This episode features Sweena Badhan, Managing Director at Steel Homes Construction, who shares her inspiring journey from teaching to leading in the construction sector. She talks openly about the challenges of being a woman of colour in a male-dominated industry and the role of mentorship, diversity, and inclusion in breaking barriers.

Sweena also highlights her company’s use of innovative, sustainable cold-rolled steel methods to deliver buildings faster and more efficiently. She stresses why businesses should embed social value and mentoring into their operations and calls for early education and stronger links with universities to build a more inclusive, skilled workforce.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, innovation, and the future of construction.

Culture isn't just a buzzword – it's structure for ambition.

This week on the podcast, Dr. Blessing Enakimio shares how the construction industry can evolve through better organisational culture. From her 5W framework (work, workforce, workplace, workflow, and what) to tackling woman-on-woman competition, Dr. Inakiel brings clarity, honesty and big-picture thinking.

We talk adaptability, inclusive leadership, and how emotional intelligence can shift a whole organisation.

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Rachel Potter from OWS Fire Rated Ltd. Rachel is a standout voice in the construction industry, championing the role of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. As a member of the Women Talking For group, she’s passionate about supporting and empowering women at every level of the industry.

In this episode, Temi Agunbiade, a qualified accountant with experience in the oil and gas sector, shares her journey into the world of treasury and why it plays a vital role in managing cash, debt and corporate structures. She challenges common myths about treasury careers, explaining how people from a range of backgrounds - even outside of finance - can thrive in the field. Tammy also introduces her book, The Professionals Playbook, which offers practical guidance for diverse professionals navigating corporate life. She highlights BP’s LIFT programme supporting black talent and calls for greater diversity in the built environment, encouraging young people and women to explore finance and treasury roles beyond traditional paths.

In this episode, Ben Campbell - from Wealden Rehab shares the journey behind launching the CareSpaces brand in 2022, which focuses on installing essential care equipment for disabled people. Ben explains the importance of Changing Places toilets, detailing their key requirements such as a minimum 12 square metre space and specialist features like height-adjustable toilets, washbasins and changing benches. He discusses the current challenges around funding, the need for greater awareness, and the impact of skilled labour shortages in the sector. Ben also talks about the opportunities in supporting apprenticeships and collaborating with smaller businesses to help move the industry forward.

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Karen Robinson, founder of Ruby Red Interiors and a finalist for the Can Women in Business Award. Karen shares her inspiring journey from a career in television to launching her own interior design business in 2009 - right in the midst of the economic crash.

She opens up about the early challenges of building a client base, the lack of government support for small businesses, and how persistence kept her going. Karen also speaks about her long-term dream of launching a hotel chain, the power of networking, and why access to affordable office space is crucial for small businesses to thrive.

With a strong voice on the wider needs of the construction and interiors industry, Karen’s story is one of resilience, vision, and practical insight. She also shares her contact details for anyone looking to collaborate or hire Ruby Red Interiors.

A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those navigating the creative and construction sectors.

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Martin McLean, Director of Specialism at Waterfront UTC, to explore the hands-on, technical education that UTCs (University Technical Colleges) provide. With a strong focus on construction, engineering, and design, Martin explains how students can study at levels equivalent to GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs and T-levels, gaining real-world experience through up to 45 days of work placements.

Martin shares insights on how UTCs are shaping the future of technical careers, why employer involvement is vital, and the role government support plays in expanding these opportunities. The conversation also dives into gender representation in STEM, with encouraging trends and continued efforts to increase the number of young women entering traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and construction.

Tune in to learn how UTCs are building the next generation of skilled professionals and why it matters.

At just 26, Molly Gallagher is making waves as a Quantity Surveyor in mechanical & electrical services — despite starting with no construction subjects at school and living with dyslexia.
In her chat with Faith Abudu, she breaks down the differences between contracting and consultancy QS roles, and why consultancy gave her access to niche sectors she loves.
But the industry still has a long way to go: from 14% to just 18% female representation in over 15 years. Molly calls for better visibility, inclusive marketing, and smarter social media to attract more diverse talent into construction.

In this episode, we sit down with Abena Akuffo-Kelly FRSA – a speaker, mentor, coach, and a champion of inclusive leadership. Former Mayor of Folkestone (2024–25) and Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council (2023–24), Abena brings a unique blend of public service, education, and advocacy to everything she does.

We explore her work in diversity, equity and inclusion – particularly around intersectionality, gender, race, ethnicity, neurodiversity and political leadership – and how she helps others find their voice and speak with confidence and authenticity.

With over 16 years experience teaching computer science, a judging role at the BETT Awards, and co-authorship of Diverse Educators: A Manifesto, Abena is a passionate lifelong learner who blends technical expertise with emotional intelligence. This is a conversation about values, voice, and making change where it matters.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kat, a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Resource and Waste Management Consultant with over 17 years’ experience. Kat has worked across the UK and Ireland specialising in waste and resource management for major urban regeneration projects. She shares insights from her career journey, from starting at Veolia and building a specialist team at AECOM, to founding her own consultancy, KaNect Limited. Kat also talks about her work with the Chartered Institute of Waste Management and the Environmental Industries Commission, as well as her passion for mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals.