August 26, 2025 • 23 mins
What happens when an architect decides there's a better way to build? Nerva Kay Ghamraoui, founder of Katalyst Construction, is reshaping Sydney's luxury residential construction landscape by prioritising people over profits and quality over shortcuts.
From winning her first drafting award at age five to becoming a standout leader in one of Australia's most male-dominated industries, Nerva's journey embodies resilience and vision. When she walks onto construction sites, people often assume she must be related to "the actual builder" rather than being the founder herself. Yet it's precisely this outsider perspective that has allowed her to create something fundamentally different.
Specialising in multi-million dollar custom homes, Katalyst Construction approaches each project with architectural precision and genuine human connection. "We're here to build homes, not houses," Nerva explains, highlighting the emotional investment homeowners make in what is often their life's most significant purchase. Her team maintains open communication throughout projects, remains flexible in the face of variations, and cultivates lasting relationships with clients that continue long after handover.
This relationship-focused approach extends to her carefully selected team of contractors who share her values around craftsmanship and client care. The results speak for themselves—including award-winning projects that stand as neighbourhood landmarks. For Nerva, success comes from creating trust, delivering excellence, and proving that construction can be both profitable and purposeful.
Her advice to anyone facing industry barriers resonates beyond the construction industry: "If you don't find a seat at the table, create your own table." Through continuous learning, unwavering self-belief, and genuine connection, she demonstrates how convention can be challenged and industries transformed.
Would you be ready to build differently? Connect with Nerva through katalystconstruction.com.au (Katalyst with a K) or follow Engaging Conversations for more inspiring leadership stories that are reshaping our future.
Thank you for listening!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Leon Goltsman (00:00):
Welcome to Engaging Conversations, the
series where business meetspurpose, and the people
reshaping our future to get thespotlight they deserve.
I'm your host, Leon Goltsman,and with each episode we bring
you real-world insights fromleaders who are raising
standards, challengingindustries and proving that
integrity still has a place inbusiness.
(00:22):
Today's guest is doing all thatand more.
Nerva K Gumrawi is the founderof Katalyst Construction, a
high-end residential buildingcompany based in Sydney.
She's an architect, builder anda standout leader in one of the
most male- dominated industriesin Australia.
But this isn't just about bricksand mortar.
(00:42):
Nerva and her team delivercustom homes, each valued in the
multi-million dollar range,with a high level of care,
craftsmanship and connectionthat's rare in today's
construction landscape.
Her story is one of resilience,reputation and doing things
differently from the ground up,and this episode is brought to
(01:03):
you with the support of NiasKanath and the team at Invest
Intelligence, proud champions ofvalues and leadership, smart
development and communities thatthrive.
And, as always, the viewsshared in this conversation
reflect personal experience andare not intended as professional
advice.
It's a conversation aboutvalues, vision and what happens
when someone dares to build adifferent kind of legacy.
(01:26):
So, without further ado, let'sget into it.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (01:30):
Hi, my name is Nova K Gamrawi, founder of
Katalyst Construction.
My love for design andarchitecture brought me into
construction industry, but whatkept me here is the drive to
change it.
So I set out to build somethingdifferent, a business grounded
in integrity, innovation andinclusion.
For me, every project is morethan just bricks and mortar.
(01:52):
It's about creating purposedriven space, supporting local
communities and proving that youdon't have to fit the mold to
belong.
You can shape it.
Leon Goltsman (02:03):
That's something we see a lot of great businesses
do.
They don't follow, they lead,and we know the great businesses
often come from moments offrustration and seeing something
missing and deciding to fillthe gap yourself.
Clearly, that's what you'redoing.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (02:17):
Exactly.
Leon Goltsman (02:17):
So when you realized the construction
industry lacked representation,empathy and inclusivity, what
was the spark that made you sayI'm going to change this?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (02:29):
When I had my first project.
I'll reflect on my ownexperience, which is I wasn't a
builder at the time, I was justan architect and I started my
first project and I built itwith another builder he was a
builder there, but I was aproject manager builder with
another builder.
He was a builder there, but Iwas a project manager and I
started to see how people reacttowards building and the lack of
(02:50):
empathy and the inclusivitywhen people choose like because
I was doing my own project.
Then I've got duplex, I've gottwo sides and people saying how
about, if we do this for yourside, but then we don't have to
do as good?
As for the other section, whichis it's going for sale, and for
me to see people that's howthey think of building and
(03:10):
that's how they should deliver aproject.
It actually got me really deepdown and I do realize people do
spend a lot of money andhardship to build their own home
, and this is what KatalystConstruction focus on custom
homes to build their own home,and this is what Katalyst
Construction focus on customhomes.
So most likely we deal withhomeowners and people do suffer
from the way the buildersmisrepresent themselves and
(03:33):
don't deliver the right productfor the clients.
Leon Goltsman (03:36):
Yeah, well, we see that in a lot of different
industries, where people putprofits before people, before
results and the quality.
And seeing you today whereyou've come, and you've come a
long way, but when you've walkedinto rooms where people don't
expect you to be the founder orthe builder yet you've turned
those moments into opportunities.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (03:57):
Yeah, with this kind of experience it comes
a lot, especially because as awoman in a male-dominated
industry, so people don't expectto see a lady on job sites.
