

Episode Title: Building Pride + Psych Safety Insights
Guest: Chris Schiavello – Building Pride
Curious about fostering inclusivity and innovation in the workplace? Meet Chris Schiavello.
In this Episode 04 of BE Connected, I’m speaking with Chris Schiavello and Director at Building Pride.
We dive into a fascinating conversation with Chris Schiavello from the Schiavello Group. Chris shares insights into his family’s business journey, the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and the impactful work of Building Pride in supporting the LGBTI community within the construction industry.
Discover how psychological safety and inclusive environments can drive innovation and success.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion on leadership, diversity, and creating change.
We dive into:
- Fostering an Entrepreneurial Culture
- Building Pride and Inclusivity
- Psychological Safety and Well-being
Connect and Follow Chris Schiavello:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherschiavello
Website: https://www.buildingpride.com.au/
Takeaways:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Legacy: Chris highlights the importance of fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration within a business. The Schiavello Group’s success is attributed to its ability to adapt, innovate, and empower employees to bring new ideas to the table.
- Building Pride Initiative: The initiative aims to support the LGBTI community in the construction industry by promoting visibility, mentorship, and inclusive policies. Chris emphasizes the need for creating environments where everyone can thrive and feel accepted.
- Psychological Safety in the Workplace: Chris discusses the significance of psychological safety, linking it to talent retention, productivity, and overall employee well-being. He stresses that a supportive and inclusive work culture is essential for innovation and success.
- Personal Journey and Identity: Chris shares his personal experiences of coming out and finding his place in the industry. He reflects on the challenges and support he received, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation for future generations.
- Leadership and Mentorship: The episode underscores the value of effective leadership and mentorship in fostering a supportive work environment. Chris advocates for leaders to be proactive in creating inclusive spaces and supporting diverse talent.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Building Pride and Chris Schiavello
01:08 The Schiavello Group: A Family Legacy in Construction
07:05 Navigating Family Business Dynamics
19:14 Personal Journey: Coming Out and Identity
28:21 The Birth of Building Pride: A Community Initiative
31:56 Embracing Imperfection and Growth
33:48 Building Community and Pride
35:50 The Importance of Psychological Safety
37:49 Understanding the Needs of Gen Z
40:20 Balancing Work and Wellbeing
42:05 Creating Inclusive Work Environments
43:54 Gender-Neutral Facilities in Construction
46:44 Leadership and Inclusion on Construction Sites
49:07 Mental Health and Inclusion in the Workplace
54:52 The Role of Mentorship in Career Development
Sound Bites / Quotes:
“Anything is possible when you foster a culture of creativity and collaboration.”
“Building Pride is about making it easier for the next generation to be visible and successful in their careers.”
“Psychological safety is crucial for talent retention and creating a thriving workplace.”
Referenced in This Episode:
- Schiavello Group – https://www.schiavello.com
- Alan Joyce: As a prominent business figure – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjjoyce
- Julia Gillard: Former Prime Minister of Australia – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Julia… https://x.com/juliagillard
- Club Med – https://www.clubmed.asia/
- John Holland – https://johnholland.com.au/
- Elliot Page’s Book “Pageboy” – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60473073-pageboy
LET’S BE CONNECTED