Gender never determines an individual's leadership
abilities. Instead, organizations must assess leadership potential by evaluating individual strengths and personality traits. Regardless of the type of business, you're running, or even the industry that you're operatingin,tosaythatstrongfemaleleadersareimportantis something of an understatement. In truth, they're essentialnot only for providing a much-needed perspective on the directionthatabusinessistakingbutalsointermsofthetypes ofqualitiesthattheybringtothetablethatyou'reunlikelyto findanywhereelse.
Oneofthemostinvaluabletraitsthatfemaleleadersbringto thetableistheirsenseofawareness.Theytypicallytrytolook atthebiggerpicturefirst,butthenbreakasituationdowninto the finer details to see what is really going on underneath. Womeninleadershippositionsaren'tafraidtoseeasituation fromavarietyofangles.Theytendtoattempttounderstanda situation as organically as possible by asking the right questionsattherighttime,ratherthanbendingasituationto theirownwill.
Tobeagreatleader,youmustnotlimityourselftobecoming an expert in your own industry only. Good leaders have the
abilitytoseewhatbiggerroletheyhavetoplay.Theytakethe timetolookatthebiggerpictureandfigureouthowtheycan be relevant. Women always look ahead and ways to get opportunitiesforthemselvesandothers.
Womenhaveavision,whichallowsthemtostayaheadandbe an inspiration to other people.And so, it isn't surprising that when it comes to making illustrious career moves, you can always count on women to know what they are doing and whattheywanttoachieve.Theseresilientleadershavebeen immensely contributing to enabling transformations in the modern industrial sector, the construction niche being no exception.Theconstructionsegmenthasseenadefinitiverise in the number of female leaders making huge strides in the field.
Indulgingintheinnovationsoftheseresoluteleaders,Insights Success,throughitslatestedition,"TheMostEmpowering Women Leaders in Construction, 2023," highlights the charismaswhoaresymbolizingexcellenceandtransforming thefacetsoftheconstructionsector
FlipthroughthepagesandhaveaWonderfulRead!
FeaturedPerson
Brief CompanyName
HeavyMetalSummer Experience hmse.org
BaileyJordan CEO
NavytoNavyHomes navytonavy.com
BrendaRadmacher Partner
AkermanLLP akerman.com
Nexii nexii.com
Angiehasbeencateringtoandexcelledasabusinessleader withmorethanfourdecadesintheconstructionsector,with variousexecutivepositionsindifferentcompanieswithin theindustrythatwerechallengingnormsatthattime.
Baileyisaresults-drivenentrepreneurwithapassionfor helpingbusinessleadersdevelop,launchandmanage successfulcompanies,productsandservices.
BrendaRadmacherfocusesherpracticeonconstructionlaw, workingasacounselor,litigator,andnotedspeakeronissues involvinglandowners,developers,generalcontractors,and designprofessionals.
Servingadeepcommitmenttosustainability,Dr.ZosiaBrown ispassionateaboutshapingafutureforpeopleandtheplanet.
Withover30yearsofexperienceintheconstructionindustry, PeggyHoganMarkerservesasCo-presidentofMarker ConstructionGroup. MarkerConstructionGroup markerfl.com
RebeccaCollins President
CollinsConstruction, Co.,Inc. collinsconst.net
Skanska skanska.co.uk
Rebeccaisimplementingaconsciousbusinessmodelwithin theorganization.
SwatiPaulisstrivingforcontinuousimprovement,and specializesinbuildingandcomplexandoftenhigh-value projects.
AngieSimon ExecutiveDirector andCo-founder Dr.ZosiaBrown VicePresident ofSustainability PeggyHoganMarker Co-President SwatiPaul DirectorAs her career evolves, Zosia's goals include creating peer support systems, providing mentorship, and promoting diversity in the buildings and construction sector.
Zosia Brown Vice President of Sustainability Nexii
Dr.
Wwithastrategyfocusedonenvironmentaland socialimpactandsustainablebuildingforall, servingadeepcommitmenttosustainability, Dr.ZosiaBrownispassionateaboutshapingafuturefor peopleandplanet.
AstheVicePresidentofSustainabilityatNexii,sheis dedicatedtocarryingoutthecompany'svisionof reinventinghowtheworldbuilds.Nexii,agreen constructioncompany,hasmovedbeyondjustideasand turneditsinnovativesolutionsintotimelybuilding solutions.Thishasbeenmadepossibleduetotherapid advancementsinmaterialsscience,increasing environmentalandclimateregulations,andasurgein consumerandmarketdemandforsustainablebuilding productsandmethods.
Nexii'stechnologyandbuildingsystemaredesignedto minimizegreenhousegasemissions,reduceenergycosts, anddecreasewastecomparedtotraditionalconstruction methods.Astheworldincreasinglyprioritizes sustainability,Nexii'ssolutionsleadthewayinscalable, low-carbonsolutions.Thecompany'scutting-edgeapproach topanelizedconstructionisatestamenttotheimportanceof prioritizingsustainabilityateverystageofthebuildinglife cycle.
LetusknowmoreabouthowZosiaandNexiigohand-inhandtowardasustainablefuture.
ZosiaBrownbeganhercareerasaGreenBuildingInternat aconsultancyfocusedongreendesignandsustainability whilepursuingagraduatedegreeinResourceManagement andEnvironmentalStudiesattheUniversityofBritish Columbia.
HerstudiesculminatedinaPhDingreenbuilding performance,focusingoncomfortandwellness, workingwithDr.RayColeattheSchoolofArchitecture andLandscapeArchitecture.Zosiathentookonrolesas SustainabilityAnalystandAssociateinenergy, engineering,andbuildingfirmsacrosstheUnited States,Switzerland,andtheUnitedKingdom. Afterhertimeabroad,shereturnedtoNorth AmericatoserveasHeadofResourceConservation andSustainabilityattheWoodlandParkZooin Seattle,WA,wheresheintegratedsustainabilityand conservationinitiativesacrossthezoo’s92-acre property.Hereffortsresultedinthezoowinningthe
WhentheCOVID-19pandemichit,Zosiareturnedto VancouverandjoinedNexiiBuildingSolutionsastheVice PresidentofSustainability.Inthisrole,Zosialeadsteamsin measuringandtrackingproductperformance,carbon footprintinoperations,handprintthroughprojectwork, healthymaterials,andcircularityinresourceuse.
Asanundergraduatestudent,Zosiawastaughtbyand subsequentlyworkedforafemaleprofessorwhowashighly competitivewithherpeersandequatedsuccesswith ‘winning’intheworkplace.ThisledZosiatobelievethat thebestwaytoadvanceinhercareerwasbyworking harderthanothers.Afterbecomingamother,shefelt pressuredtokeepherworkandfamilylivesseparatetobe takenseriously.Shelackedmentors,founditchallengingto formfriendshipswithotherfemaleleadersandstruggledto feelhappyabouttheirachievements.
Overthepastdecade,however,Zosiahasbeenfortunateto workalongsideremarkableleaders,whohavehelpedher shiftherperspective.Shehaslearnedthatitisnotabout scarcity,workingharderorcompetition,butratherabout abundance,workingsmarterandliftingothersaroundus. Thisisparticularlytrueinthesustainablebuildingand climatesolutionssectorswhere,whenwecelebratethe successofothers,weextendourpositiveimpactonthe planetandeveryonebenefits.Zosiaisnowachampionof thesevalues.
Nexii,agreenconstructioncompany,iscommittedto designingandproducingsustainable,cost-effective,and climate-resilientbuildingsandproducts.Theirsustainability strategyrevolvesaroundfourmainpillars:Climate,Nature, People,andCommunity.
Overthelasttwoyears,withthesupportofNexii’s SustainabilityCouncilandBoardofDirectors,Zosialead thedevelopmentofaframeworkofsustainability commitmentsandgoalsthatbridgeanindustry-leading ESGstrategywithdata-drivensustainableproductdesign andtransparency.
Nexii’sgovernancestructureholdsteammembers accountableforprogressmadetowardsthesecommitments.
Nexii’ssustainabilitypracticesinclude:
Ÿ selectinghealthyandnon-toxicmaterials,
Ÿ designingforend-of-lifetosupportacirculareconomy,
Ÿ eliminatingwasteintheirplantswithover90% diversionfromlandfill,and
Ÿ developinganet-zerostandardplantdesignrelevantto everynewfacilitytheybringonline.
Theyhavealsoembeddedacodeofethicsinto theirpracticeandsupplierrelationships.This approachhasledtoremarkableprogressandimpact forayoungcompany,withawillingnessatevery leveltodothingsdifferently
Recognizingtheurgentneedtoaddresstheenvironmental impactofbuildingsandconstruction,Nexii’ssustainable solutionsincorporatetheirbreakthroughmaterial,Nexiite andtheirbuildingsolution,theNexiiSystem–high performancepanelizedbuildingwallandroofassemblies. Thisapproachhasenabledthecompanytorapidlyassemble high-qualitybuildingswithnear-zerowasteandreduced carbonemissions,allwhilecausinglessdisruptionto communities.
TheNexiiSystemprioritizesinnovationandsustainability, withproductsthatarepreciselydesignedandmanufactured off-siteandquicklyassembledon-site,resultingincostand
timesavingsandminimalwaste.Nexii’smissionof buildingavibrantfutureforpeopleandtheplanetisrooted insustainability,makingitaleaderintheindustry.
Nexiirecognizesthatengagedandsatisfiedemployeesare crucialtoachievingitsmissionofbuildingasustainable future.Tothisend,thecompanyprioritizesworkforce flexibilitytoattractandretaintoptalent.Nexii’s Constitutionandhybridworkguidelinesprioritizeintegrityfocusedworkplaceflexibility.Thecompanyoffersamixed workarrangementforallfull-time,office-basedemployees andcontractors,enablingthemtochoosetheoptimalwork environmentforthemselvesandtheirteamwhilealigning withNexii’sConstitutionandGoals&Objectives.
Zosiaasserts, “Sustainability at Nexii is a team sport. I support and encourage the hybrid work program and model our sustainability mission and Constitution in my day-today activities, alongside my colleagues.” Nexii’s Constitutionguidesthecompany’sbeliefsandactionsto ensureethicalbehaviour Thehybridworkguidelines balanceflexibilityandproductivity,enablingemployeesto workfromthelocationoftheirchoicewhilemaintaininginpersonconnectionsandcollaborationattheoffice.
TechnologyisattheforefrontofNexii’sapproachto buildingandconstruction,asitenablesthedevelopmentof sustainable,cost-efficient,durable,anddisaster-resilient buildings.Nexii’sbreakthroughmaterial,Nexiite,isa sustainablealternativetoconventionalconcrete,comprised ofsand,high-qualityaggregate,andabinder.Nexiite’s compositionfacilitatesrapidcuring,achievinghigher compressionstrengthfasterthanconcrete.
Nexii’shigh-performancegreenbuildingproductsare manufacturedinplantstoprojectspecificationsusing3D software,resultinginpanelsthatfittogetherlikejigsaw pieceson-site,significantlyreducingbuildtimesand eliminatingalmostallconstructionwaste.Nexiialso partnerswithworld-leadingbrandslikeSiemens, Honeywell,Pella,andTranethroughitsIntegrated TechnologyPartnerprogramtodeliverbreakthrough productsandservices,movingclosertoitsgoalofnet-zero andnet-positivebuildingsforitsclients.Withtechnology playingacriticalroleinNexii'sapproachtobuildingand
construction,thecompanyisrevolutionizingconventional techniquestodesignandconstruction,scalingbuilding decarbonizationinlinewithglobalclimatetargets.
Implementingcirculareconomyprinciplesinthe constructionindustrycanleadtosignificantbenefitsin termsofreducingresourceconsumptionandwaste generation.Designingfordeconstruction(DfD)isacrucial strategyforachievingcircularityinthebuiltenvironment. Bydesigningbuildingswithdisassemblyinmind,valuable materialscanbereclaimedandreused,reducingtheneed forvirginresourcesandminimizingwaste.
Nexii'spanelizedconstructionsystemisanexampleofDfD inaction.Byusingprefabricatedpanelsthatcanbeeasily disassembledandreassembled,Nexiicanreducewasteand increasethelifespanofitsbuildings.Thesuccessful deconstructionoftheNexiiDiscoveryCentreisatestament totheeffectivenessofthisapproach.
Results:
Ÿ Nexiipanelsdesignedfordisassemblyandreusecan offsetupto68%oftheembodiedcarbonassociatedwith initialmanufacture.
Zosia Brown is a sustainability leader who understands the multifaceted demands of her role.
Ÿ Over99%ofthematerialsweredivertedfromlandfill throughdisassembly,withonlytwosmallbucketsof waste(21kg)generated.
Ÿ Over350employmenthourswerecreatedduringthis project,includingNexiistaff.
Adoptingcirculareconomyprinciplesintheconstruction industryiscriticaltoreducingtheenvironmentalimpactof thebuiltenvironment.Asaleaderinsustainablebuilding solutions,Nexiiisattheforefrontofthismovementandis activelyworkingtowardsafuturewhereresource consumptionandwastegenerationareminimizedand materialsarecontinuouslyrecirculated.
Zosiasays, "A personal goal centers around building an optimistic state of mind about the state of the world and our ability to solve big challenges - decarbonize our economy and get people and planet on a stable course for the future. To paraphrase Christiana Figueres on this subject, optimism is not passive or soft; it is gritty."
ZosiaBrownisasustainabilityleaderwhounderstandsthe multifaceteddemandsofherrole.Sheisresponsiblefor
drivingtransformationalchange,engagingwiththescience ofsustainability,buildingreportingsystems,andtracking performance.Zosiarecognizesthatthispathisboth invigoratingandchallengingandcantakeanemotionaltoll onherselfandherteammembers.Sheunderstandsthe importanceofholdingspaceforthistensionandshowing youngleadershowtoworkwithcompassionandintegrity
Ashercareerevolves,Zosia'sgoalsincludecreatingpeer supportsystems,providingmentorship,andpromoting diversityinthebuildingsandconstructionsector.She believesthatsupportinginitiativesthatspotlightleaders whochampionsustainabilityandsetanexampleofnew leadershipmodelsiscrucialaswenavigatethiscomplex world.
Zosiamentionsthat,whensustainabilityisnotacorepart ofthemission,leadershiprolescanofteninvolveaheavy doseofinternalsales. "Sustainability leaders are inherently challenging the way we've always done things. Conversations almost always come down to a question of resources and how much an initiative will cost. Learning to speak the language of the function or department one is trying to get on board is key to overcoming institutional inertia and building alignment. This means finding common ground with finance, operations, procurement, brand and marketing, risk and compliance."
"Challenging the status quo goes hand in hand with looking beyond short-term gains and consistently holding a longterm view. Bravery to me means being aware of macrotrends (in climate change, carbon pricing, supply chain dynamics, consumer demands) and taking early action to ready a company for what's to come," Zosiaconcludes.
Themodernconstructionsectorisrapidlyevolving
withtheintegrationofnewtechnologies. Technologyisenablingadvancementsin constructionbymakingprocessesfaster,safer,andmore efficient.Therearevarioustechnologicaladvancementsthat arebeingusedintheconstructionsector,includingBuilding InformationModeling(BIM),drones,3Dprinting,and robotics.
