ReCon, the podcast made to support women in their 30s to mid 40s in the Construction industry who are navigating significant challenges to maintain momentum on their career path.
ReCon short for Reinventive Contribution is the advanced stage of a woman’s career where women aged 46 & beyond often seek new opportunities for growth and may focus on contributing to their field,
Brene Brown calls it …. The gift of Mid-life which I love!
As my gift I want use this pod to share and leverage accumulated expertise by Interviewing successful women within the construction industry in the ReCon stage of their career. They have been there & have Pragmatically Endured through their 30 & 40s & got to the other side.
My guests share their lived experiences, challenges, surprises and some golden nuggets to support those women currently in the Pragmatic Endurance phase of their career (30 – mid 40s). They have been there & got to the other side. Although I hope these conversations resonate with anyone at any age because there is so much valuable advice and so many really good pieces of information and that I wish that I'd been given.
For more information on the 3 phases of woman's career please head to the resources section of my website www.breathecoaching.co.uk
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Bev Williams, owner of Breathe Executive Coaching, introduces her new podcast called Recon, which aims to support women in their 30s to mid-40s in the construction industry. The podcast features interviews with successful women who have navigated significant challenges and offers valuable advice and insights.
Takeaways
There are three phases of a woman's career: idealistic achievement, pragmatic endurance, and reinventive contribution.
Reinventive Contribution - The advanced stage of a woman's career
The podcast aims to support women in their 30s to mid 40s.Valuable advice and insights from successful women in the construction industry
Women often face challenges of work-life balance in mid-career.
The podcast will feature interviews with successful women in construction.
Topics include imposter syndrome, resilience, and self-belief.
Bev Williams has been in the industry for nearly 30 years.
Listeners can expect a segment called 'Eek of the Week.'
For more information on the 3 phases of woman's career please head to the resources section of my website www.breathecoaching.co.uk
Episode 2 - Jo Weston
Season 1 · Episode 2
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 40:25
In this episode Bev Williams interviews Jo Weston, a seasoned professional in the construction industry, about her journey through leadership, mentorship, and the challenges faced by women in the field. Jo shares her insights on the importance of continuous learning, the non-linear nature of career paths, and the significance of self-awareness and emotional resilience. The conversation also touches on the need for more women in operational roles and the future of the construction industry, emphasising the importance of collaboration and maintaining a positive work environment.
Takeaways:
Coaching and mentoring others is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership.
Emotional resilience is key to overcoming challenges in a career.
Self-awareness helps in understanding strengths and weaknesses.
Career paths are often non-linear; embrace opportunities as they come.
Building resilience comes from diverse experiences and roles.
Women in construction need visible role models to inspire others.
AI can assist in the industry, but human understanding is irreplaceable.
Fun and positivity are essential to attract new talent in construction.
Chapters:
00:00 Reinventive Contribution in the Construction Industry
08:53 Consistent Actions for Good Leadership
15:29 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
28:39 Secondments and Energy in Different Environments
37:12 Dealing with Failure
42:13 Career Expectations
Episode 1 - Sarah Kay....
Season 1 · Episode 1
Sunday, January 25, 2026 • Duration 32:45
In this episode Bev Williams and Sarah Kay explore the challenges and experiences of women in the construction industry, the importance of self-belief, and the lessons learned from early career choices. They discuss the future of construction, emphasising sustainability and the need for more inclusive environments. Sarah shares her insights on the significance of strategic decision-making in one's career.
Takeaways
Balance your guilt equally
Self-belief is crucial for overcoming challenges.
Women in construction face unique hurdles.
Sustainability is a pressing issue in construction.
Strategic career planning is essential for success.
Saying yes to opportunities can open doors, but be mindful of direction.