But when I started it wasn'tthe norm for them.
So people always expect me tobe either the daughter of a
builder or the sister of thebuilder or the wife of the
(04:17):
builder, so no one wouldactually think I have started
this from ground up.
No one in my family is abuilder or developer.
I've started the passion fordesigning.
You can go back when I was fiveyears old, when I won my first
award for drafting.
My mom took me.
I remember this as a dream andI feel like sometimes people ask
(04:41):
me when did you start to havethe passion or the love for
designing?
I reflect on that and I saymaybe that's something I was
born with the talent fordesigning and eye for details
and stuff like that.
Leon Goltsman (04:55):
And we see a lot of people growing up.
They have all these interestsas children, but sometimes along
the way, the focus shifts andit's not always their option.
That's not always their option.
That's not always their choice.
It's almost like the parents orthe school or the career
advisor choose something forpeople.
It's probably the reason whypeople end up not being
(05:15):
satisfied, knowing that theycould have done something with
their life, but instead they'reliving other people's dreams,
and you've taken that and youfollowed your heart and you
followed your dream.
True, but you mentioned earlierthat a building is more than
bricks and mortar and it's achance to leave a social
footprint.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (05:34):
Mm-hmm.
Leon Goltsman (05:35):
Tell me, Nova, how do you make sure your
projects deliver a positiveimpact long after the tools are
packed away?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (05:42):
At Katalyst we keep in contact with the
clients.
We make sure the client's happyand satisfied, even during our
build.
We deliver to theirsatisfaction.
We see where they need toimprove more in the build
because not everything is alwaysclear to the clients when
they're building homes.
So a lot of things come alongthe way and they start to
(06:05):
realise maybe I want this, maybeI don't want that, and we work
very flexible with the clientsand also with the variation.
We don't have a lot of loads onour clients in that matter, so
we do help them during the buildand we make sure this is
continued on after we finish ourproject by having a good local
(06:25):
tradies and contractors, that weall work together as a team.
It's about delivering goodproduct to the clients, and the
clients has to be happy.
Leon Goltsman (06:33):
Yeah Well, you've hit the nail on the head as
well by saying good team, goodpeople and locals.
Having that doesn't just meanthat you're supporting your
local community and creating thejobs, but you're also better
for the environment.
Less travel, less traffic or,even worse, they cut corners and
try and do things themselves,or they miss it all together A
(06:55):
hundred percent, especially thecutting corners.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (06:57):
That's something that really bothers me
.
When I see someone cuttingcorners, it's just like I raise
it straight away and we have theconversation.
You go back to quoting jobs andnever people ask you to quote a
job to cut corners.
You charge for your money likeyou charge for your work to do a
proper job and good job, andthis is what I focus on.
(07:18):
When people going to work, theyneed to deliver and this is my
main concern for clients.
It's not always smooth, it'snot always happy time on site,
not the client's alwayssatisfied.
That's why we have to managebetween the tradies and the
clients, the home owners, thateveryone is just getting the
message doing the right thingand not to focus about the
(07:41):
dollar thing.
It's focused about these peopleare going to live in this house
for a very long time Becausewhen you're working with home
owners, most of them they buildonly once.
Leon Goltsman (07:51):
Yeah, and this is their dream home.
And not only that it's probablythe most valuable investment
other than their children andtheir family.
Of course, it's the mostvaluable investment, the most
significant, they're ever goingto make in their life.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (08:04):
Exactly, it's a lot of decisions.
A lot of the psychologicalcomes with it as well,
especially when a lot offinancial includes and people
get emotional over buildingtheir own home.
So it's sad to say also a lotof people known to get divorced
during build.
So that's bring a lot ofpressure on them and also on us.
(08:27):
So for me it's a bit of apersonal as well.
So through my own experience Iwanted to protect my clients
from going through that and makesure they're all good and keep
the communication clear withthem and make sure for them
they're all going to get whatthey want in their house even if
it's going to cost us some moremoney, if they can't afford it,
(08:48):
but we make sure they do getreceive it.
Leon Goltsman (08:50):
I never really thought about that before, but
absolutely, when people goingthrough a difficult time like
building, moving is one of thethe hardest thing, I mean that's
your relationship.
Well, that is because it's notjust one person that has to deal
with it.
It becomes everybody's.
Exactly.
So what I'm seeing is not justthe way that you approach
(09:13):
business, but the way that youwork with people.
Being different in businessisn't a weakness.
It can actually be yourgreatest advantage.
And how has embracing yourdifference shaped the way you
run, Katalyst Construction andapproach projects?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (09:28):
You've got to be authentic to people.
You've got to show that you docare and you've got to show that
you're a partner with them intheir project.
It's not about you making money.
It's about you making themhappy to deliver their jobs, and
being different is somethingthat makes you special.
I am an architect and a builder,so my architectural comes very
(09:52):
handy also with my buildingproject, because we do see
things differently.
So also sometimes we do addmore of designing and color
coordination, material choosingfor people, so we help them a
lot with all this stuff.
Some builders they're not thereto spend that time with their
clients and to help them outwith this one-on-one.
