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Breaking Barriers in Construction: My Journey from HGV Driver to Plant Operator

Moving to the UK from Canada, I was looking for a career that aligned with my experience as an HGV driver—something hands-on, challenging, and rewarding. That search led me to the construction industry, where I now work as a plant operator. While stepping into a male-dominated field had its challenges, my passion for learning, problem-solving, and taking on tough tasks helped me find my place on-site. Every day presents an opportunity to grow, and I hope to see more women take on site-based roles, proving that the industry is open to anyone with the drive to succeed.

How did you start your journey in construction, and what led you to your current role?

I recently moved to the UK from Canada. Back home, I was an HGV driver, so when I came here, I was looking for a similar profession—and here I am!

What inspired you to join the industry?

I’ve always been drawn to jobs that challenge me. Even outside of work, I like fixing things myself instead of hiring a handyman. Being on a construction site means learning something new every day. I get to see how different tasks are done and pick up skills along the way.

Key experiences that helped you along the way.

My HGV experience definitely helped, but more than that, it’s my habit of trying my hand at everything.

Advice for women looking to get into site-based roles.

Don’t hesitate or think women can’t work on sites. Have faith in God and in yourself—we can achieve any goal we set our minds to.

What do you enjoy most about working on-site, and what are some challenges you’ve overcome?

As a plant operator, I work as part of a team while also having my own space when I’m driving. Most of the time, people are really supportive and encouraging.

Challenges
Being an introvert, it can feel a bit awkward walking into a room full of men. Everyone has always been nice to me, but it can be overwhelming when people get curious about how a woman ended up in a male-dominated job.

What makes the job rewarding?

Where do you see yourself in the future, and how would you like to see the industry evolve?

I’d love to see more women joining the industry. Yes, men are naturally stronger when it comes to physically demanding tasks, but we have machines to make work easier for everyone. There’s no reason why more women shouldn’t be part of this field.

Is there a woman who inspires you, either within or outside the industry? Why?

My mom—she always encouraged me to go after what I wanted. She’s been a fighter in her own life, and she wanted me to be one too.

Someone who has influenced your career or outlook.

Definitely my parents. They always stood by me and never let me back down just because I’m a woman.

Spotlight on Marwa: A Career Journey into Recruitment

Every career path is unique, shaped by experiences, challenges, and the people who inspire us along the way. In this Q&A, we hear from Marwa, who started her professional journey in healthcare before transitioning into recruitment. From her early days as a payroll apprentice to overcoming challenges in building confidence, Marwa shares insights into the value of apprenticeships, the impact of her nursing background, and the importance of resilience. She also reflects on the evolving industry and the woman who has been her biggest source of inspiration—her mother.

Read on to learn more about Marwa’s career journey, lessons learned, and aspirations for the future.

How did you get to where you are today?
After graduating with my nursing degree, I found my way into the world of recruitment. Before that, I worked in healthcare and social care for a few years.

What inspired your career path?
I started as a payroll apprentice, which gave me a strong foundation and helped me build my career. Apprenticeships are a great way to start in your desired field, offering high-quality training and hands-on experience.

Any key milestones, experiences, or challenges that shaped your journey?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was building my confidence when speaking to clients and customers on the phone. Over time, I worked through this and gained the skills needed to communicate effectively.

Are there any qualifications or experiences that have been particularly valuable in your role?
Both my nursing degree and my apprenticeship in payroll have been valuable in shaping my career and giving me the skills I use today.

What do you want to be doing in the future, or what changes would you like to see in the industry?
I’d love to see more opportunities for people to grow in their careers, especially through apprenticeships and training programs.

Thoughts on how the industry can evolve, especially regarding diversity, inclusion, or innovation?
The industry can benefit from creating more inclusive and supportive environments, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have access to opportunities for career growth.

Is there a woman who inspires you? Why?
My mum is the woman who has always believed in me and encouraged me. She has always told me, “You can do it,” and that support has meant everything to me.

Breaking the Mold: Beck Dorrington on Safety, Wellbeing & Championing Women in Industry

Beck Dorrington doesn’t just work in Health, Safety, Wellbeing, and Sustainability—she lives and breathes it. With nearly 25 years in the industry, she knows exactly how things work, how to make change happen, and how to bring people with her along the way. A natural relationship builder and a fierce advocate for the women in her circle, Beck’s journey started with one simple goal: to make a difference. From stepping into an IMS Assistant role in 2001 to shaping industry-leading wellbeing strategies today, she’s been at the heart of some of the biggest projects and conversations in the field. Passionate, driven, and always ready to challenge the status quo—this is Beck in action.

