DIIC Podcast

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.

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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.

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In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Mel, a dynamic entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to the UK, where she co-founded KPO Architecture and Martello Building Consultancy. They delve into the power of networking, the value of outsourcing architectural services to the Philippines, and how this approach offers smart, cost-effective solutions. Mel opens up about her experiences in the construction industry, the challenge of juggling work and family life, and her passion for sustainability. She offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, touching on the importance of doing what you love, staying authentic, and building resilience. The conversation also explores the exciting potential of fashionable yet functional PPE in the industry.

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In this episode, we sit down with Naureen Ullah, a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the housing sector. As the Partnerships Manager at SEC, Chair of Women in Social Housing (WISH) South East, and a dedicated Mentor for the Housing Diversity Network, Naureen shares her insights on driving positive change in the industry.

We discuss her journey, the challenges faced in promoting inclusivity, and the vital role partnerships play in creating impactful solutions. Whether you're in the housing sector or simply interested in empowering communities, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Greg McKenzie from AW Group, a growing rail and construction company, to discuss their commitment to sustainability and social value. Greg shares the challenges they face in implementing social value initiatives, particularly in fast-paced projects with complex logistics.

Despite these hurdles, AW Group has achieved impressive results through their material reuse initiative, engaging local schools and community groups while reducing waste. Greg also highlights their efforts to support apprenticeships and work experience, helping to build a more diverse and inclusive industry.

Tune in to hear Greg’s insights on why sustainability and social value are crucial for the future of construction — and how even developing companies can make a big impact.

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In this inaugural episode of the DIIC podcast, host Faith Abudu welcomes Lucy Druesne, a dual national from France and the UK, to share her inspiring career journey from project management to leading the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Kent and Medway. Lucy sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including skills shortages and funding fragmentation. She underscores the critical role of support networks, mentorship, and early career exposure in overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, Lucy advocates for clear, long-term government policies and enhanced promotion of skills and career opportunities, particularly in the construction and engineering sectors. Join us for an insightful discussion that highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping a stronger future for the built environment.

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