talent shortage is as much about development and exposure as it is about hiring, The Take Off is GEDON™’s way of solving that upstream—spotlighting role models, sharing honest pathways, and helping professionals grow faster—so listeners gain a grounded career companion, and the industry benefits from a smarter, more connected commercial talent ecosystem.

FAQs

1. What is The Take Off podcast about?

The Take Off is a show for people in the construction and built-environment world who want to grow—professionally and personally. We talk quantity surveying, estimating, cost management, leadership, careers, hiring trends, relocation to Australia, and the realities of building a successful life in the industry. Expect practical lessons, honest stories, and conversations that help you level up without the fluff.

2. Who is the podcast for?

If you work in construction—or want to—this one’s for you. We’re especially focused on Quantity Surveyors, Estimators, Cost Managers, and project professionals across Australia, the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Whether you’re a grad figuring things out, a senior leader looking for sharper insights, or someone thinking about relocating, you’ll find episodes that speak your language.

3. How often do new episodes come out?

We release new episodes regularly, usually weekly or in seasons depending on guest schedules and industry timing. The best way to stay in the loop is to hit “Follow” on Spotify (or your podcast app) so new episodes land straight in your feed.

4. Can I suggest a guest or a topic?

Absolutely—this podcast is built around what the industry genuinely wants to hear. If there’s a guest you think would bring value, or a topic you’d like unpacked (career moves, salary trends, project stories, leadership lessons, relocation questions, etc.), send it through. We’re always looking for sharp voices and real conversations.

5. I’m looking for a job / hiring someone—can the podcast help?

Yes, indirectly and directly. Indirectly, episodes give you insight into roles, markets, salaries, and what great teams look for. Directly, the podcast is hosted by GEDON™ Recruitment, and many listeners reach out for confidential career chats or hiring support after finding the show. If an episode sparks something for you, you’re welcome to get in touch. No pressure, just a conversation.

Have more questions? Ask us here.

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