45 | Callum Morton-Smith, Construction and Quantity Surveying in the Middle East

Compounding Curiosity

My guest today is Callum Morton-Smith. Callum is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with experience in Perth, London, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

In today’s conversation, we go deep into the construction industry and Quantity Surveying in the Middle East, some trends there, and Callum’s investment journey.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Callum Morton-Smith!

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep45

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - Background

[00:01:50] - What is Quantity Surveying?

[00:06:47] - The time, cost and quality triangle

[00:07:44] - How difficult is it to push recommendations and get changes through?

[00:08:45] - How much of the job is client management?

[00:10:29] - Pre-contract vs Post-contract work in Quantity Surveying

[00:12:17] - How does a project even start?

[00:14:21] - How do you build a cost estimate?

[00:19:18] - In Callum’s pre-contract role, does he still deal with contractors?

[00:21:34] - When do contractors get paid?

[00:25:53] - Dealing with disputes

[00:27:08] - How long is this whole process?

[00:27:40] - Being a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, the process, and is it essential

[00:33:12] - Callum’s pivot into finance

[00:34:24] - First investment and lessons learned

[00:36:24] - Callum’s investing style

[00:37:28] - Callum’s research process

[00:42:13] - Differences across the markets Callum has worked in

[00:44:18] - Projects in the Middle East

[00:47:33] - Favourite Investing book?

[00:49:33] - Most valuable life experience?

[00:51:45] - Plans for the future?

[NOTE] Timestamps are a bit off for some reason so not 100% accurate. Apologies.

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Connect with Callum:

Connect with Callum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-morton-smith-225780b4

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Mentioned/Recommended Content:

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://amzn.to/333Do8s

The Most Important Thing Illuminated by Howard Marks: https://amzn.to/33DyezO

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