Oneofthemostsignificanttechnologicaladvancementsin theconstructionsectorisBIM.BIMisadigital representationofabuildingorinfrastructureprojectthat enablesdesigners,architects,andconstructionprofessionals tocollaborateonaproject.Itallowsthemtovisualizethe structurein3D,whichenablesthemtoidentifyanydesign flawsorconflictsbeforeconstructionbegins.Thisreduces thelikelihoodofcostlyerrorsduringtheconstruction process,makingitmoreefficientandcost-effective.
Dronesareanothertechnologicaladvancementthatis enablingadvancementsinconstruction.Dronescanbeused tosurveyconstructionsites,providingreal-timedataon projectprogress,aswellasidentifyingpotentialsafety hazards.Thisallowsconstructionprofessionalstomake
informeddecisionsandadjustmentsinreal-time,improving thesafetyandefficiencyoftheconstructionprocess.
3Dprintingisanothertechnologythatisenabling advancementsintheconstructionsector.3Dprintingallows constructionprofessionalstoprintbuildingcomponents, suchaswallsandroofs,quicklyandefficiently This reducesthetimeandcostsassociatedwithtraditional constructionmethodsandenablesconstruction professionalstocreatecomplexandintricatedesignsthat werepreviouslyimpossible.
Technologyisalsoenablingadvancementsinautomation, allowingcompaniestoautomatemanyofthemanual processesinvolvedinthesupplychain.Forexample, autonomousvehiclesanddronescannowbeusedto transportgoods,reducingtheneedforhumanintervention andimprovingefficiency.Inaddition,roboticprocess automation(RPA)canbeusedtoautomaterepetitivetasks, suchasdataentry,freeingupemployeestofocusonhighervaluetasks.
Technologyhasenabledtheautomationofmanyprocesses involvedintheconstructionniche,suchaspickingand packing,inventorymanagement,andshipping.Thishas resultedinimprovedspeedandaccuracy,lowercosts,and reducederrors.Automatedsystemssuchasconveyorbelts, automatedguidedvehicles(AGVs),andautonomousrobots havemadeitpossibletohandlehighvolumesofgoodswith minimalhumanintervention.
Finally,artificialintelligence(AI)isalsoenabling advancementsinthesupplychainandlogisticssector.By usingAI-poweredalgorithmstoanalyzedata,companies canidentifypatternsandtrendsthatwouldbedifficultfor humanstodetect.Thiscanhelpimproveforecasting accuracy,optimizeprocesses,andreducecosts.
Technologyenablessignificantadvancementsinthesupply chainandlogisticssector.Real-timetrackingofshipments, predictiveanalytics,automation,blockchain,andartificial intelligenceareallhelpingtoimprovetheefficiencyand effectivenessofthesupplychain.Astechnologycontinues toevolve,wecanexpecttoseeevenmoreadvancementsin theyearstocome.
AdvancementsinAIhaveenabledbusinessestouse machinelearningalgorithmstoanalyzevastamountsof dataandidentifypatternsandtrends.Thiscanhelp businessesoptimizetheirsupplychainoperations,including identifyingthemostefficientshippingroutes,forecasting demand,andreducingtheriskofstockouts.AIcanalsobe usedtoimprovecustomerexperiencesbyproviding personalizedrecommendationsandoptimizingdelivery times.
Technologyhasmadeitpossibletotrackshipmentsand inventoryinreal-timeusingGPS-enableddevices,sensors, andRFIDtags.Thishasresultedinimprovedvisibility, allowingbusinessestoidentifypotentialissuesandrespond quicklytodelaysordisruptions.Real-timetrackinghasalso enabledmoreaccurateforecastinganddemandplanning, resultinginbetterinventorymanagementandreduced waste.
Advancementsintechnologyhaveenabledpredictive analyticstobeusedintheconstructionniche.Byanalyzing
datafromvarioussources,suchasweatherforecasts,traffic patterns,andhistoricalsalesdata,predictiveanalyticscan helpbusinessesoptimizetheirsupplychainoperations.This includesidentifyingthemostefficientshippingroutes, forecastingdemand,andreducingtheriskofstockouts.
Anotherkeyadvancementenabledbytechnologyis predictiveanalytics.Byanalyzinghistoricaldataandusing machinelearningalgorithms,companiescannowpredict demandpatternsandoptimizeroutestoreducecostsand improveefficiency Thisallowscompaniestomakedatadrivendecisionsandensurethattheyarealwaysoperating atpeakefficiency
Inconclusion,technologyhashadasignificantimpacton theconstructionniche,enablingadvancementsin automation,real-timetracking,predictiveanalytics, blockchain,andAI.Businessesthatadoptthese technologiescanimproveefficiency,reducecosts,and providebettercustomerexperiences,ultimatelygaininga competitiveadvantageinthemarketplace.Astechnology continuestoevolve,wecanexpecttoseeevenmore advancementsintheconstructionnicheinthefuture.
Roboticsisanothertechnologicaladvancementthatis enablingadvancementsintheconstructionsector.Robots canbeusedforavarietyoftasks,includingbricklaying, welding,anddemolition.Thisreducestheriskofinjuryto constructionworkers,andalsoimprovesthespeedand efficiencyoftheconstructionprocess.
Inconclusion,technologyisplayingavitalroleinenabling advancementsinthemodernconstructionsector.FromBIM todrones,3Dprinting,androbotics,thesetechnological advancementsaremakingconstructionfaster,safer,and moreefficient.Withthecontinuedintegrationofnew technologies,wecanexpecttoseeevenmore advancementsintheconstructionsectorintheyearsto come.
Angie Simon
Executive Director and Co-founder
oingbeyondtheexpectationsintheconstruction Gindustry,adheringtowhatwomencanaccomplish, AngieSimon,ExecutiveDirectorandCofounderofHeavyMetalSummerExperience,ishelping theyouthgainskills-basedemploymentandinspiringother womenintheindustrytoembarkonthenewhorizonswith extraordinarybenchmarks.
Angiehasbeencateringtoandexcelledasabusinessleader withmorethanfourdecadesintheconstructionsector,with variousexecutivepositionsindifferentcompanieswithin theindustrythatwerechallengingnormsatthattime!She becamethefirstwomanPresidentofSMACNAinits75yearexistenceandthefirstwomanpresidentofanyofthe MEPassociationtrades.
HeavyMetalSummerExperienceisasummercareer explorationcampthatexposeshighschoolstudentsand recentgraduates(ages15-19)toskill-basedcareersinthe buildingtradesthroughhands-onprojects,working alongsidecraftprofessionalsandvisitingtrainingcenters.
Itisanall-volunteer-runorganizationheldatdifferent locationsacrossthecountry,dependingonthegenerosityof thepeople.Vendorsponsorsandcontractorsopenuptheir shopsandofficestohostcampsandinstructorspassalong theirtalentsandcareerpaths.
Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Angie Simonsharesherjourneyofsuccessesandchallengesand theimpactshehasmadeontheconstructionindustry.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefusaboutyourcareerpathasastaunchwoman leaderupuntilyourcurrentposition.Whatwerethe challengesthatyouhadtoovercometoscaleyour progress?
Igraduatedwithamechanicalengineeringdegreein1986.I wenttoworkforWesternAlliedin1987.Theyarea
design/buildHVACcontractor.IlikedtheideathatIcould helpengineertheHVACsystemsinabuildingandthen projectmanagetheinstallationofthedesignfromstartto finish.Thefeelingofaccomplishmentwhenyoucansay, “Ibuiltthat,”isagreatfeeling.
