In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Builders Coach Show, hosts Kurt Hegetschweiler and Jess Norton unpack what real success means — and why consistent progress toward meaningful goals matters more than quick wins. From the hermit crab analogy on stepping out of your comfort zone to the South Pole expedition story from Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, this episode explores how true growth often feels uncomfortable — but that’s exactly where transformation happens. Kurt and Jess also dive into: The truth behind “overnight success” myths in business Why journaling with 3 simple questions can accelerate your personal and leadership growth The power of AI as your “obedient PhD assistant” for smarter decision-making How to avoid information overload and shiny-object syndrome Why one-on-one coaching is still the fastest path to clarity and results Whether you’re a builder, entrepreneur, or leader ready to evolve, this episode will challenge your thinking and inspire you to take slow, steady, meaningful action toward your next big shell. Question of the episode: Are you ready to outgrow your shell?

In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt break down 15 real-world AI applications for builders across marketing, finance, operations, delivery, and team/HR—so you save time, reduce errors, and scale profitably. You’ll hear how we structure high-performing prompts (role → context → instruction → output format), plus tools we’re testing and how we use AI in our events and with clients. What you’ll learn Prompts that work: a simple framework to get better results (and how to get ChatGPT to write the prompt for you) Marketing with AI: ICP builder, high-converting lead magnets, competitor analysis, and 12-week content calendars Finance & controls: fast P&L/cash-flow reviews, red-flag spotting, margin targets, and background checks And more... Bonus: 3 ways to use AI in your personal life 📩 Want the prompts from this episode? Email info@builderscoach.com.au with subject “AI Prompts” and we’ll send them. Resources & next steps Website: https://www.builderscoach.com Events & intensives: https://www.builderscoach.com/events  

In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt reflect on our Auckland One Day Intensive—an event many called “the best you’ve ever done.” We unpack lessons from rugby greats Piri Weepu (All Blacks) and Duane Vermeulen (Springboks) and reveal how their insights into mindset, leadership, and preparation translate directly to running a profitable building company. 👉 Inside this episode: Why process beats outcome in both sport and construction Mental health, team culture, and leadership lessons from the field The Razor’s Edge Concept—how one small shift can transform your business trajectory Practical takeaways for builders: cash flow, sales process, client leadership, and more If you’re a residential builder or construction business owner who wants to scale profitably and gain back control, this episode is packed with strategies you can use straight away. 🔗 Learn more about Builders Coach: https://www.builderscoach.com Check out our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@builderscoach🎧 Subscribe & listen anywhere: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  

Your business will never outgrow your leadership — and the key to breaking through is expanding your self-image. In this episode, Kurt and Jess explore the pursuit of excellence, peak performance, and leadership lessons from elite athletes and world-class teams like the All Blacks and Springboks. Learn how to set bold goals, visualise success, and lead with confidence. 🎧 Listen now and start working harder on yourself than you do on your business.📅 Don’t miss our 1-Day Intensive in Auckland, 5th September — secure your spot here: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/home651801-6045-9389

Women in Construction: The $20 Billion Profit Opportunity Builders Are Missing. In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt unpack why more women in leadership roles isn’t just good for culture — it’s a proven profit booster.Discover: Why companies with 30% female leadership see 34% higher profits The leadership qualities women bring that supercharge productivity Real-life success stories of husband-and-wife teams and female leaders in construction 💡 If you’re ready to step into your leadership or bring the right people into your business for sustainable growth, check out Builders Coach for Her — business coaching designed for women in construction. 📩 Enquire here: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/home884161🎧 Subscribe for more insights on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube

Transcend & Take Action: AI, Gratitude & Growth from the Builders Coach Success Summit In this jam-packed episode, Jess and Kurt recap our biggest event yet — the 2025 Builders Coach Success Summit in Sydney! We dive into the power of transcending your comfort zone, featuring powerful lessons from keynote speaker and big wave surfer Mark Matthews. From gratitude to grit, his emotional story set the tone for two days of real implementation, strategy, and growth. We also unpack one of the most talked-about sessions — how to use AI in your building business to generate leads, streamline marketing, and build your brand faster. Whether you're a tech newbie or already using tools like ChatGPT and Grok, this episode is full of practical insights you can apply now. Builders, it's time to evolve. Get ahead of the game and embrace what's next. 👉 UPCOMING EVENTS📍 Melbourne – One-Day Intensive – 31 July: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/home651801📍 Auckland – One-Day Intensive – 5 September: Stay Tuned! Follow us on Instagram: @builders_coachLearn more at: www.builderscoach.com.au