(10:13):
So for me I do take things verypersonally and I come very
close with my clients and I makesure they feel comfortable.
They contact me at any time ofthe day.
I answer.
I feel like the clients need tobe in a space where they're
feeling safe with their builderbecause unfortunately, a lot of
builders I can't say all of them, but there is a big number that
(10:36):
did not left a good reviewsabout builders.
So people come to you alreadythey're just assuming you're
like everybody else, so you needto prove that you're not.
You need to show them that youdo have sympathy towards them.
You're not coming there just totake the money and run away and
disappear on them.
I'm very comfortable withmyself and I feel this is what
(11:00):
makes me different.
I feel this is my point ofdifferent is just to have that
feeling towards people andconnect with them on a different
level than just a financiallevel.
Leon Goltsman (11:12):
So speed and cost cutting might win short-term
contracts.
We've seen that.
We've seen peopleover-promising, under-delivering
.
Quality and thoughtfulnessbuilds a lasting legacy, yes.
So in a fast-paced industry,how do you stay true to high
standards without compromise?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (11:30):
We do keep our contractors who hold the
same values as us.
So for clients, this is whatmakes us to deliver jobs on time
with good quality.
This is what make us to deliverjobs on time with good quality.
That people who works with usas a team, they know, understand
what it is for the client toget good work, and they do
understand what they're workingwith as well.
So it's not just about havinglicense with no knowledge of
(11:54):
what they're doing.
They do understand the industry, they do know the materials,
they do know the product as well, and this is what we keep this
kind of contractors and that'swhat makes us strong as well.
So we are strong together as ateam.
Together, with the right people, we do deliver the good quality
homes.
Our legacy is to create workingwith good people without
(12:16):
compromising the delivery of thequality of the project.
We're here to build homes, nothouses, and this is something we
make very clear with ourcontractors.
Leon Goltsman (12:26):
As you mentioned, the right partnerships can
elevate a project from good toexceptional, and sometimes that
can make all the difference.
What do you look for in aclient, developer or investor
before deciding to work together?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (12:39):
What we look for in our clients is
people who have the same valuesas us.
They see the same outcome whenwe're building and when we're
working together.
Because when we deal withclients it's a long-term
relationship.
It's not a week or two Likesometimes we do spend a year
with the same clients.
So if we don't all have thesame values that we work with
(13:04):
and understand what business islike because it's very important
In our works most of the timewe do need to educate some
people, especially homeowners,the people who've done it the
first time.
But when we work with investorsand developers, obviously they
do understand it a little bitmore and it makes it a bit more
easier.
But our satisfaction is to workwith both of them, with
(13:25):
everyone, everyone that do needour service, to make them happy
and to give them a good home.
They would always be proud ofthat.
They were a partner with us tobuild it for them.
Let me share something with you.
I had a client.
He was a developer and he knownme as an architect.
So he he asked me give mesomething nice.
(13:47):
He just didn't give me anyguidelines, nothing.
All he wanted is something nice, something.
Leon Goltsman (13:52):
So that was the brief.
It's just like give mesomething nice Give me something
nice and he knows.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (13:56):
he knows I need to follow with the council
regulation and all of that.
And he knows how I work.
He knows my tests.
I've designed something for him, like a couple of other jobs
for him before that, so he knowsmy ability and he's just like
do whatever you want with thatone.
And he was doing that for sale.
So I gave him designer in thearea when it was built.
(14:18):
Everyone now turns head to thatdesign and when he started to
build it, he asked me to comeand do project manager on it.
So I was there from thebeginning to the end of that
project and the freedom that hegave me in regards of making
decisions, choosing colors,design the whole project the way
I really wanted to do it.
It was very, very beneficialfor him as well, because he knew
(14:42):
it was in his area to interfereand interrupt all the decisions
that I was making.
So he gave me the trust and,based on that, I gave it all my
power and it was something I wasI was very proud of to do.
And now I look back at it andit's just like I'm so happy with
this experience because thisguy he he put my name on that
(15:06):
project as well, and thatproject did win an award for
best project in construction anddesign in the year 24.
Leon Goltsman (15:14):
And that's only recent.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (15:16):
Yeah, last year, but the job was done in
2023.
Yeah, and things like thatpeople need to understand.
When they hire an architect ora builder, they need to give
them a trust.
They need to trust them withwhat?
Leon Goltsman (15:31):
they're doing.
So when you've got people whoactually step back and you do
your work, it must be veryliberating.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (15:40):
It is.
It's very, very good andrewarding as well.
Leon Goltsman (15:43):
Especially if you end up getting projects that
win awards.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (15:47):
Yeah, exactly, and especially for me,
like when I was starting, I sayagain, as a woman in a male
dominated industry, and this guygave me all this trust.
I felt like more power, becausewhen people show you the trust,
they make you feel like you gotit and you can do what you love
to do most.
And this is why I think it'svery important to have that
(16:10):
feeling with your clients.
Leon Goltsman (16:12):
Yeah, and also just listening to your story, it
proves that leadership doesn'trequire permission.
It requires courage andconviction.
Exactly, and you'vedemonstrated that in spades.
What's the one piece of adviceyou'd give to someone,
especially a young woman, whofeels they don't fit the
industry that they're dreamingof entering?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (16:33):
I'll say just follow your dreams.
