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 her experiences with personal health challenges that shaped her perspective on work-life balance.

She emphasises the significance of being a disruptor in the industry and the lessons learned from failures, while also highlighting her unexpected role in political leadership to advocate for change. Renee's passion for building impact and her hopes for the future of the construction industry are evident throughout the conversation.

With over 15 industry awards to her name in 2025 alone, including the Woman of the Year at the Property Week Awards, Renee's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of inclusivity in the workplace.

"I want to walk on a building site and know that I feel that pride and know that I've done that," she shares. This commitment to fostering a supportive culture for women has led her to spearhead The National Site Standard and various initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in construction.

One of Renee's key contributions is the Construction for Women initiative. This nationwide program is designed to open up construction careers for women. Follow them on LinkedIn… https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-for-women/

Renee's journey is an inspiring example of how one individual can make a profound impact on their industry. Through her initiatives and commitment to inclusivity, she is not only changing the narrative for women in construction but also paving the way for a more equitable future.

As we look ahead, key takeaways from Renee's story include the need for supportive networks, the necessity of setting boundaries for personal well-being and the importance of mentorship. As Renee points out, mentoring can significantly improve retention rates; mentees are five times more likely to remain in their roles.

Takeaways:

· Supporting women in the industry is crucial for retention.

· Mentoring programs significantly improve retention rates.

· Setting boundaries is essential for work-life balance.

· Embracing disruption can lead to positive change.

· Trusting the wrong people can lead to challenges.

· Political awareness is important for industry advocacy.

· Building impact is about changing lives, not just numbers.

· Self-belief and support from peers are vital for success.

National Site Standard launched https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/government/national-site-standard-for-women-launched-15-01-2026/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:54 Renee's Journey and Impact in Construction

10:06 Leadership & Mentoring in the Industry

12:11 Personal Challenges & Boundaries

20:32 Embracing Disruption & Change

24:08 Lessons Learned from Failures

26:45 Unexpected Political Leadership

33:12 Building Impact & Future Aspirations

40:39 Advice to Younger Self

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

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 and the pressures of visibility in her career. The conversation highlights the significance of vulnerability, the impact of burnout, and the lessons learned through failure. They conclude with hopes for a more inclusive future in the construction industry and the importance of supporting one another.

Key Insights:

1. Mentoring and Coaching: One of the most rewarding aspects of Bev's career is mentoring others. She finds fulfillment in helping individuals navigate their challenges and achieve their goals.

2. Authenticity: In this reinventive stage, it's essential to allow yourself to be authentic. Bev believes that shedding the need to please others leads to greater clarity and confidence.

3. Neuroscience of Change: Bev discusses a fascinating concept from neuroscience about how as we age, our brains undergo changes that allow us to prioritise what truly matters. This process can lead to a significant shift in how we perceive ourselves and our roles in society.

4. Clarity Over Complexity: The clarity that comes from embracing your true self is liberating. It allows you to focus on what truly matters rather than conforming to external pressures.

Takeaways:

· Giving is not a subtraction, but a multiplication of impact.

· Leadership is about authenticity and resilience.

· Fact vs. Thought is a powerful tool for clarity.

· Vulnerability does not equate to victimhood.

· Burnout is a significant issue for women in leadership.

· Failure can lead to personal growth and understanding.

· Visibility in the workplace is essential for success.

For more information on the 3 phases of a woman's career please head to the resources section at www.breathecoaching.co.uk

Breathe by Becky Hemsley https://breathecoaching.co.uk/poem-breathe/

Ellen Scherr article: https://themidst.substack.com/p/aging-out-of-fcks

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:04 Learning from Failure and Vulnerability

35:12 The Pressure of Hyper Visibility

38:04 Supporting Women in Construction

41:50 Hopes for the Future of Construction

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 power of music in inspiring change. Helen discusses her current role at Sheppard Robson, where she leads the IDSR team, and highlights the rewarding aspects of mentoring young professionals, particularly women in the industry. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of construction, the significance of well-being in design, and the need for authenticity in leadership.

Conclusion:

Helen Berresford's journey in the construction industry is a testament to the power of collaboration, continuous learning, and the joy of creating spaces that serve communities. As she embraces this reinventive stage of her career, her insights remind us that success is not just about individual achievements but about lifting each other up and celebrating collective victories.

Takeaways:

· Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining personal and professional balance.

· From the golden threads - Weave you own tapestr !

· Helen learned to empower her team rather than take on their burdens.

· Overcoming stereotypes is essential for personal growth and success.

· Designing healthy environments is vital for well-being.

· Helen encourages younger professionals to embrace the roller coaster of their careers.

· Leadership is about creating the right environment for growth.

· Nostalgic experiences can inspire current and future endeavours.

As promised... Bowie & Jagger ‘Dancing in the street’ clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opRRax4ph3E

For more information on the 3 phases of a woman's career please head to the resources section at www.breathecoaching.co.uk

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Recon and Helen Berresford

01:46 Helen's Theme Tune and Live Aid Memories

05:54 The Rewards of the Reinventive Stage

09:11 Leadership: Actions and Mindset

13:55 Challenges in Career and Overcoming Them

16:45 Transforming Client Engagement in Design

16:46 Lessons in Leadership and Persistence

21:00 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

31:08 Hopes for the Future of the Construction Industry

35:34 Trusting Yourself on the Journey