LEADERSHIP
RESPONDING TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF CONTEMPORARY FEMALE LEADERS AND THEIR ORGANISATIONS For over fourteen years, Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) has been developing female leaders and supporting the increased presence of women in business and community leadership roles. Based on a simple truth, that women represent an enormously under-utilised national resource, WLA believe that supporting a greater percentage of women to step up into leadership positions enables tremendous cultural and economic benefits. AIQS member, Sophie Ly was successful in her application and has been a participant in a WLA Leadership Development Program, a rich and empowering learning environment which is singularly geared to enabling each participant to achieve their own unique vision of success. Sophie has provided the following insights.
DO YOU THINK THERE ARE PARTICULAR LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES FOR WOMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR? IF SO, WHAT ARE THESE? I believe the main challenge is overcoming the mindset that the construction sector is imitating men and dominated by men. It is, by default, a non-traditional industry for women. Due to this perception and increasing demand, I see it as more of an advantage than a challenge for women to be in the construction sector, especially when we are in a time where women are
being encouraged and recognised. Such as industry bodies/associations allowing women to share their experiences and creating an environment for mentees to meet mentors for guidance. I find that participants in the construction industry today are strong supporters of women in construction.
WHY DID YOU PARTICIPATE/ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN THE COURSE? Curious to find out what being a leader entails and whether I have the capability to meet those demands. Encouragement and recommendation from my senior staff.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST HELPFUL THING YOU HAVE LEARNED?
This program is a great way to equip yourself with knowledge and behavioural insight that can be applied and actioned in the workplace or personally.
WHAT CAREER OR LEADERSHIP TIPS OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN WHO ARE LOOKING TO PROGRESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR? Be passionate. Once you are passionate there will be a natural curiosity in anything you do. The construction industry is a high pace and highly demanding environment and the ‘drive’ is often what makes you keep going, growing and pursuing. Being a Quantity Surveyor is a great opportunity to be deeply involved in project lifecycle, from feasibility to handover.
A positive attitude is something that I am still trying to implement and learn. Positivity is an attractive energy. Being a leader that has an open mindset are productive, creative and engaging.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM TO OTHER WOMEN? Of course! I recommend it to any female who is an emerging manager/leader.
Sophie Ly, MAIQS, CQS
THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - DECEMBER 2018 - 39
