To commemorate International Women’s Day and celebrate our female team members' achievements, we asked three FACTION Consulting women to share their perspectives on this year’s theme of ‘each for equal’ and tell us about their experiences and advice for others pursuing careers in design and construction.
Netania
With a background in interior design, Netania Hanlon has an eye for detail and passion for construction and design. Making the move into project management in October 2019, Netania brings enthusiasm and joy for helping others to FACTION and her daily client-facing role as a consultant.
“Equality to me is the fact everyone has the opportunity to make choices, freely. We (both men and women) no longer have to be constrained by outdated stereotypes. It no longer has to be women who stay at home and men who have successful careers - we all have the opportunity to have both, a family and a successful career.
By changing my career path, I defied against my university degree and advice of a number of trusted professionals in the design industry. Instead, I trusted my instincts and leaned on a network where I received the best support and guidance.
This experience taught me the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people to inspire and encourage you. The right group of people will provide you with the opportunity to talk openly and freely. Open and honest communication is the best way to get real and worthy advice.”
Rose
Rose Fowler joined FACTION in August 2019 as a consultant. With five years’ experience in the building industry, one of Rose’s biggest achievements of her career so far was playing a key role in the planning and delivery of the iconic swimming and diving venue at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for the 2018 Commonwealth Olympic Games. Rose is currently working for a client at Queensland Government on a large correctional facility project.
“For me, the theme ‘each for equal’ highlights the necessity to focus on creating effective change within our industry through an outcome-based approach. The difficulty lies in converting a beautiful sentiment into real and productive transformations, both at industry and individual levels.
Each and every person needs to challenge their perceptions of what equality looks like in order to achieve an inclusive mindset, enabling growth as an all-encompassing community that aims to lift each other up and strives to achieve their best.
During safety demonstrations on aircraft, cabin crews emphasises ‘secure your own mask first before assisting others.’ I believe there is an imperative moral to be gleaned from this simple instruction.
Too often, our lives feel out of control and chaotically busy. We all wear a lot of hats; we are partners, parents, mothers, sisters, friends, colleagues, managers, coaches and so on. There are so many people relying on us and many needs that must be met. This lends to us often forgoing the placement of our own masks first.
We need to understand our own needs (physical, social, cognitive and emotional) and make sure they are met first before we jump at the ready to assist others. It is important that we look after ourselves, enabling us to live a balanced life as effective workers and lead a happy, healthy life at home.
Only a full cup can freely spill over to support others, allowing you to be a better version of yourself, as a more confident and content: mother, partner, wife, or even a friend.
Always remember to ‘secure your own mask first’.”
Lindsey
Our resident people-person Lindsey joined FACTION Consulting in November 2019. Lindsey’s warmth and drive has already enabled her to create waves as she’s implemented a number of initiatives to build on FACTION’s people experience and attract the best talent in the industry.
“My proudest career moment to date was probably been approached by FACTION Consulting for the role I’m in now. When the call came, I was working hard in my job (recruitment at the time), building relationships and genuinely listening to people to try and get the best outcomes for them. As I wasn’t actively pursuing the role it was flattering to be noticed and I felt it reflected well on FACTION as an employer.
I later found out this would be because FACTION looks for like-minded people that fit with their core values. No quotas or stereotypes inhibiting people or recruitment decisions, instead it really was a case of fit to the organization. I feel privileged to work in such an environment, remaining free from biases and promoting inclusion across the wider team and community.
While my story with FACTION may not be the same across every workplace in construction and design, for women – or men – in limited situations, I always give the advice to back yourself to have the confidence in your ability and worth, and secondly find your tribe, the group of people in or out of work, that will empower and build you up both professionally and personally.
Looking back, I wish I had known at university that construction and design was a viable career route. The reality that I’ve come to know is that there's so much room for women – we are valued and respected, and there’s lots of us too! This is a global industry of growth and it will always need our collective passions, dedication, and skills, regardless of our gender. This is what 'each for equal' means to me."
With a background in interior design, Netania Hanlon has an eye for detail and passion for construction and design. Making the move into project management in October 2019, Netania brings enthusiasm and joy for helping others to FACTION and her daily client-facing role as a consultant.
Rose Fowler joined FACTION in August 2019 as a consultant. With five years’ experience in the building industry, one of Rose’s biggest achievements of her career so far was playing a key role in the planning and delivery of the iconic swimming and diving venue at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for the 2018 Commonwealth Olympic Games. Rose is currently working for a client at Queensland Government on a large correctional facility project.
Our resident people-person Lindsey joined FACTION Consulting in November 2019. Lindsey’s warmth and drive has already enabled her to create waves as she’s implemented a number of initiatives to build on FACTION’s people experience and attract the best talent in the industry.