X4 Talks

Hosted by X4 Group

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to X4 Talks, where you'll get an exclusive look into the minds of the world's top business leaders! Our goal is to bring you inspiring stories from game-changing entrepreneurs, innovative CEOs, and experienced professionals who are paving the way for the future. Through our conversations, we'll explore the breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge methodologies that are driving their success, and share valuable insights that you can apply to your own life and business. Join our global community of like-minded individuals. Together, we'll dive deep into the most exciting trends and ideas shaping the future of the business world, one conversation at a time.

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21 recent

August 19, 202634 min

Beyond P6: What Makes an Elite Construction Scheduler? Building a Career in Project Controls with David Andreotti

What does it take to build a successful career in construction scheduling? In this episode of X4 Talks, host Joe Wood-Lowe sits down with David Andreotti, Corporate Construction and Project Controls Specialist at Choate Construction with more than 30 years of experience across the contractor, construction management, program management and owner sides of the industry. From his unconventional move from technology into construction to working on major projects including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Johnson Space Centre and Seattle's $800M International Arrivals Facility, David shares the lessons he's learned throughout a career spent planning, mentoring and solving complex project challenges. The conversation explores the growing demand for schedulers, the balance between technical expertise and people skills, the importance of field experience and how technology and AI are influencing the future of project controls. Key Topics Discussed David's journey into construction scheduling The growing demand for project controls professionals Technical vs soft skills in scheduling Developing construction knowledge and field experience Building and retaining high-performing scheduling teams In-house scheduling vs outsourced consultants Remote, hybrid, and site-based working Career growth opportunities for schedulers AI, P6, and the future of project controls David Andreotti is a construction scheduling and project controls specialist with more than three decades of experience supporting projects across multiple sectors throughout the United States. Having worked as a General Contractor, Construction Manager and Program Manager, he brings a unique perspective from both the contractor and owner sides of the table. Passionate about mentoring and developing talent, David has trained construction professionals in P3, P6 and Microsoft Project while helping teams deliver successful projects through planning, collaboration and problem-solving. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to X4 Talks for more conversations with industry leaders. Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe , Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring David Andreotti Corporate Construction and Project Controls Specialist at Choate Construction.

August 19, 202613 min

AI, Compliance & the Future of TIC with Konstantin Klingler, CEO & Co-Founder of Seamflow

In this episode of X4 Talks, host Matthew Wisdom, Principle Client Success Lead at X4 Engineering interviews Konstantin Klingler, CEO and Co-Founder of Seamflow. Drawing on a background that spans investment banking, venture capital, technology and entrepreneurship, Konstantin shares how Seamflow is helping transform the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry through AI-powered solutions. The conversation explores why TIC represents one of the most exciting opportunities for AI adoption, how organisations can successfully navigate change management and why the future of the industry will centre on empowering highly skilled professionals rather than replacing them. Key Topics Discussed Konstantin's journey from venture capital to founding Seamflow Why the TIC industry is primed for AI-driven transformation The operational challenges created by legacy systems and manual processes How AI can improve report writing, scheduling, inspections and compliance workflows The importance of stakeholder buy-in when implementing AI solutions Why AI should augment human expertise, not replace it Ensuring transparency, traceability and compliance in AI-generated outputs Managing accreditation requirements across different countries and regions The future role of inspectors, auditors and certification professionals How AI can help TIC organisations deliver greater value to their clients About Our Guest Konstantin Klingler is the CEO & Co-Founder of Seamflow, where he is building AI solutions for the Testing, Inspection and Certification industry. With experience across finance, venture capital and technology, he is focused on helping TIC organisations increase efficiency, improve quality and unlock new opportunities through the responsible adoption of AI. Listen & Subscribe Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to X4 Talks for more conversations with industry leaders. Hosted by Matthew Wisdom , Principal Client Success Lead - TIC at X4 Engineering and featuring Konstantin Klingler , CEO and Co-Founder at Seamflow.

