72. Why Every Future Leader Needs to Master “Two-Up” Thinking with Michael Furey

Building Doors with Lauren Karan

In this episode ofBuilding Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Michael Furey, leadership coach, former sales leader, and founder of We Aspire, to unpack why construction leadership needs a radical reframe. From being demoted in his first management job to building programs that train Australia’s future leaders, Michael shares how lived experience, failure, and values-led development are transforming how we build capability across the industry.

Drawing parallels between professional sport and construction, Michael reveals why project leaders aren’t just managing jobs, they’re living a lifestyle, often with unsustainable expectations. He breaks down why authoritarian leadership is crumbling, why skills shortages are pushing values misalignment to the brink, and how even small changes (like asking your boss’s boss what they need) can kickstart massive personal and cultural shifts.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or shaping policy at the top, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical insight, and a refreshing reminder that leadership isn't about knowing it all, it's about caring enough to learn.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Career Transitions & Personal Growth:

• Why Michael’s leadership journey began with burnout and a demotion, and how that changed his approach forever.
• The story of a junior leader who paid $8K out of pocket for training, and what it reveals about ambition, ROI, and the hunger for change.
• Why “fake it till you make it” sometimes works, and when it absolutely doesn’t.

Real Leadership Development:

• The lie school teaches us about failure, and how it cripples leadership growth later in life.
• Why “being too nice” might be your greatest leadership asset.
• The missing piece in most corporate training: identity, belief, and emotional foundations.
• Why asking “What’s your boss’ boss’ intent?” could be your secret weapon.

Industry-Specific Challenges:

• How construction mimics professional sport, and why that’s burning out both junior and senior leaders.
• Why leading in construction is 80% emotional intelligence, 20% technical ability.
• The unsustainable reality of six-day project weeks and how Capital Group redesigned the model.
• How the industry’s lack of trust is undermining leadership and learning.

Future Thinking & System Shifts:

• Why expecting engineers to suddenly become innovators is a flawed strategy.
• How firms like Capital Group are proving courage (not comfort) drives lasting change.
• What the rise of AI and tech outsiders means for traditional leadership pathways.

Key Quotes from Michael Furey:

• “Being technically good doesn’t mean you’re people-good.”
• “If you’re too nice to be a leader, we probably need more of you in leadership.”
• “Failure isn’t the end. It’s where the real learning begins.”
• “The biggest lie? That ‘it’s the thought that counts.’ Action always matters more.”
• “We train project leaders like it’s a job, but it’s actually a lifestyle, more like a professional sport.”
• “Sometimes I spelled ‘strengths’ wrong while teaching strengths, and that became the lesson.”
• “Don’t wait for your company to develop you. The ROI on personal investment is exponential.”
• “The leaders who stand out are the ones who understand what their boss’ boss is trying to do.”

About Our Guest:

Michael Furey is the founder of We Aspire, a leadership development firm focused on the construction and infrastructure sectors. A former sales manager turned coach, Michael blends lived experience, deep vulnerability, and industry insight to help emerging and senior leaders navigate real-world leadership. His new book, Shifting Foundations, captures insights from over 20 leaders across the sector—and is available for free via We Aspire.

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 passionate about construction, leadership, or meaningful work
• Connect with Michael Furey on LinkedIn
• Download his free book Shifting Foundations via WeAspire
  
  

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.