ReCon - REinventive CONtribution

Episode 21 - Faye Allen

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Faye Allen, Managing Director Quantum EMEA, at Rimkus  who brings over three decades of experience in the construction industry. Faye shares her journey, the importance of leadership, and her groundbreaking book, "Building Women." We delve into Faye's insights and provide actionable takeaways for those looking to empower themselves and others in the construction field. In addition to her extensive practical experience, Faye is the author of the best-selling book, "Building Women: How Everyone in Construction Can Win." The book serves as both a guide and a call to action for tackling systemic issues affecting women and men in the construction industry.   Faye emphasises the significance of leadership, particularly in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and safe. She shares how her role as a leader allows her to build a team that aligns with her cultural values. "What I'm really, really enjoying is being able to build a team around me and watching people grow and flourish," she explains.   Faye highlights the necessity of creating a safe environment where team members can express their thoughts and concerns. This involves regular one-on-one meetings where honest dialogues can occur. By focusing on mentoring, Faye aims to help her team members develop their skills and confidence. This approach not only benefits the individuals but also enhances the overall team dynamic. Faye believes that listening is one of the most critical skills a leader can possess. Faye encourages leaders to actively listen to their teams, clients, and subcontractors to better understand their needs and concerns. Throughout her career, Faye has faced numerous challenges, including the persistent gender pay gap and issues related to workplace culture. She candidly shares her experiences of overcoming these obstaclesvand the importance of advocating for oneself.   In conclusion, Faye’s insights provide a roadmap for women navigating the construction industry. From leadership to advocacy, her experiences exemplify the importance of community and support. Takeaways: ·      Active listening is a crucial skill in effective leadership. ·      The gender pay gap remains a significant challenge in the industry. ·      It's crucial to create psychologically safe spaces in workplaces. ·      Many women do not report harassment due to fear & lack of support. ·      Failure is a part of learning and growth in any career. ·      Career paths can be non-linear & unexpected opportunities can arise. ·      Mothers in the workplace bring valuable organisational skills. ·      Cultural shifts are necessary for inclusivity in the construction industry. ·      Support networks are vital for women navigating their careers. BUY THE BOOK – BUILDING WOMEN https://fayeallen.co.uk [https://fayeallen.co.uk] https://amzn.eu/d/0dVwB6Am [https://amzn.eu/d/0dVwB6Am] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Faye Allen 02:53 The Impact of Building Women 05:55 Leadership & Mentorship in Construction 08:52 Overcoming Challenges: Gender Pay Gap and Culture 11:56 The Importance of Listening 18:08 Reflections on Insults 22:48 Addressing Workplace Harassment 25:14 Learning from Failure 28:50 Unexpected Career Paths 32:00 Supporting Women in the Workplace

Episode 20 - Racheal Cadey

In this engaging interview, Racheal Cadey shares her journey through the construction and design industry, leadership lessons, overcoming unexpected challenges, and her vision for the future of construction. Discover practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice from a seasoned industry leader. Racheal admits she’s a reluctant leader, driven more by her core values than a desire for the spotlight. But her authenticity shines through in her daily habits: setting clear boundaries, supporting her team, and constantly learning from those around her. Across decades of experience, Racheal shares her raw truths—how she filters the glitter from the gold, the lessons learned from tragedy, and her bold vision for the future of the industry. Her mantra? “Wife, mother, leader”—a holistic approach to leadership that transcends career alone. This blend of personal integrity and professional drive empowers her to lead with both heart and clarity. When life threw her its cruelest curve—a sudden, devastating loss—Racheal’s response revealed her greatest lesson: prepare for the unexpected, lean on your people, and keep moving forward. Her story about Sarah Myland, who passed away unexpectedly, is a testament to resilience. They built a legacy called “My Day”—a ritual to honour her spirit, and her memory. It’s a reminder that even in tragedy, we find purpose, community, and a new way to move onward. “I can filter gold from glitter,” an unforgettable phrase that perfectly captures her seasoned perspective. With decades of experience, she’s learned to recognise what truly matters: values, purpose, and the pursuit of impact. This clarity allows her to navigate growth and change without losing her core. Her recognition, acceptance, and balance RAB are her North Star. One of Racheal’s passionate pursuits is the Edge U-cation program which invests in students and young women, busting myths about industry roles from site to leadership. Racheal’s story is a powerful reminder: authenticity, resilience, and vision are the bedrock of impactful leadership. You don’t have to be perfect or fearless—just committed to showing up, learning, and supporting others on their journey. Takeaways: * Recognition, Acceptance, Balance—her guiding principles for self-awareness and managing relationships, careers, and personal growth. * Pause and reflect before responding to emails * Follow your own version of success and balance * Life’s surprises are inevitable—how you respond defines your resilience. Cherish your relationships, create meaningful rituals, and never underestimate the power of “onwards.” * True leadership isn’t about 'doing everything yourself' but about creating space for others to grow, supporting their muscle-building, and knowing when to pause and reflect. * As you grow and evolve, ask yourself: what is glitter—superficial distractions—and what is genuine gold? Focus on the impact and legacy you want to leave. Edge u cation - https://generationedge.co.uk/edge-ucation [https://generationedge.co.uk/edge-ucation] Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Racheal Cadey and Generation Edge * 07:42 Reinventive Stage of Career * 12:53 Consistent Actions and Leadership * 22:48 Lesson from Job Experience * 30:11 Gender Diversity in SMEs * 36:03 Career Expectations and Realities