In this episode, Jess and Kurt dive deep into one of the biggest challenges builders face—time management. But this isn’t just about calendars and to-do lists. It’s about leadership in time management. They unpack: The biggest mistakes builders make with their time How to identify critical path activities Real-life examples of managing a business through personal crisis Why systems and automation are non-negotiable in 2025 The difference between “urgent” and “important”—and how to train your brain to tell the difference Whether you’re flat out or finally getting a breather, this episode will help you focus on what really moves the needle.

In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt unpack the power of DISC profiling — the psychometric tool that’s transforming leadership, recruitment, and communication in the building industry. Discover: The four DISC personality types and how they show up on site and in the office How to use DISC to recruit better, reduce team conflict, and lead with impact Why knowing your own profile is step one to better business performance Real builder stories and how DISC helped them build high-performing teams Whether you're managing subbies, hiring your next project manager, or looking to lead with more influence — this episode will give you the practical strategies you need. 🎯 Want the free DISC test we mention in the episode? Email us: info@builderscoach.com.au

This is a special edition of The Builders Coach Show — recorded in front of a LIVE audience at Sydney Build Expo 2025! Jess and Kurt dive deep into how Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and Value Management can transform the residential construction industry.👉 Learn how to eliminate price shock, align client budgets from day one, and increase your margins without compromising trust.🚀 In this episode: - Why the old tender process is broken - Real examples of $500k projects blowing out to $1.4m - The 3-step Value Management Process builders are using now - How to lead with confidence (and boost your bottom line) - Why women are changing the face of construction — and how Builders Coach is supporting them🎁 Grab your free ECI & Value Management Guide: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/value-management-guide 👷‍♀️ Curious about Builders Coach for HER? Book a free strategy call: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/home884161 🔔 Subscribe for more:👉 Apple Podcasts👉 Spotify👉 YouTube#BuildersCoach #ECI #ValueManagement #SydneyBuildExpo #WomenInConstruction #ResidentialBuilders #ProfitFirst #LeadershipInBuilding

This is a special edition of The Builders Coach Show — recorded in front of a live audience at Sydney Build Expo! Jess and Kurt dive deep into how Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and Value Management can transform the residential construction industry. 👉 Learn how to eliminate price shock, align client budgets from day one, and increase your margins without compromising trust. 🚀 In this episode: Why the old tender process is broken Real examples of $500k projects blowing out to $1.4m The 3-step Value Management Process builders are using now How to lead with confidence (and boost your bottom line) Why women are changing the face of construction — and how Builders Coach is supporting them 🎁 Grab your free ECI & Value Management Guide: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/value-management-guide 👷‍♀️ Curious about Builders Coach for HER? Book a free strategy call: https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/home884161    #BuildersCoach #ECI #ValueManagement #SydneyBuildExpo #WomenInConstruction #ResidentialBuilders #ProfitFirst #LeadershipInBuilding

Feeling stuck in reactive mode, constantly putting out fires? In this episode, Jess and Kurt dive deep into what it really means to be proactive as a builder—and why it’s the single most powerful shift to scale your business. Learn how leading builders use forecasting, 12-week planning, and clear communication to gain control, increase profit, and lead with clarity. ✅ How to shift from reactive to proactive thinking✅ The most important financial forecasting metrics every builder must track✅ Why proactive communication is the secret weapon to client trust and referrals If you’re ready to take control of your workflow, team, and profits—this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in and take the first step off the hamster wheel.

In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt dive deep into what it really takes to build a high-performing team in your building business. From the biggest hiring mistakes owners make to the mindset shifts required to lead a self-managing team, they cover it all. Learn how to structure your team for growth, retain top talent, and adopt the leadership qualities your business needs to thrive in today’s competitive market. Whether you're drowning in admin, stuck on site, or struggling to hire the right people—this episode will give you practical strategies to take your business to the next level. Topics Covered: The #1 hiring mistake builders make (and how to avoid it) The truth about leadership (and why it’s learnable) How to structure your team based on business size Tools to streamline communication and track performance Mindset shifts to stop being the bottleneck 🔨 Want to build a business that runs without you? Start by building a better team.