LessthantenyearsatWesternAllied,Iwasoffered ownershipandproceededtobecomeaVicePresidentand topsalesperson.In2008IbecamethePresident!Atthe time,WesternAlliedwasdoingabout$40millionin revenue,andwehad140employees.Fourteenyearslater, whenIretired,wehadgrownto$125Millioninrevenue and325employees.
Constructionisaverymale-dominatedindustry,withless than9%womenbutwithlessthan2%womeninupper management.Iwasveryunusual–therewereveryfew constructioncompaniesofoursizewithawomen President/CEO.Thereweremanychallengesinthecourse ofmycareer.ManypeopledoubtedthatIwascapableof doingthejob.Attimes,menintheconstructionfieldwould saythattheydonottakedirectionfromwomen.Orthat theywoulddoubttheinformationIwasgivingthemonlyto asksomeoneelseandgetthesameanswer
Ifellinlovewiththeconstructionindustry.Itgavemea greatcareerandlife.Ialsoidolizedmyfieldpersonnel,who workedsohardtobuildthebuildingswedesigned.Despite thesemen(andveryfewwomen)notgoingtocollege–theyknewtheircraftandwereveryintelligentpeople.That iswhenIknewweneededtogetthewordoutthat constructionwasthebest-keptsecret.Thattherewere thousandsofjobsnowandthatinthenextfiveyears,there wasaneedforhundredsofthousandsofjobs.Idecidedto startasummercampinourshopforhighschoolstudents. WecallittheHeavyMetalSummerExperience.
Tellusmoreaboutyourcompanyanditsmissionand vision.
Youngpeoplewilltolearnaboutliving-wageemployment
inthebuildingtradesthroughtheHeavyMetalSummer Experience.Inordertodiversifytheworkforceandattract thefollowinggenerationofcraftworkers,HMSEwantsto normalizeskills-basedapprenticeshipsasapost-secondary educationoption.
Acommittedgroupofworkingcraftprofessionals,vendors thatgivetoolsandPPE,andcontractorsaroundthenation readytoopentheirshopsandfacilitiestohostacampand teachyoungadultsabouttotheconstructiontradesmake HeavyMetalSummerExperiencefeasible.
Whatdoyoubelieveisthesignificantfactorforwomen intheConstructionindustry,andwhatisthemost importantaspectofyoursuccessinadheringtothese fundamentals?
Womeninconstructionjustneedtobelieveinthemselves. Thattheycandoanythingtheywanttoandperformaswell asanyoneelse(ifnotbetter).IneverfeltthatIdidnot belongintheconstructionindustry.IhadconfidencethatI knewwhatIwasdoingandwasgoodatwhatIdid.ButI alsowasateamplayerandknewthatwhatmademegood wastheteamaroundme.Ialsoacknowledgedmyteamand ourcapabilities–theteamwaswhatmademegood!
Enlightenusonhowyouhaveimpactedthe ConstructionIndustrythroughyourexpertiseinthe niche.
IimpactedtheindustrybecauseIwasneverafraidtotake thenextstep.BesidesbecomingthePresidentandCEOof WesternAllied–Ialsosteppedupandwentthroughthe chairsforNationalSMACNA(SheetMetalandAir ConditioningContractorsNationalAssociation).Ibecame thefirstwomenPresidentofSMACNAinits75-year existenceandthefirstwomanpresidentofanyoftheMEP associationtrades.
Thiswasahugeimpactonallthewomeninthemechanical trades–bothcontractorsandtradespersons.Itbrought home“ifshecanseeit,shecanbeit.”Ithinktheimpactof someonebreakingthatceilingwashuge,andnowthereare manywomenthataspiretothatspotbecauseIwasinthat spot.
Whatstrategiesdoyouimplementtopromotegender diversityforvariousleadershippositionsatyour company?
HeavyMetalSummerExperienceisfocusedonserving underservedcommunities.Itisourgoalthatinthefuture,
constructionshouldlooklikethedemographicofthecities theyserve.Justbyfocusingontheminorityandwomen population,wecanchangewhatconstructionlookslike.As longasallopportunitiesarefairandequal–weshould finallystartseeingmorediversityinconstruction.Butthe numberonefocusrightnowismakingtheconstruction industrymoreinclusive,sothoseofusthatdonotlooklike themajoritycanfeelwebelong.Thenitwillbecomemore diverse.
Whatvaluesdoyouincorporatetoenhancethework cultureofyourcompany?
AtWesternAllied,wefocusedonthefollowing:1). GroundedinCare,2).DedicatedtoTeamwork,and3). DrivenbyInnovation.Thesethreestatementssettheculture wehadatthecompany AsIhaverolledoutHeavyMetal SummerExperience–thecultureisverysimilar–starting withthegroundedincare.Butalso,wefocuson“you belongandarewelcomed”–thisisveryimportanttoget themessageacrossthatwewanteveryonethathasthe desiretoworktojoinourindustry–nomatterwhatrace, sex,religion,orotheraffiliationyouare.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeintheConstructionsector?Howareyou preparingforthechange?
Ifeelthattechadoptionhasbeenthemostsignificant changeintheconstructionindustryinthelastfiveyears.
Thefactthatventurecapitalistsarenowinvestingin Constructiontechshowsthattheyfeelthattheindustryis finallyacceptingtech!Thisexcitesmebecausethewaywe selltheindustrytothenextgenerationhastoinclude technology!Weareworkinghardtosharethattechinour summercampforthenextgeneration.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforyourcompany?
HeavyMetalSummerExperienceisenteringonlyour3rd summer,andweareexploding.Wewentfrom2campsand 28studentsto11campsand170studentsandprojectedthis summertohave25to30camps(acrosstheUSandCanada) and450students.Iamcurrentlyfillingtheroleof ExecutiveDirectoraswellasCo-FounderandPresident.
However,Iseeusnotuphiringafull-timeEDafterthis summerandcontinuingtoexpandthisprogram.Weareso desperateforpeopletojointhetradesthatthisprogram shouldberelevantforthenexttenyears.Myfuturegoalfor theprogramistoexpandtothefullMEPTrades–togetthe electrical,pipingandplumbingfullyengagedaswell.Ifwe canget1000students(or2000students)takingthecamp everysummer–wecanincreasethenumbersinourtrades.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetothenextgenerationof womenleaderswillingtoventureintothemodern businessarena?
Constructionisagreatindustry–itwillkeepyouengaged aseverydayisdifferent.Theindustryneedsyourskills, strengthsandpassion–don’tbeafraidtoshareyourtalents–youarethefuture–shoutitouttothosethatquestionyou. Andteamwithotherwomenforstrength.
I impacted the industry because I was never afraid to take the next step. My success brought home for all the women in the mechanical trades “if she can see it, she can be it.” This inspired many women to aspire to that spot because I was in that spot.
Abridgingcomplexerrorsandresolvingdisputes withexpertise,BrendaRadmacher,Partnerat Akerman,isacounselor,litigatorandnoted speakerwhosepracticefocusesprimarilyonconstruction law.SheleadstheLitigationPracticeGroupofAkerman's LosAngelesofficeandworkswithlandowners,general contractors,developers,builders,anddesignprofessionals onavarietyofissues.
Brendareallyenjoyshelpingherclientsfindcreative solutionstothechallengesinthebuiltenvironment.Sheis alsopassionateaboutdiversityintheconstructionindustry andhelpingpeoplefindtheir“why”sotheycanmakea difference.
Someoftheaccoladesthatshehascollectedinhercareer are–beingawardedIndustryVeteranAwardbyConstruction Divein2021andbeingnamedoneofTheBestLawyersin America©byConstructionLawin2020and2021.
ShewaslistedintheWomenofInfluencein2021and WomeninLawHonoreein2020byLosAngelesBusiness Journal.BrendaisalsoaBoardmemberoftheAssociated GeneralContractors-LosAngelesDistrict,Women ConstructionOwners&Executives,andWomeninDesign &Construction.
Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Brenda Radmachersharesherjourneyasanattorneyina challengingindustryandhersuccessesinchanging perceptionsandtheimpactsheismakingonherfellow women.
Following are the highlights of the interview:
Briefusaboutyourcareerpathasastaunchwoman leaderupuntilyourcurrentposition.Whatwerethe challengesthatyouhadtoovercometoscaleyour progress?
Afterafewyearsofpracticinggenerallitigation,Istarted asajuniorattorneyinconstructionlaw.Ididnotknow muchaboutconstructionbuthadahungertolearn.Ifound mentorsintheconstructionexpertsthatIworkedwithand askedasmanyquestionsasIcould.Iwasoftenreferredto asthe“girllawyer”bymenwhowerewonderingwhyIwas climbinguponroofsorcrawlingunderthestructurestosee withmyowneyestheissuesathand.
Inevershiedawayfromaskingwhyaconstruction schedulewasdonethewayitwasoraskingacontractorto explainwhattheirscopeofworkincluded.AsIgrew,I foundthatmanyotherlawyersjustignoredthosedetails andfakedtheirwaythroughcases.Instead,itwasmygoal tounderstandtheindustryandmyclients’needs.
Earlierinmycareer,Iwasoftenmistakenasthecourt reporter;however,nowsomeofthepreconceptionsofwhat alawyerlookslikeorhowtheyacthaschanged.Ihave grownaccustomedtobeingoneofthefewwomeninthe roomandpivoted,growinginmyself-confidenceand presentingmycompetencethroughcompassionand strengthcombined.Clientsandopposingcounselalikenow knownottoconfusemypolitenesswithweakness.
TherearestillinstanceswhereIamaskedwhyIwould wanttoworkinconstructionlaw–andIsimplysay,“This isagreatindustry.Ilovebeingabletohelpwiththebuilt environmenttohelpsolveproblemsandresolveany
disputesquicklysomyclientscangetbacktowhattheydo best.”
Tellusmoreaboutyourcompanyanditsmissionand vision.
Akermanhasbeenrecognizedasamongthemostforwardthinkingfirmsintheindustry.Wecombineacultureof innovationandcreativitywithacenturyofenterprise stability.Wearefiercelyloyal,thoughtful,andcommittedto deliveringanexceptionalclientexperience.
Akermanprovideslegaladvocacyandguidancefor companiesfromthegeneratorsoftechnologicallycomplex ideastothebuildersputtingfreshbricks,mortar,andtimber ontheground.VersatilityisacoretraitforAkerman–from ourgeographicreachtothedepthandbreadthofour practicespecialtiesandindustryknowledge.Critically,our inclusivecultureimpactsthewayweseetheworldand deliverresultstoourclients.Wevalueandpromote diversityofexperienceandbackgroundinourattorneysto providethebestbenefitandexperiencetoourclients.
Whatdoyoubelieveisthesignificantfactorforwomen intheConstructionindustry,andwhatisthemost importantaspectofyoursuccessinadheringtothese fundamentals?
Oneofthemostsignificantfactorsforwomeninthe constructionindustryarebringingadifferentperspective andviewpointtohowtheindustryworks.Ihaveseen womenprovidecompassionandasenseofcalmand professionalismatboththejobsiteandtheback office/management.replacewithIhavefoundsuccessinthe constructionindustrybyensuringthatItreatallinvolved withrespect,byunderstandingthefactsanddetailsofa matter,andbyusingmycalm,professionalpresenceto createchange.
Enlightenusonhowyouhaveimpactedthe ConstructionIndustrythroughyourexpertiseinthe niche.
Ihavebeenabletousemylegalskillstoworkwith constructionclientsacrosstheindustry.Ihavehadthe privilegetoworkwithmanywomenintheconstruction industrythroughWomenConstructionOwners& Executives(WCOE).WiththeWCOEorganizationIhave advocatedforotherwomenintheconstructionandworked
towardcreatingalevelplayingfieldintheindustrythrough variouslegislativeandregulatoryactions.
Ihaveservedasamentorandsharedmylegalinsightsto manythroughWCOE.Inmylawpractice,Iamprivileged toworkwithmanyconstructionclientsinhelpingthem understandthelegalimplicationsoftheircontractsand assistinresolvingdisputessotheycanfocusonbuilding projects.
Whatstrategiesdoyouimplementtopromotegender diversityforvariousleadershippositionsatyour company?
Atmyfirm,IworkwithleadershipandAkerman’s Women’sInitiativeNetwork(WIN)toprovidementoring andopportunitiestoouryoungerlawyers.Ihaveprovided trainingonbusinessdevelopmentandnegotiationskillsfor theserisingstars.
Akermanhasmadediversityahallmarkofthefirmanda keydriverindeliveringtheinnovationandresultsour clientsexpect.Diversitymeansmorethandignity,respect, inclusion,andopportunity.Itisacorevalueweliveby fromourhiringandpromotioneffortstotrainingand ensuringthatallhaveanequalopportunity
Women in the construction industry are bringing a different perspective and viewpoint to how the industry works. They provide compassion and a sense of calm and professionalism at the job site and the back office. I have found success by treating everyone with respect, understanding, calm, and professional presence to enable change.
Whatvaluesdoyouincorporatetoenhancethework cultureofyourcompany?
Oneofmykeypersonalvaluesishelpingpeoplereachtheir potential.AsaPartneratAkerman,oneofmymainrolesis tomakesurethosearoundmesucceed.Iincorporatethis valueintomyday-to-daybyworkingcloselywithmyteam tofindouttheirskillsandstrengthsanddevelopplacesfor themtousethoseskills.Idevotetimeandattentionto helpingthemgrowandfiguringouttheirgoalsaswe collaborateonourprojects.
Ialsoprovidetrainingandserveasamentortoothers withinthefirm.WorkingwithotherPartnerswithinthefirm andadministrativeleaders,weensurethatthefirmis providingopportunitiesfortraining,growth,and developmentofalltheAttorneysandstaff.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeintheConstructionsector?Howareyou preparingforthechange?
Ibelievethattheinnovationintechnologyisthenext significantchangefortheConstructionsector.Inlightof someofthekeystrugglescomingoutoftheCOVID-19 pandemic,includinglaborshortagesandsupplychain impacts,wehaveseenachangefortheConstructionsector wherecompaniesareopentoideasofhowtodothings differently.Manyhaveturnedtoadvancedtechnology optionsfromrobotics,drones,andAI.
Inaddition,thecontinuedimpactofclimatechangeis comingtotheforefrontoftheConstructionsector,where regulationsarechanging,theavailabilityofmaterialsis fluctuating,andthepublicisseekingchangetoreducethe carbonfootprint.Topreparefortheseshifts,Ihavebeen stayinginvolvedwithmyclientstounderstandthedifferent typesofnewtechnologybeingusedandunderstandthe legalimplications.Thisenablesmetoworkwiththemto getaheadofliabilitydangersandbettermanagetherisks associatedwiththeimplementationofthesedifferent technologies.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforyourcompany?
InthelongrunIseemyselfworkingtohelppeoplefind betterwaystoresolvedisputesandusingmyskillsin negotiationandcommunicationtohelpothersprevent disputesbeforetheyariseandreachearlierresolution, developingwaysthelegalsideoftheConstructionsector canhelpnarrowareaswheredisputesarisethroughclean contractlanguageandhelpingtoimplementbestpractices.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetothenextgenerationof womenleaderswillingtoventureintothemodern businessarena?
