Brian Moone, director of Mace Business School, tells CM how he moved from preaching best practice to delivering it.
What made you go into construction?
I became an apprentice carpenter in 1976 before returning to technical college 11 years later to gain further qualifications. I had a habit of always questioning ‘why?’ and searching for a better way, so I decided to become a surveyor.
Even as a chartered surveyor, I was frustrated by current regulations in place, so I took on the role of director at the CIOB to influence industry standards. I grew close to Mace after being appointed as a director of construction best practice and was on the board of Rethinking Construction and Constructing Excellence. After several years, I moved from ‘preaching’ best practice to actually delivering it at Mace.
What was the best advice you were given?
As a leader your role is to shield, promote and nurture your team to help develop them into future leaders.
Which project that you worked on are you most proud of?
“Having a clear understanding of both business goals and your own personal goals is what provides direction. Be fair, foster true and lasting relationships, and have fun while you’re doing it.”
The business school is definitely my greatest achievement and the legacy I want to leave behind at Mace. It is a real honour to have helped people in the supply chain develop and see them achieve professional recognition – even taking on new roles as leaders in their business.
I’m also very proud to have developed and created the Mace Master Bid List System, built to provide a data-driven solution to support project lead procurement.
Who do you most admire in the industry, past or present?
The late Mace founder, Ian Wylie. I first met him when I was with the CIOB and he chaired the Construction Manager of the Year judging panel. He always showed interest in everyone irrespective of grade and was a great supporter of the business school.
What advice would you give to someone starting in construction?
Having a clear understanding of both business goals and your own personal goals is what provides direction. Be fair, foster true and lasting relationships, and have fun while you’re doing it. These are values I learned from Ian Wylie.
What has changed the most about construction since you’ve been working in it?
The industry is almost unrecognisable compared to when I first joined. Having paved the way for change in the industry, I was often looking forward. But it’s not until you look back, that you actually see the great strides that have been made on safety, wellbeing, sustainability and more recently diversity.
Do you have a motto that applies to your work and, if so, what is it?
‘Even as a teacher, I’m still a student; that way, I always have something new to learn.’ A growth mindset is the most important skill anyone can have. Openness to admit that you don’t know something and willingness to learn create the greatest opportunities.
