Get to know the new Regional Head of Diales in Oceania

Q&A with Graham Topp

Can you tell us a bit about what your role entails?

I’m grateful to be afforded the opportunity to grow the service provision in Oceania. My focus will be expert and dispute avoidance work in Oceania and the greater APAC region. The aim is simple; consistently produce market leading quality. I’d like to challenge the assumption that age and quality always have a proportional relationship. The instructing law firms I work with see the value in engaging an expert that is present and deeply invested in the quality of the product from the outset. My plan is to keep doing the same, with the support of the fantastic team at Diales.

Who has been the greatest influence on your career?

I have been incredibly lucky with mentors – too many to mention all here. Bill Masters was a great help when I was a junior QS. Anne Connolly’s technical excellence and passion for detail provided a foundation to develop into an expert. More recently, Paul Roberts for his operational guidance and business growth advice. I have been conscious and mindful to at least attempt to take the best from those around me (both upstream and downstream). The single greatest influence has been my late father, Alan Topp. A welder turned pipeline estimator, he was as gritty as they come. He sparked my interest in the built environment.

What has been the best moment of your career?

Accepting the new role with Diales! Looking back, I was also proud when I qualified as a quantity surveyor from Northumbria University with First Class Honours. I was fortunate to be placed on a day-release scheme with my first employer; four days at work and one day at university. It was a long five years. Losing my father during the second year of study added fuel to an already burning fire.

What makes you tick?

Time with family and close friends. I’m a dog person; we have a Boxer and a Red Heeler at home. Exercise is also fundamental. Healthy body, healthy mind.

Tell us a little-known fact about you

Many know that I enjoy competitive cycling. A little-known fact is that I was a medallist in the national karate championships as a junior. I still enjoy boxing for fitness once a week.

Graham is a Quantum Expert based from our new office location in Brisbane. Do reach out to him directly if you would like to discuss your requirements.

graham.topp@diales.com , +61 (7) 3011 6311