Don't let anyone doubt what youdo or your ability of what you
can do.
Just look around you and, ifyou don't find a seat on the
table, create your own table andjust get in strong and follow
(16:54):
up people who you admire.
Reach out for people who cangive you motivation and don't
feel you're alone.
You're never alone.
We're all successful in ourwork.
We do things by ourselves, butwe're never alone.
We're all successful in ourwork.
We do things by ourselves, butwe're never alone.
We can never be successful ifwe're doing things without
anyone's help.
I don't believe that.
(17:14):
When people say I built this bymyself and I've done this with
nothing, okay, yes, well, maybewe do start from zero, but if we
don't have the support alongthe way, that people support us
and trust in us and see the goodthat, what we can deliver, we
cannot make it.
So this all comes withinyourself.
If you believe that you can dothis, everyone else can see it.
(17:36):
If you don't believe that youcan do it, no one else is going
to believe you.
You've got to believe inyourself and this is where it
starts from.
Leon Goltsman (17:44):
Whether you think you're right or you're wrong,
you're right.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (17:47):
Yeah, this is what I felt as well.
It's got to be me right Now.
Look, you do got to listen toother people, and sky is the
limit.
When I came to Australia, Ialso had no word of English, so
this is something I started towork on myself and improve my
(18:07):
skills, and I started to takecourses to just fit in and feel
like I need to deliver my workwithin the standard of this
country.
So I didn't rely on mycertificates that one I had back
home I kept on studying andworking all the journey of my
work.
I've never studied and stoppedand then I went to work.
(18:28):
It was never like that.
I was studying, working, andthen I improved myself more with
my study and then I'll work,and then I'll go again and I'll
study more, and this is what ledme today to be an architect and
a builder.
Leon Goltsman (18:43):
So you have come a long way, and hearing stories
and seeing what someone withchallenges went through to get
to where you are today, itreally is inspiring, thank you,
and I'm sure other people wouldbe inspired as well.
So, nova, if people did want toreach out to you, if they
(19:04):
wanted to see the quality ofyour work or even ask you
questions, what is the best waythey can get in contact with you
?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (19:12):
There's a couple of ways they can check my
website, which is Katalyst.
Leon Goltsman (19:20):
Katalyst with a K .
I was going to say that with aK Katalyst with a K.
And if someone wants to callyou and actually hear your voice
, what's the best number to callyou on?
Nerva Kay G (19:32):
0-4-3-3-9-6-6-2-9-0 .
Leon Goltsman (19:36):
Fantastic.
Do you want to just repeat thatagain?
0443.
A433.
966.
966.
290.
290.
I mean, I'll have all the otherdetails as well, like the
Instagram, in the show notes.
So if you're driving or walking, hopefully you're not doing
both.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (19:56):
No, my car's just down there.
Leon Goltsman (19:57):
No, I was talking to the listeners.
Oh, okay, sorry, so you'll beable to access the information
in the show notes.
Thank you very much, nerva.
You're fantastic.
Talking to you is great.
Speaking and sitting in frontof you in person is just as good
, if not better.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (20:14):
Thank you so much.
I really appreciate youinviting me for this podcast
today and it was lovely meetingyou and I hope the listeners
will enjoy our conversation andbring maybe some laughter to
them as well.
Like we had a bit of goodlaughter.
Leon Goltsman (20:29):
Yeah, we have a lot of fun in our conversations.
I do, I always have a lot offun in our conversations and
yeah, especially what happensbehind the scenes which I'm not
going to mention with theaudience.
But I can tell you that some ofthe people I speak with are so
serious in real life and thenwe're just sitting back laughing
.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (20:48):
Yeah, I think you've just got to relax
and just be natural and letpeople know who you are from the
inside, you know.
Leon Goltsman (20:56):
Yeah, absolutely.
But, nova, thank you so much.
I'm really looking forward toseeing you go from strength to
strength, as you have been.
You're doing great work.
We've got a couple of reallygood events coming up, and it's
just wonderful that we, asprofessionals in our own right,
have the ability to connect withother professionals, not just
(21:17):
within our own industry, butbeyond.
So I'm really grateful for thatand all the wonderful people
who have brought us together aswell.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (21:24):
Thank you so much, and I really appreciate
that as well.
Leon Goltsman (21:28):
Now that was a conversation worth holding on to
, not just for what Nerva'sachieved, but for how she's
doing it.
In an industry driven by speedand shortcuts, Nerva K Gomorowie
is proof that doing things theright way still matters, and
that conviction, not convention,is what sets true leaders apart
.
More than just buildingmulti-million dollar homes, it's
(21:51):
about building trust, raisingexpectations and reshaping what
leadership looks like on the jobsite.
It's that blend of discipline,design and genuine care for
people that makes her story socompelling.
To learn more or connectdirectly, visit Katalyst that's
Katalyst with a K or check outthe show notes for all the links
(22:13):
.
And if her story sparkedsomething in you, you're exactly
who this series is for outanytime at Leon.
Goltsman at ecohq.
com.
au.
I'd love to hear what thisconversation meant to you or
simply keep you in the loop forwhat's ahead.
