The Leaky Pipeline - a NAWIC podcast

In episode 17 of the Leaky Pipeline we sit down with Cassandra Kirby, recipient of the esteemed 2024 NAWIC QLD AICD scholarship award. A busy mum of three and a construction lawyer, Cassandra discusses the importance of flexibility in the workplace and highlights ADCO's innovative approach to supporting female employees, including the introduction of emergency kits in the bathrooms across all sites. She has volunteered her time talking to school students about the potential career opportunities that the construction industry has to offer. Tune in to hear Cassandra's insights on fostering inclusivity and driving positive change in the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Episode 16 of The Leaky Pipeline!Today, we're thrilled to introduce the hilarious Jessica MacDonald, winner of the 2023 NAWIC SA Business Professional Award and the 2023 SA President's Choice Award. Growing up with a father who celebrated construction machinery, Jessica's passion for the industry started early. Despite facing challenges finding senior female role models, she remained determined to break barriers. Jessica discusses the struggle of balancing care giving and career, questioning how we can truly achieve gender parity. Committed to inclusivity, she's driving change by creating opportunities for women and First Nations people in the industry.Join us for laughter, insights, and inspiration with Jessica McDonald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for Episode 15 of The Leaky Pipeline! We are honoured to have Cynthia Calderon, a true pioneer in the construction industry, join us. Cynthia opens up about her journey, navigating the challenge of earning respect among her male counterparts. But as she shares her experiences, Cynthia highlights the exciting shift happening in the industry. Now, she passionately discusses why it's the perfect time for anyone to pursue a career in construction. She stresses the importance of recognising and valuing everyone's contributions, regardless of gender.We delve into the positive changes, like increased flexibility and making construction careers more accessible to all. Don't miss this conversation with Cynthia Calderon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 14 of The Leaky Pipeline. We chat with Melissa Millar, an entrepreneur and advocate for empowering young women. Melissa has founded a non-profit organisation and is the 2023 NAWIC QLD Small Business Woman of the Year and 2023 QLD President's choice award winner. Her journey took an unexpected turn while caring for her cousin's children, where she noticed a gap in the skills programs. This led Melissa to empower girls with crucial life skills like self-development, budgeting, and support for apprenticeships. Join us as we chat to Melissa about her journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 13, we have the incredible Zoe Luby, who made the leap from retail to carpentry. Starting with a pre-apprenticeship at TAFE, she's now on her way to becoming a female site manager, earning the prestigious title of NAWIC VIC Apprentice Award Winner for 2023. Despite the challenges of securing an apprenticeship during COVID, businesses actively sought more women for their teams, and Zoe embraced the opportunity. Join us as she shares her inspiring journey of breaking barriers in the trades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode of The Leaky Pipeline, we feature Dominique Gill, an award-winning figure in the construction industry. Dominique's passion led her to create a construction company, UrbanCore, with an outstanding 50% gender parity among its 54 employees. Beyond her professional achievements, Dominique discusses how she effectively manages both motherhood and her thriving career. Tune in to hear her strategies to deal with sexist comments, and discover how persistence has been the key to her remarkable success.Join us for an inspiring conversation with a trailblazer who is reshaping the landscape of the construction industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in this enlightening podcast episode featuring Dr. Aparna Samaraweera, the recipient of the 2023 International Women's Day Scholarship. Aparna, delves into her research, "LIFTING BARRIERS TO GENDER EQUITY IN THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY." In this insightful conversation, she elaborates on the six key recommendations derived from her research, focusing on crucial aspects for construction organisations such as Recruitment, Policy, and Monitoring & Reporting. Aparna, also sheds light on three pivotal recommendations for the construction industry at large, covering Industry Practices, Education, and Social Networks. Tune in as she navigates through her research findings, providing valuable insights into advancing gender equity in the construction sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 10 of the podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Casidhe Simmons, a former AFLW player. Casidhe is at the forefront of a groundbreaking program created by John Holland that provides AFLW players with opportunities to work and learn in the construction industry. This initiative not only breaks down barriers for women in construction but also allows them to plan for a future beyond their sports careers. Casidhe discusses the importance of flexibility and a 'human first' approach in construction, highlighting how these factors can be transformative. She also advocates for recognizing and valuing transferable skills to revolutionize the construction industry. Join us for an insightful conversation on the intersection of sports and construction with Casidhe Simmons. Join us as Cas takes us on a journey through the intersection of sports and construction, showcasing how this innovative program is shaping the future for women in both fields. It's a conversation you won't want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Leaky Pipeline Podcast! We're thrilled to have Steve Kiddle, Project Director of the M7M12 Integration Project, as our guest. Steve earned well-deserved recognition, winning the 2022 Champions of Change award in NSW. In this episode, Steve shares his insights into project design, highlighting the crucial role diversity plays in creating projects that meet a wide range of needs. As Project