Leader Spotlight #06 - Michael Nielsen

Michael Nielsen, a second-generation immigrant of Danish and Serbian heritage, serves as the National Commercial Director (Associate Director – Structures) at Innovis.

1. Background and Inspiration: Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in the property and construction industry?

I was born in the early 1980s in the western suburbs of Melbourne to European immigrant parents. My father, originally from Denmark, moved to Australia in his mid-20s, while my mother came from Serbia at a young age. Growing up with influences from two distinctly different cultures —Scandinavian and Balkan—was a unique experience. Danish culture values minimalism, order, and individuality, while Serbian culture is renowned for its hospitality, expressiveness, and strong sense of community. Despite their differences, both cultures share core values that deeply shaped who I am: the importance of family, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to education.

As an only child, I had the good fortune of growing up immersed in a community rich in diversity. I was exposed to a variety of traditions, foods, and languages, which fostered a deep appreciation for cultural differences. I attended high school in Melbourne’s west, where multiculturalism was a constant part of daily life. It was during this time that my passion for creating and building first emerged. I spent countless hours with Lego—perhaps a nod to my Danish heritage—and discovered a love for constructing things. This natural curiosity for design and assembly sparked my interest in engineering. My uncle, a civil engineer, also played a significant role in nurturing this passion, inspiring me to pursue it further.

When the time came to choose a career path, I decided to focus on structural engineering. For the past 18 years, I’ve developed my expertise by working with global multidisciplinary firms and boutique engineering practices. Today, I serve as the National Commercial Director at Innovis, based in Melbourne. What drives me most in the property and construction industry is the satisfaction of creating structures that shape communities and endure over time. There’s still a sense of pride every time I pass through East Melbourne on the train to Flinders Street, seeing the first building I ever worked on—a reminder of the legacy we leave through the things we build.

2. Leadership and Diversity: How do you integrate your cultural background into your leadership style, or how do you advocate for diversity and inclusion within the industry?

Growing up with two distinct cultural influences has shaped my leadership style in meaningful ways. Balancing the structured, individual-oriented values of one culture with the communal, expressive nature of the other has taught me empathy and adaptability. This dual perspective allows me to approach challenges with openness, seeing them from different angles to find the best solutions.

In my leadership, I prioritise fostering an inclusive environment where diverse ideas and backgrounds are valued. Whether working with clients, colleagues, or teams, I strive to create spaces where everyone feels heard and respected. I believe that innovation thrives when people bring their authentic selves to work.

The construction industry is at its best when it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. I am committed to creating workplaces where people from all walks of life can succeed. By leading with empathy and collaboration, I aim to build stronger teams, better outcomes, and more inclusive environments.

3. Advice for Aspiring Professionals: What advice would you give to young professionals from multicultural backgrounds who aspire to leadership roles in the property and construction industry?

My advice is simple: be yourself and embrace your culture. Your background is a strength, not something to hide. Use it to bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table. At the same time, recognise that others will have different experiences and viewpoints. Respect those differences, and always listen with an open mind.

Leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about building relationships. By understanding and appreciating the diversity around you, you’ll foster stronger connections and earn respect. In the property and construction industry, collaboration is key, and diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes. Stay true to who you are, be proud of where you come from, and use your unique experiences to grow and inspire others along the way.

4. Future Vision: In your opinion, how can the property and construction industry better support multiculturalism?

The property and construction industry has made significant progress over the past 20 years, but there’s still room for improvement. Embracing open-mindedness and fostering inclusivity are key to unlocking the full potential of diverse teams. It’s important to be mindful of unconscious biases that can impact decision-making and workplace culture. By actively promoting diversity and appreciating the unique strengths people from different backgrounds bring, the industry can drive innovation, strengthen collaboration, and better reflect the communities it serves. A more inclusive approach leads to stronger, more resilient outcomes for everyone.

5. Cultural Celebrations: Can you share a significant cultural celebration or festival from your heritage that holds special meaning for you?

My family saint day (Slava), Djurdjevdan (Saint George’s Day), is a Serbian Orthodox traditional celebration that holds deep meaning for me. It reminds me of my grandparents and the values they passed down. This tradition connects me to my heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and honouring an important cultural legacy rooted in faith and family.