Next month, I'm in partnershipwith Bondi and Districts Chamber
(22:36):
of Commerce, where we'rehosting celebrating connections
a special, special VIP eventwhere leaders like Nerva,
community builders andpurpose-driven professionals
from all across New South Waleswill come together for one
unforgettable evening.
This is an event aboutrecognising those who walk the
talk and represent the kind offuture we all want to build.
(22:58):
Spots are limited, so email meor subscribe through the show
notes if you'd like an invite orearly access to the details.
A big Niaz Cannoth at InvestIntelligence for their ongoing
support of this series and thevalues that we all stand for.
If you enjoyed today's episode,follow Engaging Conversations,
(23:19):
share it with someone who buildswith heart and leave a short
review to help others find ittoo.
I'm Leon Goltsman, and untilnext time, let's keep showing up
, lifting others and buildingsomething that lasts together.
Welcome to Engaging Conversations, the
series where business meetspurpose, and the people
reshaping our future to get thespotlight they deserve.
I'm your host, Leon Goltsman,and with each episode we bring
you real-world insights fromleaders who are raising
standards, challengingindustries and proving that
integrity still has a place inbusiness.
(00:22):
Today's guest is doing all thatand more.
Nerva K Gumrawi is the founderof Katalyst Construction, a
high-end residential buildingcompany based in Sydney.
She's an architect, builder anda standout leader in one of the
most male- dominated industriesin Australia.
But this isn't just about bricksand mortar.
(00:42):
Nerva and her team delivercustom homes, each valued in the
multi-million dollar range,with a high level of care,
craftsmanship and connectionthat's rare in today's
construction landscape.
Her story is one of resilience,reputation and doing things
differently from the ground up,and this episode is brought to
(01:03):
you with the support of NiasKanath and the team at Invest
Intelligence, proud champions ofvalues and leadership, smart
development and communities thatthrive.
And, as always, the viewsshared in this conversation
reflect personal experience andare not intended as professional
advice.
It's a conversation aboutvalues, vision and what happens
when someone dares to build adifferent kind of legacy.
(01:26):
So, without further ado, let'sget into it.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (01:30):
Hi, my name is Nova K Gamrawi, founder of
Katalyst Construction.
My love for design andarchitecture brought me into
construction industry, but whatkept me here is the drive to
change it.
So I set out to build somethingdifferent, a business grounded
in integrity, innovation andinclusion.
For me, every project is morethan just bricks and mortar.
(01:52):
It's about creating purposedriven space, supporting local
communities and proving that youdon't have to fit the mold to
belong.
You can shape it.
Leon Goltsman (02:03):
That's something we see a lot of great businesses
do.
They don't follow, they lead,and we know the great businesses
often come from moments offrustration and seeing something
missing and deciding to fillthe gap yourself.
Clearly, that's what you'redoing.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (02:17):
Exactly.
Leon Goltsman (02:17):
So when you realized the construction
industry lacked representation,empathy and inclusivity, what
was the spark that made you sayI'm going to change this?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (02:29):
When I had my first project.
I'll reflect on my ownexperience, which is I wasn't a
builder at the time, I was justan architect and I started my
first project and I built itwith another builder he was a
builder there, but I was aproject manager builder with
another builder.
He was a builder there, but Iwas a project manager and I
started to see how people reacttowards building and the lack of
(02:50):
empathy and the inclusivitywhen people choose like because
I was doing my own project.
Then I've got duplex, I've gottwo sides and people saying how
about, if we do this for yourside, but then we don't have to
do as good?
As for the other section, whichis it's going for sale, and for
me to see people that's howthey think of building and
(03:10):
that's how they should deliver aproject.
It actually got me really deepdown and I do realize people do
spend a lot of money andhardship to build their own home
, and this is what KatalystConstruction focus on custom
homes to build their own home,and this is what Katalyst
Construction focus on customhomes.
So most likely we deal withhomeowners and people do suffer
from the way the buildersmisrepresent themselves and
(03:33):
don't deliver the right productfor the clients.
Leon Goltsman (03:36):
Yeah, well, we see that in a lot of different
industries, where people putprofits before people, before
results and the quality.
And seeing you today whereyou've come, and you've come a
long way, but when you've walkedinto rooms where people don't
expect you to be the founder orthe builder yet you've turned
those moments into opportunities.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (03:57):
Yeah, with this kind of experience it comes
a lot, especially because as awoman in a male-dominated
industry, so people don't expectto see a lady on job sites.
But when I started it wasn'tthe norm for them.
So people always expect me tobe either the daughter of a
builder or the sister of thebuilder or the wife of the
(04:17):
builder, so no one wouldactually think I have started
this from ground up.
No one in my family is abuilder or developer.
I've started the passion fordesigning.
You can go back when I was fiveyears old, when I won my first
award for drafting.
My mom took me.
I remember this as a dream andI feel like sometimes people ask
(04:41):
me when did you start to havethe passion or the love for
designing?
I reflect on that and I saymaybe that's something I was
born with the talent fordesigning and eye for details
and stuff like that.
Leon Goltsman (04:55):
And we see a lot of people growing up.
They have all these interestsas children, but sometimes along
the way, the focus shifts andit's not always their option.
That's not always their option.