Creating inclusive environments is vital for future generations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Visibility
02:48 Navigating Career Transitions
04:35 Leadership Mindset and Consistent Actions
10:12 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Fear of Failure
15:09 Lessons Learned in Leadership
18:50 Understanding Failure and Growth
20:57 Unexpected Career Insights
22:19 Supporting Women in the Workplace
27:00 Future of the Construction Industry
31:03 Advice for the Next Generation
For more information on the 3 phases of a woman's career please head to the resources section at www.breathecoaching.co.uk
Episode 3 - Sasha Krstanovic
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 35:23
The podcast episode features a conversation with Sasha Krstanovic, a mechanical engineer and founder of MSTEP. They discuss the challenges women face in their careers, the importance of leadership as a mindset, and the freedom of expression that comes with age and experience. Sasha reflects on her biggest failures, the lessons learned, and her hopes for a more inclusive and human-centric construction industry. The conversation emphasises the need for mentorship, collaboration, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of challenges.
As a leader, Sasha recognises the necessity of self-care. She shares her morning routine, which includes yoga and quiet reflection, as essential practices for maintaining her mental and emotional well-being. By compartmentalising work stress and prioritising self-care, Sasha ensures she remains centred and focused, allowing her to lead effectively.
We also discussed the Equilibrium Network (EQN) https://equilibrium-network.com Which is an international, multi-disciplinary network that includes architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, surveyors, planners, policy makers and urbanists; also those commissioning the design of the built environment in the public and private sectors, NGOs and charities; also academics and industry based institutes. The network is free to join: anyone who supports our aims and subscribes to their Ethical Code can join the network.
In this episode of Recon, Bev Williams interviews Sarah Thorne, a project and program professional with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. The conversation delves into the themes of midlife reinvention, resilience, emotional awareness, and the challenges of a confidence crisis in one's career.
Sarah shares valuable insights on the importance of not fighting every battle, the need for reflection, emotional awareness in the workplace. As well as insights on gender bias and credit taking, learning from failures and trust, career transitions, reframing the perception of 'bossy' and the value of creativity in problem-solving. The conversation also touches on the importance of setting boundaries, learning from failures, and the hopes for a more inclusive future in the construction industry.
She believes that empowering your team and having their back creates an environment where everyone can flourish.
Sarah speaks about supporting and championing women in leadership and her continued involvement with Women Leaders UK which is a registered charity established to recognise outstanding women, promote and strengthen women’s leadership, and support gender equality and diversity. For more information follow this link https://womenleadersuk.org
Takeaways:
Being settled in oneself leads to greater confidence.
Resilience is built through experience and overcoming challenges.
You don't have to fight every battle; choose wisely.
Building a supportive network is crucial for overcoming confidence crises.
Self-talk can be a form of bullying; be kind to yourself.
Women need to celebrate their achievements and support each other.
Saying no is a powerful tool for setting boundaries.
It's important to reflect before reacting to situations.
Chapters:
Episode 7 - Lucy Wiltshire
Season 1 · Episode 7
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 28:19
In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams engages in a vibrant conversation with Lucy Wiltshire, a Senior Pre-Construction Manager at Keir Construction Oxford. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Lucy shares her journey through various roles, emphasising her passion for championing vocational routes and supporting emerging talent. The discussion highlights the importance of confidence, positivity, and the need for women to recognise their superpowers in a traditionally predominantly male field. Lucy's insights on leadership, networking, and the challenges of balancing work and family life resonate deeply, offering valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own careers.
Lucy reflects on her experiences, including the guilt often felt by working mothers and the importance of building a supportive network. She emphasises that leadership is not just a title but a mindset, advocating for women to take charge of their careers and support one another. Lucy shares insights on building a network, overcoming redundancy, and championing emerging talent. The conversation culminates in a powerful message about believing in oneself and the significance of diversity in the workplace, leaving listeners inspired to reach for their goals and embrace their unique paths in the construction industry.
Conclusion:
Lucy Wiltshire's insights serve as a beacon for women in construction and beyond. Her experiences highlight the importance of self-confidence, effective leadership, work-life balance, and the transformative power of networking. As she aptly puts it, "It’s about being yourself and finding fulfilment both at work and at home."
In a world where challenges abound, Lucy's story reminds us that with the right mindset and support, we can all reach our goals and help others along the way.
Takeaways:
Every woman has a superpower; we just sometimes don't realise it.
