DIIC Podcast

Mollie Gallagher a Committee member of DIIC interviewed Huda Lohiya Area Civil Engineer and Sustainable Development at Tensar on DIIC Podcast, discussing Huda's journey into engineering, barriers as a person of colour and what it means working in sustainability and representation within the engineering sector.

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🎙️  Treasury, Engineering & Construction: Careers Young People Rarely Hear About

When people think about careers in construction, engineering or the built environment, treasury and finance roles are rarely part of the conversation.

But they should be.

In my latest podcast episode, I spoke with Temi Agunbiade from BP — a qualified accountant with experience across the oil and gas sector — about the critical role treasury plays in managing cash, debt, investment and corporate structures within global organisations.

One thing became very clear:

👉 There are countless career pathways connected to construction, engineering and infrastructure that young people simply are not exposed to.

Temi challenged the myth that treasury is only for accountants or finance graduates. In reality, the profession needs diverse thinkers, problem-solvers and people with transferable skills from a wide range of backgrounds.

We also discussed:

✅ Why financial and treasury roles are essential to major engineering and infrastructure projects
✅ The importance of exposing young people to non-traditional career pathways
✅ BP’s LIFT programme supporting Black talent and increasing representation
✅ Why diversity in leadership and corporate environments still matters
✅ The need for more women and underrepresented groups in finance and built environment careers

Too often, young people only see a narrow version of what construction and engineering careers look like.

The industry must do more to showcase the wider ecosystem of opportunities — from project delivery and sustainability to finance, strategy and treasury.

Because if young people cannot see the pathway, they are less likely to pursue it.

🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation with Temi Agunbiade and discover why broadening career awareness is key to building a more inclusive future workforce.

#Construction #Engineering #Treasury #FinanceCareers #BuiltEnvironment #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInFinance #STEM #CareerPathways #FutureWorkforce #Leadership #Infrastructure #ConstructionIndustry #BlackTalent #EarlyCareers

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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.

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Faith's conversation on Firesafety, passive fire and women talking fire with Rachel Potter from OWS 

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In this episode, Faith Abudu is joined by Ellie Farlow, a project manager at G4C Kent Club, to explore the concept of the "next gen" in construction – defined as professionals with up to ten years of experience. They discuss the vital role of Constructing Excellence in driving best practices and creating opportunities for networking and collaboration across the industry. Ellie shares insights into managing multiple projects, the value of having a supportive employer and the challenges women often face in construction due to outdated perceptions and limited support. The conversation highlights the importance of industry-wide collaboration, flexible working arrangements and stronger government initiatives to support and retain women in the sector.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode, Faith Abu Do sits down with Dean Halfpenny to explore the challenges and opportunities facing today’s construction industry. Dean shares his personal journey from a non-academic background to a thriving career in the trades, highlighting the value of practical skills, adaptability, and resilience. Together, they discuss the need for earlier vocational training, better support for neurodiverse workers, and strategies to attract younger generations into a physically demanding industry. The conversation also looks ahead to the impact of AI and the cultural shifts needed to improve the perception of trades and secure the sector’s future.

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