That's not always their choice.
It's almost like the parents orthe school or the career
advisor choose something forpeople.
It's probably the reason whypeople end up not being
(05:15):
satisfied, knowing that theycould have done something with
their life, but instead they'reliving other people's dreams,
and you've taken that and youfollowed your heart and you
followed your dream.
True, but you mentioned earlierthat a building is more than
bricks and mortar and it's achance to leave a social
footprint.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (05:34):
Mm-hmm.
Leon Goltsman (05:35):
Tell me, Nova, how do you make sure your
projects deliver a positiveimpact long after the tools are
packed away?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (05:42):
At Katalyst we keep in contact with the
clients.
We make sure the client's happyand satisfied, even during our
build.
We deliver to theirsatisfaction.
We see where they need toimprove more in the build
because not everything is alwaysclear to the clients when
they're building homes.
So a lot of things come alongthe way and they start to
(06:05):
realise maybe I want this, maybeI don't want that, and we work
very flexible with the clientsand also with the variation.
We don't have a lot of loads onour clients in that matter, so
we do help them during the buildand we make sure this is
continued on after we finish ourproject by having a good local
(06:25):
tradies and contractors, that weall work together as a team.
It's about delivering goodproduct to the clients, and the
clients has to be happy.
Leon Goltsman (06:33):
Yeah Well, you've hit the nail on the head as
well by saying good team, goodpeople and locals.
Having that doesn't just meanthat you're supporting your
local community and creating thejobs, but you're also better
for the environment.
Less travel, less traffic or,even worse, they cut corners and
try and do things themselves,or they miss it all together A
(06:55):
hundred percent, especially thecutting corners.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (06:57):
That's something that really bothers me
.
When I see someone cuttingcorners, it's just like I raise
it straight away and we have theconversation.
You go back to quoting jobs andnever people ask you to quote a
job to cut corners.
You charge for your money likeyou charge for your work to do a
proper job and good job, andthis is what I focus on.
(07:18):
When people going to work, theyneed to deliver and this is my
main concern for clients.
It's not always smooth, it'snot always happy time on site,
not the client's alwayssatisfied.
That's why we have to managebetween the tradies and the
clients, the home owners, thateveryone is just getting the
message doing the right thingand not to focus about the
(07:41):
dollar thing.
It's focused about these peopleare going to live in this house
for a very long time Becausewhen you're working with home
owners, most of them they buildonly once.
Leon Goltsman (07:51):
Yeah, and this is their dream home.
And not only that it's probablythe most valuable investment
other than their children andtheir family.
Of course, it's the mostvaluable investment, the most
significant, they're ever goingto make in their life.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (08:04):
Exactly, it's a lot of decisions.
A lot of the psychologicalcomes with it as well,
especially when a lot offinancial includes and people
get emotional over buildingtheir own home.
So it's sad to say also a lotof people known to get divorced
during build.
So that's bring a lot ofpressure on them and also on us.
(08:27):
So for me it's a bit of apersonal as well.
So through my own experience Iwanted to protect my clients
from going through that and makesure they're all good and keep
the communication clear withthem and make sure for them
they're all going to get whatthey want in their house even if
it's going to cost us some moremoney, if they can't afford it,
(08:48):
but we make sure they do getreceive it.
Leon Goltsman (08:50):
I never really thought about that before, but
absolutely, when people goingthrough a difficult time like
building, moving is one of thethe hardest thing, I mean that's
your relationship.
Well, that is because it's notjust one person that has to deal
with it.
It becomes everybody's.
Exactly.
So what I'm seeing is not justthe way that you approach
(09:13):
business, but the way that youwork with people.
Being different in businessisn't a weakness.
It can actually be yourgreatest advantage.
And how has embracing yourdifference shaped the way you
run, Katalyst Construction andapproach projects?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (09:28):
You've got to be authentic to people.
You've got to show that you docare and you've got to show that
you're a partner with them intheir project.
It's not about you making money.
It's about you making themhappy to deliver their jobs, and
being different is somethingthat makes you special.
I am an architect and a builder,so my architectural comes very
(09:52):
handy also with my buildingproject, because we do see
things differently.
So also sometimes we do addmore of designing and color
coordination, material choosingfor people, so we help them a
lot with all this stuff.
Some builders they're not thereto spend that time with their
clients and to help them outwith this one-on-one.
(10:13):
So for me I do take things verypersonally and I come very
close with my clients and I makesure they feel comfortable.
They contact me at any time ofthe day.
I answer.
I feel like the clients need tobe in a space where they're
feeling safe with their builderbecause unfortunately, a lot of
builders I can't say all of them, but there is a big number that
(10:36):
did not left a good reviewsabout builders.
So people come to you alreadythey're just assuming you're
like everybody else, so you needto prove that you're not.
You need to show them that youdo have sympathy towards them.
You're not coming there just totake the money and run away and
disappear on them.
I'm very comfortable withmyself and I feel this is what
(11:00):
makes me different.
I feel this is my point ofdifferent is just to have that
feeling towards people andconnect with them on a different
level than just a financiallevel.
Leon Goltsman (11:12):
So speed and cost cutting might win short-term
contracts.
We've seen that.
We've seen peopleover-promising, under-delivering
.