I was working in recruitment but knew that it wasn’t what I wanted to do as a career so I gave my CV to a recruiter and said “I don’t know what I want to do apart from make a difference, let me know if you have a job you think I’ll love”.  They came back with an IMS Assistant role for Carillion working on the first ever MAC contract in Area 8, tasked with helping to compile the management system.  That was in 2001.  I needed convincing as I knew nothing about Construction or Highway Maintenance, but I soon knew that I had found a tribe that I wanted to be a part of! The team took me under their wing and trained me until I was a fully fledged IMS Advisor. And ever since then I’ve grown as a professional having the privilege of being a part of some really cool projects working with ace people and the happier outcome making some brilliant friends along the way!

I can only remember growing up in a vicarage as my Dad was a vicar, but when I was born, he was an Engineer (working at Rubery Owen).  He used to tell me about how industry was in the 60’s and 70’s and how he’d been a H&S rep at the time that the H&SAW Act came in and how difficult some people took to that change.  But, as a vicar / person he was an utter inspiration in teaching me and showing me how to be empathetic, standing up for what was right even if it isn’t popular, being tolerant and understanding as well as being able to talk to anyone about anything (not just at a coffee morning or jumble sale!) and how to inspire people with words every Sunday through his sermons.  He was absolutely the source of my being incapable of looking at anything without trying to understand the root cause as he’d always ask me to work out why someone said or did what they did – I’d say that all of that meant that when you look at the qualities needed to work in H&S there was nothing else I’d end up doing!

So many! But the project I won’t forget in a hurry was M1 Jct 19.  I was Project H&S Manager working for Skanska.  I was very familiar with the A14 and that junction, right from our cross-country course at school having to be changed due to the A14 being built through it, from my time with Carillion on Area 8 and how many years the junction was in the planning.  It had been a dangerous junction – I suggested that maybe Sally Traffic from Radio 2 should open it when we finished as she’d had reason to say Catthorpe Interchange a lot on the traffic news.  But seriously, this was the first project where it became clear to me that Infrastructure Civil Engineering happens when there is a problem to be solved and it means more than building roads and structures.  It will always give me a warm glow knowing that I was a little part in statistically many people going home every night because we made it a much safer junction to travel through.  I still get flashbacks to when it was being built when I pass through it and it makes me smile.

Easily it’s been doing my Mental Health First Aid and my ASIST training.  The wellbeing side to my role is and has been since before I knew it, my absolute mission in life – these qualifications gave me the process and most importantly the confidence to be able to support and signpost anyone when they need it.

I’m not too sure to be honest but having been involved in wellbeing since it started becoming a ‘thing’ I’d like to continue to develop that side of my role.  I am very much looking forward to working on a project with one of our Clients, BBV regarding ISO 45003 to see where we can take the next steps in understanding psychological safety and what that means for how we manage that as an industry.  I was very attracted to working for Danny Sullivan Group due to our SMILE360 strategy and it gives me an awful lot of satisfaction to be able to support people during a difficult time and inspire people to be able to make the most out of themselves by a maintaining or improving their sense of good mental health – life overall is a beautiful journey and I don’t think I could ever stop that mission.

That is far too big a question for the wordcount I have! I will say it’s a different world to how it was when I started 24 years ago.  The transient nature of our work doesn’t necessarily allow us to have much of a work / life balance sometimes especially when women are seen as the natural caregiving parent.  My career was certainly limited by being a single parent to my son, I see it in two stages – once he became old enough to be left at home and before –  I couldn’t have kept uprooting him from project to project.  

History – Elizabeth 1 – bought to life brilliantly by my amazing history teacher Mrs Coggins – I’ll never forget her explaining the changes made to churches after Mary 1 by saying “Elizabeth was a girly girl and liked colourful things”. 

Public Figure – Phillipa Perry – her books and replies to problems are always thoughtful and kind – the suggested further reading in her column has been responsible for filling up my bookshelves (I love her artwork / creativity too)

Mentor – A lot of women – the Thursday night dinner gang are a group of people very important to me for their friendship, but I learned a lot about being a woman in construction by being on the team of a fantastic, kind soul of a boss / person, Liz Braithwaite.  I owe her more than she knows.