Building your network of like-minded people is crucial for success.
Episode 6 - Sarah Chapman
Season 1 · Episode 6
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 35:04
In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams speaks with Sarah Chapman, founder and MD of Chapman Consulting, about her extensive career in the construction industry. They discuss the rewards of career reinvention, the challenges faced in toxic work environments, and the importance of humility and leadership. Sarah shares her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship and her hopes for the future of women in construction, emphasising the need for more women in skilled roles.
Sarah epitomises the transformative journey many women experience in their careers. She explains, there is a unique reward in helping younger colleagues navigate their careers, fostering an environment where they can flourish.
Sarah draws inspiration from Dr. Sam Collins, who highlights the significance of empowering others.
Takeaways:
· Setting boundaries is essential for work-life balance.
· Humility is a key trait for success in any field.
· It's important to take time to enjoy your career journey.
· Entrepreneurship can provide flexibility for working mums.
See Jane Win: The Rimm Report on How 1000 Girls Become Successful Women Dr Sylvia Rim https://amzn.eu/d/028Z2OFD
Episode 5 - Nicola Rutt
Season 1 · Episode 5
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 22:18
In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with architect Nicola Rutt, who shares her journey in the construction industry and the challenges women face in their careers. With over 20 years of experience, Nicola discusses the rewarding aspects of starting her own architectural practice, Studio Multi, alongside her husband. She emphasises the importance of flexibility, self-care, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance while leading a team. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape for women in architecture and the significance of mentorship and networking in fostering growth and opportunities for women in the industry.
Throughout the episode, Nicola reflects on her career challenges, including the transition from a large firm to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned along the way. She highlights the necessity of saying no to maintain passion and quality in work, and the importance of being present for her team. The conversation concludes with Nicola's hopes for the future of the construction industry, advocating for recognition of the built environment sector and the need for diversity and sustainability in construction practices.
Takeaways:
"You have to push yourself and get outside your comfort zone."
"To do what you love, you have to learn to say no."
"You can't look after your family if you can't look after yourself first."
"Don't lose sight of the fact you need to be curious and creative."
As promised here is a links to:
Ladies in Real Estate. The largest networking group for women working in real estate in the UK (and now growing abroad)!
Their values include: Mission-led: Helping women find and support each other in their property careers to balance the genders across the industry.
Episode 9 - Bonus IWD2026 with Bev Williams
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, March 5, 2026 • Duration 47:49
In this bonus episode for International Women's Day, Bev Williams is interviewed by her long-time friend Roslyn Robertson. They discuss the theme of giving to gain, the challenges women face in the construction industry, and the importance of mentorship and leadership. Bev shares her personal journey, including her experiences with self-belief, motherhood, the lesson of the Fact or Thought Filter and the pressures of visibility in her career. The conversation highlights the significance of vulnerability, the impact of burnout, and the lessons learned through failure. They conclude with hopes for a more inclusive future in the construction industry and the importance of supporting one another.
Key Insights:
1. Mentoring and Coaching: One of the most rewarding aspects of Bev's career is mentoring others. She finds fulfillment in helping individuals navigate their challenges and achieve their goals.
2. Authenticity: In this reinventive stage, it's essential to allow yourself to be authentic. Bev believes that shedding the need to please others leads to greater clarity and confidence.
3. Neuroscience of Change: Bev discusses a fascinating concept from neuroscience about how as we age, our brains undergo changes that allow us to prioritise what truly matters. This process can lead to a significant shift in how we perceive ourselves and our roles in society.
4. Clarity Over Complexity: The clarity that comes from embracing your true self is liberating. It allows you to focus on what truly matters rather than conforming to external pressures.
Takeaways:
· Giving is not a subtraction, but a multiplication of impact.
· Leadership is about authenticity and resilience.
· Fact vs. Thought is a powerful tool for clarity.
· Vulnerability does not equate to victimhood.
· Burnout is a significant issue for women in leadership.
