ReCon - REinventive CONtribution
Claim This Podcastby Bev Williams
Podcast Overview
<p> </p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>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,</p><p>Brene Brown calls it …. The gift of Mid-life which I love!</p><p> </p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>For more information on the 3 phases of woman's career please head to the resources section of my website <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.breathecoaching.co.uk" target="_blank">www.breathecoaching.co.uk</a></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/11/2026
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Recent Episodes
June 23, 2026
Episode 23 - Mike Burton 'The Token Male'
<p>In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams interviews Mike Burton, a prominent figure in the construction industry, discussing his extensive career, insights on gender disparity, leadership challenges, and the importance of mentorship. Mike shares his experiences and lessons learned, emphasising the need for supportive networks and pathways for women in engineering. The conversation also touches on the future of the construction industry and advice for women in their early careers.</p><p></p><p>During our discussion, we explored the different phases of a man's career compared to those of women in construction. Mike noted that the pragmatic endurance stage women experience during their careers stands in stark contrast to men’s focus on stability and advancement during similar periods. This difference highlights the unique challenges women face in balancing work and family life, often leading to the development of essential skills that can benefit them in their careers.</p><p></p><p>Mike's philosophy is centred around giving back, which he attributes to his upbringing in the industry. He emphasised the significance of mentorship in his career, stating that he had many supporters early on who helped him succeed. By volunteering in mentoring programs, Mike has committed himself to nurturing the next generation of engineers and leaders in the industry. He believes that providing support and guidance enables individuals to flourish in their careers, especially women balancing family responsibilities and professional aspirations.</p><p></p><p>One of the most important lessons Mike shared from his career is the value of building relationships. He encourages young professionals to develop connections within their industry, emphasising that these relationships can provide support and opportunities throughout their careers. Networking is not just about professional connections but also about creating a community that can help each other succeed.</p><p>Mike's insights offer valuable lessons for both men and women in the construction industry. His commitment to mentorship, understanding of career phases, and leadership philosophy highlight the importance of support systems in fostering talent.</p><p></p><p><b>As we wrap up this series, it’s clear that collaboration and mutual support are essential in driving inclusion and innovation in our field. </b><br /></p><p><b>Takeaways:</b></p><p>· The importance of mentorship and supporting emerging talent.</p><p>· The construction industry faces significant gender disparity, with only 9% of UK engineers being women.</p><p>· Leadership is about empathy, communication, and accountability.</p><p>· Building relationships in the industry is crucial for career success.</p><p>· The pandemic posed unique challenges for leaders in the construction sector.</p><p>· Women often develop super skills during the pragmatic endurance phase of their careers.</p><p>· Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies are essential for career growth.</p><p></p><p>For more information on the 3 phases of a woman's career please head to the resources section at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.breathecoaching.co.uk" target="_blank">www.breathecoaching.co.uk</a></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest</p><p>04:34 Mike’s Career Overview and Achievements</p><p>11:21 Phases of Career Development: A Male Perspective</p><p>14:50 Leadership and Its Challenges</p><p>19:30 Lessons Learned and Insights for Women</p><p>25:30 Addressing Gender Disparity in Engineering</p><p>28:08 Failures and Unexpected Lessons</p><p>32:15 Supporting Women's Development in the Industry</p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p>
June 16, 2026
Episode 22 - Helen Collie
<p>In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Helen Collie, a partner at HKA and a chartered structural engineer. Helen shares her journey in the construction industry, discussing her transition into leadership, the importance of establishing boundaries between work and home life, and the challenges she faced, including the loss of her father. She emphasises the value of having a supportive team and the lessons learned from her experiences, including embracing one's uniqueness and the significance of shared values in a Collie environment. </p><p></p><p>In this conversation, Helen and Bev discuss the significant gender pay gap in the construction industry, the importance of representation and visibility for women in engineering, and the need for a cultural shift to support women in STEM fields. They explore the concept of failure, emphasising the importance of learning from experiences rather than letting them define one's worth. Helen shares her journey and insights on how to encourage more girls to pursue engineering, while also reflecting on her own career and the challenges faced along the way.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Helen’s experiences highlight the importance of authentic leadership in the construction industry. By embracing her leadership style, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care, she not only enhances her own well-being but also fosters a supportive environment for her team. Aspiring leaders can learn valuable lessons from Helen’s journey, reminding us that leadership is about more than just a title; it’s about being true to oneself and empowering others.