Leadership Coach
Name: Rebecca Bangura
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Business Studies, Maths, English, Religion, History, Economics
Favourite: Business studies - I love learning the mechanics of how businesses operate behind the scenes
Further study: University College
where and what: Bachelor of business at UTS, followed by an MA at UTS and a MDesSci at USYD
"There are so many incredible jobs right from planning, through to being on the tools - the possibilities are endless and exciting."
THE INSIDE SCOOP…
What does a Leadership Coach actually do? I help property & construction professionals be confident, capable leaders, who drive change in the industry to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive industry
What does a day in your life at work look like? I might run a training session with a construction team, helping them uncover their natural work style, and how they work together. We’ll talk about challenges and opportunities and leave the session with an action plan for better collaboration. In the afternoon I might run a do a 1-1 coaching session with an industry executive or emerging leader, working through their leadership style and building their skill set to support their teams to thrive and reach their goals.
What's the best part of your job? I get to have hard conversations about what is and isn’t working well, and be part of strategies to make our industry even better.
What made you realise construction could be for you? My dad had always worked in facilities management so I was always exposed to building operations, but I’d never thought about construction as an option. I feel into the industry as a project manager after working as a project manager in marketing and finance for my first few years after uni.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? I had no idea of construction as a possibility growing up, but now with 20 years experience as a project manager, I’d tell myself to explore the industry! There are so many incredible jobs right from planning, through to being on the tools - the possibilities are endless and exciting. And there’s so many opportunities to continually evolve and grow within the industry.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Don’t worry about ‘getting it right’, instead follow your interests, knowing that you can and will shift gears based on what you enjoy, what you’re good at and what opportunities are available. The key to is to be curious and keep trying new things.
Tell us about your journey starting a family whilst working in construction. This is industry is still very male dominated and it’s tough having and managing a family. But it’s absolutely possible and things are changing for the better at a rapid rate! Understanding and support is growing and it’s a really exciting time to be in this industry.
Rebecca is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school.
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Rebecca Bangura engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