Quality and thoughtfulnessbuilds a lasting legacy, yes.
So in a fast-paced industry,how do you stay true to high
standards without compromise?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (11:30):
We do keep our contractors who hold the
same values as us.
So for clients, this is whatmakes us to deliver jobs on time
with good quality.
This is what make us to deliverjobs on time with good quality.
That people who works with usas a team, they know, understand
what it is for the client toget good work, and they do
understand what they're workingwith as well.
So it's not just about havinglicense with no knowledge of
(11:54):
what they're doing.
They do understand the industry, they do know the materials,
they do know the product as well, and this is what we keep this
kind of contractors and that'swhat makes us strong as well.
So we are strong together as ateam.
Together, with the right people, we do deliver the good quality
homes.
Our legacy is to create workingwith good people without
(12:16):
compromising the delivery of thequality of the project.
We're here to build homes, nothouses, and this is something we
make very clear with ourcontractors.
Leon Goltsman (12:26):
As you mentioned, the right partnerships can
elevate a project from good toexceptional, and sometimes that
can make all the difference.
What do you look for in aclient, developer or investor
before deciding to work together?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (12:39):
What we look for in our clients is
people who have the same valuesas us.
They see the same outcome whenwe're building and when we're
working together.
Because when we deal withclients it's a long-term
relationship.
It's not a week or two Likesometimes we do spend a year
with the same clients.
So if we don't all have thesame values that we work with
(13:04):
and understand what business islike because it's very important
In our works most of the timewe do need to educate some
people, especially homeowners,the people who've done it the
first time.
But when we work with investorsand developers, obviously they
do understand it a little bitmore and it makes it a bit more
easier.
But our satisfaction is to workwith both of them, with
(13:25):
everyone, everyone that do needour service, to make them happy
and to give them a good home.
They would always be proud ofthat.
They were a partner with us tobuild it for them.
Let me share something with you.
I had a client.
He was a developer and he knownme as an architect.
So he he asked me give mesomething nice.
(13:47):
He just didn't give me anyguidelines, nothing.
All he wanted is something nice, something.
Leon Goltsman (13:52):
So that was the brief.
It's just like give mesomething nice Give me something
nice and he knows.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (13:56):
he knows I need to follow with the council
regulation and all of that.
And he knows how I work.
He knows my tests.
I've designed something for him, like a couple of other jobs
for him before that, so he knowsmy ability and he's just like
do whatever you want with thatone.
And he was doing that for sale.
So I gave him designer in thearea when it was built.
(14:18):
Everyone now turns head to thatdesign and when he started to
build it, he asked me to comeand do project manager on it.
So I was there from thebeginning to the end of that
project and the freedom that hegave me in regards of making
decisions, choosing colors,design the whole project the way
I really wanted to do it.
It was very, very beneficialfor him as well, because he knew
(14:42):
it was in his area to interfereand interrupt all the decisions
that I was making.
So he gave me the trust and,based on that, I gave it all my
power and it was something I wasI was very proud of to do.
And now I look back at it andit's just like I'm so happy with
this experience because thisguy he he put my name on that
(15:06):
project as well, and thatproject did win an award for
best project in construction anddesign in the year 24.
Leon Goltsman (15:14):
And that's only recent.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (15:16):
Yeah, last year, but the job was done in
2023.
Yeah, and things like thatpeople need to understand.
When they hire an architect ora builder, they need to give
them a trust.
They need to trust them withwhat?
Leon Goltsman (15:31):
they're doing.
So when you've got people whoactually step back and you do
your work, it must be veryliberating.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (15:40):
It is.
It's very, very good andrewarding as well.
Leon Goltsman (15:43):
Especially if you end up getting projects that
win awards.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (15:47):
Yeah, exactly, and especially for me,
like when I was starting, I sayagain, as a woman in a male
dominated industry, and this guygave me all this trust.
I felt like more power, becausewhen people show you the trust,
they make you feel like you gotit and you can do what you love
to do most.
And this is why I think it'svery important to have that
(16:10):
feeling with your clients.
Leon Goltsman (16:12):
Yeah, and also just listening to your story, it
proves that leadership doesn'trequire permission.
It requires courage andconviction.
Exactly, and you'vedemonstrated that in spades.
What's the one piece of adviceyou'd give to someone,
especially a young woman, whofeels they don't fit the
industry that they're dreamingof entering?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (16:33):
I'll say just follow your dreams.
Don't let anyone doubt what youdo or your ability of what you
can do.
Just look around you and, ifyou don't find a seat on the
table, create your own table andjust get in strong and follow
(16:54):
up people who you admire.
Reach out for people who cangive you motivation and don't
feel you're alone.
You're never alone.
We're all successful in ourwork.
We do things by ourselves, butwe're never alone.
We're all successful in ourwork.
We do things by ourselves, butwe're never alone.
We can never be successful ifwe're doing things without
anyone's help.
I don't believe that.
(17:14):
When people say I built this bymyself and I've done this with
nothing, okay, yes, well, maybewe do start from zero, but if we
don't have the support alongthe way, that people support us
and trust in us and see the goodthat, what we can deliver, we
cannot make it.
So this all comes withinyourself.
