ReCon - REinventive CONtribution

Bev Williams

  ReCon, the podcast made to support women in their 30s to mid 40s in the Construction industry who are navigating significant challenges to maintain momentum on their career path.   ReCon short for Reinventive Contribution is the advanced stage of a woman’s career where women aged 46 & beyond often seek new opportunities for growth and may focus on contributing to their field, Brene Brown calls it …. The gift of Mid-life which I love!   As my gift I want use this pod to share and leverage accumulated expertise by Interviewing successful women within the construction industry in the ReCon stage of their career. They have been there & have Pragmatically Endured through their 30 & 40s & got to the other side. My guests share their lived experiences, challenges, surprises and some golden nuggets to support those women currently in the Pragmatic Endurance phase of their career (30 – mid 40s). They have been there & got to the other side. Although I hope these conversations resonate with anyone at any age because there is so much valuable advice and so many really good pieces of information and that I wish that I'd been given.   For more information on the 3 phases of woman's career please head to the resources section of my website www.breathecoaching.co.uk

Episodes

  1. Episode 11 - Renee Preston

    5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 11 - Renee Preston

    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

    37 min
  2. Episode 10 - Danielle Rowley

    10 MAR

    Episode 10 - Danielle Rowley

    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

    26 min
  3. Episode 9 - Bonus IWD2026 with Bev Williams

    5 MAR · BONUS

    Episode 9 - Bonus IWD2026 with Bev Williams

    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

    48 min
  4. Episode 8 - Helen Berresford

    3 MAR

    Episode 8 - Helen Berresford

    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

    37 min
  5. Episode 7 - Lucy Wiltshire

    24 FEB

    Episode 7 - Lucy Wiltshire

    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 importance of confidence, positivity, and the need for women to recognise their superpowers in a traditionally predominantly male field. Lucy's insights on leadership, networking, and the challenges of balancing work and family life resonate deeply, offering valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own careers. Lucy reflects on her experiences, including the guilt often felt by working mothers and the importance of building a supportive network. She emphasises that leadership is not just a title but a mindset, advocating for women to take charge of their careers and support one another. Lucy shares insights on building a network, overcoming redundancy, and championing emerging talent. The conversation culminates in a powerful message about believing in oneself and the significance of diversity in the workplace, leaving listeners inspired to reach for their goals and embrace their unique paths in the construction industry. Conclusion: Lucy Wiltshire's insights serve as a beacon for women in construction and beyond. Her experiences highlight the importance of self-confidence, effective leadership, work-life balance, and the transformative power of networking. As she aptly puts it, "It’s about being yourself and finding fulfilment both at work and at home."    In a world where challenges abound, Lucy's story reminds us that with the right mindset and support, we can all reach our goals and help others along the way. Takeaways:   Every woman has a superpower; we just sometimes don't realise it.Building your network of like-minded people is crucial for success.Everything happens for a reason; you pick up skills along the way.Believe in yourself and know your worth.Championing emerging talent and apprenticeship.It's about opening doors for the next generation of women in construction.You never know what's around the corner; stay positive.It's hard to fit into molds; embrace your uniqueness. Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to Recon and Guest Background 02:52 The Rewards of Reinvention in Career 05:05 Leadership and Consistent Actions 07:33 Balancing Career and Family Guilt 10:09 The Importance of Networking 12:45 Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Failure 15:06 The Power of Positivity 17:23 Unexpected Career Opportunities 20:08 Supporting Emerging Talent and Women in Construction 22:50 Future Hopes for the Construction Industry 25:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Professionals