The future of building is here! In this special episode of The Builders Coach Show, we dive into Value Management and Early Builder Involvement (EBI/ECI)—the game-changing approach transforming the Building industry. Kurt and his guest builder break down the exact process, how it benefits builders, clients, and architects, and why this strategy will 10x your results. Tune in for an exclusive webinar replay packed with practical insights! 🚀 #BuildersCoach #ValueManagement #EarlyBuilderInvolvement  #ConstructionSuccess

The pre-construction phase is the foundation of a profitable building business. In this episode, Jess and Kurt reveal how to optimize your sales process, qualify leads, charge for quotes, and implement value management to eliminate budget blowouts. Learn the biggest pricing mistakes builders make and how to fix them. Listen now to transform your building business!

Numbers don’t lie — and in this episode, Jess and Kurt break down the 5 essential numbers every builder must track to stay profitable and stress-free. From net profit to break-even points and cash flow, learn how understanding these metrics can completely transform your building business. Whether you’re building homes or renovations, these numbers will keep you on track and in control.

🚀 Want to build a high-demand construction business and stop competing on price? In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt dive deep into why implementation—not information—is the key to success. Builders today have endless resources at their fingertips, yet many struggle to put strategies into action. That’s where education-based marketing, campaign-driven business models, and systems optimization come in. 💡 In this episode, we break down:✅ How to create a demand-driven business model (so you NEVER chase clients again)✅ Why saying NO is a game-changer for builders (and how to do it strategically)✅ The power of exclusivity—lessons from top brands like Hermes & Louis Vuitton✅ How to structure your marketing & sales process to attract ideal clients✅ The key systems & mindset shifts that make scaling easier 🔥 Key Takeaway:Builders who understand marketing, systems, and strategic positioning will never have to compete on price. It’s about creating demand, standing out, and running a business on your terms. 👉 Like this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow builders! 📢 Get your FREE copy of Million Dollar Builder https://milliondollar.builderscoach.com.au/digitalbook📅 Join our next webinar by emailing "FREE WEBINAR" to info@builderscoach.com.au 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube #BuildersCoach #ConstructionMarketing #BusinessGrowth #ScalingForSuccess #TheBuildersCoachShow

In this powerful episode, Jess and Kurt dive into a critical issue facing the building industry: mental health. With construction workers facing one of the highest suicide rates among all industries, we explore why this is happening, what builders can do to protect themselves and their teams, and real stories from the trenches. We discuss burnout, financial stress, relationship breakdowns, and the stigma around seeking help—plus practical strategies to create a healthier work environment. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.  📌 Mates in Construction – mates.org.au📌 Beyond Blue – beyondblue.org.au📌 Lifeline Australia – Call 13 11 14📌 International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) – www.iasp.info

🚀 The Research is In: How Personalized Coaching Transforms Builder Success! In this episode, Jess and Kurt dive into groundbreaking studies showing how tailored coaching leads to higher leadership effectiveness, faster system implementation, and up to 500% ROI. Learn why builders who invest in personalized coaching see dramatic improvements in decision-making, resilience, and business growth—and how you can apply these insights today. 🎧 Tune in now to discover how elite builders maximize success with evidence-backed coaching!

In this episode, Jess and Kurt kick off the new year with a deep dive into clarity, mindset, and momentum for builders. They explore the power of the 12-week plan, strategies for peak performance, and why focus and purpose are crucial for achieving success. Kurt shares insights from leadership training in professional sports and the military, while Jess offers actionable tips for managing attention and overcoming distractions. Whether you're looking to crush your 2025 goals or fine-tune your leadership skills, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for residential builders ready to take their business to the next level.

🎙️ Bonus Throwback Episode! Jess and Kurt share personal stories and lessons from their South Africa trip and destination wedding. Discover how planning, mindset, and connection played key roles in turning chaos into success—and a few laughs along the way! 🌍💍