In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Penny Vinten, a seasoned professional in the construction industry. They discuss Penny's career journey, the importance of mentorship, leadership qualities, and the evolving landscape of the construction sector.

Penny shares her insights on navigating challenges, the significance of integrity, and her hopes for the future of women in construction. The conversation emphasises the value of experience, continuous learning, and supporting the next generation of leaders.

One of her most powerful insights? “Expertise opens doors. Integrity keeps them open.”

Everyone faces setbacks, but Penny’s story highlights that perseverance and integrity can turn even the darkest moments into victories. She recounts a period where her professionalism was questioned — an experience that shook her confidence and triggered panic attacks.Her response? Staying the course. With support from family and friends, Penny proved her innocence and emerged stronger. Her resilience teaches us that real strength lies in standing firm, fighting for what’s right, and trusting your judgment. A valuable lesson: “Don’t let external negativity define you. Your integrity is your most valuable asset.”

Takeaways:

• Leadership is about daily integrity, consistency, and approachability.
• Resilience and staying true to your values will see you through challenges.
• Mentoring and supporting women accelerates positive change in the industry.
• Building for the future requires social responsibility coupled with excellence.
• Career paths are rarely linear—embrace the unpredictable and enjoy the ride.
• Every day brings new challenges, and it's okay to have ups and downs.
• Continuous learning is essential for effective leadership.
• Integrity is the foundation of trust and long-term success.
• Embrace change and continuous learning to stay relevant.

Resources:

· The NSPCC Building Safer Communities for Children toolkit puts children at the heart of places the sector designs, builds and operates.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Penny Vinten

01:40 Navigating Career Transitions

06:04 Leadership Insights and Consistency

07:51 Overcoming Challenges in Career

10:15 Lessons Learned and Integrity

13:30 Women in Construction and Support

19:39 Future Hopes for the Industry

21:10 Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Quotes

In this engaging episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Kate Mason, Senior Principal of Workplace Design at Unispace, about her extensive career in the construction industry.

They discuss the importance of relationships, the challenges of maternity leave, and the evolving role of women in leadership. Kate shares her insights on effective leadership, the significance of mentorship, and the need for greater support for women returning to work.

The conversation highlights the importance of using one's voice and the hope for a more inclusive future in the construction industry.

Takeaways:

· The most rewarding aspect of my career is the relationships I've built.

· Leadership is learned over time and requires self-reflection.

· It's important to support women returning from maternity leave.

· Judging others too quickly can hinder personal growth.

· Embracing age and experience can be empowering in the workplace.

· Mentorship is crucial for guiding women in their careers.

· The construction industry needs to attract women from an early age.

· Flexible roles can help women return to work after a break.

· Using your voice is essential for making change.

For more information on the 3 phases of a woman's career please head to the resources section at www.breathecoaching.co.uk

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Kate Mason and Her Journey

04:32 The Rewards of Relationships in the Industry

08:29 Leadership: Actions, Habits, and Reflections

12:54 Challenges of Maternity Leave and Career Progression

15:29 Lessons Learned: Judging Others and Personal Growth

18:52 Embracing Age and Experience in the Workplace

23:31 The Importance of Mentorship and Supporting Women

27:35 Future Hopes for Women in the Construction Industry

31:31 Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Messages

In this episode, Bev interviews Yoshimi Douglas Street, a trailblazing woman in construction, golf, and advocacy. They discuss her career journey from painter to Operations Director, her passion for mentoring, and her efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Yoshimi transitioned from being a successful painter and decorator to pursuing a management role, recognising the need for long-term career sustainability. Her background in the trades gives her a unique perspective.

One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation is the vital role mentorship plays in the construction industry. Yoshimi emphasises the impact of having mentors early in one's career, "I never had a mentor, and I think if I would have had one earlier, maybe the path would have been slightly different." By mentoring graduates and apprentices, she aims to provide guidance and support to the next generation, helping them navigate their careers successfully.

Yoshimi advocates for creating psychological safety in the workplace. She believes that leaders must ensure their teams feel safe to express themselves fully. "Ensuring safe spaces for my teams is crucially important," she says. This approach not only fosters open communication but also encourages individuals to bring their authentic selves to work, enhancing team dynamics and productivity.

As we conclude our discussion, it's evident that Yoshimi is not just a leader in the construction industry, but also a passionate advocate for women and of course Golf! Her journey and insights serve as an inspiration for many aspiring professionals, emphasising the importance of representation and support in the workplace.

Takeaways:

· Consistent visibility as a leader builds trust and inspires others

· Transitioning from trades to management can create well-rounded leaders who understand all facets of the industry.

· Early mentorship can significantly influence career trajectories, providing guidance and support.

· Creating a safe and inclusive workplace environment is essential for maximising team potential and job satisfaction.

· Persistence in knocking on doors is key to success

Resources

Fore Her Collective (formerly Ladies_Can_Golf the England Golf Award Winning 2026) is a vibrant women's corporate golf community designed to connect, empower and elevate women within the corporate world

https://www.linkedin.com/company/foreher-collective/

Construction for women Anglia, launched in February 2020 to connect people across the construction industry in the East of England.

https://womeninconstructionanglia.com

For more information on the 3 phases of a woman's career please head to the resources section at www.breathecoaching.co.uk

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Yoshimi

01:59 The Journey into Golf & Networking

04:41 Mentorship& Giving Back

06:47 Transitioning from Trade to Management

09:25 Leadership Mindset & Consistent Actions

11:55 Challenges in Career a& Personality Management

16:14 Embracing Identity in a Male-Dominated Industry

17:26 The Impact of Family on Women's Careers

20:57 Learning from Failures

24:07 Inspiring Future Generations

25:55 Hopes for the Future of Construction

28:29 Advice for the Next Generation