    28 min
  6. Episode 6 - Sarah Chapman

    17 FEB

    Episode 6 - Sarah Chapman

    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 women in construction, emphasising the need for more women in skilled roles. Sarah epitomises the transformative journey many women experience in their careers. She explains, there is a unique reward in helping younger colleagues navigate their careers, fostering an environment where they can flourish. Sarah draws inspiration from Dr. Sam Collins, who highlights the significance of empowering others. Takeaways: ·       Setting boundaries is essential for work-life balance. ·       Humility is a key trait for success in any field. ·       It's important to take time to enjoy your career journey. ·       Entrepreneurship can provide flexibility for working mums. Dr Sam Collins is the founder of Aspire for Equality (formerly Aspire). https://drsamcollins.com/for Follow her on  LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/drsamcollins & read her book mRadio Heaven https://amzn.eu/d/0h3gqWaa See Jane Win: The Rimm Report on How 1000 Girls Become Successful Women Dr Sylvia Rim https://amzn.eu/d/028Z2OFD Women are leading approximately one-fifth (20%) of all new businesses, a record high, according to reports cited by Diversity UK.  The Rose Review, an independent review of female entrepreneurship, tracks progress and aims to boost support and increase the number of female angel investors. The broader goal, as outlined in the Women-led high-growth enterprise taskforce report (HTML) - GOV.UK is to close the gender gap, potentially adding significant value to the UK economy by enabling women to start and scale businesses at the same rate as men.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Recon and Guest Introduction 02:38 Theme Tune and Public Speaking Experiences 04:33 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth 06:55 The Importance of Boundaries in Leadership 08:51 Challenges Faced in Career and Overcoming Them 13:24 Lessons Learned: The Value of Humility 17:16 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Workplace 17:52 Proud Moments and Personal Reflections 20:01 Redefining Failure: Learning from Mistakes 22:24 Unexpected Journeys: The Path to Entrepreneurship 23:22 Women in Business: Flexibility and Opportunity 25:53 Supporting Each Other: Mentorship and Leadership 29:29 The Future of Construction: Women and Skills Gap 34:12 Advice to My Younger Self: Enjoy the Journey

    35 min
  7. Episode 5 - Nicola Rutt

    10 FEB

    Episode 5 - Nicola Rutt

    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 flexibility, self-care, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance while leading a team. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape for women in architecture and the significance of mentorship and networking in fostering growth and opportunities for women in the industry. Throughout the episode, Nicola reflects on her career challenges, including the transition from a large firm to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned along the way. She highlights the necessity of saying no to maintain passion and quality in work, and the importance of being present for her team. The conversation concludes with Nicola's hopes for the future of the construction industry, advocating for recognition of the built environment sector and the need for diversity and sustainability in construction practices. Takeaways: "You have to push yourself and get outside your comfort zone." "To do what you love, you have to learn to say no." "You can't look after your family if you can't look after yourself first." "Don't lose sight of the fact you need to be curious and creative." As promised here is a links to: Ladies in Real Estate. The largest networking group for women working in real estate in the UK (and now growing abroad)!   Their values include: Mission-led: Helping women find and support each other in their property careers to balance the genders across the industry. Inclusivity: All women, at every level, of every socio-economic background, or pivoting into the industry, are welcome to join LiRE. Consistency: Monthly breakfasts are at the core of creating the safe space for the LiRE network to connect.   LiRE has a mentoring programme that Nicola is part of as a mentor.   HOP HOP uses a relaxed, simple process to regularly introduce you to brand new connections every fortnight with fellow female professionals. To sign up use link https://www.hophop.chat/p/join-female-property-professionals-like-you   NLA Built environment sector report https://nla.london/insights/the-built-environment-sector 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 Its Purpose 01:51 Meet Nicola Rutt: A Journey in Architecture 02:58 The Rewards of Starting a New Venture 04:59 Leadership: Actions and Boundaries 08:13 Balancing Motherhood and Career 09:14 Lessons Learned: Do What You Love 11:06 Networking: The Importance of Connections 13:17 Embracing Mini Failures for Growth 15:38 Unexpected Partnerships in Business 17:03 Supporting Women in the Industry 18:32 Hopes for the Future of Construction 20:18 Advice for Your Younger Self 21:24 Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Quotes