Episode 8 - Helen Berresford
Season 1 · Episode 8
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Duration 36:44
In this episode of Recon, host Bev Williams engages in a rich conversation with Helen Berresford a prominent figure in the construction industry. Helen shares her journey through various stages of her career, emphasising the importance of collaboration and the human-centric approach in design. She reflects on her experiences at significant events like Live Aid, which shaped her perspective on the power of music in inspiring change. Helen discusses her current role at Sheppard Robson, where she leads the IDSR team, and highlights the rewarding aspects of mentoring young professionals, particularly women in the industry. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of construction, the significance of well-being in design, and the need for authenticity in leadership.
Conclusion:
Helen Berresford's journey in the construction industry is a testament to the power of collaboration, continuous learning, and the joy of creating spaces that serve communities. As she embraces this reinventive stage of her career, her insights remind us that success is not just about individual achievements but about lifting each other up and celebrating collective victories.
Takeaways:
· Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining personal and professional balance.
· From the golden threads - Weave you own tapestr !
· Helen learned to empower her team rather than take on their burdens.
· Overcoming stereotypes is essential for personal growth and success.
· Designing healthy environments is vital for well-being.
· Helen encourages younger professionals to embrace the roller coaster of their careers.
· Leadership is about creating the right environment for growth.
· Nostalgic experiences can inspire current and future endeavours.
Apple Podcasts
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11/08/2026
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🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
14/07/2026
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🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
08/07/2026
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🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
07/07/2026
#28
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Sasha emphasises the importance of freedom to express oneself in the workplace.
Truth and integrity are powerful tools in one's career.
MSTEP was born out of a desire for change and personal fulfilment.
Challenges in career often stem from systemic issues rather than individual shortcomings.
Personal growth often comes from overcoming failures and learning from them.
The pandemic has taught the industry about flexibility and remote work.
It's essential to keep going and stay true to oneself throughout one's career.
The Power of Truth and the Right to be Wrong
Mentoring and Networking
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Recon and Its Purpose
01:40 Meet Sasha: A Trailblazer in Construction
05:31 The Freedom of Self-Expression in Midlife
11:42 Redefining Leadership: Beyond Titles
17:42 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
23:21 Lessons Learned: The Power of Truth
26:36 Embracing Change and Learning
29:39 The Power of Honesty in Communication
32:50 Turning Insults into Motivation
33:33 The Gender Gap in Construction
34:27 Understanding Systemic Limitations
39:15 The Unexpected Journey of Entrepreneurship
00:00 Introduction to Recon and Guest Introduction
02:17 Finding Rewards in Reinvention
04:26 The Importance of Resilience
06:33 Leadership Beyond Titles
08:23 Navigating Confidence Crises
13:59 Building a Supportive Network
15:29 The Power of Self-Talk
17:57 Choosing Your Battles Wisely
20:55 Reframing Insults as Strengths
25:30 Eek of the Week: Women in the Workplace
26:08 Lessons from Failure: Trust and Professionalism
27:55 Unexpected Career Turns: From Art to Project Management
31:07 Creativity in Leadership: The Importance of Diverse Thinking
31:24 Empowering Women: Mentorship and Support in Careers
35:38 The Future of Construction: Inclusivity and Women's Representation
36:47 Setting Boundaries: The Importance of Saying No
Everything happens for a reason; you pick up skills along the way.
Believe in yourself and know your worth.
Championing emerging talent and apprenticeship.
It's about opening doors for the next generation of women in construction.
You never know what's around the corner; stay positive.
It's hard to fit into molds; embrace your uniqueness.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Recon and Guest Background
02:52 The Rewards of Reinvention in Career
05:05 Leadership and Consistent Actions
07:33 Balancing Career and Family Guilt
10:09 The Importance of Networking
12:45 Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Failure
15:06 The Power of Positivity
17:23 Unexpected Career Opportunities
20:08 Supporting Emerging Talent and Women in Construction
22:50 Future Hopes for the Construction Industry
25:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Professionals
Women are leading approximately one-fifth (20%) of all new businesses, a record high, according to reports cited by Diversity UK.
The Rose Review, an independent review of female entrepreneurship, tracks progress and aims to boost support and increase the number of female angel investors.
