The Power of Raw Conversations: Why Women in Construction are Rewriting the Script

Female leaders in construction panel at Solus Ceramics event, Clerkenwell

Last week, I had the absolute honour of sitting on a powerhouse panel of women in construction and architecture at the stunning Solus Ceramics showroom in Clerkenwell, London. The space was packed. The vibe? Electric. The reason? We came together to have a no-BS, emotionally charged conversation about what it's really like to be a woman in this industry. And when I say we went deep, I mean it.

Guided by the incredible Kate Marlow, who took the time to get to know each of us beforehand, the panel was more than just a talk, it was a raw, honest, soul-stirring exchange. I was joined by four phenomenal women, each with a story that could stop you in your tracks: Rachael Davidson, founder of Smiths Architects. Paula Chandler, Design Director for Wates. Federica Minnozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramics. And Cassandra Codling, Regional Director at NHBC.

Oh, and let’s not forget the keynote speaker, the unstoppable Dame Kelly Holmes. More on her later.

Fear, Fire, and Feeling Seen

If I'm honest, I was nervous. Not just the usual butterflies, but that deep, imposter-syndrome-infused fear that creeps in when you’re about to step into a space you know matters. But the moment we began sharing our stories, that fear melted into fuel. Each voice added to the fire. We didn’t hold back.

We talked about the oppression many of us have faced, not in vague terms, but in real-life, hard-hitting examples. Being told to dim our light so the men around us could shine. Being passed over. Being left behind after maternity leave. Burning out trying to prove we belonged. Fighting every day to stay visible, to stay relevant, to stay in the game.

Motherhood came up, a lot. So did identity, loneliness, ambition, and the price of staying quiet. It wasn’t just a conversation. It was a call to action.

This Industry is Raw. Real. And Full of Potential.

Kate's intro to the panel included my quote — and I felt both humbled and proud:

"What I love about construction is that it’s raw, real, and full of potential. It’s one of the few industries where you can literally see the impact of your work rise from the ground up. But for me, it’s more than bricks and buildings — it’s the people, the problem-solving, the passion. I love challenging outdated ways of thinking and helping leaders build smarter, more inclusive, more sustainable businesses. It’s tough, fast-paced, and full of character — and that’s exactly why I’m obsessed with it."

That quote isn’t a soundbite. It’s a manifesto. A reminder that construction isn’t just about what we build — it’s about who we build it for, and who gets to build it.

Real Talk from Real Women

Each of the women on that panel brought a different lens to the table. Rachael talked about founding her own practice and carving out space where none existed. Paula shared how she balances design leadership with authenticity in a male-dominated space. Federica offered a global view on innovation and resilience. And Cassandra? She brought the truth with power — about regulation, leadership, and being taken seriously.

No sugar-coating. No fluff. Just truth.

We were all different — different backgrounds, accents, roles, and routes into the industry. But that’s the point. Diversity of thought is not a box-tick. It’s the engine of innovation.

Then Dame Kelly Holmes Took the Stage

Dame Kelly Holmes delivering keynote on leadership and resilience in construction

Let’s be clear, Dame Kelly owned the room. Her interview with Conleth from Solus was packed with vulnerability, grit, and the kind of determination that makes you sit straighter in your seat.

She spoke openly about her journey, the highs, the medals, the public persona — but also the breakdowns, the struggle with her identity, and the trauma of hiding her sexuality in the army, where being gay was illegal at the time. She shared how she project-managed her own cafe, won an award for it, and proved that leadership isn’t about fitting in, it’s about showing up.

She said something that really stuck with me: "I think I would have ended up in construction if I knew it even existed as an option." That hit me like a tonne of bricks, pun intended.

We are still failing to get the message out — to girls, to young people, to people from diverse backgrounds — that this industry exists for them too.

The Education System is Still Gatekeeping

After the panel, I had the chance to speak to Dame Kelly one-on-one. We talked about the education system, how it isn’t doing enough to spotlight construction and the built environment as career paths filled with creativity, leadership, and impact.

Imagine what would happen if someone like her had been introduced to the world of construction earlier. Imagine the talent we’re missing out on ...every single day, because the system still pushes young people into narrow boxes.

It lit a fire in me. Again.

So What Now?

These conversations matter. Not just because they’re inspiring, but because they’re disrupting.

They're challenging the status quo. They're making people think.

Events like this aren't just about representation. They’re about re-imagination. Re-imagining who belongs here. Who gets to lead. Who gets to change the game.

Construction doesn’t need more robots in hard hats. It needs more humans. More people who care. More people who think differently. More people who are willing to have the hard conversations and build the future with intention.

That’s what we did in Clerkenwell.

And if you ask me? We’ve only just begun.

Share this post. Start a conversation. Tag someone who needs to hear this. And if you haven’t yet, listen HERE to my recent podcast with Ian Hamilton and Sam Firth from Solus who are leading the change for the iconic showroom. Make sure you like, share and leave us a review.