July 31, 202637 min

Earned Value, AI & the Future of Scheduling with Rick Stassi

In this episode of X4 Talks, Joe Wood-Lowe sits down with Rick Stassi, Scheduling Manager for Business Analytics & Controls at Kitchell. With decades of construction experience and a passion for mentoring the next generation of schedulers, Rick shares practical insights on schedule analysis, earned value management, project controls, delay mitigation and the role AI is beginning to play in the profession. Drawing from his owner's representative perspective, Rick explains how contractors and owners can collaborate more effectively, why understanding schedule fundamentals is more important than ever and what it really takes to become a successful scheduler. Key Topics Discussed Building effective baseline schedules and identifying early risk indicators The relationship between scheduling, cash flow, and project performance Earned Value Management (EVM) and why it provides a clearer view of project health Using Earned Schedule to forecast delays before they happen Managing milestone variance and delay recovery through collaboration The opportunities and risks of AI in construction scheduling Rick's journey into project controls and his passion for mentoring future schedulers The skills and characteristics that define great schedulers Connect with Rick on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and learn more about scheduling, earned value management and project controls. Listen & Subscribe Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to X4 Talks for more conversations with industry leaders. Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe , Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring Rick Stassi , Scheduling Manager at Kitchell.

July 27, 202655 min

The New SAP Era: AI, Data and the Future of Transformation with René van der Zanden Senior SAP Sales Manager at KPMG Netherlands

In this episode of X4 Talks, Ryan Lupton, Senior ERP Talent Partner at X4 Technology interviews René van der Zanden Senior SAP Sales Manager at KPMG Netherlands, who brings more than 25 years of experience across ERP, SAP innovation and enterprise transformation. René shares his journey from HP, Micro Focus and Cognitus through to joining KPMG in 2026, reflecting on how SAP programs have shifted from traditional IT‑led upgrades to business‑wide, strategy‑driven transformations. Discussions in this Episode include: The evolution from ECC to S/4HANA and why the real value begins after migration How AI, data architecture and SAP’s Business Data Cloud are reshaping transformation strategies Why SAP programs now require alignment across business, IT, finance, supply chain and leadership The rise of agentic AI and cross‑functional automation KPMG’s global partnership with SAP and its rapidly expanding transformation practice Clear guidance on ECC end‑of‑support timelines How organisations can reduce technical debt, simplify customisations and prepare for the next decade of innovation René also dives into the mindset shift required for modern SAP programs, the importance of preparation and why companies must rethink long‑standing customisations to stay competitive in an AI‑driven landscape. A must‑listen for SAP leaders, CIOs, transformation executives and anyone navigating the fast‑moving ERP ecosystem. Hosted by Ryan Lupton Senior ERP Talent Partner at X4 Technology and featuring René van der Zanden Senior SAP Sales Manager at KPMG Netherlands.

July 24, 202633 min

The Art and Science of Scheduling: In Conversation with Luc Sutton

In this episode of X4 Talks, host Joe Wood-Lowe continues his Project Delivery series with Luc Sutton, Scheduling Manager for PCL Construction’s Florida Buildings Group. Topics Covered: Luc’s unconventional path into scheduling How physics and fieldwork shaped his analytical mindset The moment he realised he inherited “the worst schedule imaginable” What makes a true planner‑scheduler Communication skills for influencing project leaders Habits of high‑performing schedulers How to level up your scheduling career Luc’s journey is anything but traditional, from ski coaching in Alberta to labouring in a fabrication shop, running cranes in the oil & gas sector, earning a physics degree, then ultimately building a 13‑year career at one of the largest GCs in North America. Luc shares how analytical thinking, curiosity and real‑world field exposure shaped him into a true planner‑scheduler, not just a software operator. He breaks down the difference between data entry scheduling and high‑impact project planning, the soft skills schedulers must develop to influence superintendents and owners and the habits that separate good schedulers from great ones. Whether you’re new to scheduling, growing your construction career or leading project teams, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, career insights and real‑world stories from someone who’s lived it. Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe , Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring Luc Sutton , Scheduling Manager at PCL Construction.

