What's the secret to building a construction business where staff stay for 20+ years and trainees get real experience from day one?

In this episode, Helen McMillan and Ricky Milliken sit down with David Wylie, Managing Director of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, to share the strategic thinking behind running a family construction business that prioritises legacy over quick growth. From giving trainees meaningful experience from the start to running at 120% capacity knowing some jobs will slip. David reveals how deep industry knowledge and relationship-driven culture create competitive advantage.

With candid insights on why face-to-face still wins, the true cost of innovation, and navigating political funding cycles, this episode explores how thoughtful leadership builds resilience when the only certainty is uncertainty.

Breaking Barriers: How to Inspire the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
🎙️ Hosts: Helen McMillan & Will Pearce
🎤 Guests: Lynsey Brydson & Hannah Lloyd of BEST (Built Environment Smarter Transformation)

Episode Summary:
How can we attract the next generation into the construction industry, especially young people, women, and underrepresented groups? In this episode, Helen and Will are joined by Lynsey and Hannah from BEST, Scotland’s national innovation centre for the built environment. Together, they explore the exciting opportunities available in the industry and discuss how we can shift perceptions and attract more young people to careers in construction. From digitalization and sustainability to skills shortages and gender inclusivity, the conversation touches on the pressing issues shaping the future of the built environment in Scotland.

🔍 What’s Covered:
1️⃣ Current State of the Construction Industry – The need for innovation, digital skills, and a more inclusive workforce.
2️⃣ The Gender Gap – Why the construction industry remains male-dominated and how to close the gap for women.
3️⃣ The Role of Technology in Attracting Young Talent – How digital tools and smart construction are transforming the industry.
4️⃣ Youth Engagement – How can we shift the narrative to make construction an attractive first-choice career, not just a fallback option?
5️⃣ The Importance of Diverse Role Models – Showing young people what’s possible through visible leaders and mentors in the built environment.
6️⃣ Sustainability and Smart Construction – How the younger generation's focus on the environment and sustainability aligns with innovation in the sector.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ The construction industry offers diverse roles beyond the traditional trades, including tech, design, sustainability, and management.
✔️ Attracting young talent requires changing perceptions, showcasing the full range of opportunities, and making the industry more inclusive.
✔️ The future of construction depends on innovation, digitalization, and collaboration between different sectors.
✔️ Role models are key - especially women in the industry - to inspire the next generation of leaders.
✔️ Schools and communities play a pivotal role in exposing young people to careers in construction and the built environment.

Listen to the full episode for insights and practical strategies on bridging the gap and inspiring the next generation of construction leaders!

Join the conversation!
✅ What changes do you think the construction industry needs to make to attract young talent? Share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn!

🎙️ Hosts: Helen McMillan & Will Pearce
🎤 Guest: Yvonne Lindsay – Founder & Managing Director, Telecom Networks

What happens when a woman enters a room full of men and builds her own empire anyway?

In this powerful episode, Helen and Will are joined by Yvonne Lindsay, an entrepreneur who left the corporate world to launch her own telecoms business and hasn’t looked back. From facing outdated stereotypes to raising her kids while leading multimillion-pound deals, Yvonne shares what it really means to lead with purpose, grit, and unapologetic authenticity.

This isn’t just a conversation about business. It’s about breaking barriers, building confidence, and reshaping what leadership can look like in tech and beyond.

1️⃣ From BT to Boardroom – Why Yvonne stepped away from corporate to go it alone
2️⃣ Pink Drills & Power Moves – Flipping perceptions in a male-dominated industry
3️⃣ Business Divorce – The hard lessons that shaped a stronger leadership mindset
4️⃣ Leadership & Motherhood – Raising a baby while running a business
5️⃣ Female Representation – Why we need more women at the top (and how to make it happen)
6️⃣ Confidence, Culture & the Next Generation – Teaching our daughters they belong in the room

Key Takeaways:

✔️ You don’t need permission to lead - just courage and conviction
✔️ Culture change starts with conversation—and sometimes a pink toolbox
✔️ Balancing business and motherhood is hard, but it’s possible
✔️ Women in tech don’t just belong - they’re essential to its future
✔️ If you can’t find a seat at the table, build your own

✅ Listen now to hear Yvonne’s journey of resilience, bold decisions, and real leadership
✅ What moment made you say “watch me go”? Share your story in the comments