In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Harley Whaikawa, Director at Minerva Group, whose journey from the military to civil engineering and into consultancy leadership is anything but traditional. From cold calls and rejection to becoming a respected voice in fire engineering and a force on LinkedIn, Harley shares the lessons he’s learned about authenticity, leadership, and playing the long game.
Whether you’re a graduate seeking your first role or a business owner navigating the digital landscape, this conversation provides a no-fluff look into building a reputation that lasts, both online and offline.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Leadership & High Performance
Brand & Business Development
Career Journeys & Transition
Authenticity in a Digital World
Key Quotes from Harley Whaikawa:
About Our Guest:
Harley Whaikawa is Director at Minerva Group and a leader in fire engineering consultancy. A former military forward observer turned civil engineer, Harley brings structure, grit, and a human-centered approach to building businesses, teams, and client relationships. He’s also grown a vibrant, authentic presence on LinkedIn, known as much for fire engineering insights as he is for his fruit trees.
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.
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Thanks for listening! Remember, leaders don’t wait for an opportunity. They build it.