ReCon - REinventive CONtribution

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams interviews Mike Burton, a prominent figure in the construction industry, discussing his extensive career, insights on gender disparity, leadership challenges, and the importance of mentorship. Mike shares his experiences and lessons learned, emphasising the need for supportive networks and pathways for women in engineering. The conversation also touches...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Helen Collie, a partner at HKA and a chartered structural engineer. Helen shares her journey in the construction industry, discussing her transition into leadership, the importance of establishing boundaries between work and home life, and the challenges she faced, including the loss of her father. She emphasises the value of having a support...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Faye Allen, Managing Director Quantum EMEA, at Rimkus  who brings over three decades of experience in the construction industry. Faye shares her journey, the importance of leadership, and her groundbreaking book, "Building Women." We delve into Faye's insights and provide actionable takeaways for those looking to empower themselves and others...

In this engaging interview, Racheal Cadey shares her journey through the construction and design industry, leadership lessons, overcoming unexpected challenges, and her vision for the future of construction. Discover practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice from a seasoned industry leader. Racheal admits she’s a reluctant leader, driven more by her core values than a desire for...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Katrina Kostic-Samen, a prominent figure in the commercial real estate industry. They discuss Katrina's career journey, her views on leadership versus management, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Katrina emphasises the importance of mentorship, the unique challenges women face in leadership roles, and the r...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Lisa Webb, a Senior Planning Partner at Newmark UK, about her extensive career in the construction industry. Lisa shares insights on the importance of building relationships, the rewards of leadership, and the challenges she has faced, including personal loss. They discuss the significance of networking, the impact of mentorship, and the stri...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Fiona Goddard, Head of MEP for UK and Ireland at AECOM. They discuss Fiona's journey in the engineering field, the importance of teamwork and leadership, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the value of networking. Fiona shares her insights on overcoming challenges, embracing failure, and the evolving role of AI in engineeri...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Penny Vinten, a seasoned professional in the construction industry. They discuss Penny's career journey, the importance of mentorship, leadership qualities, and the evolving landscape of the construction sector. Penny shares her insights on navigating challenges, the significance of integrity, and her hopes for the future of women in construc...

In this engaging episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Kate Mason, Senior Principal of Workplace Design at Unispace, about her extensive career in the construction industry. They discuss the importance of relationships, the challenges of maternity leave, and the evolving role of women in leadership. Kate shares her insights on effective leadership, the significance of mentorship, and the...

In this episode, Bev interviews Yoshimi Douglas Street, a trailblazing woman in construction, golf, and advocacy. They discuss her career journey from painter to Operations Director, her passion for mentoring, and her efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry. Yoshimi transitioned from being a successful painter and decorator to pursuing a management role, recognising the need fo...

  In this episode Julia Barrett, Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer at Willmott Dixon shares her unexpected career path from chemical engineering to board leadership in construction, leadership insights, and her vision for a sustainable, diverse industry by 2030.   A trailblazer in sustainable construction and diversity. This episode is a call to action for anyone daring to make a real im...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev speaks with Bidisha Sinha, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, about her journey in the construction industry, emphasising the importance of resilience, visibility, and self-belief. They discuss the challenges faced by women in architecture, the necessity of effective communication and trust in team dynamics. Bidisha shares her experiences of overcoming...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams interviews Renee Preston, CEO of Gallaway Construction, who shares her journey in the construction industry, her commitment to creating impactful change for women, and her insights on leadership, mentoring, and personal challenges. Renee discusses the importance of supporting women in construction, the need for cultural change within the industry, and he...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams engages in a candid conversation with Danielle Rowley, a director in cost management at AECOM. Danielle shares her unique journey into the construction industry, which began at the age of 26 after a career in publishing. With nearly two decades of experience, she discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, emphasising the importance of resilience a...

In this bonus episode for International Women's Day, Bev Williams is interviewed by her long-time friend Roslyn Robertson. They discuss the theme of giving to gain, the challenges women face in the construction industry, and the importance of mentorship and leadership. Bev shares her personal journey, including her experiences with self-belief, motherhood, the lesson of the Fact or Thought Filter...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams engages in a rich conversation with Helen Berresford a prominent figure in the construction industry. Helen shares her journey through various stages of her career, emphasising the importance of collaboration and the human-centric approach in design. She reflects on her experiences at significant events like Live Aid, which shaped her perspective on the...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams engages in a vibrant conversation with Lucy Wiltshire, a Senior Pre-Construction Manager at Keir Construction Oxford. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Lucy shares her journey through various roles, emphasising her passion for championing vocational routes and supporting emerging talent. The discussion highlights the importan...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Sarah Chapman, founder and MD of Chapman Consulting, about her extensive career in the construction industry. They discuss the rewards of career reinvention, the challenges faced in toxic work environments, and the importance of humility and leadership. Sarah shares her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship and her hopes for the future of...

In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with architect Nicola Rutt, who shares her journey in the construction industry and the challenges women face in their careers. With over 20 years of experience, Nicola discusses the rewarding aspects of starting her own architectural practice, Studio Multi, alongside her husband. She emphasises the importance of flexi...

In this episode of Recon, Bev Williams interviews Sarah Thorne, a project and program professional with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. The conversation delves into the themes of midlife reinvention, resilience, emotional awareness, and the challenges of a confidence crisis in one's career. Sarah shares valuable insights on the importance of not fighting every battle, the...

The podcast episode features a conversation with Sasha Krstanovic, a mechanical engineer and founder of MSTEP. They discuss the challenges women face in their careers, the importance of leadership as a mindset, and the freedom of expression that comes with age and experience. Sasha reflects on her biggest failures, the lessons learned, and her hopes for a more inclusive and human-centric construct...

In this episode Bev Williams and Sarah Kay explore the challenges and experiences of women in the construction industry, the importance of self-belief, and the lessons learned from early career choices. They discuss the future of construction, emphasising sustainability and the need for more inclusive environments. Sarah shares her insights on the significance of strategic decision-making in one's...

In this episode Bev Williams interviews Jo Weston, a seasoned professional in the construction industry, about her journey through leadership, mentorship, and the challenges faced by women in the field. Jo shares her insights on the importance of continuous learning, the non-linear nature of career paths, and the significance of self-awareness and emotional resilience. The conversation also touche...

Bev Williams, owner of Breathe Executive Coaching, introduces her new podcast called Recon, which aims to support women in their 30s to mid-40s in the construction industry. The podcast features interviews with successful women who have navigated significant challenges and offers valuable advice and insights. Takeaways There are three phases of a woman's career: idealistic achievement, pragmatic e...