July 23, 202650 min

Inside the Future of Food Safety Auditing with Kris Middleton

In this episode of X4 Talks, host Sam Kent, Head of Food Safety & Social Compliance Recruitment at X4 Engineering sits down with Kris Middleton, Food and Forestry Business Unit Director at Bureau Veritas, to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the food assurance industry today. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience as both an auditor and business leader, Kris shares his perspective on the growing auditor shortage, the evolution of GFSI schemes, the balance between full-time and contract auditors and what upcoming changes to SQF Edition 10 and FSSC 22000 Version 7 mean for the industry. Key Topics Covered Why the food safety industry is facing a significant auditor talent shortage How current qualification requirements may be limiting the next generation of auditors The importance of attracting graduates and early-career professionals into auditing The balance between technical expertise and auditing soft skills Why audits should be viewed as a partnership rather than a punitive exercise The evolving relationship between certification bodies and contract auditors Full-time vs subcontract auditor models and where the industry is headed Managing auditor burnout and improving retention Kris Middleton is the Food and Forestry Business Unit Director at Bureau Veritas. With more than two decades of experience in food safety auditing, certification, training and operational leadership across North America, Kris remains active as an auditor while leading business growth, training initiatives and auditor development programs. Connect with X4 Engineering For more conversations with industry leaders across testing, inspection, certification and engineering, subscribe to X4 Talks and follow X4 Engineering for future episodes. #FoodSafety #GFSI #SQF #FSSC22000 #FoodManufacturing #Auditing #QualityAssurance #Certification #BureauVeritas #X4Talks #FoodIndustry #Leadership #Compliance #SupplyChain #FoodSafetyCulture #TIC Hosted by Sam Kent Head of Food Safety & Social Compliance Recruitment at X4 Engineering and featuring Kris Middleton , Food and Forestry Business Unit Director at Bureau Veritas.

June 30, 202633 min

Alejandro Torres on Long-Term Tenure, Building Schedules from Scratch and Proposals Vs Active Projects & Curiosity

In this episode of X4 Talks, Joe Wood‑Lowe, Head of Construction at X4 Engineering continues his mini-series in Project Delivery, this time interviewing Alejandro Torres PSP, a seasoned planner and scheduler whose career spans oil & gas, heavy civil, healthcare, commercial and mission‑critical construction across the United States. Alejandro and Joe explore: How early field experience shaped Alejandro’s communication style and credibility with PMs, supers and trade partners Why curiosity is the defining trait of great schedulers The realities of proposal scheduling vs. active construction scheduling How long‑term tenure builds deeper networks, better decision‑making and stronger project outcomes The unique challenges of scheduling in live healthcare environments What it takes to manage multiple concurrent projects without losing the nuance of each team’s ecosystem Why building schedules from scratch helps schedulers truly understand the project Alejandro’s story is anything but linear. Born in Houston into a construction family, he spent his childhood moving from state to state before settling in Eagle Pass, Texas. After earning a Bachelor’s in Economics & Mathematics from Denison University, he initially set his sights on a career in finance until the 2008 housing crash closed that door. What followed was a return to construction, working alongside his father and brothers on compressor stations and heavy civil projects from Nebraska to Pennsylvania. Those field years became the foundation for everything that came next. Driven to deepen his technical expertise, Alejandro earned a Master’s in Construction Management from the University of Florida, which opened the door to his first scheduling role with The Industrial Company. From there, he joined Kiewit Power Constructors, gaining exposure to pre‑construction scheduling, procurement strategy and large‑scale industrial planning. In 2016, Alejandro found his long‑term professional home at Brasfield & Gorrie, where he has spent the past decade supporting scheduling efforts across hospitals, MOBs, high‑rise apartments, assisted living facilities, libraries and major commercial developments throughout Florida and the Southeast. Alejandro’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention and the power of staying curious. For anyone considering a career in scheduling or looking to deepen their craft, this episode is full of grounded, hard‑earned insight. Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe , Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring Alejandro Torres , Senior Planner & Scheduler at Brasfield & Gorrie.