International Women’s Day: My Journey & Reflections

How did I get to where I am today?
Ironically, my very first summer job during college was with a construction company—I was the office manager and payroll officer. At the time, I never imagined this would be the industry where I’d want to build a legacy for women and inclusion. But here I am, proving that sometimes life has bigger plans for us than we realize!

What inspired my career path?
My career has been anything but linear! I’ve worked across business administration, teaching in alternative provision, ESOL, beauty and holistic therapy (even owning my own salon), project management, employability, grassroots youth work, learning and development, and retail. But if there’s one common thread, it’s EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)—every role I’ve taken on has had a strong focus on breaking barriers and creating opportunities. Even when completing my teaching qualification, my chosen module was EDI.

Key milestones, experiences, and challenges that shaped my journey
Every experience has shaped me into the person I am today. My lived experiences have built my resilience and deepened my empathy. Some key moments stand out:
💡 Becoming a business owner and running my own salon
💡 Achieving my Foundation Degree in Teaching without going to university
💡 Leading a successful intergenerational community project, showcased at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

Qualifications or experiences that have been particularly valuable?
Absolutely! My CTLLS teaching qualification and beauty qualifications have equipped me with invaluable skills. But beyond formal qualifications, my work across different industries has shown me that transferable skills are powerful—you can excel anywhere when you bring passion, adaptability, and expertise.

Future aspirations & industry changes I’d love to see
I want to continue supporting people and closing the gaps in the industry—particularly for women, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and those facing homelessness. The construction industry has so much potential, but we need to engage the next generation early and nurture open mindsets from a young age. Industry leaders must do more to showcase the diverse career opportunities in construction and ensure that inclusion isn’t just a conversation but a real commitment. That’s something I want to be an advocate for!

A woman who inspires me
First and foremost, my mum and my grandma. Two incredible women who came to this country illiterate, yet showed me that resilience and strength come from within. My mum, in particular, taught herself English so she could create pathways for herself—ensuring she could work, communicate, and never be excluded or discriminated against. She showed me that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you never, ever give up.

Beyond them, I’ve also been shaped by the powerful, empathetic women in my career—
💜 My Beauty Therapy tutors, who built my confidence and skills.
💜 My Manager from my grassroots organisation, who led by example and made a real impact.

These women taught me the importance of lifting others as we climb, and I carry that lesson with me every day.

Taking the Leap: Daveena’s Journey from Healthcare to Recruitment

Success isn’t about staying in one lane—it’s about having the courage to explore new paths. Daveena’s career started in healthcare and childcare, but a desire for change and a passion for people led her into the fast-paced world of recruitment. Now thriving at Danny Sullivan Group, she’s proving that transferable skills and determination can take you anywhere. In this Q&A, she shares her journey, the women who inspire her, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is always worth it.

I haven’t always been in recruitment; I come from healthcare and childcare, so that means spending my days around people and helping others who need it the most! I decided to go into recruitment as I knew someone personally who worked in recruitment, and it inspired me to give it a go and try something new. After studying Health & Social care at sixth form then at university, it led me to working in the healthcare/childcare industry since I was 18, so I wanted a bit of a change and see what an office job could do for me! I started at Hays doing Public Practice Tax recruitment and then made my way to Danny Sullivan!!

As much as I loved working where I was previously,  I felt a bit of change never hurts anybody, and to give something new a go and to be still in recruitment over a year later has been lovely to see something new I tried work out. I wanted to implement the people-skills I gained from my practical roles to the other side of the spectrum and work with people looking for new roles in their industry. I also wanted to utilise my strength of my high work drive and put it into a fast-paced industry.

I feel all stages of my education have helped me today as I studied similar subjects from sixth form all the way to university and even post this, as I am in the middle of gaining my Level 3 Counselling Skills after I completed my Level 2 last year. These qualifications add to the whole people aspect we have to the job.

I’m lucky enough to come from a family full of girls; aunts, friends, cousins, family friends. And I feel as underestimated as some women get, it’s always refreshing knowing how strong some women can be in all aspects of life; both personally and professionally. I would say that these females in my life are the biggest inspirations I could ever need. They inspire me to make sure I do the best for myself and owe it to myself to work hard for the life I want to live. Being an only child of parents who came to this country with nothing to their name and to see how their struggles and hardship got them to where they are today is truly inspiring. Life is what we make it at the end of the day so we should never take anything for granted! ❤

Breaking Barriers: Uzma’s Journey in the Construction Industry

Entering a traditionally male-dominated field takes confidence, resilience, and a passion for making an impact—qualities our Payroll Administrator, Uzma Razak, has embraced throughout her career in construction. From navigating career transitions to finding strong support within the Danny Sullivan Group, her journey is a testament to the power of inclusion and ambition. In this Q&A, Uzma shares what inspired her to join the industry, how DSG has played a role in her career growth, and her advice for women looking to forge their own path in construction.

