5 minutes with … Ian Carey at Pulse Consult

Why did you choose construction as a career?

I was drawn to the variety of environments and people that a job in construction offered. As my career developed, I realised that what I truly valued was working as part of a team to solve complex problems and deliver something excellent together.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

Building Pulse Consult into a company that, even as it has grown to over 100 people, has kept its culture of being a great place to work. We have a clear focus on excellence, performance and creating an environment where people can thrive.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

One of the most challenging projects was the re-roofing of the University of Leicester engineering building, a Stirling-designed structure with an incredibly complex roof. The project carried a huge amount of risk.

No approval could be given until the roof had been fully stripped back and a prototype built, which meant the client had already committed several million pounds. Supporting the client through that level of risk was both difficult and rewarding, and completing the project with Heritage England’s approval was a proud moment.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I love our industry and have seen so many good people and teams rise to significant challenges. However, I do believe we have become overburdened with regulation and inefficiency. If we were to start from scratch and build a governance structure to ensure that buildings were safe and compliant, I don’t think we would end up where we are today.

There is also a lack of accountability from regulators for their own performance. Many projects now take up to a year longer than necessary, and that is an enormous waste of time and money. When resources are wasted, innovation is stifled – and innovation is what drives our industry forward.

What is the most helpful advice you have been given?

I have been fortunate to have had great mentors throughout my career. One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is that the problem is rarely someone else; it is how you communicate with them. Understanding others and finding an approach that works for both of you is essential.

Another great piece of advice was that, if you have dug the trench and you are standing in it, you have lost. It taught me to look ahead and avoid getting stuck in positions that are difficult to recover from.

Name your favourite building in the world

I have two favourites: the Barbican in London and Le Cube Orange in Lyon. I love them because they both made bold statements in areas that needed something extraordinary to regenerate them. Each has transformed its local environment. I also like that both buildings divide opinion – great architecture should always provoke debate.

Which famous building do you most dislike?

I don’t dislike any buildings. There are certainly some that are not to my taste, but our built environment would be dull if everyone liked the same things.

Which famous building would you most like to have worked on?

The Barbican again. It is about to undergo improvement works, and I would have loved to be part of the team tackling the challenges that will come with that.

Projects like the Barbican attract passionate people who care deeply about getting things right, and those are the best teams to be in.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

Step outside your comfort zone as often as possible. There is no substitute for experience, but energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude will help you to gain that experience faster. Put your head above the parapet and be open to learning from every situation.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

What I admire most is our industry’s resilience. In the past five years, we have faced challenges that would have sent many other industries into a tailspin, yet construction keeps moving forward. I love that spirit of perseverance and problem-solving.

What is it like being you and doing your job?

I am managing director of one of the largest 100% owner-managed consultancies in our sector. I get a huge sense of satisfaction from driving growth and maintaining our commitment to excellence.

I am surrounded by a phenomenal board and teams who share the same ambition. It is demanding but incredibly fulfilling to see the results of our hard work.

Do you have a life philosophy?

It is not about how many hours you put in, but how you use those hours. If you use your time well and put in the extra effort, the rewards are always greater.

What do you think your best quality is?

You would have to ask my board, but I would hope they would say I am driven, focused and resilient.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself and in others?

In myself, maybe a tendency to always sprint. Sometimes pausing and reflecting would be better.

In others, I dislike a lack of accountability or unwillingness to change. Growth comes from reflection and learning.

Name three things that you like

Energy, passion and positivity. I love seeing individuals bring those qualities to teams that deliver great results.

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

I can fall asleep standing up.

What is your most prized possession?

I don’t attach much importance to possessions. Experiences matter more to me, and I have been lucky enough to have many memorable ones.

I focus on what I can control and try not to waste energy on what I cannot. It gives me strength to stay steady in difficult situations

Early bird or night owl?

Definitely an early bird. Early in my career, I worked for someone who expected me to be the first one in, and although that culture might seem old-fashioned now, I grew to love those quiet early hours. I am at my most productive in the morning.

What is your favourite food?

Anything with chocolate in it.

What would your superpower be?

My real superpower is resilience. I focus on what I can control and try not to waste energy on what I cannot. It gives me strength to stay steady in difficult situations and enjoy the highs when they come.

If I could choose a superpower, it would be to make sure that every school leaver understands how rewarding a career in construction can be. Our industry offers so much variety, and few careers are as fulfilling.