After our annual excellence awards in May 2021, we asked all of our award winners if they would like to share more of their story, to inspire and encourage others in their own journeys, and to perhaps enter the 2022 awards. A few were keen to do so. One of the ones shared was from;
Nancy McConnell
Strategic Advisor
Hawkins & Downer
Highly Commended recipient in the Helen Tippett category
We asked Nancy to answer a few questions about her journey so far, here are her answers.
What inspired you to get into construction?
Construction has always been a huge part of my life – it’s in my blood; my Dad, Malcolm McConnell and partner Jim Dowell established McConnell Dowell in 1961. As a young child weekends were often spent with Dad visiting sites and from the age of 12, I worked my school holidays either on reception, reconciling accounts or doing stock takes in the yard. In the late 70s while studying for my Master’s degree I started a newsletter so people across the business could stay connected, and when McConnell Dowell bought Hawkins in 1982, I became responsible for external and internal Communications. I have continued on the journey with Hawkins (now part of the Downer Facilities division), one way or another, ever since.
What are you most passionate about in the industry? or what drives you to be involved?
I love the people and the opportunities that the world of construction offers for so many. They say that outside of health, construction offers more opportunities than any other industry. Too often we reflect on engineering, quantity surveying and the trades but construction can open doors in a multitude of directions including environmental management, health & safety, stakeholder management, communications, commercial and legal – you just need to pick a role. We are also all about teams working together supporting each other’s strengths and embracing diversity at work.
My passion is supporting opportunities for more women, tangata whenua and Pasifika peoples across our projects and helping them find their place in our industry, to become the leaders of the future.
What would you like to see for the future of women in construction?
They say the tipping point for any industry will be when participation of women reaches 30%. While we are gradually moving towards this in certain areas of our industry; my greatest joy will be when women are well represented across our sites, at every level. I also want to see an appropriate level of support to respect and grow diverse inclusion and leadership in action, particularly for Maori and Pasifika wahine.
Words of wisdom or tips for women at the start of or considering a career in construction
Be impeccable in your word, always try your hardest, don’t take things personally and don’t make assumptions. Be curious and respectful.
When I started in construction there were few women, and some tended to act like they wanted to be men, whereas my Dad always encouraged me to be myself. I think that’s really important for women in our industry – aim to be the best at what you do, but always be yourself.
What is your favourite thing to do for fun?
I am very blessed to have grandchildren, and having raised two boys, it is extra special that three of my four mokopuna are wahine. Having time with them – creating and playing games, sharing stories, and being part of their early years is such a joy – My mum who is 90 has even been trying to teach them how to swing a long poi!
What has receiving the highly commended honour meant to you?
To be highly recommended for this award has been very humbling. Helen Tippett blazed a trail for women using her talents and skills to make a significant contribution to our industry.
Today, as we all cope with the direct and indirect effects of the global COVID pandemic, never has there been a better time for women in our industry to share their construction journeys with younger school students and their whanau, particularly for those students who do not have the advantage of construction role models in their whanau. We have the wonderful opportunity to speak with secondary school students about the opportunities in our industry, but it needs to happen even earlier – at a primary and intermediate school level. We find so many girls who don’t consider construction because they and their families aren’t aware of the many different pathways and opportunities available. Let’s change that together. Become a role model and join ‘Inspiring the Future Aotearoa’
https://www.inspiringthefuture.org.nz/#/
To read other inspiring stories please visit our news page
here
To keep in touch about the awards in 2022 check our awards page
here
