Meet Our Team — Constructing Calm: Strategies for Thriving Under Pressure and Staying Level-Headed in Construction
A much loved member of our team, it’s our Project Manager, Finnbarr’s unwavering calm in the face of high-pressure situations that really sets him apart, allowing him to lead with confidence and clarity.
Hailing from New Zealand, Finnbarr has crafted a successful career in construction, known not only for his expertise but for his calm and collected demeanour.
After an finding his start in hospitality, he transitioned into the construction industry with New Zealand’s renowned L.T. McGuinness, where his talent for problem-solving and adaptability flourished. Finnbarr’s relaxed approach allows him to stay focused under pressure, guiding his teams through complex challenges while building strong, collaborative relationships with clients and subcontractors.
Find out more about our Project Manager, Finnbarr below!
Tell us a bit about yourself! Your background and what you love to do outside of work.
I am the proud son of a Kiwi mother with a Northern Irish father who moved over in the 80’s when NZ was advertised as white sand beaches and palm trees. However, that’s not quite what they arrived to…
I was raised variously in Wellington and Taranaki, where my rugby education began, before returning to University in Wellington to study. Outside of that, I am an avid fan of contemporary art and exploring the great outdoors.
What first drew you to this career path and how did your journey in the industry begin?
I had been running a bar and hotel in Wellington for a few years and was presented with an excellent opportunity to work for one of New Zealand’s most successful construction companies, L.T McGuinness. They were extremely supportive of my growth in the property and construction industry and allowed me free license to try new areas of the industry and develop a reliable skill-set for dealing with the day-to-day problem solving challenges in construction.
What does a typical day look like for you as a Project Manager?
I will typically be in the office most mornings to clear out any client side requests and clear the inbox. This is typically followed with a project team meeting most days for one of the 4/5 projects we have on in our Minor Works team. Then it will be out to site to meet with the site team and typically address any subcontractor concerns or outstanding RFI’s. I am very lucky to have a large variety in the work that we do so no two days are the same!
“Typically, I just try and stay focused on the solution not the problem. The quicker you can move to resolve the root cause of the issue, the quicker situations de-escalate and you can get the project on track.”
You’re someone who always seems to remain calm and level-headed, even in the toughest of situations. What methods do you use to stay calm and objective when dealing with confrontation or tough conversations?
I think that realising that everybody needs to win on projects to get the right results and that if no one is excluded from the decision-making process (clients, subcontractors and consultants) then we can avoid the surprises that lead to the high stress situations onsite. Communication is always key so if you know you have been transparent then you have no need worry about being found out.
During high-pressure situations in a project, how do you maintain your mental well-being and stay focused?
Typically, I just try and stay focused on the solution not the problem. The quicker you can move to resolve the root cause of the issue, the quicker situations de-escalate and you can get the project on track.
In your opinion, what skills or experiences have been most vital to your success in project management?
I think my time in hospitality was invaluable to the people side of construction. Once you’ve dealt with a few drunk patrons, you can deal with most things that come your way – most of the time! The opportunity to run a business at such a young age also gave me an appreciation of the dollars and cents that make up a business and the need to be as efficient as you can be with every dollar whether it be materials, labour or the hundred other things that can impact a project.
Is there a particular project that had a significant impact on your career? What made it memorable?
The delivery of the Commercial Bay Mall fit-out in Auckland is the most memorable. This consisted of 144 fit-outs to be completed by 30-40 different companies, while the base build was ongoing with the main contractor. To complicate it further, COVID landed right in the middle of the project. This taught me a valuable lesson that if you have a committed team, and the right culture, all things are achievable. The sense of relief and excitement for my team and client when we finally hit opening day is something I will never forget.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the field or looking to enter the construction industry?
Find the right people who have been in the industry and pick their brains as much as possible early on. There is a wealth of information and willing teachers in this industry. Early on, the extra mile means a lot to the senior site team and you can also gain valuable experience stepping in to assist.
Why do you think having resilience and a growth mindset are important to a growing business like Alchemy?
I think that’s true of all businesses. From what I have seen in hospitality through to construction, the willingness to adapt and become more efficient as the market changes is the differentiator for those who continue to thrive and grow. Resilience from the labourer onsite to the project manager is huge in ensuring the right results even in the face of the most unexpected challenges and knowing that you can lean on each other to get through those particularly tough projects!
