Published 09 Dec 2025
S4. Ep 21. Talking with Scott Clements about Growing an Engineering Firm, Attracting Talent, and Embracing AI in Construction
Hi there, and welcome to The Building Talks Podcast, where we dig into what really builds success…
In this episode, I sit down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a growing multidisciplinary Engineering firm based in Southeast Queensland. Scott's story takes us from his early career in the UK to scaling a 70-person consultancy back in Australia, including some impressive growth during the COVID era.
We explore the mix of strategy, timing and mindset that helped Inertia grow through unpredictable conditions. Scott also shares sharp takes on labour shortages, skilled migration, the real role of AI in construction productivity, and how he's using smart partnerships, including a joint venture with a New Zealand tech firm, to keep Inertia ahead of the curve. It's a shorter conversation than usual, but full of practical insights and forward-thinking leadership.
Takeaways:
- ✅Growing through uncertainty, strategy vs luck
- ✅Using AI and partnerships to drive productivity
- ✅Talent shortages and the immigration squeeze
- ✅Positioning your business for future growth
- ✅Engineering leadership that challenges the norm
Chapters:
- 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview
- 00:15 - Scott's Career Journey
- 01:25 - Industry Themes and Challenges
- 02:35 - Inertia Engineering's Growth and Strategy
- 03:37 - Podcast Partnership and Sponsorship
- 05:10 - Scott's Early Interest in Engineering
- 05:45 - Overseas Experience and Cultural Impact
- 11:01 - Inertia Engineering's History and Expansion
- 18:27 - Southeast Queensland Market Insights
- 24:54 - Productivity Challenges in Construction
- 28:12 - Cultural Shifts in Construction
- 28:48 - Innovation and Technology in Engineering
- 29:50 - Partnership with New Zealand Firm
- 30:38 - Challenges in Project Leadership
- 32:46 - Investment in AI and Automation
- 37:08 - Education and Skill Development
- 39:53 - Immigration and Labor Shortages
- 47:38 - Future Predictions and Strategies
- 57:55 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Tune in for a sharp, honest chat on scaling smart and leading with intention in the built environment.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #EngineeringBusiness #SoutheastQueensland #BuiltEnvironment #AIFuture #ImmigrationPolicy #ProductivityInConstruction
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
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www.housingallaustralians.org.au
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
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Talking to professionals in construction, property development, architecture, and beyond.
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