The Building People | A GridEdge original series
The Building People – a GridEdge.ai original series. Where we spotlight the career journeys and hard-won lessons of the people who help keep Britain’s buildings running. Hosted by Paul McCorquodale, CEO at GridEdge.
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EP 18 - Molly Webb (Energy Unlocked)
<p>Summary<br>Molly Webb shares her journey from tech and policy to energy innovation, exploring how digital technology can drive decarbonisation, system optimisation and energy security. The episode looks at energy as an operating system, demand flexibility, and why collaboration matters in reaching net zero goals.</p><p>Keywords<br>energy innovation, decarbonisation, digital technology, demand flexibility, energy system, climate policy, startups, energy markets, sustainability, collaboration</p><p>Key topics<br>The concept of an energy operating system and digital twins<br>Decarbonisation strategies using data and system optimisation<br>Demand flexibility and its role in energy security<br>...
EP 17 - Stefan Schmidt (MeterZ)
<p>Summary<br>Stefan Schmidt is co-founder and CEO of MeterZ, a company that gets energy data out of buildings. He talks through his route from Microsoft into smart buildings via Hoare Lea, HB Reavis and WiredScore, and explains why reliable meter data is still so hard to come by. He covers utility meters nobody can find, submeters buried on BMS networks, and how wireless and IoT hardware are cutting the cost of metering. He also explains why a shortage of skilled installers is the next big problem to solve, and where demand response and grid flexibility could go next.<...
EP 16 - Jason Roberts (Mitie)
<p>Summary<br />Jason Roberts shares his journey from technical roles in refrigeration and energy to leading sustainability at Mitie. He traces how ESG practices have evolved from compliance reporting into operational change, and makes the case that influencing people matters more than any single technology.</p><p>Keywords<br />ESG, sustainability, built environment, facilities management, energy management, carbon reduction, leadership, innovation, net zero, climate change, corporate responsibility</p><p>Key topics</p>Jason's move from technical roles into ESG leadershipHow sustainability reporting and compliance have evolvedWhy influencing people is the real lever for changePractical approaches to cutting carbon footprintThe...
Ep 15 - Gal Leslie (2-Work)
<p>Summary<br>Gal Leslie shares her journey from sales in the flexible workspace industry to co-founding 2-Work, and explains why culture, customer focus, and adaptability are what separate a workspace that thrives from one that empties out.</p><p>Keywords<br>flexible workspace, co-working, property management, customer experience, workspace culture, landlord partnerships, space design, business growth</p><p>Key topics</p>Gal's career path from sales into co-founding 2-WorkWhy culture and customer experience drive workspace successAdapting a workspace as client needs changeLandlord partnerships and bespoke deal structuresBuilding vibrant, collaborative communities inside buildings<p>Sound bites</p>"I love being...
EP 14 - Mark Baker (Sodexo)
<p>Mark Baker shares his journey from the RAF to leading operations at Sodexo UK, with lessons in leadership, collaboration and sustainability across the built environment.</p><p><br></p><p>Key topics</p><p>- Transition from military to industry</p><p>- Leadership and collaboration in facilities management</p><p>- Decarbonisation of military estates</p><p>- Building effective client relationships</p><p>- Veterans support in facilities management</p><p><br></p><p>Takeaways</p><p>- Military discipline and problem solving are highly applicable in FM</p><p>- Building relationships and collaboration are key...
EP13 - Frankie Spencer (Leeds Trinity University)
<p> content type</p><p><br></p><p>Interview</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> primary goal</p><p><br></p><p>Educational</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> summary</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Frankie shares her unconventional journey into estates and facilities management, highlighting the importance of adaptability, people skills, and future-proofing in the evolving landscape of university infrastructure. Discover practical insights on managing complex projects, engaging stakeholders, and preparing for environmental challenges.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> keywords</p><p><br></p><p>estates management, facilities, project...
EP12 - Stuart Dunlop (MCC)
<p> content type</p><p><br></p><p>Interview</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> primary goal</p><p><br></p><p>Educational</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> summary</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Stuart Dunlop shares his journey from environmental science to managing sustainability at Lord's Cricket Ground, highlighting innovative strategies and the importance of data in creating sustainable sports venues.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> keywords</p><p><br></p><p>sustainability, sports venues, data analytics, environmental management, Lord's Cricket Ground, climate action, stakeholder engagement</p><p><...
EP11 - Andrew Spencer (Equans)
<p> content type</p><p><br></p><p>Interview</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> primary goal</p><p><br></p><p>Educational</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> summary</p><p><br></p><p>In this insightful interview, Andrew Spencer, Energy and Carbon Services Director at Equans UK, shares his journey from engineering to leading decarbonisation projects across the UK. Discover how technology, human behaviour, and innovative strategies are transforming the built environment for a sustainable future.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> keywords</p><p><br></p><p>Decarbonisation, Built Environment, Energy...
EP10 - Andre Bothma (Bellrock)
<p>Transforming Building Operations with Andre Bothma: Insights on Tech, Leadership, and Industry InnovationIn this episode, Andre Bothma shares his extensive journey through proptech, energy management, and venture capital, highlighting how technology is reshaping the future of building operations. Discover key lessons on scaling solutions, fostering innovation, and understanding customer needs in a complex industry.Main Topics Covered:</p>Andre’s career evolution from engineering to proptech and VCThe importance of understanding customer priorities for technological adoptionHow Bell Rock’s Symphony platform empowers engineers and improves building managementNavigating the challenges of scale-up in property technologyThe role of leadership and board supp...
EP9 - Seumas Kerr (Defence Impact)
<p> content type</p><p><br /></p><p>Interview</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> primary goal</p><p><br /></p><p>Educational</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> summary</p><p><br /></p><p>Seamus Kerr shares insights from his 35-year military career, leadership principles, and his work bridging the gap between the armed forces and the business community through Defence Impact. Discover how military leadership skills translate to the commercial world and the importance of purpose, decision-making, and social value in defense contracting.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> keywords</p><p><...