Believeinyourself.Developallies.Buildateamaround you.
Leadersintheconstructionsectorplayacriticalrole
inthesuccessoftheirorganizations.These individualsareresponsibleforensuringthat projectsarecompletedontime,withinbudget,andtothe satisfactionofclients.
Tobeeffectiveintheirroles,leadersintheconstruction sectormustpossessauniquesetofadmirableattributes.In thisarticle,wewillexploresomeofthekeyattributesthat makeleadersintheconstructionsectorsuccessful.
Oneofthemostimportantattributesofleadersinthe constructionsectoristheirabilitytobevisionary.Effective leadershaveaclearvisionofwhattheywanttoachieveand
areabletocommunicatethatvisiontotheirteam.Theyare notafraidtotakerisksandmakebolddecisionsthatwill leadtheirorganizationtosuccess.
Inadditiontobeingvisionary,successfulleadersinthe constructionsectorarealsostrategicthinkers.Theyareable toanalyzecomplexproblemsanddevelopsolutionsthatare effectiveandefficient.Theyareconstantlylookingforways toimprovetheirorganization'sprocessesandsystemsto increaseproductivityandprofitability
Creativethinkingisanotherkeytraitofastrategicthinker. Theyareabletocomeupwithnewandinnovativeideas thatcanhelpsolveproblemsorcapitalizeonopportunities.
Theyarenotafraidtothinkoutsidetheboxandchallenge traditionalwaysofdoingthings.
Flexibilityisanotherimportanttraitofastrategicthinker
Theyareabletoadapttochangingcircumstancesandadjust theirplansaccordingly Theyunderstandthatplanscan changeandareabletobeagileintheirapproach. Astrategicthinkerisfocusedonthelong-term.Theyare abletothinkbeyondshort-termgoalsanddevelopstrategies thataresustainableandwillleadtolong-termsuccess.They arealsoabletobalancetheneedsoftheorganizationwith theneedsofitsstakeholders.
Leadersintheconstructionsectormustbestrong communicators.Theymustbeabletoeffectively communicatewiththeirteam,clients,andstakeholdersto ensurethateveryoneisonthesamepage.Theymustalso beabletolistentofeedbackandadjusttheirapproachas needed.
Effectiveleadersintheconstructionsectorarealso decisive.Theyarenotafraidtomaketoughdecisionsand takeresponsibilityfortheoutcome.Theyareabletoweigh theprosandconsofasituationandmakethebestdecision fortheirorganization.
Adecisiveleaderhasconfidenceintheirabilitiesandthe decisionstheymake.Theyarenotafraidtotakerisksand arewillingtostandbytheirdecisions,eveniftheyface opposition.
Thepersonhasclarityofthoughtandisabletoseethe situationclearly Theyareabletoweightheprosandcons ofasituationandmakeadecisionthatisinthebestinterest oftheirorganization.
Adecisiveleaderusesdataandanalyticstoinformtheir decisions.Theyareabletogatherandanalyzedatato understandthesituationandmakeinformeddecisionsthat arebasedonfacts.
Leadersintheconstructionsectormusthaveastrongwork ethic.Theyareoftenworkinglonghoursandmustbeable tomanagetheirtimeeffectively Theymustalsobewilling
torolluptheirsleevesandworkalongsidetheirteamwhen necessary.
Successfulleadersintheconstructionsectorarealso innovative.Theyarealwayslookingfornewandbetter waystodothings.Theyarenotsatisfiedwiththestatusquo andareconstantlyseekingoutnewtechnologiesand approachestoimprovetheirorganization'sperformance.
Leadersintheconstructionsectormustbeadaptable.They mustbeabletoadjusttheirapproachtomeetthechanging needsoftheirorganizationandtheindustry.Theymustalso beabletoquicklyrespondtounexpectedchallengesand setbacks.
Finally,effectiveleadersintheconstructionsectorare relationshipbuilders.Theyunderstandtheimportanceof buildingstrongrelationshipswiththeirteam,clients,and stakeholders.Theyareabletoestablishtrustandrespect withthosearoundthem,whichhelpstocreateapositive workenvironmentandpromotessuccess.
Inconclusion,leadersintheconstructionsectormust possessauniquesetofadmirableattributestobe successful.Theymustbevisionary,strategicthinkers, strongcommunicators,decisive,haveastrongworkethic, beinnovative,adaptable,andrelationshipbuilders.By embodyingtheseattributes,leaderscanhelptheir organizationsachievesuccessandthriveinacompetitive industry
Withanin-depthunderstandingandaunique
skillsettoenablenewadvancements,Peggy HoganMarker,PresidentofMarker ConstructionGroup,hasthreedecadesintheconstruction industry.Peggy’sbackgroundincludesground-up development,construction,andleasenegotiationsforlarge shoppingcenters,mixed-use/retail,andapartment buildings.Herresponsibilitiesincludebusiness developmentandoverseeingallmarketingandcommunity development.
Peggyisconsistentlyfeaturedasaconstructionindustry expertintheMiamiHeraldandTheRealDealandis frequentlyaskedtoappearliveonFoxBusinessasa constructionindustryexpert.Herprofessionalaffiliations includetheConstructionAssociationofSouthFlorida, AssociatedBuildersandContractors,Inc.,Commercial RealEstateDevelopmentAssociation,UrbanLand Institute,andtheCommercialRealEstateWomenNetwork.
ShecurrentlysitsontheboardsofPAWSSouthFlorida Rescue(anorganizationwithintheHumaneSocietyof BrowardCounty),theNewYorkCityFireMuseum,andthe CommunityFoundationofBroward.Shehasbeenactively involvedwithSavetheChildrenand4KidsofSouthFlorida -anorganizationservingfosterchildreninBrowardand PalmBeachCounties.
ShepreviouslyservedasaboardmemberfortheMuseum ofDiscoveryandScience,HumaneSocietyofBroward County,HeartGalleryofBrowardCounty,andSavethe ChildrenLongIslandCouncil.Shewasalsoonthesteering committeefortheHolyCrossDorothyMangurian ComprehensiveWomen’sCentercapitalcampaign.
MarkerConstructionGroup,foundedin2001,isanawardwinninggeneralcontractingandconstructionmanagement firmbasedinSouthFlorida,focusingonprojects
throughouttheSoutheasternUnitedStates.Ithasan outstandingmarketreputationandanimpeccablerecordof consistentlydeliveringsuccessfulconstructionprojects.It strivestoworkcloselywithitsclienteletoprovidean“open book”and“simplified”constructionprocesswithproven results.
Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Peggy HoganMarkershareshertriumphsandchallengesonher journeytosuccess.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefusaboutyourcareerpathasastaunchwoman leaderupuntilyourcurrentposition.Whatwerethe challengesthatyouhadtoovercometoscaleyour progress?
Mybackgroundincludesground-updevelopmentand constructionandleasenegotiationsforlargeshopping centers,mixed-use/retailandapartmentbuildings. Asawomaninamale-dominatedindustry,work-life balanceisachallenge.Formepersonally,tryingtomanage ahousehold,threekidsandafamilywhilestilldevoting enoughtimetooutperformothersissomethingIamalways workingon.Thisrequiresastrengththatcannotbetaught andbothdemandingrolesinthehomeandattheofficeare alwaysabalancingact.
Tellusmoreaboutyourcompanyanditsmissionand vision.
MarkerConstructionGroupwasfoundedbymeandmy husband,Grey,in2001.Itisaconstructionmanagement andgeneralcontractingfirmbasedinFortLauderdale, Florida.Wespecializeinmulti-family,hospitality,andvery high-endresidentialconstructionthroughoutthestatesof Florida.Weprideourselvesonachievingabetter
constructionprojectandabetterexperienceforourclients. Ouraward-winningworkandtheglowingtestimonials fromhappyclientstellusthatourmotto,BUILDBETTER, isworking.
