In this episode, Liza O’Moore returns to share her perspective on what it truly means to be a lifelong learner. With more than 30 years of experience across structural and concrete design, research, and academic leadership, Liza reflects on why curiosity matters at every stage of your career. She explores how continuous learning not only strengthens your technical ability, but also shapes you as a colleague, leader, and innovator — and why staying open to new ideas is one of the most powerful habits you can cultivate.

In this episode, Estelle Clapham explores the idea of being known for your knowledge. Stepping outside the concrete world, she reflects on how she built a business in an industry she once knew nothing about — and the lessons learned along the way. Through her story, Estelle highlights the power of curiosity, credibility, and continuous learning, showing how knowledge — when shared with purpose — can open doors, build trust, and create lasting impact.

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Derbidge - a structural engineer with more than 25 years’ experience and Director of AD Consulting Engineers in Sydney. From bespoke homes to large-scale commercial projects, Andrew has built a career grounded in technical excellence and genuine connection.

Here, Andrew shares his insights on Winning in the Residential Market - exploring what success looks like in today’s landscape, the importance of relationships and reputation, and how engineers can position themselves for long-term impact.

In this episode, Farzad Moghaddam shares his perspective on Building Career Opportunities - exploring what it takes to transition from academia to industry. He reflects on the expectations of both worlds, how to navigate career shifts with confidence, and the importance of maintaining balance along the way. It’s an insightful conversation about resilience, growth, and shaping a career that works for you.

In this episode, Dak shares his insights on how to create a network that works for you. With decades of experience bridging research and real-world engineering, Dak explores the importance of building meaningful professional relationships that open doors, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. Whether you’re early in your career or well established, his advice on cultivating genuine connections is both practical and inspiring.

In this episode, Peter Valanidas shares My Life Poured in Concrete: My Path, Your Possibilities — a deeply personal reflection on resilience and growth. Through stories from his own career, Peter explores what it means to adapt when things don’t go to plan, how to find purpose in uncertainty, and why perseverance often leads to the most meaningful outcomes.

In this episode, we kick things off with John Hilton — a bridge engineer with over 40 years of experience across Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Now leading design and capability at Aurecon, John shares practical insights on keeping on top of regulatory changes in an industry that never stands still, and how innovation and collaboration can turn compliance into opportunity.

LAUNCHING 16TH OCTOBER.

Welcome to this special edition of Said in Concrete, recorded live at the Concrete Institute of Australia’s Concrete 2025 Conference in Adelaide.

This year, the CIA along with SmartCrete CRC introduced something a bit different — a dedicated NEXGen conference stream designed to be more relaxed, interactive, and intimate. Across the next few episodes, you’ll hear a series of 20-minute conversations with a diverse group of speakers.

These aren’t technical sessions — they’re honest reflections on lessons learned, challenges overcome, and the advice our guests wish they’d heard earlier in their careers. Each episode also brings the audience into the conversation, creating a two-way exchange of ideas and experiences.

So sit back, lean in, and join us as we explore the human side of working in concrete, construction, and research.