Recorded in front of a live audience at CBRE's Southwark Street office, this episode of Critical Careers brings together three senior leaders in the data centre industry: Eve Mcilvaney (Yondr Group), Lisa Duignan (Turner & Townsend), and Caroline Manzor (CBRE). Together, they explore what it truly means to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, mission-critical industry. The conversation delves into belonging, trust, and authenticity in leadership, as well as the realities of managing pressure, chaos, and constant change. Drawing on personal career experiences, the panel reflects on how inclusive cultures are built—and why calm, empathy, and clear communication are essential in environments where everything feels urgent. The panellists also discuss the challenges women continue to navigate in leadership roles, from unconscious bias to burnout, and why mental wellness, empowerment, and work-life balance must be prioritised for the next generation. Mentorship, allyship, and leading by example emerge as critical drivers of sustainable change within the industry. “Belonging means everything. It means I can be myself, speak up, and feel safe—and everybody deserves that in their career.” - Eve Mcilvaney, Yondr Group ----- Key Takeaways - A strong sense of belonging is foundational to high-performing teams. - Effective leadership in data centres requires calm, consistency, and emotional intelligence. - Managing chaos is a core skill in fast-paced, mission-critical environments. - Trust is built through honesty, visibility, and leading by example. - Empowering teams means stepping back and allowing others to lead. - Listening is one of the most underrated and impactful leadership skills. - Women continue to face conscious and unconscious bias in the workplace. - Mental wellness and burnout prevention need greater focus across the industry. - Switching off and respecting boundaries improves long-term performance. -Mentorship, allyship, and authenticity are key to supporting the next generation of leaders. -----To learn more about Critical Careers, or to get in touch, head to our website: www.critical-careers.kaodata.com, or search "Critical Careers".Learn more about our series sponsor, CBRE, at www.cbre.com