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.

In this episode of Said in Concrete, host Estelle Clapham celebrates leadership, learning, and a shared passion for concrete with two exceptional guests.

Joel Brown, Principal Structural Engineer and Project Manager at WGA, brings expertise across diverse projects, from maritime infrastructure to renewable energy, with a niche in wind turbine foundation design. A/Prof Liza O’Moore, a Life Member and former National President of the Concrete Institute of Australia, shares insights from her 30+ years in structural design and her transformative impact on engineering education.

Together, they explore the natural leadership role of engineers, the importance of mentoring future talent, and why concrete jewelry might just be the ultimate sign of devotion to the industry. Don’t miss this inspiring and fun conversation!

In this episode of Said in Concrete, host Estelle Clapham is joined by two leaders driving innovation in asset management—Daniel Anstice, Senior Technical Director at GHD, and Brodie Chan, Head of Asset Strategy at Port of Brisbane.

Former colleagues turned associates and friends, Daniel and Brodie share how their collaboration has shaped their careers and advanced asset renewal and life extension in the civil and maritime sectors. With Daniel’s 28 years of experience and Brodie’s strategic expertise, they discuss navigating challenges, embracing opportunities, and shaping the future of asset management.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about professional growth, impactful partnerships, and the evolving industry landscape!

In Part Two of this special Said in Concrete conversation, host Estelle Clapham continues her inspiring discussion with Echo Wang and Professor Shan Kumar.

In this episode, we dive deeper into the importance of collaboration, the challenges of implementing sustainable solutions, and how the blend of emerging ideas with decades of expertise is key to building a resilient future for concrete.

Tune in for the conclusion of this two-part series that celebrates experience, innovation, and the ever-evolving world of engineering.

In this episode of Said in Concrete, host Estelle Clapham explores the powerful connection between fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise in the world of engineering.

Echo Wang, a senior professional at NTRO’s Sustainability & Material Performance team, shares her experience transitioning from academia to industry, where she’s driving innovations in low-carbon concrete and sustainable infrastructure.

Alongside her is Professor Shan Kumar, former National President of the Concrete Institute of Australia, who brings over 40 years of experience balancing groundbreaking industry projects—like Melbourne’s Eureka Tower—with a passion for mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Together, they discuss how collaboration across generations, the synergy between research and practice, and a shared love for innovation are shaping the future of concrete. This is part one of a special two-part conversation—stay tuned!