If you believe that you can dothis, everyone else can see it.
(17:36):
If you don't believe that youcan do it, no one else is going
to believe you.
You've got to believe inyourself and this is where it
starts from.
Leon Goltsman (17:44):
Whether you think you're right or you're wrong,
you're right.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (17:47):
Yeah, this is what I felt as well.
It's got to be me right Now.
Look, you do got to listen toother people, and sky is the
limit.
When I came to Australia, Ialso had no word of English, so
this is something I started towork on myself and improve my
(18:07):
skills, and I started to takecourses to just fit in and feel
like I need to deliver my workwithin the standard of this
country.
So I didn't rely on mycertificates that one I had back
home I kept on studying andworking all the journey of my
work.
I've never studied and stoppedand then I went to work.
(18:28):
It was never like that.
I was studying, working, andthen I improved myself more with
my study and then I'll work,and then I'll go again and I'll
study more, and this is what ledme today to be an architect and
a builder.
Leon Goltsman (18:43):
So you have come a long way, and hearing stories
and seeing what someone withchallenges went through to get
to where you are today, itreally is inspiring, thank you,
and I'm sure other people wouldbe inspired as well.
So, nova, if people did want toreach out to you, if they
(19:04):
wanted to see the quality ofyour work or even ask you
questions, what is the best waythey can get in contact with you
?
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (19:12):
There's a couple of ways they can check my
website, which is Katalyst.
Leon Goltsman (19:20):
Katalyst with a K .
I was going to say that with aK Katalyst with a K.
And if someone wants to callyou and actually hear your voice
, what's the best number to callyou on?
Nerva Kay G (19:32):
0-4-3-3-9-6-6-2-9-0 .
Leon Goltsman (19:36):
Fantastic.
Do you want to just repeat thatagain?
0443.
A433.
966.
966.
290.
290.
I mean, I'll have all the otherdetails as well, like the
Instagram, in the show notes.
So if you're driving or walking, hopefully you're not doing
both.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (19:56):
No, my car's just down there.
Leon Goltsman (19:57):
No, I was talking to the listeners.
Oh, okay, sorry, so you'll beable to access the information
in the show notes.
Thank you very much, nerva.
You're fantastic.
Talking to you is great.
Speaking and sitting in frontof you in person is just as good
, if not better.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (20:14):
Thank you so much.
I really appreciate youinviting me for this podcast
today and it was lovely meetingyou and I hope the listeners
will enjoy our conversation andbring maybe some laughter to
them as well.
Like we had a bit of goodlaughter.
Leon Goltsman (20:29):
Yeah, we have a lot of fun in our conversations.
I do, I always have a lot offun in our conversations and
yeah, especially what happensbehind the scenes which I'm not
going to mention with theaudience.
But I can tell you that some ofthe people I speak with are so
serious in real life and thenwe're just sitting back laughing
.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (20:48):
Yeah, I think you've just got to relax
and just be natural and letpeople know who you are from the
inside, you know.
Leon Goltsman (20:56):
Yeah, absolutely.
But, nova, thank you so much.
I'm really looking forward toseeing you go from strength to
strength, as you have been.
You're doing great work.
We've got a couple of reallygood events coming up, and it's
just wonderful that we, asprofessionals in our own right,
have the ability to connect withother professionals, not just
(21:17):
within our own industry, butbeyond.
So I'm really grateful for thatand all the wonderful people
who have brought us together aswell.
Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (21:24):
Thank you so much, and I really appreciate
that as well.
Leon Goltsman (21:28):
Now that was a conversation worth holding on to
, not just for what Nerva'sachieved, but for how she's
doing it.
In an industry driven by speedand shortcuts, Nerva K Gomorowie
is proof that doing things theright way still matters, and
that conviction, not convention,is what sets true leaders apart
.
More than just buildingmulti-million dollar homes, it's
(21:51):
about building trust, raisingexpectations and reshaping what
leadership looks like on the jobsite.
It's that blend of discipline,design and genuine care for
people that makes her story socompelling.
To learn more or connectdirectly, visit Katalyst that's
Katalyst with a K or check outthe show notes for all the links
(22:13):
.
And if her story sparkedsomething in you, you're exactly
who this series is for outanytime at Leon.
Goltsman at ecohq.
com.
au.
I'd love to hear what thisconversation meant to you or
simply keep you in the loop forwhat's ahead.
Next month, I'm in partnershipwith Bondi and Districts Chamber
(22:36):
of Commerce, where we'rehosting celebrating connections
a special, special VIP eventwhere leaders like Nerva,
community builders andpurpose-driven professionals
from all across New South Waleswill come together for one
unforgettable evening.
This is an event aboutrecognising those who walk the
talk and represent the kind offuture we all want to build.
(22:58):
Spots are limited, so email meor subscribe through the show
notes if you'd like an invite orearly access to the details.
A big Niaz Cannoth at InvestIntelligence for their ongoing
support of this series and thevalues that we all stand for.
If you enjoyed today's episode,follow Engaging Conversations,
(23:19):
share it with someone who buildswith heart and leave a short
review to help others find ittoo.
I'm Leon Goltsman, and untilnext time, let's keep showing up
, lifting others and buildingsomething that lasts together.
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