Driver Trett Digest Issue 21 03.2021 - Flipbook - Page 33
DIGEST | ISSUE 21
Q&A WITH
MUKUL SOUL
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?
As Country
Director of
Australia,
I oversee
Driver Trett’s
Australian
Business.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY AND HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE
YOU ARE TODAY?
WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON
YOUR CAREER?
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND TAKING ON A NEW ROLE
DURING LOCKDOWN?
Initially, I didn’t have my mind set on a specific career, so I enrolled in one of the most diverse
courses: a double bachelors in Engineering & Commerce. During my time at university
I became more inclined towards engineering, however maintained a strong interest in
commerce. On graduation, I ultimately accepted a graduate Planning & Project Controls role
as the associated workload, responsibility, and career direction appealed to me the most.
I cannot specify a single individual as there have been many
great influences in my career. I can summarise them into
three distinct groups:
Not too bad to be honest. COVID-19 and the associated
lockdowns were unprecedented times for all. However,
the best thing about humanity is that we find ways to
turn constraints into opportunities. Through the use of
technology, I found that not only have I been able to maintain
communication with those near, but I’ve actually increased
how much I communicate with colleagues and prospective
clients across the nation and globe.
Due to the passion that subsequently grew in planning, genuine interest in the projects I worked
on, hard work with an outcomes-based focus, and exceptional support from well-wishing
family, mentors and peers, I’ve been able to rapidly progress my career. I was managing the
planning of minor projects (
A$500m)
where I was able to get my first taste of large team management and site/international
rotations. Following the successful completion of this project, which was delivered in recordbreaking time, I got the opportunity to become Lead Planner on a A$10billion project which
involved overseeing 64 integrated programmes of work on behalf of the Owner. This diversity
allowed me to rapidly excel my expertise in the discipline and gave me a formal introduction
to forensic delay analysis. The project was a success, receiving 14 awards including Project of
the Year, and excellence in Project Management. Following this project, I went on to become
Planning Manager for a major construction contractor, however as I grew a desire to become
a Delay Expert and wanted to further diversify myself by adding value to multiple projects, for
multiple companies across industry; I joined Driver Trett as a Senior Consultant.
Within the three years that I have been with Driver Trett, I have been promoted to Associate
Director, Director, and most recently Country Director. Again, I attribute this to the items
mentioned earlier (passion, interest, hard work, focus and support). Solving clients’ problems
has brought me repeat work. This repeat work has brought recognition and respect in industry
which has resulted in reward.
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I believe in celebrating every
accomplishment and failure equally,
as they ultimately contribute to the
end destination.
Family: I have a very supportive family that have always
motivated me to achieve my best, and given me that
little over-confidence that is at times needed to break
barriers.
Management: I have been fortunate to have some
incredible managers (leaders) who have guided my
growth, taught me the skills I have today, and directed
me towards how to succeed further.
Industry: I actively seek predecessors in my field who have
‘done it’. With entire respect to their accomplishments, I
set them as benchmarks and aim to better what they’ve
already proven to be achievable.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR
CAREER?
I believe in celebrating every accomplishment and failure
equally, as they ultimately contribute to the end destination.
My most recent accomplishment, however, of being
considered and subsequently appointed as the new Australian
Country Director for Driver Trett, was a very special moment
in my career.
WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?
Achieving results makes me tick. Other than that, I’ve always
drawn inspiration from race car driver Mario Andretti’s quote,
“If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast
enough.”
TELL US A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I’m of Indian descent, was born in Kenya, and moved to
Australia when I was 6. I’m highly passionate about travelling
and experiencing all the differing cultures and experiences
the world has to offer – travel is the only thing you buy
that makes you richer. Otherwise I have an unexplainable
obsession with lions and support the best football club in the
world, Liverpool FC – YNWA.
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