    22 min
  8. Episode 4 - Sarah Thorne

    3 FEB

    Episode 4 - Sarah Thorne

    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 need for reflection, emotional awareness in the workplace. As well as insights on gender bias and credit taking, learning from failures and trust, career transitions, reframing the perception of 'bossy' and the value of creativity in problem-solving. The conversation also touches on the importance of setting boundaries, learning from failures, and the hopes for a more inclusive future in the construction industry. She believes that empowering your team and having their back creates an environment where everyone can flourish.  Sarah speaks about supporting and championing women in leadership and her continued involvement with Women Leaders UK which is a registered charity established to recognise outstanding women, promote and strengthen women’s leadership, and support gender equality and diversity. For more information follow this link https://womenleadersuk.org Takeaways: Being settled in oneself leads to greater confidence.Resilience is built through experience and overcoming challenges.You don't have to fight every battle; choose wisely.Building a supportive network is crucial for overcoming confidence crises.Self-talk can be a form of bullying; be kind to yourself.Women need to celebrate their achievements and support each other.Saying no is a powerful tool for setting boundaries.It's important to reflect before reacting to situations. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Recon and Guest Introduction 02:17 Finding Rewards in Reinvention 04:26 The Importance of Resilience 06:33 Leadership Beyond Titles 08:23 Navigating Confidence Crises 13:59 Building a Supportive Network 15:29 The Power of Self-Talk 17:57 Choosing Your Battles Wisely 20:55 Reframing Insults as Strengths 25:30 Eek of the Week: Women in the Workplace 26:08 Lessons from Failure: Trust and Professionalism 27:55 Unexpected Career Turns: From Art to Project Management 31:07 Creativity in Leadership: The Importance of Diverse Thinking 31:24 Empowering Women: Mentorship and Support in Careers 35:38 The Future of Construction: Inclusivity and Women's Representation 36:47 Setting Boundaries: The Importance of Saying No

    43 min
  9. Episode 3 - Sasha Krstanovic

    27 JAN

    Episode 3 - Sasha Krstanovic

    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 construction industry. The conversation emphasises the need for mentorship, collaboration, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of challenges. As a leader, Sasha recognises the necessity of self-care. She shares her morning routine, which includes yoga and quiet reflection, as essential practices for maintaining her mental and emotional well-being. By compartmentalising work stress and prioritising self-care, Sasha ensures she remains centred and focused, allowing her to lead effectively. Sasha mentioned the benefit of The 5 Tibetans  - here is a link… https://youtu.be/HXU5QoK7ku4?si=upj47ccJCl5Y-3gI We also discussed the Equilibrium Network (EQN) https://equilibrium-network.com Which is an international, multi-disciplinary network that includes architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, surveyors, planners, policy makers and urbanists; also those commissioning the design of the built environment in the public and private sectors, NGOs and charities; also academics and industry based institutes. The network is free to join: anyone who supports our aims and subscribes to their Ethical Code can join the network. The EQN mentoring toolkit can be downloaded https://equilibrium-network.com/resources/mentoring-toolkit/   Takeaways: Sasha emphasises the importance of freedom to express oneself in the workplace.Truth and integrity are powerful tools in one's career.MSTEP was born out of a desire for change and personal fulfilment.Challenges in career often stem from systemic issues rather than individual shortcomings.Personal growth often comes from overcoming failures and learning from them.The pandemic has taught the industry about flexibility and remote work.It's essential to keep going and stay true to oneself throughout one's career.The Power of Truth and the Right to be WrongMentoring and Networking Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Recon and Its Purpose01:40 Meet Sasha: A Trailblazer in Construction05:31 The Freedom of Self-Expression in Midlife11:42 Redefining Leadership: Beyond Titles17:42 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry23:21 Lessons Learned: The Power of Truth26:36 Embracing Change and Learning29:39 The Power of Honesty in Communication32:50 Turning Insults into Motivation33:33 The Gender Gap in Construction34:27 Understanding Systemic Limitations39:15 The Unexpected Journey of Entrepreneurship

    35 min

About

  ReCon, the podcast made to support women in their 30s to mid 40s in the Construction industry who are navigating significant challenges to maintain momentum on their career path.   ReCon short for Reinventive Contribution is the advanced stage of a woman’s career where women aged 46 & beyond often seek new opportunities for growth and may focus on contributing to their field, Brene Brown calls it …. The gift of Mid-life which I love!   As my gift I want use this pod to share and leverage accumulated expertise by Interviewing successful women within the construction industry in the ReCon stage of their career. They have been there & have Pragmatically Endured through their 30 & 40s & got to the other side. My guests share their lived experiences, challenges, surprises and some golden nuggets to support those women currently in the Pragmatic Endurance phase of their career (30 – mid 40s). They have been there & got to the other side. Although I hope these conversations resonate with anyone at any age because there is so much valuable advice and so many really good pieces of information and that I wish that I'd been given.   For more information on the 3 phases of woman's career please head to the resources section of my website www.breathecoaching.co.uk