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 and reinvention in both personal and professional spheres. As a single mother and caregiver, Danielle reflects on the balance between significant personal responsibilities and professional ambition, highlighting her passion for mentoring women in construction and fostering honest conversations about career transitions.

Throughout the discussion, Danielle emphasises the value of empowering others, particularly younger professionals, by sharing her experiences and insights. She speaks about the importance of being comfortable at the table, the shift from process-driven to people-driven leadership, and the significance of building trust within teams. The conversation also touches on the challenges of entering the construction field later in life, the need for visibility in the industry, and the importance of mentorship in supporting women and men alike during pivotal life changes such as maternity and paternity leave. Danielle's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of creating supportive environments for future generations in the workplace.

Takeaways:

· Helping younger people is the most rewarding aspect of my career.

· Confidence follows action, not the other way around.

· Reputation and professionalism compounds over time.

· You can't please all the people all the time.

· It's about treating people how you want to be treated.

· We need to explain the roles in construction to younger generations.

· Visibility and accessibility are key in mentoring.

· Don't settle; always push yourself to grow.

· Sometimes you need to jump in and take action.

· Nurturing your team is more important than just being in charge.

Danielle is a Mentor with The Circle Partnership Mentoring Circle https://thecirclepartnership.com/mentoring-circle/

Chapters:

· 00:00 Introduction to Recon and Guest Danielle Rowley

· 02:20 Danielle's Journey into Construction

· 03:33 Rewards of Mentoring and Empowering Others

· 06:51 Leadership: Actions, Boundaries, and Empathy

· 09:27 Challenges of Entering Construction Later in Life

· 15:11 Lessons Learned: Reputation and Professionalism

· 18:48 Facing Disappointments and Learning from Them

· 20:39 Unexpected Experiences in Career

· 24:19 Holding the Ladder Down for Other Women