I’m inspired to pursue a career in the construction industry because I enjoy the challenge and excitement of working in a growing business sector. Joining the Danny Sullivan Group has been particularly rewarding because it allows me to be part of a dynamic team in an industry where opportunities for growth and innovation are abundant. Despite it being traditionally male-dominated, I find satisfaction in contributing my skills and expertise to the company’s projects. While there are challenges, being part of a forward-thinking organization like Danny Sullivan Group makes me optimistic about the future of women in construction.

One specific instance where I felt supported and valued as a woman in the construction industry, especially within the Danny Sullivan Group, was during my transition from the onboarding compliance team to the payroll department. When I expressed interest in exploring new roles within the company, my managers were incredibly supportive and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that aligned with my skills and interests.

During the transition process, I received comprehensive training and guidance from both my colleagues and supervisors. They recognised my potential and invested in my development, providing me with the resources and support I needed to succeed in my new role.

The culture at Danny Sullivan Group contributes to the success and satisfaction of women in construction through its inclusive environment, providing equal opportunities for career advancement, supportive leadership, tailored training and development programs, and prioritization of work-life balance. By fostering a workplace where women feel respected, valued, and empowered to excel, the company enables them to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry, leading to their overall success and fulfillment within the organization.

the supportive environment and mentorship I’ve received have instilled confidence in my abilities and encouraged me to aim for leadership positions within the organization. My experience at Danny Sullivan Group has not only shaped my career trajectory but has also fueled my ambition to achieve greater success in this dynamic field.

To other women considering a career in construction, I would say: Go for it! Don’t let the male-dominated nature of the industry deter you. Embrace the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and make a meaningful impact. Your skills, talents, and perspectives are valuable assets that the construction industry needs. Seek out companies like the Danny Sullivan Group that prioritize diversity and inclusion, where you can thrive and grow professionally. Believe in yourself, stay determined, and don’t be afraid to break barriers. With hard work and perseverance, you can succeed and pave the way for future generations of women in construction

From Events to Recruitment: Emily’s Journey of Adaptation and Growth

From planning large-scale events to navigating the fast-paced world of recruitment, Emily Nolan’s career journey has been anything but conventional. With a background spanning events management, healthcare administration, and now recruitment—first in healthcare and now in construction—her path has been shaped by adaptability, a passion for connecting with people, and a drive to embrace new challenges. In this Q&A, Emily shares how she got to where she is today, the inspiration behind her career choices, and the women who have influenced her along the way.

I haven’t always been in recruitment. Before I made the transition, I worked in events, where I was responsible for organising and running large events such as weddings and business conferences. This role honed my ability to manage multiple tasks, communicate with diverse groups, and pay close attention to detail—skills that have proven invaluable throughout my career.

After that, I moved into a PA role within healthcare, which deepened my understanding of the healthcare industry and gave me a new set of experiences in a more administrative and support-focused environment. When I first transitioned into recruitment, it made sense to apply the knowledge I had gained from working in healthcare to focus on healthcare recruitment.

However, as my career evolved, I found myself drawn to new challenges and opportunities, which led me to move into construction recruitment. This shift has allowed me to apply my core skills in a different industry, further expanding my expertise and providing me with new growth opportunities. Each step along the way has contributed to where I am today, and I’m excited to continue evolving within this dynamic field.

My career path in recruitment was inspired by both a personal shift and the recognition of my strengths. After having a baby, I was looking for a fast-paced career that would allow me to make the most of my qualities—such as my love for connecting with people, my strong communication skills, and my ability to think on my feet. I also thrive in environments that require problem-solving and multitasking, which is a great fit for recruitment.

Interestingly, it was my Aunt who suggested recruitment to me. Having worked in the industry herself, she saw qualities in me that would make me successful in this field and encouraged me to explore it. Her support and insight played a pivotal role in guiding me toward this career path, and I’ve been grateful for it ever since.