Episode 19 - Katrina Kostic Samen

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Katrina Kostic-Samen, a prominent figure in the commercial real estate industry. They discuss Katrina's career journey, her views on leadership versus management, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Katrina emphasises the importance of mentorship, the unique challenges women face in leadership roles, and the realities of entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the significance of resilience, adaptability, and the drive to succeed in a competitive industry.   Katrina shares her experiences with workplace bullying, the unexpected longevity of her career, and the resilience she developed through various crises. She emphasises the importance of empowering women in the construction industry and discusses her hopes for innovation and sustainability in the field.   Additionally, she explores the concept of rethinking work structures, including the potential benefits of a four-day work week, and offers valuable advice for young professionals navigating their careers. In discussing leadership, Katrina draws a distinction between being a leader and being a manager. According to her, leadership is an inherent quality that involves building consensus and guiding others, while management often focuses on task execution. She believes that true leaders emerge during crises, demonstrating their ability to navigate challenges effectively. Katrina shares valuable lessons from her extensive career, emphasising the importance of personal integrity and being proactive. She advises against discussing sensitive topics in public spaces, like elevators, and stresses the need to read everything before signing it, as your signature is your bond. In conclusion, Katrina’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention in one’s career. By embracing change, understanding the nuances of leadership, and maintaining a focus on personal integrity, professionals can navigate the complexities of their careers more effectively. Takeaways: ·      Don't discuss sensitive topics in elevators. ·      Being called relentless can be a positive trait. ·      Striving for something above your means fosters growth. ·      The importance of speaking up against workplace bullying. ·      Read everything you sign! ·      Resilience is built through facing crises head-on. ·      Innovation in construction is necessary for growth. ·      Building a supportive culture is essential for employee retention. ·      Grace & kindness in professional settings can make a significant impact. Read the first article in the four-part series which explores how alternative workweek models are challenging long-held assumptions about time, productivity and the role of the office. https://www.savills.us/blog/article/389498/us-articles/fantasy--or-the-future--four-day-workweeks-could-be-reshaping-our-workplace.aspx [https://www.savills.us/blog/article/389498/us-articles/fantasy--or-the-future--four-day-workweeks-could-be-reshaping-our-workplace.aspx]   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Katrina 10:11 Leadership vs Management 17:17 Lessons Learned from Experience 19:57 Perceptions of Women in Leadership 22:10 Entrepreneurship and Women 24:54 Navigating Business Challenges 28:03 Facing Workplace Bullying 30:28 Unexpected Career Longevity 32:52 Resilience in Crisis 43:40 Rethinking Work Structures

Episode 18 - Lisa Webb

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Lisa Webb, a Senior Planning Partner at Newmark UK, about her extensive career in the construction industry. Lisa shares insights on the importance of building relationships, the rewards of leadership, and the challenges she has faced, including personal loss. They discuss the significance of networking, the impact of mentorship, and the strides being made towards gender equality in the industry. 🌟The Rewards of a Transformative Career🌟 During the conversation, Lisa reflects on the most rewarding aspects of her career. Moreover, she emphasises the importance of social impact in her work. 🌟Leadership: Beyond Titles🌟 To Lisa, being authentic and building strong relationships is key. She has made it a point to be transparent about her commitments, especially regarding work-life balance. This approach has not only set a positive example for her colleagues but has also encouraged other women in her field to establish similar boundaries. 🌟Overcoming Challenges🌟 One of the most significant challenges Lisa faced was the sudden loss of her business partner, in a tragic accident. She describes this experience as a pivotal moment in her career, forcing her to confront her resilience and leadership capabilities. That tragedy became Lisa’s greatest lesson in resilience and trust — trust in herself, in her team, in the endless capacity we have to adapt and grow. The real victory? Seeing how your darkest moments can forge the strongest versions of yourself. Maybe that’s the point. Maybe resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about rising stronger after falling. Worth thinking about…. 🌟The Power of Connections🌟 Lisa emphasises the importance of networking in building a successful career. Hop-Hop reflects her commitment to fostering supportive relationships and mentorship opportunities. In conclusion, Lisa’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, leadership, and the power of connection.  Takeaways: ·      Confidence comes with experience and is crucial for success. ·      Building strong relationships is key to effective leadership. ·      Flexibility in the workplace supports women in their careers. ·      Mistakes are learning opportunities that can build trust. ·      Self-care and rest are important for sustained success. ·      You don't need a grand master plan to succeed in your career. HOP HOP uses a relaxed, simple process to regularly introduce you to brand new connections every fortnight. For each chat, you get a warm email introduction and a mutually agreed time for a 30 minute conversation.Chat [http://conversation.Chat] with fellow female professionals in a natural way. To sign up use link https://www.hophop.chat/p/join-female-property-professionals-like-you [https://www.hophop.chat/p/join-female-property-professionals-like-you]   Ula Caroto https://queenofrest.co.uk/about/ [https://queenofrest.co.uk/about/] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lisa Webb and Her Career Journey 03:10 The Rewards of a Transformative Career 05:51 Leadership Mindset and Actions 08:55 Overcoming Personal Challenges 12:07 The Importance of Networking 15:09 Creating Opportunities for Women 18:07 Facing Insults and Embracing Identity 23:57 Learning from Mistakes 27:01 The Excitement of a Planning Career 30:06 Supporting Women in the Industry

Episode 17 - Fiona Goddard

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Fiona Goddard, Head of MEP for UK and Ireland at AECOM. They discuss Fiona's journey in the engineering field, the importance of teamwork and leadership, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the value of networking. Fiona shares her insights on overcoming challenges, embracing failure, and the evolving role of AI in engineering. The conversation emphasises the need for mentorship and support for emerging talent, as well as the importance of building confidence in the workplace. Fiona Goddard is an accomplished leader in the engineering sector, currently overseeing a team of over 350 engineers at AECOM. She began her career at 17 as a trainee electrical engineer and has since built a reputation as a credible expert in her field. Fiona’s commitment to nurturing talent and her practical experience make her insights invaluable for anyone looking to advance in the engineering industry. A key principle in Fiona’s leadership style is leading by example. By staying involved in the technical aspects of projects, she demonstrates her commitment and understanding of the work at hand. Fiona shares her experience of balancing a demanding career while raising a family. She highlights the prevalent issue of guilt that working parents face, especially women, when trying to juggle professional responsibilities and family commitments.  One of the most critical lessons Fiona has learnt is the value of connecting with people in the industry. Building relationships beyond project discussions can lead to future collaborations and opportunities. In conclusion, fostering the next generation of engineering leaders requires a commitment to teamwork, effective leadership, and building meaningful connections. By prioritising these elements, we can ensure a thriving future for the engineering profession. Takeaways: ·      Failure is a part of the journey, and feedback is vital for improvement. ·      Flexibility and openness to opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths. ·      AI will change the role of engineers, but human judgment remains irreplaceable. ·      Confidence-building initiatives are important for all individuals in the workplace. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fiona Goddard and Her Journey 03:59 The Importance of Teamwork and Leadership 09:59 Balancing Work and Family Life 14:55 The Value of Networking and Connections 19:55 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure 24:53 Navigating Career Expectations and Opportunities 30:02 Mentorship and Supporting Emerging Talent