Episode 24 – From Surfer to Director: How a Cheeky Interview Built a 28-Year Engineering Career: Michael Grogan, Birzulis Associates

In this episode, with Michael Grogan, one of the directors at Birzulis Associates, a consulting engineering firm that's been shaping Australia's structural landscape since 1989.

Michael's journey from a laid-back surfer and cinema ticket-taker to becoming a key leader in one of Sydney's respected engineering firms is entertaining and inspiring.

What stands out is Michael's refreshingly honest account of his accidental entry into engineering. Picture this - a fresh University of Newcastle graduate who only applied for the job to get his father off his back, then cheekily told the 67-year-old interviewer that he looked close to retirement or death! That bold move surprisingly landed him his first and only job since graduating.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as Michael shares how the firm evolved from a 12-person operation to their current success with offices in Sydney and Newcastle.

He provides invaluable insights into maintaining quality while growing, including their innovative "pod" system for project management and unique hiring approach, where personality fit often trumps technical brilliance.

Michael's candid discussion about the challenges of transitioning from engineer to leader makes this episode particularly valuable for business owners. His struggle with letting go of technical work to focus on management and how he eventually found a balance that allowed him to return to his engineering roots while leading the company offers practical lessons for anyone facing similar challenges.

Michael's straightforward discussion about their commitment to quality over profit, even when it means standing up to powerful clients, demonstrates how strong principles can drive sustainable business success.

Whether you're an engineering professional, business owner, or simply interested in how successful businesses navigate growth while maintaining their values, this conversation offers actionable insights and authentic perspectives on building a sustainable professional services firm.