The woman who has inspired me the most is Florence Nightingale. I first learned about her in school, and her story has stuck with me ever since. Her dedication to improving healthcare, her compassion for others, and her ability to bring about real change in a time of great adversity truly left an impression on me. Florence’s commitment to making a difference, even in the most challenging circumstances, has been a constant source of inspiration in my life, reminding me of the power of compassion and perseverance.

Lula’s Journey: Building a Career with Purpose at DSG

From university classrooms to driving marketing and communications at DSG, Lula’s career has been shaped by a drive for impact, continuous learning, and a passion for meaningful work. Her journey hasn’t always been straightforward, but with the right support, resilience, and a commitment to growth, she’s carved out a path that blends creativity with purpose. In this Q&A, Lula shares how she got here, the lessons she’s learned, and her vision for the future of the industry.

• How did you get to where you are today?

I began my career by studying business and marketing at university, then moved into a PR role where I honed my communications skills. After that, I was drawn to something more creative, which led me to DSG. Since joining DSG, I’ve had the opportunity to step into leadership, overseeing marketing and communications. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve had incredible support from mentors and teams around me, which has allowed me to grow into the role I have today. At DSG, I’ve been empowered to take on challenges, which has impacted my professional development.

• What inspired your career path?

I wanted to make a real difference in the workplace, and at DSG, I’ve found a company that goes beyond the surface of recruitment and construction. We’re building infrastructure for the future, providing people with meaningful work that makes them proud. I love that I’m part of a team that is shaping communities and driving progress. Writing and reading award entries has been particularly inspiring for me. It’s a reminder that what we do goes beyond just a job—it has the power to leave a lasting impact. For me, work should be purposeful, and I’m proud to contribute to something larger than myself.

• Any key milestones, experiences, or challenges that shaped your journey?

Joining DSG was a pivotal moment for me. It didn’t take long before I found myself leading the marketing and communications department—a challenge I embraced with both excitement and a little uncertainty. I’m proud to have taken on that responsibility, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance I received from the incredible people at DSG and Superbeam Agency. Another milestone was beginning my level 4 counselling diploma, which has had a surprising impact on my professional life. It is teaching me valuable skills like active listening and empathy, which I’ve been able to apply in my marketing and communications work. In terms of challenges, one that stands out is learning to adapt to various leadership styles and team dynamics. I’m naturally collaborative, and adjusting to different ways of working is an ongoing learning process, but one I embrace.

• Are there any qualifications or experiences that have been particularly valuable in your role?

My Level 2 Counselling skills qualification has been one of the most valuable experiences in my role. It’s all about understanding others—something that’s incredibly important in marketing and communications, where listening and empathy are key. My university degree laid the foundation for my marketing expertise, but it’s the additional skills I’ve developed that allow me to engage more meaningfully with my colleagues, stakeholders, and clients. This holistic approach to personal and professional development has been crucial in my success at DSG.

• What do you want to be doing in the future, or what changes would you like to see in the industry?

In the future, I want to expand my role to manage larger projects, and ultimately, I hope to be leading my own department by the time I’m 40. It’s a big goal, but I’m focused on continuing my growth. I’m also looking forward to expanding my skills, particularly in media training. Through DSG’s collaboration with Superbeam, I’ve been exposed to some great opportunities for upskilling, and I’m excited to explore more of these in the future. As for the industry, I’d love to see more women in leadership roles. I believe women bring a unique, strategic perspective that can drive change in the construction sector. I also hope to see mental health and wellbeing take a more prominent role in the industry’s focus, something that’s increasingly important in the workplace.

• Thoughts on how the industry can evolve, especially regarding diversity, inclusion, or innovation.

The construction industry does have levels of diversity, but there are some significant gaps when it comes to attracting people from various backgrounds. I think it’s crucial to engage people of all ages and background, and show them the full breadth of opportunities in the industry. We need to demonstrate that there’s more to it than just building sites—it’s about creating communities, shaping the future, and providing meaningful work. I’d also love to see more minority groups represented in the workforce, with fewer barriers to entry. It’s about creating space for them to thrive and making sure they have the resources and support to succeed.

• Is there a woman who inspires you? Why? This could be someone from history, a public figure, or a mentor who has made an impact on you.

Bethany Hamilton is a huge inspiration to me. She’s a professional surfer who faced a life-changing challenge and came out on top, stronger than ever. She embodies the strength and resilience that I try to bring to my own career. In her documentary, she says, “God only gives us what we can handle,” which resonates deeply with me. It’s a powerful reminder that we can handle much more than we think—if she can overcome the obstacles she faced, I know I can tackle my challenges too. Bethany inspires me to approach life and work with an “I Can” attitude, no matter how tough things get.

Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future: Hannah’s Journey in HR

At the Danny Sullivan Group, we believe in celebrating the women who drive change, challenge norms, and inspire the next generation. This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the journeys of the incredible women within our team—sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for the future.

Hannah’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making workplaces more inclusive, supportive, and fulfilling. From navigating different industries to building HR functions from the ground up, her journey is a testament to the power of experience, learning, and leadership.

• How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve worked in a multitude of roles and industries, all of which have led me here. HR on paper may look the same everywhere, but each industry has its own nuances that make it completely different. These experiences have given me the knowledge and perspective to understand what good HR looks like—how a business should care for its employees and truly embody its values from the inside out.

• What inspired your career path?
I was driven by a desire to help people lead happier, more productive lives at work. Since we spend the majority of our adult lives working, I believe it should be a fulfilling and purposeful experience with a lasting impact.

• Any key milestones, experiences, or challenges that shaped your journey?
In my previous role, the business was split in half, and I was tasked with setting up an entire HR department from scratch. It was a challenging but rewarding experience—working independently meant I had to be incredibly resourceful, problem-solve on my own, and take full ownership of building something from the ground up.

• Are there any qualifications or experiences that have been particularly valuable in your role?
Having a CIPD Level 7 qualification has been hugely valuable. It not only deepened my HR expertise but also gave me access to an extensive network of HR professionals, which has been an incredible resource throughout my career.

• What do you want to be doing in the future, or what changes would you like to see in the industry?
In the future, I want to move into business psychology and coaching, working with senior leaders to understand who they are as individuals and how that shapes their leadership and decision-making. I’d also love to pursue a PhD in organisational behaviour and eventually advise the government on workplace practices to create real, meaningful change in the way we work.

• Thoughts on how the industry can evolve, especially regarding diversity, inclusion, or innovation.
The construction industry is diverse in many ways, but there are still significant gaps. I believe more needs to be done at the school level to engage and excite young people from different backgrounds about the opportunities in construction. It’s about breaking down barriers and showing the breadth of career paths available.

• Is there a woman who inspires you? Why?
I don’t have just one—and I think that’s okay! Inspiration comes from many different places and people.

Celebrating Women in Leadership: Q&A with Katie Goodwin

As part of our International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations, we’re shining a spotlight on the inspiring women across our organisation who are making a difference every day. First up is Katie Goodwin, our Social Value Manager, whose work is instrumental in driving positive change within our communities. In this Q&A, Katie shares her career journey, insights on leadership, and the impact of social value in our industry.

How did you get to where you are today?

My journey has been a little bit of a jigsaw because I’ve been really fortunate enough to create my own path through life. It all began with a true passion for people and fighting for what’s right, which led me to pursue a degree in law. Along the way, I learnt that I’m not a ‘desk’ person, so changed direction and found myself rising through the ranks in the Prison Service to make a real difference to people’s stories. I wanted to do more, and see a more measurable impact so this eventually led to the wonderful world of Social Value. First at Sir Robert McAlpine, on the £1.6b AlignJV HS2 project – what a way to begin! A month ago, I joined DSG, to grow my career and develop our business-wide strategy on Social Value.

What do you want to be doing in the future, or what changes would you like to see in the industry?

Looking ahead, Social Value is only going to grow. I’m in an amazing position to be leading the change. The landscape is stepping away from a tick box, and towards real meaningful impact – which is exactly where it needs to be going! You’ll see me at the forefront of these changes. I’ll be spearheading campaigns and battling the norm on a daily basis.

Thoughts on how the industry can evolve, especially regarding diversity, inclusion, or innovation.

The industry knows where it’s weaknesses are, which is exactly where everyone is focusing. We need to embrace EVERYONE regardless of their background to help fill the skill gap in construction, and make the sector appealing for everyone.

Is there a woman who inspires you? Why?

I’m inspired by SO MANY women in my life.

One woman particular, who I met in the construction industry, truly inspires me to be the best version of myself. This fantastic woman is excelling in her career – head of an integral department – leading a team of brilliant souls. All whilst developing herself educationally as well as having a family, friends and loving a good night out.

She embodies the belief that you can indeed have it all – a thriving career, a loving family, and a vibrant social life. Her example challenges the notion that one must choose between professional success and personal happiness.

Who says you have to choose?!