I never had a clear vision of my career path. I started in stockbroking in the 1980s and developed my IT and data analysis skills. I really related to the logical aspects of what controls can bring to projects so I moved into a temporary role at GSK as an assistant planner which became permanent, and that was that – I was on the road to a career in project controls. I eventually moved into the major projects division of Railtrack and spent ten years in the transport sector before moving to Mace in 2009 to join the London 2012 team.

How has your career progressed since?

For a decade, I advanced in the corporate ranks to lead alternative delivery for one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies. While I’m grateful I got to influence the development of alternative approaches at that level, I missed the sense of accomplishment that comes from engaging directly with programs.

With Mace, I found a unique opportunity to join the one company that’s leading the way when it comes to collaborative delivery. It’s perfectly aligned with my passion, because Mace focuses on the discipline of program and project delivery rather than singular aspects of design or engineering.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

There are two things I’ll highlight: First, it’s inspiring because Mace has brilliant people working with common purpose to redefine the art of the possible in program and project delivery. We’re constantly sharing innovations and gleaning insights from projects we’re delivering in every part of the world.  Second, I have the good fortune of being in this role at a time of unprecedented infrastructure investment in the Americas, and thanks to our culture of continuous learning and collaboration, my role isn’t confined to the office; I get to engage actively with clients and project teams to make a positive difference.

What has been your proudest achievement at Mace?

Delivering London 2012 will always be high on the list but, as time passes, I’m becoming increasingly proud of the longer-lasting legacy of that programme. For instance, by taking the passion and learning from London 2012 to the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, we brought a fresh approach to the Peruvian construction industry and have helped them consider new ways of working.

There’s also the positive impact closer to home. The continued evolution of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is something I’ve tracked closely, and I can’t help feeling proud every time my daughter plays hockey in the Copper Box Arena – a venue I helped to deliver.

What would you like be doing in the next 5-10 years?

My focus will be taking PMO and project controls on a digital journey. ‘Data’ and ‘digital’ are current buzzwords in the industry, but there’s no denying that construction has lagged behind in the past. There is more data and it’s more mobile than ever before, plus we have increasingly powerful tools and models to help us interpret and report more effectively.

With so much data at our fingertips, combined with an undeniable need to improve the way we deliver major infrastructure across the globe, I know PMO has a huge role to play and that Mace has the people to lead the charge.

What do you enjoy about working for Mace?

Mace is different to other organisations and has given me opportunities that I don’t believe other companies would have. We don’t just talk about supporting our people, we actually do it, and I never feel like being a woman has held me back.

I love the variety of my role. One day I can be writing procedures for a project in the nuclear sector and the next day presenting the art of programme controls to a retail client.

The ability to take these different experiences and then feel empowered to share them with others, whether that’s my team or a client, is something I find really rewarding. One of the beauties of a good PMO is that it’s grounded in solid theory, so there’s a lot that’s repeatable if you can effectively explain it and have the confidence to embed it.

What are you passionate about outside of work?