Werecognizehowinvaluableourclients’inputandvision istoachievethebestresult.Ourteammembersarehighly trainedandskilled.Weareexceptionalinourareasof expertiseandarecreativeproblemsolvers.Whatsetsus apartisourabilitytohearourclients,determinewhatis mostimportanttothemandensurethatMarker ConstructionGroupdelivers.
Whatdoyoubelieveisthesignificantfactorforwomen intheConstructionindustry,andwhatisthemost importantaspectofyoursuccessinadheringtothese fundamentals?
Neverstoplearning.Astheindustryevolves,womenneed tostayaheadoftrendsandimmersethemselvesinevery aspectoftheconstructionindustry.Ialwaystakethetimeto educatemyself,soIcanspeakintelligentlyandhaveagood workingknowledgeofthesubjectmatter Thereisahigher burdenonwomentobeknowledgeableandspeakto specifics.Themomentawomancan’tcommunicate effectively,theyareimmediatelydiscountedandit’svery
hardtocomebackfromthat.Ifindmyselfaskingalotof questions,andIsurroundmyselfwithprofessionals.Itruly believeeveryoneshouldalwayslisten,bewillingtolearn, andtakeconstructivecriticismwhilebuildingthat knowledgebase.
It’salsoessentialtohaverealboundariesforhowwomen aretreated.Insideoroutsideoftheoffice,Ialwaystreat otherpeoplewithrespectandhopeothersreciprocatethat.
Enlightenusonhowyouhaveimpactedthe ConstructionIndustrythroughyourexpertiseinthe niche.
AtMarkerConstructionGroup,Ihavebeengiventhe opportunitytohaveavisibleplatform.Forotheryoung women,IhopeIcanbelookedatassomeonewhois succeedingandleading.Everyday,Itrytoinspireothersto growandworktowardsomethingobtainableinourfield. Theskyisthelimit!
Whatstrategiesdoyouimplementtopromotegender diversityforvariousleadershippositionsatyour company?
AtMarker,weencouragewomentoholdleadershiproles andsupportgrowth.Wehirealotofwomenandpromote themwithin.Wealsoencourageourteamtoinvestin themselves,andwecoverthecostsofcontinuingeducation. Wehavewomeninpositionswithpowerthatmentorour companyfromthegroundup.ThefemalesatMarkerare proudofwhattheydo,anditshows,whichleadstobetter companymoral,retentionandhelpswithouroverallhiring andrecruitment.
Whatvaluesdoyouincorporatetoenhancethework cultureofyourcompany?
Thewayweconductourbusiness,evenwhenpeoplearen’t looking,issomethingtheMarkerteamtakesgreatpridein. Integrityisatourcore.Wetreatouremployees, subcontractorsandclientswithrespect.Notonlypersonally andprofessionally,butwealsomaintainouridealsaround theimportanceofhonestyandqualitywork.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeintheConstructionsector?Howareyou preparingforthechange?
Wearealwaysstayinguptodatewiththelatest technologies.Whileweknowtherearesomeroboticsand
The way we conduct our business, even when people aren’t looking, is something the Marker team takes great pride in. Integrity is at our core. We treat our employees, subcontractors and clients with respect.
technologycomingdowntheline,wemakesuretokeepthe humanaspectofourbusinessapriority Weprovidesuch high-touchservicethatpeoplerecognizeandpraiseusfor Weknowthatpeoplearestilllookingforasenseof relationshipandattentiontodetail.Wewillalwayshave thathumanfactor.Employinga360-degreehands-on approach,weprovidecustomservicesandday-to-day assistance.Youcan’treallyreplacethat.
Also,becauseofrecentsupplychainissuesandescalation, wereallyworkhardtoeducateourselvesandshiftour workflowtoworkaroundthisandanticipatepricingand scheduling.Wearestayingnimble,andthelatestchanges havetrulyshownusthatourteamisresilientandrisesto theoccasionbypivotingwhenwehaveto.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforyourcompany?
Iaimtocontinuetogrowpersonallyandprofessionally.It’s alsonicetohavetheopportunitytobeselectiveonthe projectsweworkonandthepeopleweworkwith.I’dlove toseecontinuedgrowthinourbusiness’sresidentialand commercialsectors.Acontrolledgeographicexpansionis onthehorizonforus.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetothenextgenerationof womenleaderswillingtoventureintothemodern businessarena?
Don’tbeafraidtotakerisksandchallengeyourself.Ifyou fail,getbackupandtryagain.
The single most transformative thing in the construction industry is Women-not only in leadership roles, but also as frontline trade employees.
Rebecca Collins "Becca" President Collins Construc on, Co., Inc.
Asayounglingyettolearnhowtheworldis,allkids ––beitaboyoragirl––wanttogrowuptobe theirdads.Theyhavenoconceptofsocietal appropriatenessorwhetherthethingliesintheircapability ornot.Asthesekidsgrowuptobeyoungadults,they encountersociety'sperceptionsandcategorizationsofwhat boysandgirlscanandcannotdo,whichovertlyorsubtly influencetheirchoicesandlimitstheirpossibilities.
However,therearesomewhorefusetobowdownto society'sideasofwhattheycando.OneofthemisRebecca Collins.Sinceshewasseven,Rebeccaor"Becca,"knew shewantedtoworkinconstructionlikeherfather,her father'sfather,andhergreat-grandfather.Shedidnotknow thenthattraditionallygirlsdon'tworkinthisparticular industry,andevenasshegrewup,shenevercaredforthe idea.Morethanthreedecadeslater,Beccabecamethefirst femaleinfourgenerationstobethePresidentandrunher family'sbusinessCollinsConstruction,Co.,Inc.
RebeccatookoverCollinsConstruction'sleadershipafter thepassingofherfatherin2017.Shehasspearheaded digitizingtheestimating,projectmanagement,andfield operationdepartmentswithintheorganizationtoallow stakeholderstheopportunitytoeffectivelymanage schedules,budgets,andproductivity.
Additionally,Rebeccaisimplementingaconscious businessmodelwithintheorganization.Collins Constructionisworkingonfollowingthefourtenantsof ConsciousCapitalism:HigherPurpose,Stakeholder Orientation,ConsciousLeadership,andConsciousCulture. Rebeccabelievesgoodbusinesscreatesbettervaluefor everyone.
Rebeccahasbeenlistedinthe Top 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering bythe American Council of
Engineering Companies (ACEC) Engineering Georgia for fiveconsecutiveyears.
Inanexclusiveinterviewwith Insights Success,Rebecca Collinsshareshowhergenderhasbeenherstrengthin redefiningthenormsandculturewithintheconstruction industry
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefusaboutyourcareerpathasastaunchwoman leaderupuntilyourcurrentposition.Whatwerethe challengesthatyouhadtoovercometoscaleyour progress?
IwouldliketosaythatIhadatraditionalpathintothe constructionbusiness.Butasawomaninanon-traditional field,youarealwaysfindingyourwayaroundorthrough sometypeofglassceiling.Inthesecondgrade,at7years old,IwasaskedwhatIwantedtobewhenIgrewup,and myanswerwasPresidentofCollinsConstruction.35years later,IaminfactPresidentofCollins.
Asfaraschallengesscalingmyprogress,Ifeelthatevery industryandprofessionhaschallenges,it'swhatyouchoose todowiththem.Ifyouthinkofchallengesaseducational opportunitiestolearnandgrow,youwillfindsuccess.
Tellusmoreaboutyourcompanyanditsmissionand vision.