Director, he emphasizes how a diverse team brings valuable perspectives to the project development process. Steve challenges the norm by fostering an environment that welcomes different opinions, recognising the unique value diversity brings. Our conversation takes a personal turn as Steve reflects on the honour of receiving the Champions of Change award. This acknowledgment not only underscores his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion but also showcases the positive impact he has on the industry. Join us for a casual yet insightful chat with Steve Kiddle, a true champion of change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 8 of the NAWIC podcast, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Emma Wallace, the 2023 recipient of the NAWIC Bright Ideas Grant. With the grant's $20,000 seed funding, Emma has not only written but also illustrated and successfully brought to life a heartwarming children's book that highlights women in construction. Emma shares her unique journey into the construction industry, a path that began unexpectedly when she drew a window for a builder. As she recounts her story, we discover how her initial encounter with construction sparked a passion that has grown over time. Emma provides insights into her experiences and the incredible support she has received throughout her career, emphasising the importance of encouragement and mentorship. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Emma Wallace, exploring her transition from drawing a window to becoming a NAWIC Bright Ideas Grant winner and the creative mind behind a delightful children's book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 7 of the NAWIC podcast, The Leaky Pipeline, we have a captivating conversation with Jo Farrell, the ACT Australian of the Year Award winner for 2024. Jo wears multiple hats as the owner of the charity 'Build Like a Girl' and holds the position of General Manager at Kane Constructions ACT. Jo shares her journey, starting from her initial role as 'just a chippy' in the construction industry. She delves into the challenges she faced, highlighting the determination that led her to work for free for three months to prove her worthiness for an apprenticeship. Join us as we explore Jo's experiences, from overcoming the hurdles of gender biases to her current influential roles in the industry. Gain valuable insights into her dedication to empowering women in construction through her charity work and her impactful position as the GM of Kane Constructions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When she shared her story to an auditorium full of NAWIC Members and Allies there was barely a dry eye in the house. Miranda Swift, a cadet engineer working at Northrop, has captured the admiration and recognition of many by winning the esteemed NAWIC NSW Crystal Vision Award in 2022.Not content just to shine in her own right, Miranda has created opportunities to support aspiring female engineers too. Whilst navigating her own steep journey Miranda has carved out time and capacity to help others just like herself, truly embodying the NAWIC mantra “we rise together”In this episode, we are fortunate to delve into Miranda's journey that brought her into the world of engineering, her insights on what it is like coming from a regional town and the significant experiences that have propelled her to become an innovator. Grab the tissues and be prepared with be filled with hope and admiration.Miranda's pledge focuses on using her platform to support young women entering the industry and empowering them to achieve new heights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Hanley is the dynamic Managing Director at Laing O'Rourke.Like most women in construction, Rebecca's path hasn't been linear, and in that journey lies her superpower! Bringing to the table a diverse mix of start-up and big corporate, industrial, product and retail, Rebecca is candid about what it takes to lead one our Australia's largest construction companies.At the heart of Rebecca's determination and passion is her mission to create a better world. Straddling each of the continents, armed with a CPA, an MBA and fluency in multiple language, Rebecca's passion is a force to be reckoned with.Her experience ranges navigating the intricacies of construction to her role as a guiding force at Laing O'Rourke. Rebecca's story serves as a testament to determination, leadership and an intrinsic passion for creating a better world. Her mantra: “Cognitive diversity gives you better results, better responses, better decision making and more holistic leadership styles.”Buckle up as in this episode we delve into the moments that have shaped Rebecca's career – the good times and those big learning experiences. We explore the obstacles she overcame and how she built personal resilience. We will examine how Rebecca's vision has transformed Laing O'Rourke into a key player in the regions construction industry.Rebecca pledges to be part of the cultural change and be a diversity leader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma has spent her previous chapter as Head of Community for Gininderry – an exemplar project, a joint government and industry initiative to attract and retain women in construction. As she launches into her own business “The Umbrella Project” Emma reflects that industry associations have a real role to play. Her own experience in the ACT stems from building a pipeline for women in construction, to recruit and retain new talent in the industry.NAWIC and the Office for Women obtained a grant to develop a curriculum-based model to develop the pipeline for women in construction. Targeted at years 7-10, the program included learning about construction, diving into gender equality, focusing on the industry and exploring a wide range of roles including ‘Try a Trade' experiences and work experiencing and mentoring. 