Episode Details

In this wide-ranging episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots connects with Derek Sinnott, a self-described pracademic from Wexford, Ireland. Derek is a civil engineer-turned-academic at SETU (South East Technological University), a Lean coach, and the Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in Ireland.

Adam and Derek first crossed paths in Japan, and the conversation that unfolded there clearly stuck — because Derek showed up in Ireland when Adam brought a team of Clemson students over for a construction competition, and that says everything you need to know about who Derek is.

Derek opens up about his background growing up on a farm, finding his footing in engineering after struggling through secondary school, and ultimately discovering his true calling in training, coaching, and developing people across the construction industry.

The conversation dives deep into:

• Why the biggest inefficiency in construction is the illusion of collaboration

• The difference between being efficient and being effective when coaching teams

• What sustainability really means in Ireland — and why it goes way beyond green building

• The supply chain as the true value-delivery engine of every project

• Why early contractor involvement is critical, and what it looks like when done well

• How asking good questions leads to better relationships — and better buildings

Derek also shares his deep respect for trade workers and frontline teams — the people who actually put nail to formwork — and reflects on what real respect for people looks like in practice. He talks about the power of simply walking the job and being curious rather than coming in with a fixed agenda.

They also revisit the ASCE student competition that brought Adam's Clemson team to Ireland (earning two third-place trophies and a Best Speaker Award), explore the possibility of teaming up for the upcoming November competition, and Derek teases a podcast of his own on the horizon.

This episode is equal parts Lean philosophy, sustainability education, and authentic human connection — a reminder that no matter what ocean separates us, we're all telling the same story in different accents.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Collaboration ≠ More Meetings: Real collaboration means breaking down silos and sharing learning, not just scheduling more conversations.

Listen Now