Leadership expert Freddie Guilmard of RTP speaks with Parm and Karen Bhangal, co-founders of Bhangals Construction Consultants, on how empathy, adaptability and integrity are shaping a new kind of leadership in construction.
This month, I shine a spotlight on two leaders from the world of construction consultancy who are building more than just a successful businesses—they’re building culture, clarity, and connection.
I had the privilege of getting to know both of them on a fairly recent MBTI session I ran for them.
Founded 15 years ago, Bhangals Construction Consultants has grown into a dynamic, people-centred firm helping clients navigate the complexities of the construction industry. But as any leader will tell you, scaling a business isn’t just about services or systems—it’s about people.
I spoke with co-founders Parm Bhangal and Karen Bhangal about the pressures and challenges but also the opportunites of modern leadership. Their insights revealed a shared commitment to integrity, a deep respect for their team, and a readiness to adapt in a world that’s constantly shifting.
“Our biggest challenge right now?” Parm says. “It’s managing expectations—our clients’, our teams’, and our own. People want excellence, and rightly so, but that creates pressure. Motivation can dips when we’re busy, and aligning everyone around the same journey becomes tougher.”
They’re not alone. Across sectors, leaders are navigating rising demands, changing attitudes to work, and economic uncertainty. For the Bhangals, this means evolving their leadership style—quickly and authentically.
“Adaptability is key,” Karen explains. “Sometimes, we’re forced to change—not because we want to, but because the world demands it. That’s where empathy comes in. You have to explain the ‘why’ behind the decisions, especially when they’re tough ones.”
That balance—between empathy and accountability—is a thread that runs through the way they lead. Parm openly shares how he’s had to step back from taking on too much, giving his team space to take ownership of their personal and professional growth.
“I used to try and fix everything,” he reflects. “But I’ve realised leadership is about empowering others. Everyone doesn’t operate like I do—and that’s a good thing. We’re at our best when we recognise people’s unique strengths and trust them.”
That trust is built not just in performance reviews but in day-to-day moments, from team check-ins to shared wins outside the office.
“We’ve built a culture where wellbeing isn’t a tick box—it’s a conversation,” says Karen. “We look out for each other, we notice changes in behaviour, and we’re not afraid to talk. We do team events, we make space to connect.”
While the world debates AI and flexible working, Bhangals is embracing both. They’re not just investing in technology—they’re encouraging their people to understand it, experiment with it, and use it to grow.
“We’ve been having very different conversations in the last year,” says Parm. “How do we stay relevant? How can AI support us? How do we build relationships in our community and show up as a brand that values its people?”
It’s clear their leadership style isn’t just reactive—it’s reflective. They’re mentoring their teams, preparing them for leadership roles, and cultivating a mindset that puts growth before fear.
“The future leaders of our organisation,” Karen says, “need to be forward-thinking, but they also need to care. Leadership should come from a place of growth and curiosity, not fear and judgement. Our job is to support people through the discomfort that growth brings.”
As we wrapped up the conversation, I asked them to reflect on the lessons that have shaped them—and the advice they’d give others.
Rapid Fire Reflections
A leadership book or quote you keep coming back to:
Parm: How to Win Friends and Influence People
Karen: People protect what they build
A mistake that taught you something valuable:
Parm: “Too many to mention!”
Karen: “In the early days, I took on too much of everyone’s problems. I’ve learnt you have to protect your own energy.”
One piece of advice for a new leader:
Parm: “Listen to your people.”
Karen: “Trust your gut.”
In a world where leadership can feel like a high-stakes juggling act, the team at Bhangals remind us that success lies in the small moments of trust, clarity, and care.