CollinsConstructionisafourth-generation,familyrun,fullservice,CommercialGeneralContractorlocatedinFall River,MA.WeservicetheSouthcoast,CapeCod,and RhodeIslandareas.Collinsiscurrentlyworkingthrougha strategicinitiative,usingtheConsciousCapitalismmodel offindingourhigherpurposetocreateourvision.
Theglobalconstructionsectorisundergoing
significantadvancementswithparadigmshiftsin standardoperatingmethods.Beinganeffective leaderintheconstructionsectorrequiresmorethanstrong managerialskills.Youalsoneedtopossessanddevelop strongleadershipskills,toinspireotherstoperformatthe highestleveltosupporttheworktobedone.
Effectiveconstructionleadersareabletoidentifytheneeds ofasituation,identifytheneedsoftheindividuals performingthework,identifytheneedsoftheorganization, andthencompelindividualstoactinawaythatbenefits everyoneinvolvedinaparticularproject.Giventhe complexityofcertainprojects,thereis aneedfor professionalismamongtheconstructionproject participants.Itisalsoessential tomeettheobjectivesand aspirationsofthestakeholders,inthemostinnovative, imaginative,andvalue-addingmannerforthebenefitofthe clientandallconcerned.
Torealizethegoalsandobjectivesfortheconstruction industry,itisimportanttodevelopauthenticleadersand followerstosetthevisionforimprovingtheconstruction industry’sperformancebyenhancingitscapacityand capabilityineachcountryconcerned.Manyparadigmsfor leadershiphavebeendeveloped.
Innovative,holisticleadershipiscriticaltoconstruction projects,inthemanagementofconstructionbusinesses, andtoindustrydevelopmentasawhole.SwatiPaulis strivingforcontinuousimprovement,whileadheringtoall thesefundamentals.
CurrentlyWorkingasDirectoratSkanskaUKPlcand ExecutiveVicePresident,Commercial&Legal,sheaimsto drivethebusinessforwardwhileimplementingimmersive strategies.
InanexclusiveinterviewwithInsightsSuccess,Swati sharesherprofessionaltenureandhighlightsherjourneyso farintheconstructionniche.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Brieflydescribeyourprofessionaljourneyupuntilnow.
“Iamdelightedtobesharingmyjourneywithyou. Iwork foranamazingglobalbusiness,andIamproudofallIhave beenabletodo.SkanskaUKPlcisadynamic,progressive company. I’maboarddirector,theheadofthelegal, commercial,andethicsfunctionsofabusinesswith revenuesinexcessof£1billion.
Ichairanumberofinternalcommitteesincludingtheethics committee.Myrolealsoincludesleadinggovernance,risk, insuranceandcompliance.Thisisanunusualportfolioof responsibility,butonethatsitswellwithmydiversesector experience.
SkanskaUKPlcspecializesinbuildingandcomplexand oftenhigh-valueprojects:suchastheHS2(highspeedrail) projectmotorways,andmajorcommercialdevelopments whichhaveshapedtheskylineofLondonandothermajor cities.Ourclientsarebothgovernmentsandtheprivate sector.Funnilyenough,Ilearnttoflyasabusinesswoman atanairport–notliterally,butmetaphorically
IwasGeneralCounselandCompanySecretary,forsix yearsatoneofthefastest-growingBritishAirports(Luton) (LLA).InternationalshareholdersownedLLA. There,by beingonthemainboardaswellasbeingtheGeneral Counsel,Ilearnthowtodealwithawiderangeof stakeholders.
IcametotheroleofGeneralCounselfromhaving originallytrainedandworkedinlargecorporatelawfirms inLondon.Workinthesefirmsinvolvedverylonghours, complexdealsandinternationaltravel.
Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongtheway?
Itwasahighlycompetitiveenvironment,andIaspiredto becomeapartner.However,onceIhadchildren,the demandsofthisparticularcareerweresimplytoohighfor me.
Itriedtofindamorefamily-friendlywayofworking.Igot ajobattheenergyregulatorandthenasanin-houselawyer forcompaniesinmanufacturingandrail,workingpart-time. Atthetime,Ididnotseeaclearpathforwardtoprogress mycareerandremainedonthe“mommytrack.”Thiswas helpfulfromatimeperspectiveandfrustratingfroma careerprogressionperspective. However–Iwasalways committedtolearningandimproving.
WhenIjoinedLLA,Iquicklyrecognizedthatlimitingmy contributiontoadvisingonthelaw,didnotgivemethe immediacyofthebusinessimpactIwasseeking.Iwas seekingarolewhereIcouldinfluencethecommercial successofabusiness,whichbothLLAandnowSkanska havedone.
Thisjourneyhasmeantfacingmanypersonal challenges–beingthebestprofessionalIcanbe;learning howtonavigateorganizationalcultures;discoveringhowto broadenmyskillsetbeyondjustlegal;riskingleavingthe securityofonesector,oroneestablishedrole;softeningmy perfectionism;makingmyselfheardasawomaninaman’s world;balancingbeingawife,motherandacommitted businesswoman;learninghowtostepupandserveona board.
Whatsignificantimpacthaveyoubroughttothe Constructionindustry?
Icameintoconstructionrelativelyrecently.Ilovethis sector!Thescaleandscopeofwhatwedo,andtheculture ofthiscompany,allowsmeampleopportunitytobethe businesswomanIam.Ialsobringdiverselifeexperienceas IwasbornandbroughtupinLondonbutwithadifferent heritage.
ItisreallyimportanttomethatIworkinaccordancewith myvaluesofhonesty,integrityand“todotherightthing,” whichaccordswithSkanska’svaluesandcodeofconduct. Diversityandinclusionareinmylifeblood. Iamalsothe ExecutiveSponsorofthe“AbilityNetwork”within SkanskaUK.
Thisfocusesonmakingourworkplaceaplace,wherethose withanyandallformsofdisabilityand/orcarers’ responsibilitiescanthriveandcontributefullytoour success.
I tried to find a more familyfriendly way of working. I got a job at the energy regulator and then as an in-house lawyer for companies in manufacturing and rail, working part-time.
WheredoyouenvisionSkanskaUKPlcandwhatare yourfuturegoalsforthecompany?
Mygoalistodrivethebusinessforward.Accordingly,the changesthatIhaveimplementedsofarincludeproactive managementofthelegalfunctionwithanincreasedfocus ondigitalchange,refreshinghowthecompanydealswith ethics,introducingamorestructuredapproachtoenterprise riskmanagementandreviewingexistingcommercial processeswithafocusonrecovery
Ofcourse,constructionhasitsoriginsintraditional workingmethodsandways.Thatsaid,thefutureisdigital. Thewholesectorwillbetransformedbyavastrangeof digitaltechnologies,someofwhicharealreadymaking theirwayintoourworlds,andsomeofwhichweareonly justbeginningtoglimpsethepossibilities.
Thishasthepossibilityofgreatlyimprovingspeed,safety, timeandcostandcontributingtoanimprovementin environmentaloutcomes.
Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivethenextgeneration ofaspiringbusinessleaders?
Myfuturegoalsaretocarryonworkingwithinthis businesstodriveitforward.Iwouldalsoliketocontinueto growasaprofessionalandimproveandadaptmyskills. Myadviceforthebuddingaspirants,I’dsay,
- foryourearlycareer–becomeastechnicallyproficientas youcan.
-foryourmid-career–build“softskills,”
-foryourseniorcareer–developingpeopleskillsarekey Aboveall–believeinyourself!
Remember,workisonlyonepartofamulti-facetedlife.I enjoyyoga,meditation,family,friendsandthetheatre.This keepsmewhole!
A is key to a solid foundation