May 14, 202636 min

Inside the Schedule: Regan Soldner on Data Centres, AI and Smarter Project Delivery

In this episode of X4 Talks, Joe Wood‑Lowe, Head of Construction at X4 Engineering continues his mini-series in Project Delivery. Joe’s next guest is Regan Soldner, newly promoted Vice President of Scheduling at Ryan Companies. Regan is a scheduling leader specialising in large, complex program delivery. Regan began her career in consulting before moving to the general contractor side, gaining deep experience across major projects, including large‑scale data centres. She is known for bringing efficiency and clarity to complex environments, aligning teams and improving how work is planned and executed. Regan’s path into construction is an interesting story. She grew up in a construction family and learned to read drawings as a teenager. After playing Division I basketball and teaching English in Rome, a chance encounter led her into consulting and eventually to roles across Hawaii, California and the mainland US. Her philosophy is simple: “ Seize the opportunities… that’s what’s really got me to where I am today. ” Discussions in this Episode include: • Why GCs have historically guarded native schedules • How trust and early collaboration with trade partners improve outcomes • The real state of AI in scheduling • The rise of scheduling collaboration tools that shift schedulers from data entry to true analysis A rich, insightful episode for anyone delivering complex projects or navigating the evolving world of construction scheduling and technology. Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe , Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring Regan Soldner , Vice President of Scheduling at Ryan Companies.

April 16, 202635 min

How Projects Really Get Built: A Scheduler’s Guide to Delivery Excellence with Christopher Perkins, Senior Scheduling Manager at Barton Malow

In this episode of X4 Talks, Joe Wood‑Lowe, Head of Construction at X4 Engineering kicks off a new mini-series in Project Delivery. Joe’s first guest is Christopher Perkins, Senior Scheduling Manager at Barton Malow and one of the most respected scheduling leaders in U.S. construction. Born into a construction family and now responsible for more than $2 billion worth of work in place, Christopher brings a rare blend of field‑tested experience, technical mastery and an instinct for developing the next generation of schedulers. Christopher’s portfolio spans some of the most complex environments in the built world including hospitals, high‑rises, aerospace facilities and major sports venues. Today, he’s deep into two headline projects: a $400 million renovation of Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL and a new $300 million municipal arena in Macon, GA. Discussions in this Episode include: Why field experience is the most underrated advantage in scheduling The biggest misconceptions junior schedulers bring on day one How to teach sequencing, logic, and critical path thinking that actually sticks The art of getting buy‑in from PMs, supers and subcontractors What AI will and won’t automate in construction planning How humility, communication and curiosity shape elite schedulers If you work in Project Delivery, Scheduling, Project Management, Field Ops or Executive Leadership this conversation really is a masterclass! Hosted by Joe Wood-Lowe , Head of Construction at X4 Engineering and featuring Christopher Perkins , Senior Scheduling Manager at Barton Malow.

January 8, 2026Episode 1126 min

How do early-stage biotechs navigate regulation? With Bruno Speder, Vice President Regulatory Affairs – Aletheia Life Science

In this episode of X4 Talks, we sit down with Bruno Speder, Vice President Regulatory Affairs at Aletheia Life Science, who brings nearly two decades of experience guiding global drug development programmes and leading interactions with major health authorities, including the FDA and EMA. Having worked across CROs, biotech companies, and early-stage spin-offs in the UK, France, and Belgium, Bruno offers rare insight into why regulatory leadership is essential from day one. Discussions in the episode: Why early scientific innovation must be matched with strategic regulatory thinking What leaders should know when preparing therapies for human challenge trials Why science alone isn’t always enough in early development The role of regulatory affairs in volunteer and patient recruitment Advice for those looking to move into regulatory affairs This episode is hosted by Alicia Cliff , Head of Medical Communications at the X4 Group.