</p><p></p><p><b>Takeaways</b></p><p>· Leadership allows for personal expression and doing things one's own way.</p><p>· Establishing boundaries is crucial for work-life balance.</p><p>· Grief can impact career direction and stability.</p><p>· Supportive work environments are essential for well-being.</p><p>· Having a solid team with shared values is invaluable.</p><p>· Failure to execute is not the end of the world.</p><p>· It's important to learn to share the load with a team.</p><p>· Embracing uniqueness can lead to personal satisfaction.</p><p>· Celebrating one's weirdness is a positive trait. Words can have a lasting impact on young minds.</p><p>· Statistics often hide deeper cultural issues.</p><p>· Failure can be reframed as a learning opportunity.</p><p>· Visibility of women in engineering is crucial for future generations.</p><p>· Encouraging girls to consider STEM is essential for change.</p><p>· It's important to enjoy the journey and successes in your career.</p><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Helen Collie</p><p>05:05 Reinventing Leadership and Personal Growth</p><p>08:15 Establishing Boundaries in Work and Life</p><p>13:09 Navigating Grief and Career Challenges</p><p>19:08 Support Systems in the Workplace</p><p>24:52 Lessons Learned from Team Dynamics</p><p>27:15 Embracing Uniqueness and Overcoming Insults</p><p>32:00 Gender Pay Gap in Construction</p><p>38:07 Redefining Failure</p><p>43:00 Visibility and Representation in Engineering</p><p></p><p></p>
June 4, 2026
Episode 21 - Faye Allen
<p>In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Faye Allen, Managing Director Quantum EMEA, at Rimkus who brings over three decades of experience in the construction industry. Faye shares her journey, the importance of leadership, and her groundbreaking book, "Building Women." We delve into Faye's insights and provide actionable takeaways for those looking to empower themselves and others in the construction field.</p><p></p><p>In addition to her extensive practical experience, Faye is the author of the best-selling book, "Building Women: How Everyone in Construction Can Win." The book serves as both a guide and a call to action for tackling systemic issues affecting women and men in the construction industry.</p><p> </p><p>Faye emphasises the significance of leadership, particularly in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and safe. She shares how her role as a leader allows her to build a team that aligns with her cultural values. "What I'm really, really enjoying is being able to build a team around me and watching people grow and flourish," she explains.</p><p> </p><p>Faye highlights the necessity of creating a safe environment where team members can express their thoughts and concerns. This involves regular one-on-one meetings where honest dialogues can occur.</p><p></p><p>By focusing on mentoring, Faye aims to help her team members develop their skills and confidence. This approach not only benefits the individuals but also enhances the overall team dynamic.</p><p></p><p>Faye believes that listening is one of the most critical skills a leader can possess. Faye encourages leaders to actively listen to their teams, clients, and subcontractors to better understand their needs and concerns.</p><p></p><p>Throughout her career, Faye has faced numerous challenges, including the persistent gender pay gap and issues related to workplace culture. She candidly shares her experiences of overcoming these obstaclesvand the importance of advocating for oneself.</p><p> </p><p>In conclusion, Faye’s insights provide a roadmap for women navigating the construction industry. From leadership to advocacy, her experiences exemplify the importance of community and support.</p><p></p><p><b>Takeaways:</b></p><p>· Active listening is a crucial skill in effective leadership.</p><p>· The gender pay gap remains a significant challenge in the industry.</p><p>· It's crucial to create psychologically safe spaces in workplaces.</p><p>· Many women do not report harassment due to fear & lack of support.</p><p>· Failure is a part of learning and growth in any career.</p><p>· Career paths can be non-linear & unexpected opportunities can arise.</p><p>· Mothers in the workplace bring valuable organisational skills.</p><p>· Cultural shifts are necessary for inclusivity in the construction industry.</p><p>· Support networks are vital for women navigating their careers.</p><p></p><p>BUY THE BOOK – BUILDING WOMEN</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fayeallen.co.uk" target="_blank">https://fayeallen.co.uk</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.eu/d/0dVwB6Am" target="_blank">https://amzn.eu/d/0dVwB6Am</a></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Faye Allen</p><p>02:53 The Impact of Building Women</p><p>05:55 Leadership & Mentorship in Construction</p><p>08:52 Overcoming Challenges: Gender Pay Gap and Culture</p><p>11:56 The Importance of Listening</p><p>18:08 Reflections on Insults</p><p>22:48 Addressing Workplace Harassment</p><p>25:14 Learning from Failure</p><p>28:50 Unexpected Career Paths</p><p>32:00 Supporting Women in the Workplace</p>
24 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is ReCon - REinventive CONtribution?
<p> </p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>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,</p><p>Brene Brown calls it …. The gift of Mid-life which I love!</p><p> </p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p>For more information on the 3 phases of woman's career please head to the resources section of my website <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.breathecoaching.co.uk" target="_blank">www.breathecoaching.co.uk</a></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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