110 young women,in year 9 and 10, related to people in industry and given work experience, providing exposure and creating change.Emma says the magic wand would be getting industry to sponsor a ten-year curriculum and career development program. She pledges to keep talking and building the momentum around women's participation in construction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry started her career as a Marine Biologist working in the ports and shipping industry. Today she is GHD's General Manager for South Australia and the NAWIC National Award winner for 2022.Kerry discusses how it's not easy to get into construction and students don't often get to see the rewarding opportunities available to them when they are in that ‘dating game' exploring career options.Busting common myths Kerry dives into the subject of menstruation and childbearing: this does not denigrate women's capability to do their jobs. Physical ability needs to go into the back-room Kerry shares. People are now being seen for their technical capability and working with their heads. Kerry urges “Don't discriminate our opportunity, instead let's have a conversation and fix the environment”. Similarly, Kerry says don't mistake ‘heat in a conversation' for a hormonal issue, rather let's consider why someone is passionate.Her observations of the construction industry over her career span from male dominance, conflict and isolation, and the shift to environments to improved work practices and people being seen for the capabilities they bring. There is work to be done; from improving mentoring and intentional action through having role models to observe. Sharing stories is important to help create a new generation of people in industry.Kerry's pledge is to bring her voice, to open up the conversation, and to share her journey so people can see what's possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christina had her heart set on becoming an Architect. When a University Careers Counselor saw she had Physics and Maths subjects she was offered a scholarship for Engineering that was too compelling to refuse. She now loves the diversity of her career and reflects on the significant improvements that she has observed in the industry.On creating cultural shift in construction, change happens from the top. Boldly calling upon government to implement targets and quotas, Christina says this is important because it starts conversation. It's a catalyst for business to do better, to not only attract but retain women.“Let's be very clear,” Christina says, about bullying and gender bias: “It's not ok, never was ok, never will be ok.”On confronting sexist comments Christina is often met with “It's just a phrase”. Christina doesn't back down and there is no bystander effect for her. She calls it out, urges us all to do the same and tell people to find another way to express themself. Christina says we all can be the tiny steps toward cultural shift.In her career Christina now feels empowered, and she feels much more confident to speak up. She observes people are much more aware of the misconceptions that women can't do a lot of trade roles. Advances in technology mean ‘it's no longer ok to be out there on your own lifting 50kg'. Safety is for all people. Now the work environment has changed so much, it's safer for everyone.On getting to 25% participation by 2025 Christina says all organisations need to look at what they are doing and do better. She encourages women to be more visible, be louder! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When she graduated from Uni, like many Aussies, Paula got a backpack and a one-way ticket out. Paula found herself doing her Construction Law Apprenticeship in California and then the UK where she was most often the only woman in her workplace. Once mistaken onsite for a stripper, Paula is now a highly respected Professor at Monash university and a sought-after spokesperson in both the construction and legal industries.Upon her return to Australia Paula sought about creating a local chapter of NAWIC to build her tribe. She called every woman who'd ever picked up a hammer and had over 100 women in the room to discuss the creation of a community of women in construction! 28 years on we have over 10,000 members in NAWIC.One of the things that struck Paula in the beginning that so many men were keen to join. Why? Because it's the only association that spans the whole of industry in Australia.Cognitive Diversity is Paula's term that describes the antidote to group think. You get a much more holistic and different approaches to solve problems, and that's one of the key reasons we need to encourage more women and greater diversity in construction, Paula says.Paula has carved out a career in both law and academia where she now has the research to prove what she always knew; greater diversity delivers great commercial outcomes. Being sexualised or treated in a paternalistic way has been the hardest part for Paula. Often, she has observed the perception was she couldn't understand construction. Mansplaining through an analogy with baking has been a common occurrence for Paula; unconscious bias that you are not equal, women must prove their intelligence, repeatedly.Paula says try and find your tribe at the start of your community. Find other people to connect with and who can support you both professionally and personally: visit https://nawic.com.au/NAWIC/NAWIC/MembershipIf anything raised in this episode has been triggering for you please connect with the NAWIC Member Assistance Program. We have mental health experts on standby 24 x 7 to support our members on 1300 878 379. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast we will be exploring the challenges and opportunities related to gender diversity in the construction industry. Women make up only 13% of workers in the construction industry, but at the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), we are determined to change this statistic. We have a goal to increase female representation in the industry to 25% by 2025.To get there it's not just about recruiting more women, we need to shift the culture within the industry. Creating an environment that not only attracts women but also supports and retains them.Join Lauren Fahey, the host of 'The Leaky Pipeline' and General Manager of NAWIC Australia as she discusses the challenges, opportunities and what it means to be a change maker.In this podcast series, you'll hear from women with a range of experiences in the construction industry, who share the difficulties, the assumptions, and their thoughts on how we make construction a more diverse and inclusive workplace and why that's a good thing for everyone.'The Leaky Pipeline' is a Broad Generation Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.