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Own the Build Leadership Series #5: Justin Fahy, Managing Director at Structure Tone UK (£400m+ Fit Out Contractor)
Description
In the fifth episode of the Own the Build Leadership Series, Paul is joined by Justin Fahy, Managing Director at Structure Tone UK, to explore the journey from QS to leading a £400m+ fit-out business.
Justin’s career is a strong example of steady progression built on experience, longevity and advocacy — rising through the ranks from trainee surveyor to Commercial Director, before stepping into Managing Director.
The conversation focuses on what effective leadership really looks like at scale, including:
- why advocacy and trust are critical to career progression;
- the value of staying in a business long enough to earn opportunity, rather than moving for short-term gain;
- how taking on difficult projects and responsibility early builds long-term capability;
- the shift from commercial leadership to full business leadership, including operations, people and risk; and
- why people management becomes the primary role at senior level.
Justin also shares how Structure Tone has grown from £90m to £400m+ by focusing on simple but powerful principles — particularly fair risk management and paying the supply chain on time.
The episode closes with a clear message for aspiring leaders:
work hard, stay consistent, build trust, and be a good person — the rest follows.
A grounded, experience-led conversation for QSs and commercial professionals aiming to step into senior leadership — and for those already there looking to sense-check what strong leadership looks like in 2026.
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