71. From Air Traffic Control to Construction: The Unlikely Career Leap Rewriting Industry Rules with Luke Crouch

Building Doors with Lauren Karan

In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan chats with Luke Crouch, a former air traffic controller who made a bold leap into construction project management. Luke’s unconventional career, from managing McDonald’s to directing airspace and now leading infrastructure projects, challenges traditional ideas about how talent enters the construction industry.

He opens up about the risks of changing careers, including taking a pay cut and starting over, all in pursuit of a more fulfilling path. Luke shares how persistence, adaptability, and values-driven leadership helped him stand out in a competitive market and build a rewarding new chapter.

Once introverted, Luke has evolved into a people-focused leader, using culture as a cornerstone of team and client success. His story is a powerful example of how diverse backgrounds bring fresh thinking to the industry.

Whether you're navigating a career shift or leading a team, Luke’s insights will inspire you to rethink what's possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Career Transitions & Resilience:

• Why Luke walked away from a six-figure salary in air traffic control and how it led to a more fulfilling career.
• The “cold-calling” strategy that landed him his first role in construction and why persistence matters more than traditional resumes.
• How skills like decision-making under pressure translate across industries.

Leadership & Hiring Differently:

• Why Luke now prioritizes initiative and drive over industry experience when hiring.
• The flaws in traditional recruitment (e.g., Seek ads) and why “annoying” candidates often stand out.
• How to onboard talent from non-traditional backgrounds and foster innovation.

Industry Challenges & Cultural Shifts:

• Why construction is still slow to adopt change, and how younger generations are driving tech/AI integration.
• The surprising reality of project management: 80% people skills, 20% technical work.
• The impact of building a “just culture” where learning from failure is embraced.
• Balancing rigid contracts with client relationships and why flexibility wins long-term trust.

Personal Growth & Legacy

• How becoming a father reshaped Luke’s priorities and what he hopes to model for his son.
• The leadership philosophy he borrowed from aviation: “Just Culture” (no blame, collaborative problem-solving).
• His vision for leaving a legacy of empowerment and collaboration in construction.

Key Quotes from Luke Crouch:

• "There are times where a leader has to push because otherwise things get stuck and they stagnate. But I think most of the time you can get through if you show trust in people, and people will perform better than you realize when they're given the opportunity."
• "I wanna see people really empowered in this space. And that's something that I will continue to drive for my entire career."
•  "I'm excited for the future of technology, especially in the construction space. I think that improved efficiencies in construction are gonna be a fantastic boom for the whole industry."

About Our Guest:

Luke Crouch is a Project Manager at Flexem, bringing a unique blend of skills from air traffic control, retail management, and construction. Known for his problem-solving mindset and commitment to fostering diverse talent, Luke is helping reshape how the industry approaches hiring and leadership.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Luke on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! Remember: The best leaders aren’t waiting for doors to open, they’re building them.