DIIC Podcast

🎙️  Treasury, Engineering & Construction: Careers Young People Rarely Hear About When people think about careers in construction, engineering or the built environment, treasury and finance roles are rarely part of the conversation. But they should be. In my latest podcast episode, I spoke with Temi Agunbiade from BP — a qualified accountant with experience across the oil and gas sector — about...

This episode features Sweena Badhan, Managing Director at Steel Homes Construction, who shares her inspiring journey from teaching to leading in the construction sector. She talks openly about the challenges of being a woman of colour in a male-dominated industry and the role of mentorship, diversity, and inclusion in breaking barriers. Sweena also highlights her company’s use of innovative, susta...

Faith's conversation on Firesafety, passive fire and women talking fire with Rachel Potter from OWS  Support the show

In this episode, Faith Abudu is joined by Ellie Farlow, a project manager at G4C Kent Club, to explore the concept of the "next gen" in construction – defined as professionals with up to ten years of experience. They discuss the vital role of Constructing Excellence in driving best practices and creating opportunities for networking and collaboration across the industry. Ellie shares ins...

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Martin McLean, Director of Specialism at Waterfront UTC, to explore the hands-on, technical education that UTCs (University Technical Colleges) provide. With a strong focus on construction, engineering, and design, Martin explains how students can study at levels equivalent to GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs and T-levels, gaining real-world experience through up...

In this episode, Ben Campbell - from Wealden Rehab shares the journey behind launching the CareSpaces brand in 2022, which focuses on installing essential care equipment for disabled people. Ben explains the importance of Changing Places toilets, detailing their key requirements such as a minimum 12 square metre space and specialist features like height-adjustable toilets, washbasins and changing...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kat, a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Resource and Waste Management Consultant with over 17 years’ experience. Kat has worked across the UK and Ireland specialising in waste and resource management for major urban regeneration projects. She shares insights from her career journey, from starting at Veolia and building a specialist team at AECOM, to foundin...

In this episode, we sit down with Abena Akuffo-Kelly FRSA – a speaker, mentor, coach, and a champion of inclusive leadership. Former Mayor of Folkestone (2024–25) and Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council (2023–24), Abena brings a unique blend of public service, education, and advocacy to everything she does. We explore her work in diversity, equity and inclusion – particularly around i...

In this episode, Faith Abu Do sits down with Dean Halfpenny to explore the challenges and opportunities facing today’s construction industry. Dean shares his personal journey from a non-academic background to a thriving career in the trades, highlighting the value of practical skills, adaptability, and resilience. Together, they discuss the need for earlier vocational training, better support for...

Curious about inclusive sustainable design in construction listen Mollie Gallagher’s interview with Kemi Owoeye , Technical Lead & Sustainable Design at Willmott Dixon.  On this episode Kemi gave insight on the impact of sustainable design and what Willmott Dixons are doing differently.  Support the show

Sara Kazemi Senior Design Manager at Wates, sat with Faith at 2025 London Build where Sara gave insight explanation on the  difference between being an architect and a designer, she went further to narrate challenges in her previous role and why she transition into design management  Support the show

At DIIC – Diversity and Inclusion in Construction , our Director Faith Abudu sat down with Danica McLean , Group People Director at Vistry Group , for an insightful podcast conversation focused on people, pathways, and progression within the construction industry. During the discussion, Danica shared valuable perspectives on:  🔹 Career pathways into construction and how organisations can create c...

In this episode, at the Kent Construction Expo, we explore diversity and inclusion within the construction industry, with a particular focus on women and neurodivergent professionals. Connor, Managing Director of Digital Lookout, joins us to share his journey from software developer to leading a marketing agency that now works closely with construction businesses. He talks openly about his own tra...

In this episode, Natalie Bonnick, Head of Supply Chain, Education, and Skills for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), shares how one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects is building more than just a road. Natalie talks about managing contractors, driving diversity and developing a skilled local workforce through LTC’s long-term education and employment initiatives. She discusses the project’s...

Culture isn't just a buzzword – it's structure for ambition. This week on the podcast, Dr. Blessing Enakimio shares how the construction industry can evolve through better organisational culture. From her 5W framework (work, workforce, workplace, workflow, and what) to tackling woman-on-woman competition, Dr. Inakiel brings clarity, honesty and big-picture thinking. We talk adaptability,...

Breaking Barriers in Construction: A Conversation with Rohit Malhotra 🚧 Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate the construction industry as a migrant, win national awards, and still push for positive change every day? In this exclusive interview, Mollie Gallagher of DIIC: Diversity and Inclusion in Construction sits down with Rohit Malhotra , a National Award-winning Construction Project Manage...

At London Build , Faith Abudu , Director of DIIC – Diversity and Inclusion in Construction , sat down with Dara Jafari , Project Management Director at MGAC , for a powerful and honest podcast conversation on the realities shaping leadership in construction today. During the interview, Dara shared insightful perspectives on:  🔹 The gender pay gap in construction 🔹 Project affordability, risk man...

At London Build Expo 2025, Faith Abudu had the privilege of speaking with Yoshimi Douglas-Street , Operations Director at Mace , about her inspiring journey into construction and what real inclusion looks like in practice. Yoshimi shared her pathway into the industry and transferable skills, her humble beginning from sport to painting and decorating to working her way up to the Operation Director...

We’re excited to announce that the #DIICPodcast is now live every Wednesday on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. As we move into 2026, DIIC Diversity and Inclusion In Construction will be shining a light on true diversity and inclusion within the #construction industry, #Housing , #Engineering (the #Builtenvironment ).  Following our October event at Canterbury Christ Church University (C...

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Karen Robinson, founder of Ruby Red Interiors and a finalist for the Can Women in Business Award. Karen shares her inspiring journey from a career in television to launching her own interior design business in 2009 - right in the midst of the economic crash. She opens up about the early challenges of building a client base, the lack of government support...

At just 26, Molly Gallagher is making waves as a Quantity Surveyor in mechanical & electrical services — despite starting with no construction subjects at school and living with dyslexia. In her chat with Faith Abudu, she breaks down the differences between contracting and consultancy QS roles, and why consultancy gave her access to niche sectors she loves. But the industry still has a long wa...

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Mel, a dynamic entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to the UK, where she co-founded KPO Architecture and Martello Building Consultancy. They delve into the power of networking, the value of outsourcing architectural services to the Philippines, and how this approach offers smart, cost-effective solutions. Mel opens up about...

In this episode, we sit down with Naureen Ullah , a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the housing sector. As the Partnerships Manager at SEC , Chair of Women in Social Housing (WISH) South East , and a dedicated Mentor for the Housing Diversity Network , Naureen shares her insights on driving positive change in the industry. We discuss her journey, the challenges faced in promotin...

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg McKenzie from AW Group , a growing rail and construction company, to discuss their commitment to sustainability and social value . Greg shares the challenges they face in implementing social value initiatives, particularly in fast-paced projects with complex logistics. Despite these hurdles, AW Group has achieved impressive results through their material reuse...

In this inaugural episode of the DIIC podcast, host Faith Abudu welcomes Lucy Druesne, a dual national from France and the UK, to share her inspiring career journey from project management to leading the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Kent and Medway. Lucy sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including skills shortages and funding fra...